New Varieties Development for Florida Citrus

The State of Florida, through the Florida Department of Citrus, is procuring services to support research and licensing programs that provide, evaluate, and prioritize Florida's need for new citrus varieties, including those needed for consumer market expansion and disease and pest tolerance. The contract term is from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023, with an estimated value of $650,000. The intended single-source provider is the New Varieties Development and Management Corporation (NVDMC), which has specialized expertise and relationships within the citrus industry, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by citrus greening (HLB) disease over the past 10 years. The procurement process allows for prospective vendors to provide information regarding their ability to supply the required services, after which the agency will determine if a single-source award is warranted.

The procurement is specific to Polk County, Florida, and is not designated for any set-aside enterprises. The incumbent provider, NVDMC, has been the sole respondent to previous RFPs in this domain, demonstrating its specialized capabilities. The procurement does not mention any existing infrastructure or technology that requires integration, but the successful vendor must have the necessary expertise and resources to deliver the required research, evaluation, and licensing programs for new citrus varieties that meet the state's needs.