Mechanical Vegetation Management with Operator

The St. Johns River Water Management District is requesting qualifications from contractors to establish a prequalified pool for mechanical vegetation mulching services across its 435,000-acre portfolio in 18 counties, with statements of qualifications due September 1, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

Respondents must demonstrate a minimum of three years of experience in mechanical vegetation shredding, mulching, or similar land management work and must have successfully completed at least three comparable projects valued at a minimum of $10,000 each (combined value of at least $35,000) within the last three years. This experience requirement is a pass/fail filter.

The scope includes cutting and mulching vegetation within designated areas while preserving identified trees, distributing mulch evenly as specified, and providing operator labor. Work orders will be issued on an as-needed basis across moderate to heavy density vegetation areas and palmetto/small diameter tree zones in Putnam County and subordinate counties throughout the District's service territory. Respondents must provide proof of lease or ownership of mulching equipment capable of meeting specified production rates: minimum 1 acre per day for moderate density vegetation, two-thirds acre per day for heavy density, and 8 acres per day for palmetto and small diameter trees.

The aggregate not-to-exceed budget is $1.5 million over the initial three-year term (through September 30, 2029) for all agreements resulting from this solicitation. Individual work orders will be competitively quoted among prequalified contractors; the District will not award work orders solely on lowest price and will consider equipment availability, timeframe performance capability, equipment resources, and past performance. Selection into the prequalified pool does not guarantee minimum work, assignments, or compensation.

Respondents must provide proof of insurance with A.M. Best rating of at least A-, Florida business registration, E-Verify registration, and evidence of financial stability. Questions are due August 24, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. No pre-submittal meeting is scheduled.