Mechanical Vegetation with Operator

The St. Johns River Water Management District is requesting statements of qualifications from licensed contractors to establish a prequalified pool for mechanical vegetation mulching services, with submittals due July 29, 2026. This is a three-year term vehicle (through September 30, 2029) with an aggregate not-to-exceed budget of $1.5 million for all resulting agreements; Work Orders will be issued on an as-needed basis and awarded competitively to the lowest quote among prequalified contractors, with no guarantee of minimum work volume or compensation.

Respondents must demonstrate a minimum of three years of experience in mechanical vegetation work and provide documentation of at least three similar completed projects with a combined value of at least $35,000. The scope covers cutting and mulching vegetation up to 24 inches in diameter across the District's approximately 435,000 acres (18 counties, including Polk County) for habitat enhancement, fire line improvement, fence and road installation, and flood control levee maintenance. Production rates are specified by density: 1 acre per day for moderate density, two-thirds acre per day for heavy density, and 8 acres per day for palmetto and small diameter trees. Contractors must document equipment capability through photographs and specifications and meet all production and mulching requirements.

Successful respondents must obtain and maintain specified insurance coverage naming the District as an additional insured and comply with state and federal requirements including E-Verify registration and Florida business registration. Evaluation is pass/fail based on demonstrated experience, similar projects, equipment capability, and response completeness. Questions are due July 22, 2026. Funding is contingent on annual appropriations by the District's Governing Board. No pre-submittal meeting is scheduled.