Grasslander Native Seed Planter

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), operating under Leon County jurisdiction, is conducting a single-source procurement for a Grasslander Native Seed Planter, a specialized piece of agricultural equipment designed specifically for planting native warm-season grasses, particularly wiregrass (Aristida stricta), in Florida's challenging forested environments. The equipment is engineered as a no-till seeder featuring spring-loaded tine harrows, 5-inch diameter straight rigid tubes, and tire rollers that work together to scarify soil, broadcast seeds, and ensure proper seed-to-soil contact in rough terrain containing stumps and debris. The Division of Habitat and Species Conservation, Wildlife and Habitat Management in Crawfordville, Florida, with contact Adrian Wiggins, is the requesting entity. Prospective vendors must submit written information demonstrating their ability to supply the Grasslander equipment by March 4, 2026, at 3:30 pm ET, with the contract term set at three years upon issuance of a purchase order. The FWC has determined that the Grasslander is the only seeder specifically engineered to handle native fluffy seeds without clogging while meeting the unique performance requirements for successful wiregrass establishment in forested conditions, which necessitates soil scarification, surface seed broadcasting, and firm packing into mineral soil. The procurement is classified under UNSPSC codes for agricultural machinery for planting and seeding, soil preparation, and forestry machinery.

This procurement carries no apparent set-aside designations or restrictions limiting the types of organizations that can respond, nor does it specify preferences for disadvantaged enterprises. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are referenced in the documentation. The estimated contract value for this single-source acquisition is $94,000.00, representing the anticipated budget for the three-year term upon award. The single-source justification has been approved by multiple FWC divisions, including Biological Scientists, Biological Administrators, the Northwest Regional Business Manager, and the Purchasing Director, establishing the documented basis for the procurement classification and award determination.