ITB 27B-003 Econfina Creek Site Prep for Reforestation and Habitat Restoration

The Northwest Florida Water Management District is soliciting bids for the 2027 Econfina Creek Site Prep for Reforestation and Habitat Restoration project. The scope of work involves heavy mechanical site preparation and chemical treatment of approximately 1,012 acres of commercially planted sand pine stands within the Econfina Creek Water Management Area across Bay and Washington counties. The contractor must remove all live and dead sand pine and designated hardwoods, ensuring stumps are cut no higher than six inches above the ground, and manage vegetative debris through removal or pile burning. Chemical treatment, utilizing specific concentrations of Imazapyr, Triclopyr, and a modified seed oil surfactant, must cover at least 95% of each unit using a GPS flagging system. The project is divided into two phases: Unit 1, consisting of at least 504 acres, must be completed by September 30, 2027, and Unit 2, consisting of the remaining 508 acres, must be completed by September 30, 2028. Chemical operations must be finalized by September 30 of each year to ensure effectiveness before January replanting. The contract will be awarded to the respondent offering the lowest total lump sum amount, with a point-based tie-breaking system favoring certified minority business enterprises, veteran's business enterprises, and those with a drug-free workplace program. Bidders must submit their responses electronically via DemandStar by December 3, 2026. Required security includes a bid bond and a performance bond of $50,000 or ten percent of the total contract amount. Payment is issued via electronic funds transfer within 30 days following inspection and approval of the work by the District Project Manager.