Sand Pine Clearing at Chassahowitzka WMA

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking competitive bids for a sand pine clearing project at the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Hernando County. The invitation to bid (ITB) solicits contractors to cut and remove sand pines (Pinus clausa) from 22 acres of a management unit, with the primary objectives of reducing pine density and improving fire line integrity. Bidders must be registered in the MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) and SunBiz systems prior to bid opening. The project requires contractors to have specific experience in sand pine clearing, demonstrate the ability to minimize ground disturbance, and protect threatened and endangered species. A mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for October 10, 2025, at 13243 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, FL. Sealed bids are due by October 29, 2025, at 3:30 PM ET, with an anticipated award date of November 4, 2025. The contract will be effective for one year upon issuance of the Purchase Order, with all work to be completed by June 30, 2026. Evaluation will be based on the lowest total price per acre, with the award going to the responsive and responsible bidder.

The solicitation encourages participation from certified minority-owned, woman-owned, and service-disabled veteran business enterprises. Subcontracting is explicitly not permitted for this project. Bidders must provide comprehensive references and complete various certification forms, adhering to state and federal regulations regarding labor, employment verification, and procurement requirements. The estimated budget for the project is $70,000, which translates to approximately $3,182 per acre for the clearing work. Contractors must comply with all wildlife management area rules and demonstrate expertise in ecological land management. While no incumbent vendors are specifically mentioned, the project requires a high level of environmental sensitivity and technical skill in forest management. Bidders will need to show proof of capability to work in sensitive ecological environments and follow strict guidelines for vegetation removal and habitat protection.