Road Improvements - Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking competitive bids for road improvements and repairs within the Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest in Felda, Florida. The project involves paving and repairing approximately two miles of forest roads, with specific requirements including crowning, capping, adding road base, shoulder stabilization, grading, and packing using FDOT-certified lime rock materials. Completed roads must be 16.5 feet wide with a centerline crown slope of 2-3% and four inches of compacted lime rock. A mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for December 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the project site located at 6265 County Road 832, Felda, FL. Sealed bids are due by December 18, 2025, at 5:00 PM, with a public bid opening on December 19, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Bidders must submit a signed Certification of Site Visit and provide three references from similar projects completed within the last five years. The contract award will be based on the lowest total project price from a responsive and responsible bidder, with the entire construction period to be completed by June 30, 2026.

The procurement does not specify any specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Contractors must provide a bid bond guarantee of 5% for contracts exceeding $100,000 and a performance bond of 100%. Additional requirements include submitting proof of subcontractor licenses, certifications for a drug-free workplace, and compliance with various state and federal certifications. The project allows for potential mileage adjustments up to 20% at the same unit price, with the possibility of additional work within the forest at the same rate. Liquidated damages are set at $250 per calendar day for delays beyond the completion date. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, contractors must be prepared to provide all labor, materials, equipment, transportation, and supervision, with a mandatory one-year warranty on completed work. The contract will be administered through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, with payment processed through progress payment requests and subject to various administrative certifications.