Livestock Grazing at Various Park Locations

The City of Jacksonville Parks, Recreation, Natural and Marine Resources Department is requesting proposals for livestock grazing operations on approximately 371 acres across three city-owned properties—Forbess-Walker (128 acres), Livestock Farms (64 acres), and Yellow Water Trail Head/Corwith Davis Tract (179 acres)—with proposals due August 3, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. This is a revenue-generating operation with grazing revenue paid by the contractor to the City.

No set-aside or preference program is stated. Contractors must hold current Florida business licenses, maintain at least two years of documented experience in similar livestock grazing operations, and demonstrate financial capacity for startup and ongoing costs. Liability insurance including an umbrella policy of $1 million is required. The City may designate portions of properties for recreational use with 60 days' written notice, resulting in prorated rent adjustments.

The contractor furnishes all labor, materials, equipment, and supplies; maintains property appearance through grazing or mechanical means; constructs and maintains stock-proof fencing; provides supplemental feed during drought; and repairs property damage caused by operations. All improvements become City property upon completion; the contractor must remove installed fencing and restore property to original condition at termination.

The contract term runs through September 30, 2029, with one optional one-year renewal under the same terms. Monthly rental payments are due by the first of each month; a $25.00 late fee applies for payments after the fifth day.

Evaluation is multiattribute: Business Description (40 points maximum), Financial Responsibility (10 points maximum), and Lump Sum Price (50 points maximum). The highest monthly fee receives maximum pricing points; subsequent bids are scored proportionally. Award goes to the highest responsive and responsible bidder.

A non-mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for July 23, 2026 at 9:00 AM via Microsoft Teams. Questions are due by July 29, 2026.