Fisheating Creek WMA Custom Swamp Buggy

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking competitive bids for a custom deck-style swamp buggy to be used in the Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area. The procurement is an Invitation to Bid (ITB) for a specialized vehicle capable of traversing challenging south Florida swampland terrain, including mud, rocky areas, and wet marshes. Bidders must have previously manufactured at least ten swamp buggies for government agencies in south Florida, with one built within the past five years, and provide a minimum of three references. The required vehicle specifications include a GMC 350 V8 crate engine, GM Turbo 350 transmission, full hydraulic steering, heavy-duty suspension, six captain seats with capacity for 14-16 total passengers, a 200-gallon water tank, and custom aluminum fuel tank. Bid submissions are due by December 23, 2025, at 4:00 PM ET, with written questions required by December 12, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET. Responses to questions will be posted by December 16, 2025, and the anticipated award date is December 30, 2025. The contract term will be one year from the purchase order issuance, with delivery required by June 1, 2026.

The procurement includes eight alternate bid items such as an electric water pump, winches, radio box, gun racks, Bimini canopies, protective cover, seat covers, and mobile radio. Bidders must be registered in both MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) and SunBiz systems prior to bid opening. The payment structure is designed as five equal 20% installments tied to specific project milestones, including frame and suspension assembly, engine and wheel components, steering and seating, fuel and water tank installation, and final inspection and delivery. All parts and equipment must be new or remanufactured to original equipment manufacturers' specifications. The bid will be awarded to the responsive, responsible bidder submitting the lowest total price, with the requirement that all bids include pricing for both the base vehicle and all eight alternate items or face automatic rejection. While no specific set-aside designations are mentioned, the procurement appears to be open to qualified vendors meeting the specified manufacturing and technical requirements. The solicitation does not specify a precise budget range, but the comprehensive specifications and custom nature of the vehicle suggest a significant investment in a specialized piece of equipment for wildlife management operations.