Invasive Project - Old World Climbing Fern Herbicide Application - Lake Wales Ridge State Forest

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Florida Forest Service (FFS) is seeking competitive bids for herbicide application services to treat approximately 183 acres of Old World Climbing Fern (OWCF) and Cogongrass on the Arbuckle Tract AC3 within the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest located in Frostproof, Florida. The Invitation to Bid (ITB) outlines the detailed scope of work, including technical specifications, application requirements, site access information, herbicide mixing and storage details, safety adherence, equipment and personnel needs, estimated quantities, data collection, and project timeline. Vendors must submit bids by September 20, 2024, and the anticipated award posting is September 27, 2024. The contract term is upon execution of the purchase order through June 30, 2025, with the possibility of three one-year renewals at the Department's sole discretion. The ITB requires vendors to provide unit pricing per acre and a grand total for the 183-acre project area, and the Department will award to the responsive and responsible vendor with the lowest Grand Total Price.

The contract does not allow for subcontracting without prior written consent from the Department, and liquidated damages of $100 per calendar day may be assessed for late completion of the work. The contractor must maintain specified insurance coverages, including general liability, automobile liability, and workers' compensation. The ITB does not mention any set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond, nor does it provide information on any incumbent vendors or current contractors. The total budget or award value for this contract opportunity is also not specified in the available documentation.