R. A. Whitfield Manufacturing Company

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is pursuing a single-source procurement for specialized agricultural machinery through a statutorily mandated fifteen business day advertisement. Specifically, the agency intends to acquire 8 Model 2440 SOD Scalpers and 9 ST-630 Heavy Duty Side Delivery Planters from R.A. Whitfield Manufacturing Company for forestry site preparation and pine tree planting. This procurement is designed to support the Florida Forest Service in executing its statutory responsibilities, with a focus on unique equipment not readily available from other manufacturers. The procurement opportunity is open to prospective vendors who can demonstrate the capability to provide equivalent commodities or services, with a submission deadline of November 13, 2024. If no alternative vendors can meet the specific requirements, the department will proceed with R.A. Whitfield Manufacturing Company as the sole source provider.

The procurement appears to have no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. R.A. Whitfield Manufacturing Company is identified as the exclusive manufacturer of the required equipment models, which positions them as the likely contractor. The total estimated purchase value is up to $220,000, with an approximate contract amount of $207,100, covering the period from contract execution through June 30, 2025. No explicit information is provided regarding disadvantaged enterprise participation or integration requirements with existing infrastructure. Interested vendors are encouraged to submit relevant information demonstrating their capacity to provide comparable commodities or services by the specified deadline. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will evaluate any submissions and determine whether alternative sources exist before making a final procurement decision.