Orange Creek Restoration Area - Aquatic Vegetation Shredding

The St. Johns River Water Management District is seeking bids for an aquatic vegetation shredding project within the Orange Creek Restoration Area located in Citra, Florida. The procurement is an Invitation for Bids (IFB 41692) targeting a qualified contractor with a minimum of three years of relevant experience in mechanical aquatic vegetation management. Specific requirements include using specialized machinery with hydraulically powered rotating blades capable of shredding floating vegetation, featuring a cutting head at least 10 feet wide and powered by a source producing no less than 400 horsepower. The primary objective is to improve ecological function by maintaining open-water conditions and reducing habitat loss, with a specific focus on controlling Cuban bulrush in designated zones. Bid submissions are due on October 28, 2025, at 2:00 PM, with the last day for questions being October 22, 2025. The project is scheduled to begin within 14 days of project manager notification and must be completed no later than September 30, 2026. Performance will be verified through GPS track logs, and contractors are prohibited from working on specific dates related to hunting and waterfowl seasons.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The District intends to award the contract to a single contractor capable of delivering the specified services. The total project budget is $89,500, with payment structured on an hourly rate basis that encompasses all associated costs including personnel, equipment, mobilization, travel, permitting, and incidental expenses. Contractors must obtain necessary permits and maintain appropriate insurance coverage. The successful bidder will be required to provide daily progress updates to the project manager and demonstrate technical capabilities in aquatic vegetation management. No information is provided about incumbent vendors or existing infrastructure requirements. Interested contractors must carefully review the IFB documentation and ensure they meet the technical specifications, experience requirements, and operational constraints outlined in the solicitation.