Okaloacoochee Slough WMA Fence Line Project

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is requesting competitive bids on fence line removal and replacement, right-of-way vegetation clearing, and fire line installation within Okaloacoochee Slough Wildlife Management Area in Hendry County, with bids due October 20, 2026, and a mandatory pre-bid conference and site visit on October 6, 2026.

The scope includes removal of approximately 159,600 linear feet of existing barbed wire fence; installation of 56,400 linear feet of 4-strand barbed wire fencing and 32,300 linear feet of 3-strand smooth wire fencing; replacement of 42 individual 16-foot gates and 45 individual 3-foot pedestrian spring back gates; right-of-way vegetation clearing 50 feet interior of gates and fence lines; and preparation of approximately 20 miles of 16-foot-wide fire lines. Bidders must submit pricing on a per linear foot basis for fence work, per tenth of a mile for clearing and fire lines, and per gate for gate replacement. All items must be bid or the bid will be rejected.

The initial contract term is four years. The FWC Project Manager will determine work start timing; the contractor must begin work within thirty days of purchase order issuance unless otherwise directed. Subcontracting is not permitted. Bidders must be registered in MyFloridaMarketPlace and, where required, the Sunbiz system prior to bid opening, and must submit minimum three verifiable references for similar projects. The contractor assumes full responsibility for equipment, materials, supplies, delivery, and compliance with federal, state, and local guidelines regarding wetland disturbance and utility location. General liability and workers' compensation insurance are required.

The FWC reserves the right to inspect prospective contractor materials and background records prior to award and may reject the lowest bidder if insufficient experience, equipment, or capability is determined. Written questions are due October 9, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. The anticipated award date is October 26, 2026.