Marsh Restoration – Cordgrass Planting Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is soliciting competitive bids for marsh restoration services involving Sand Cordgrass (Spartina bakeri) planting of up to 50 acres at Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest in Felda, Florida, under ITB FFS 26 27 46, with sealed bids due September 23, 2026, at 5:00 PM and a mandatory pre-bid site visit on September 9, 2026, at 9:00 AM.

The scope requires contractors to source, supply, and plant Sand Cordgrass plugs at 3–4 foot spacing in holes matched to nursery root dimensions across open marsh habitat previously treated with herbicide to suppress torpedo grass. Access to the treatment area is restricted to County Road 832 (Keri Road) via Sic Island Road, with all vehicles confined to designated roadways. Pricing shall be submitted on a per-acre basis for the full 50-acre project, with all bid prices firm and inclusive of labor, materials, tools, transportation, supervision, and related costs.

Contractors must possess valid certifications, licenses, and permits; provide three references from similar projects completed within the last five years (all verifiable within three business days); and carry minimum insurance coverage including general liability ($1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate), automobile liability ($300,000), and workers' compensation insurance. Award shall be made to the responsive and responsible vendor submitting the lowest grand total price.

The contract term extends through successful completion of all planting work with no renewal options stated. The contract is contingent upon annual legislative appropriation by the State of Florida, and a one percent MyFloridaMarketPlace transaction fee will be assessed on all payments. The mandatory pre-bid site visit is limited to two representatives per vendor and requires a Certification of Site Attendance. Questions are due September 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM, with written responses posted by September 15. Public bid opening is scheduled for September 24, 2026, at 10:00 AM via teleconference.