Lake Tarpon Area 6 Invasive and Nuisance Vegetation Treatment

Pinellas County and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) are jointly soliciting bids for the Lake Tarpon Area 6 Invasive and Nuisance Vegetation Treatment project through Invitation to Bid #24-0049-ITB-C. The project involves treating and removing approximately 1.3 acres of invasive and nuisance wetland and aquatic vegetation from a stormwater pond, with work divided into three specific areas: mechanical removal of vegetation in Area 1 (0.90 acres), herbicide treatment of Ludwigia and other invasives in Area 2 (0.25 acres), and herbicide treatment around the skimmer in Area 3 (0.08 acres). Contractors must be certified herbicide applicators licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, following specific environmental guidelines to protect wildlife habitats and non-target vegetation. The bid was issued on December 22, 2023, with a non-mandatory site visit scheduled for January 4, 2024, and a question submission deadline of January 18, 2024. Bids are due January 25, 2024, at 3:00 pm, with a contract completion time of 60 calendar days from the Notice to Proceed. Successful bidders must comply with detailed specifications for vegetation removal, including careful herbicide application, debris disposal, and environmental protection measures.

The procurement includes a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) participation goal of 10%, with eligible SBE firms located in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, or Manatee Counties. Contractors must submit comprehensive documentation, including a W-9, E-Verify Affidavit confirming no unauthorized alien employees, and an SBE Compliance Form. The contract requires substantial insurance coverage with specific types and limits. While a precise contract value is not explicitly stated, the bidding process involves detailed pricing proposals with line items for mobilization, debris disposal, and lump sum costs for each treatment area. Contractors will be responsible for all aspects of vegetation removal, including mechanical removal and herbicide treatment, with payment made upon project completion through a single invoice covering all project components. The county reserves the right to execute all or part of the work outlined in the Request for Quotation, providing flexibility in project implementation. Bidders must demonstrate compliance with federal excavation safety standards, trench safety regulations, and environmental protection guidelines specific to aquatic vegetation treatment.