Fisheating Creek WMA Custom Swamp Buggy

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is soliciting competitive bids for a custom deck-style swamp buggy to be used at Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area. The procurement is structured as an Invitation to Bid (ITB) for a specialized vehicle capable of navigating challenging terrain including mud, rocky surfaces, and wet marshes in south Florida. Bidders must demonstrate previous experience manufacturing at least five swamp buggies, with a mandatory requirement of having built at least one for a government entity. The procurement requires submission of comprehensive pricing for a base swamp buggy and eight alternate bid items including an electric water pump, winches, radio box, gun racks, Bimini canopies, protective cover, seat covers, and mobile radio. Key submission deadlines include questions due by January 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET, with sealed bids required by February 3, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET. The anticipated contract award date is February 9, 2026, with a one-year contract term and a delivery deadline of June 1, 2026, for the completed vehicle.

The solicitation does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged business enterprises. Bidders are required to be registered in both the MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) and Sunbiz systems prior to bid opening. The contract includes a comprehensive payment structure with five equal 20% installments tied to specific build and inspection milestones. A one-year warranty is mandated, covering all components, labor, and workmanship, with a requirement that all parts be new or remanufactured to original equipment manufacturer specifications. The procurement includes liquidated damages provisions of $100 per calendar day for delays beyond the completion date, except for circumstances beyond the contractor's control. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the detailed specifications and multiple alternate bid items suggest a significant investment in a specialized vehicle tailored to wildlife management operations. Vendors must provide three references, including at least one from a government entity, to demonstrate their capability and prior performance in manufacturing similar specialized vehicles.