Farm lease on apalachee wildlife management area (WMA)

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is soliciting competitive bids for a farm lease on the Apalachee Wildlife Management Area (WMA) located in Jackson County, Florida. The procurement involves leasing thirty-six farming fields totaling 395.9 acres for a five-year term with an optional five-year renewal. Bidders will have the opportunity to plant and harvest crops including soybeans, peanuts, corn, and small grains, subject to specific agricultural guidelines such as crop rotation restrictions and potential crop leaving requirements. A mandatory pre-bid conference and site visit is scheduled for May 2, 2025, at the Apalachee WMA Check Station, with sealed bids due by May 22, 2025, at 1:25 PM ET and a public bid opening at 1:30 PM ET the same day. The contract will be awarded to the responsive, responsible bidder submitting the highest bid price, with successful contractors required to provide all necessary equipment, seed, lime, fertilizer, and labor, and submit annual planting and pest control plans for FWC approval.

The solicitation does not specify specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Bidders must be registered in the MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) system and with SunBiz prior to bid opening. The contractor will be required to comply with numerous state regulations, including using EPA-approved herbicides, removing all trash, supporting wildlife management goals, and maintaining site access points. Additional compliance requirements include verifying employment eligibility through E-Verify and adhering to state statutes regarding vendor certifications, such as provisions related to scrutinized companies, discriminatory vendors, and forced labor. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the procurement involves a comprehensive agricultural lease that requires significant operational capabilities and regulatory compliance. The successful bidder will need to demonstrate agricultural expertise, financial stability, and the ability to meet the complex environmental and operational requirements of managing farmland within a wildlife management area.