Steel and Aluminum for 25/26 New Equipment Fabrication

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is seeking competitive bids for the procurement of steel and aluminum materials for new equipment fabrication by the Florida Forest Service (FFS) Suwannee Forestry Center for Fiscal Year 25/26. The invitation to bid (ITB No. FFS 25 26 31) encompasses 39 different types of steel and aluminum materials, including flat bars, tubing, angles, channels, plates, and pipes with varying dimensions and quantities ranging from 2 to 640 pieces. All metals must be forged exclusively in U.S. mills, with no foreign-sourced materials permitted. The materials will be delivered to the Suwannee Forestry Center in Lake City, Florida, within 21 calendar days of purchase order issuance and no later than June 30, 2026. Key procurement dates include a bid release on September 12, 2025, sealed bids due by September 29, 2025, at 5:00 PM, a public bid opening via teleconference on September 30, 2025, at 10:00 AM, and an anticipated award recommendation posting on October 7, 2025. Award criteria will be based on the responsive and responsible vendor with the lowest Grand Total Price, with FDACS reserving the right to adjust quantities, make a single award, or make no award at all.

The solicitation requires vendors to complete and submit multiple attachments, including an Acknowledgement Form, Price Sheet, and various certification forms. Non-Florida vendors may need to provide an additional attorney opinion. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are mentioned in the document, vendors must comply with all submission requirements and U.S. mill sourcing restrictions. The procurement appears to be open to qualified vendors capable of meeting the technical specifications and delivery requirements. Though a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the detailed material specifications suggest a substantial procurement for equipment fabrication purposes. The Department maintains flexibility in the procurement process, with the ability to modify quantities or potentially not award the contract if submissions do not meet their requirements. Vendors should carefully review the ITB document and ensure complete compliance with all specified conditions and submission guidelines.