Invasive Plant Herbicide Treatment - Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is soliciting competitive bids for invasive plant herbicide treatment services within the Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest in Felda, Florida. The Invitation to Bid (ITB) covers three specific project areas: North Loop East (1,081 acres), Patterson Southeast (329 acres), and Twin Mills (547 acres), focusing on treating Florida Invasive Species Council (FISC) 2023 Category 1 and 2 invasive plants. Vendors must provide comprehensive herbicide application services using techniques such as cut stump, basal bark, and foliar spray targeting specific invasive species like Brazilian pepper, climbing fern, and melaleuca. To be eligible, bidders must possess a certified commercial herbicide applicators license in natural areas weed management and/or the aquatic category. The project requires a minimum of 95% plant mortality within 3-4 months of completion, with all work to be finished by June 30, 2026. A mandatory site visit is scheduled for September 15, 2025, at 9:00 AM, and sealed bids are due on September 23, 2025, at 5:00 PM.

The procurement allows multiple awards, potentially up to three vendors per project area, with awards based on the lowest Grand Total Price for each area. Vendors can bid on one, two, or all three project areas and must submit detailed references, subcontractor information, and various certifications including a drug-free workplace program and federal fund expenditure compliance. While specific set-aside designations are not explicitly mentioned, the bid requirements suggest a competitive process open to qualified commercial herbicide application providers. Vendors must demonstrate technical capabilities through comprehensive documentation and certifications. The bid does not specify a precise budget range or total contract value, but the scope covers treatment of approximately 1,957 acres across three distinct project areas. Interested bidders must carefully review the ITB documentation and prepare comprehensive proposals that meet the technical and regulatory requirements for invasive plant management in the state forest.