CREW Willow Mulching

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking competitive bids for a mechanical mulching project within the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW) Wildlife and Environmental Area near Immokalee, Florida. The procurement involves mechanically cutting and coarsely-grinding woody invasive vegetation, specifically targeting Carolina willow, primrose willow, salt bush, wax myrtle, and Brazilian pepper. Bidders must provide a long-reach excavator with a mulching head and pontoon tracks, emphasizing minimal ground disturbance and utilizing low ground pressure equipment. The project has a mandatory pre-bid conference scheduled for April 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM, with sealed bids due by April 17, 2025, at 3:00 PM ET. Evaluation criteria will focus on the lowest responsive and responsible bid price per acre, with bidders required to be registered in the MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) system and with SunBiz prior to bid opening. Contractors must comply with E-Verify registration and provide necessary performance bonds and insurance documentation.

The solicitation encourages participation from certified minority-owned, woman-owned, and service-disabled veteran business enterprises, with subcontracting permitted. The contract will be effective for one year upon issuance of the purchase order, with an estimated budget of $99,999.00. Additionally, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) may potentially utilize this contract to procure up to $50,000 in additional mechanical treatment, depending on available funding. Bidders must meet comprehensive state requirements, including appropriate business registrations and insurance coverage. The project is specifically located in Collier County (FIPS Code 12021) and is designed to address invasive vegetation management within the CREW ecosystem, with work to be performed between April and early June 2025. Successful contractors will need specialized equipment and expertise in ecological vegetation management to meet the project's technical specifications and environmental conservation objectives.