TRSF Blue Springs Tract Salvage Sale 2024 II

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Forest Service is soliciting sealed bids for a timber salvage sale in the Blue Springs Tract, specifically addressing timber damage from Hurricane Helene on September 26, 2024. The procurement covers approximately 1,510 acres of forestland in Hardee County, with two distinct damage zones: a primary damage area where approximately 10% or less of timber was impacted, and substantial damage areas totaling 540 acres with an average timber damage of 30% and some patches reaching up to 80% damage. The contract requires the successful bidder to prioritize harvesting in substantial damage areas before moving to primary damage areas, with an expectation to commence harvesting within 14 days of contract execution. Timber products available for salvage include pine pulpwood, pine chip-n-saw, and pine sawtimber, specifically targeting timber that is blown down, broken off, leaning more than 15 degrees, or otherwise damaged. Interested parties must submit sealed bids by November 7, 2024, and can obtain complete bid information by contacting Jason Nastovski at (386) 339-6472. The Florida Forest Service reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any bid irregularities.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises are mentioned in the procurement documents. There are no indications of incumbent vendors or existing infrastructure requirements for this timber salvage sale. While no specific award value or budget range is provided, the wide-ranging timber damage suggests a potentially significant salvage opportunity. The contract does not specify volume estimates, which implies that bidders will need to conduct their own assessment of harvestable timber. Potential bidders should be prepared to demonstrate forestry expertise, timber harvesting capabilities, and the ability to mobilize equipment quickly to begin work within the specified 14-day timeframe after contract execution. The lack of a volume estimate and the discretionary nature of timber damage assessment suggest that bidders will need to be adaptable and prepared to work closely with the Florida Forest Service to effectively manage the salvage operation.