Withlacoochee State Forest Seed and Longleaf Orchard Irrigation Installation

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Forest Service is seeking competitive bids for a comprehensive irrigation system installation project within the Withlacoochee State Forest in Brooksville, Florida. The procurement involves the complete installation of irrigation infrastructure across approximately 128 acres, which includes 3,000 linear feet of six-inch Schedule 40 PVC main distribution lines, 8,500 linear feet of four-inch Schedule 40 PVC feeder lines, 283 two-inch PVC risers, 10 four-inch valves, six flush-out stations, 94 rolls of one-inch polyline, and 3,920 Maxi-jet misters with integrated dripline. Bidders must provide detailed pricing on a unit price per linear foot basis and a total project price, and are required to possess licenses for irrigation system installation under Florida Chapter 489, Part I. The procurement timeline includes a mandatory site visit on January 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM, with written questions due by January 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM, and sealed bids due on February 2, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The project has a strict completion schedule of 120 calendar days after the Notice to Proceed, with 100 days allocated for substantial completion and 20 days for project close-out.

For bids exceeding $100,000, contractors must submit a 5% bid bond and a 100% performance bond, and provide a minimum of three references from similar projects completed within the past five years. The solicitation does not explicitly mention set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Contractors must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage with the State of Florida listed as an additional insured and provide a one-year written warranty on all parts and labor. Liquidated damages are established at $250 per calendar day for delays beyond the completion date. While a specific budget range is not disclosed, the complexity and scale of the irrigation infrastructure suggest a substantial contract value. The project requires turnkey installation, with the contractor responsible for supplying all necessary materials, including fittings, glue, cleaners, hose clamps, elbows, and t-fittings, and must integrate the new irrigation system with existing well infrastructure at the Withlacoochee State Forest site.