Invasive Plant Control Project #23-04 (Re-Bid)

The City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department is soliciting bids for the Invasive Plant Control Project #23-04 (Re-Bid), a comprehensive invasive species removal initiative funded through a Pollution Recovery Fund Agreement with Hillsborough County's Environmental Protection Commission. The project requires manual removal and extermination of exotic invasive species at seven different park and trail locations, including specific targets such as Brazilian Peppertree, Mimosa Tree, Air Potato Vine, and Kudzu Vine. Bidders must have Florida Department of Agriculture or Pest Control Operator licensing and provide at least three reference letters demonstrating relevant experience. The mandatory pre-bid meeting and site inspection are scheduled for December 5, 2024, with final bids due by 2:00 pm on December 19, 2024. Successful contractors will be responsible for treating stumps to prevent regrowth, removing all cut material, and performing a follow-up invasive species removal one year after the initial treatment. Bidders must submit detailed documentation including employee qualifications, equipment availability, and comprehensive site-specific treatment plans with pre- and post-removal photographs and monitoring reports.

The procurement includes significant provisions for minority and small business participation, offering a 5% bid discount for Underutilized Women and Minority Business Enterprises (U-WMBEs) and Small Local Business Enterprises (SLBEs), with discounts not to exceed $20,000 and $10,000 respectively. The city has prepared a vendor contact list of 68 minority and small local business enterprises, with a strong focus on businesses owned by African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, and Native American entrepreneurs. Certification types include Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and Small Local Business Enterprises (SLBE), primarily located in the Tampa Bay area and specializing in landscaping, lawn care, and related services. The project has an estimated contract amount of $50,000, with the contract period ending on October 9, 2025. Bidders must complete various compliance forms, including a Good Faith Effort Compliance Plan (GFECP) and a Letter of Intent (Form MBD-40), demonstrating the city's commitment to inclusive procurement practices and supporting underrepresented business communities in the contract bidding process.