EELs Land Acquisition Services

Brevard County is seeking qualified land acquisition agents through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ-4-25-09) for the Environmentally Endangered Lands (EELs) Program. The procurement aims to identify expertise in real estate acquisition and state land acquisition procedures to help acquire matching funds for conservation land purchases. The selected contractor will work closely with state agencies like the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Division of State Lands to obtain Florida Forever funds, coordinate acquisition efforts, and manage the land acquisition process. Proposals are due on February 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM, with a proposed contract duration of five years. The evaluation will use a 100-point scoring system assessing organizational profile, qualifications, project management capabilities, availability, past performance, and certifications. A selection committee meeting was held on February 25, 2025, at 12:30 PM in the Brevard County Government Center, where two firms were evaluated, with The Conservation Fund ultimately ranking first and recommended for contract negotiations.

The procurement is supported by a $3 million bond approved by Brevard County citizens in November 2022 for acquiring and maintaining wildlife habitat, wetlands, woodlands, and lands protecting the Indian River Lagoon and St. Johns River. Contractors must provide proof of a valid Real Estate or Real Estate Broker's License and comply with various state and federal requirements, including provisions related to scrutinized companies and foreign influence disclosures. The county reserves the right to negotiate with the top-ranked contractor and may award contracts to multiple vendors. Contractors will not be responsible for completing funding applications or coordinating due diligence products but will be expected to review materials and provide negotiation strategy input. The draft contract requires specific insurance coverage, including $1 million in general liability and automobile liability insurance, and establishes a Land Acquisition Team to oversee project progress. While no specific incumbent vendors are mentioned beyond the evaluated firms, the county emphasizes a collaborative approach with county-approved consultants and state agencies.