Hungryland wildlife and environmental area mechanical vegetation treatment

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking competitive bids for mechanical vegetation treatment services at the Hungryland Wildlife and Environmental Area located in Martin and Palm Beach counties. The procurement is an Invitation to Bid (ITB FY24/25-37) for selective mechanical treatment of dense understory vegetation, including saw palmetto, wax myrtle, and gallberry, with primary objectives of improving habitat conditions and reducing fuel loads. The project will focus on areas where artificial cavities will be installed for endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers, with a potential treatment area of up to 150 acres annually. Bidders must provide at least two excavators with 175 hp hydraulic mulching attachments capable of treating a minimum of 25 acres per week. Key procurement dates include a mandatory pre-bid conference on December 5, 2024, with questions due by December 11, 2024, and sealed bids due on December 20, 2024, by 3:30 PM ET. Evaluation criteria will focus on the lowest total bid price from a responsive and responsible bidder, with pricing to be submitted on a per-acre basis including mobilization costs.

The FWC actively encourages participation from certified Minority-owned, Woman-owned, and Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises. All bidders must be registered in the MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) system and, where required, the Sunbiz system prior to bid opening. No general contractor license is required for participation, but corporations must be registered with the Florida Department of State. Bidders are required to provide references from three similar jobs, with firm contacts available during standard business hours. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, the contract will be effective for four years upon issuance of the purchase order, with potential annual treatment areas up to 150 acres. Contractors will be responsible for providing all necessary labor, vehicles, equipment, and supplies to complete the mechanical vegetation treatment work. The solicitation allows for potential international experience and joint venture arrangements, offering flexibility in bidder qualifications while maintaining strict registration and reference requirements.