2026-2027 V-Blade Planting – Blackwater River State Forest

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is soliciting competitive bids for the V-Blade planting of containerized longleaf pines across approximately 529 acres in the Blackwater River State Forest, spanning Santa Rosa and Okaloosa Counties. The selected contractor must provide all labor, equipment, materials, and supervision to complete the planting between November 30, 2026, and January 30, 2027, with a final contract end date of February 15, 2027. Key technical requirements include a planting spacing of approximately 5 by 12 feet and a success rate where 90 percent of prescribed seedlings are planted to the satisfaction of the Florida Forest Service. All work must adhere to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative’s 2022 Forest Management Standard. The contract will be awarded to the responsive and responsible vendor offering the lowest grand total price. Bids must be submitted in a sealed package by November 4, 2026, and must include several mandatory certifications, including the FDACS Acknowledgement Form and certifications regarding lobbying and debarment for federal fund expenditures. Awarded vendors are required to maintain general liability insurance of 1 million dollars per occurrence and automobile liability of 300 thousand dollars. Payment will be made via state government warrant upon satisfactory completion, contingent upon annual legislative appropriation. Preference in the award process may be given to certified Business Enterprises, Florida-produced commodities, or businesses with a certified drug-free workplace program.