Tate’s Hell Roadside Ditch Debrushing 2027 PROJECT# 04-901-HABRES-26

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is requesting competitive bids for masticating and mulching services along approximately 161 miles of roadside ditches within Tate's Hell State Forest in Franklin County, Florida, with sealed bids due October 5, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. and a mandatory pre-bid site visit on September 22, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

Contractors must mechanically masticate and mulch all brush, shrubs, and small trees (less than six inches diameter at breast height) down to three inches or less on both exterior and interior sides of the ditches, with all titi vegetation fully masticated regardless of size. The work scope spans primary, secondary, and other forest roads delineated on the provided project map covering Liberty, Wakulla, Franklin, and Gulf County areas. Contractors must complete at least 7.5 miles per week and finish all work by March 31, 2027 (contract period runs from purchase order execution through that date). Three verifiable references from similar projects completed within the last five years are required, along with proof of valid certifications, licenses, and permits.

Pricing is submitted on a per-mile basis for all 161 estimated miles, with award to the responsive and responsible vendor submitting the lowest Grand Total Price. Contractors bear all costs for labor, materials, equipment, transportation, supplies, supervision, and debris disposal at a legally permitted facility. Insurance requirements include general liability of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, automobile liability of $300,000, and workers' compensation with minimum employer liability limits of $100,000 per accident. Vendor questions are due September 24, 2026, and public bid opening is scheduled for October 6, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. The solicitation is conducted under Chapter 287, Florida Statutes, and all bids are subject to Florida public records requirements and state certifications regarding lobbying, debarment, drug-free workplace programs, and Israel boycott compliance.