Purchase of Mitigation Credits for Regulatory Basin Choctawhatchee River

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has issued an Invitation to Bid (ITB No. DOT-ITB-25-3015-SC) for the purchase of wetland mitigation credits to offset environmental impacts in the Northwest Florida Water Management District (NWFWMD) Regulatory Basin along the Choctawhatchee River. The procurement specifically seeks 1 acre of freshwater forested/palustrine forested wetland mitigation credits, with options for federal and/or state credits. Bidders must possess valid state and/or federal mitigation banking permits with a service area that encompasses the planned project's wetland impacts. The mitigation credits must be acceptable to the Northwest Florida Water Management District, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and/or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Key evaluation criteria include the lowest overall purchase price for project requirements, with the Department reserving the right to purchase credits from the lowest bidder or combination of bidders to meet project needs. The bid is structured as a 24-month term contract, with bids due on May 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM, and the intended award posting scheduled for May 14, 2025, at 9:00 AM. Vendors can submit pricing for "State only", "Federal only", and "Federal & State" credit categories.

While the solicitation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises, the bid allows flexibility for multiple vendors to participate. The procurement covers Walton County and Clewiston City jurisdictions within Florida, with the primary objective of environmental mitigation for infrastructure projects. The Department intends to use the purchased credits for current and potentially future projects, demonstrating a strategic approach to environmental compliance and credit management. Vendors will be evaluated based on their ability to provide acceptable mitigation credits that meet regulatory requirements. Although a specific budget range is not disclosed, the procurement is for 1 acre of mitigation credits, suggesting a focused and potentially limited financial commitment. The 24-month term contract provides vendors with a sustained opportunity to supply mitigation credits to the FDOT. The solicitation indicates that the Department will strategically select credits based on the lowest overall purchase price while ensuring regulatory compliance and environmental effectiveness.