Long-Term Protected Gopher Tortoise Conservation Recipient Site(s) for Florida's Turnpike Enterprise

The Florida Department of Transportation, Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, is soliciting bids under solicitation number DOT-ITB-27-8012-JR for long-term protected gopher tortoise conservation recipient sites. The primary objective is to secure sites capable of accepting gopher tortoises relocated from donor sites associated with the State Road 91 widening project in Lake County. The selected vendor must adhere to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Gopher Tortoise Permitting Guidelines and is responsible for the permanent and unique marking of all received tortoises. Key deliverables include the provision of reservation letters within five calendar days of a request and the management of site capacity for potential permit amendments. The contract will be awarded to the lowest combination of responsive and responsible bidders based on the unit rate for the relocation and acceptance of adult, sub-adult, and juvenile gopher tortoises. Bidders must be authorized to transact business in Florida and submit comprehensive documentation, including certifications regarding scrutinized companies lists, E-Verify compliance, and labor affidavits. Invoices must be submitted via email to the designated contact and include detailed tracking of tortoises received and remaining contract capacity. The agreement includes a standard initial term with the possibility of renewal for up to three years and extensions of up to six months. All participants must comply with Florida statutory certifications, federal occupational safety standards, and Title VI nondiscrimination provisions.