Long-term protected gopher tortoise conservation recipient site for florida’s turnpike enterprise

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), specifically Florida's Turnpike Enterprise, is soliciting bids for a Long-Term Protected Gopher Tortoise Conservation Recipient Site located in Orange County. The procurement seeks a qualified vendor to accept and relocate approximately 40 adult/subadult and 10 juvenile gopher tortoises from a Donor Site within the SR 91 Florida's Turnpike Widening project in Lake County. Key qualifications include possessing a valid Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) Long-Term Protected Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site permit and demonstrating the capacity to receive and manage the specified number of tortoises. The contract will initially run for two years with potential renewals for up to two additional years. Bids are due on March 31, 2025, at 2:30 PM Eastern Time, with a public bid opening scheduled for 3:00 PM the same day, and an anticipated award posting on April 1, 2025. The vendor will be responsible for permanently marking and tracking relocated tortoises according to FFWCC guidelines, with compensation structured as unit pricing per gopher tortoise.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The procurement involves unit-based pricing, with bidders required to provide separate rates for adult/subadult and juvenile tortoises. Partial payments will be processed for each gopher tortoise received, with invoicing requirements including detailed documentation such as identification numbers, tortoise data, and health status. While no incumbent vendors are specified, the contract includes provisions for budget limitations and potential permit amendments to accommodate additional tortoise relocations. The compensation structure suggests a flexible approach to tortoise relocation, with potential total contract values dependent on the number of tortoises successfully transferred and accepted. Prospective bidders must demonstrate technical capability, environmental compliance, and a comprehensive understanding of gopher tortoise conservation and relocation protocols.