Mole Cricket Treatment Services Updated

The City of Ocala is seeking bids for Mole Cricket Treatment Services through Invitation to Bid (ITB# REC/250722), targeting mole cricket control for athletic fields and golf courses within the Recreation and Parks department. The procurement solicits experienced vendors to provide application of Chipco Choice Treatment or equivalent insecticide across municipal recreational properties, with an estimated annual treatment volume of 65 acres. Bidders must be licensed commercial applicators with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, possessing a minimum of three years of experience in custom slit applications. The contract term is three years, with potential for two optional one-year renewals, and will be awarded to the lowest responsive bidder meeting all specified requirements. Vendors must submit a complete Price Proposal in Excel format, bid on all line items, and demonstrate capability to perform at least 50% of work with their own forces. The bid is due by July 9, 2025, with normal working hours defined as 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Evaluation criteria include pricing, vendor qualifications, and adherence to technical specifications outlined in the Scope of Work.

The solicitation does not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises or minority-owned businesses. Vendors must provide comprehensive insurance coverage, including $1,000,000 per occurrence in Commercial General Liability and Commercial Automotive Liability. Price increases during the contract term are limited to 3% annually and subject to negotiation based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (CPI-U). The successful vendor will be required to provide a one-year material and labor warranty for all treatments. While no incumbent vendor is mentioned, the pricing proposal template suggests an estimated annual contract value based on 65 acres of treatment, which would indicate a moderate-sized municipal contract. Subcontractor involvement is permissible but requires advance approval, and vendors must demonstrate technical competence in mole cricket control methodologies. The contract appears designed to establish a consistent, reliable treatment approach for maintaining the city's recreational properties.