JW Corbett WMA & Hungryland WEA Custom Swamp Buggies

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is soliciting competitive bids for two custom deck-style swamp buggies to be used at J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area and John C. and Mariana Jones/Hungryland Wildlife and Environmental Area. The procurement requires vendors to manufacture specialized vehicles capable of traversing challenging terrain including mud, rocky surfaces, and wet marshes while safely transporting personnel and equipment. Bidders must have previously manufactured at least five swamp buggies supporting prescribed burning, habitat management, or fire suppression activities, with a minimum of one built for a government entity. Prospective vendors are required to submit three verifiable references, including at least one from a government entity. Key bid deadlines include questions due by January 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET, with anticipated responses by January 26, 2026, and the final bid submission deadline of February 4, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET, with a public bid opening at the same time and an anticipated award date of February 10, 2026.

The contract does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The procurement requires vendors to be registered in the MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) system and with SunBiz prior to bid opening. Payment will be structured in five 20% installments corresponding to specific construction milestones, with completed buggies to be delivered to the FWC Field Office in West Palm Beach. The custom swamp buggies must meet extensive technical specifications, including a Chevrolet 350ci engine, specific transmission and drivetrain components, and detailed requirements for suspension, steering, braking, and electrical systems. While no specific budget range is mentioned, the detailed technical requirements suggest a significant investment in specialized, custom-engineered vehicles. Contractors must provide comprehensive documentation including typed parts acquisition receipts, a comprehensive parts list, maintenance schedules, and warranty documentation, with a minimum one-year warranty on all components, labor, and workmanship.