Wet Prairie Restoration – Picayune Strand State Forest

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is issuing an Invitation to Bid (ITB) for herbicide application services to treat cabbage palm trees (Sabal palmetto) across approximately 216 acres within Picayune Strand State Forest near Naples, Florida. The project requires bidders to apply herbicides to achieve 100% coverage with a minimum 95% kill rate on cabbage palms under 25 feet in height, with completion required by June 30, 2026. Qualified contractors must possess a valid certified commercial herbicide applicator's license in natural areas weed management and/or the aquatic category, provide three references from recently completed similar projects, and submit sealed bids on a per-acre unit price basis by February 23, 2026, at 5:00 PM to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in Tallahassee. A mandatory pre-bid site visit is scheduled for February 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the project site in Naples, limited to two representatives per vendor. The public bid opening will occur February 24, 2026, at 10:00 AM, and the Department reserves the right to increase treatment acreage up to an additional 20% at the same unit price. Required bid documentation includes the Certification of Site Visitation, vendor references, price sheet, certifications regarding lobbying and debarment, and proof of appropriate licensing. Award will be made to the responsive and responsible vendor with the lowest Grand Total Price.

The solicitation does not specify any set-aside designations or restrictions limiting responses to particular types of organizations, including disadvantaged enterprises. Contractors must obtain comprehensive insurance coverage including general liability insurance ($1,000,000 each occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate), drift insurance ($500,000 per occurrence), automobile liability insurance ($300,000), and workers' compensation insurance with minimum employer's liability limits of $100,000 per accident. All work must be performed by the contractor without subcontracting unless prior written consent is obtained from the Department, and the contractor is responsible for all off-site disposal of herbicide containers and debris. No incumbent vendor or current contractor is identified in the available documentation. The Department intends to make a single award or no award as determined in the best interest of the State, though no specific budget range or estimated award value is provided in the solicitation materials.