Invasive Plant Herbicide Treatment of 4-Mile West-Picayune Strand State Forest

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is seeking competitive bids for invasive plant herbicide treatment services within the Picayune Strand State Forest located in Naples, Collier County. The procurement involves herbicide application treatment for approximately 571 acres targeting Florida Invasive Species Council (FISC) 2023 Category 1 and 2 invasive plants, with specific focus on six primary species: Earleaf acacia, melaleuca, Brazilian pepper, climbing fern, mission grass, and cogon grass. Vendors must possess a certified commercial herbicide applicators license in natural areas weed management and/or aquatic categories, and provide three references from similar projects completed within the last five years. The project requires 100% treatment coverage with a minimum of 95% plant mortality within 3-4 months of completion, and all work must be finished by June 30, 2026. A mandatory site visit is scheduled for September 8, 2025, at 9:00 AM, with sealed bids due on September 29, 2025, by 5:00 PM. The bid will be awarded to the responsive and responsible vendor with the lowest total price, as specified on the Price Sheet, with evaluation criteria including vendor certifications, herbicide application expertise, and compliance with state and federal regulations.

The contract does not appear to have specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, and no incumbent vendors are explicitly listed in the documentation. Vendors must complete multiple certifications, including a drug-free workplace program, E-Verify system registration, and compliance with state and federal regulations regarding lobbying and debarment. The contract is subject to annual appropriation by the Florida Legislature, with funding contingent upon budget allocation. While a specific award value is not directly stated, the procurement will be based on a per-acre pricing model for the total 571-acre project area. Special considerations include environmental protections and wildlife preservation, particularly for gopher tortoises and red-cockaded woodpeckers in the treatment area. Vendors must provide all necessary labor, herbicides, materials, tools, transportation, and supervision for the comprehensive herbicide application and control services, with strict adherence to environmental and safety guidelines.