Marine Debris Removal on Aquacultural Leases - Vicinity of Cedary Key, Florida

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services intends to enter into a single-source agreement for marine debris removal on aquacultural leases near Cedar Key, Florida, under statutory authority outlined in Florida Statute 597.010(13), which restricts participation exclusively to active State-Owned Sovereignty Submerged Land Aquaculture Leaseholders, sublessees, or authorized users. This procurement, identified as solicitation SS 26 27 06 and posted on May 1, 2026, with responses due by May 22, 2026, is not open to competitive bidding due to the unique access requirements and legal protections tied to leased submerged lands. The scope of work involves removing derelict clam bags and other marine debris from designated parcels, separating usable cultch material for transport to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission-approved oyster reef restoration sites, and disposing of non-reusable waste in Department-designated shoreside dumpsters. All operations must be conducted using specialized vessels and personnel possessing expert knowledge of local tides, navigation hazards, wildlife risks, and weather patterns in the Cedar Key region. Contractors are required to demonstrate prior experience in marine debris cleanup, maintain appropriate equipment, and complete mandatory educational seminars on best management practices. The total program funding for this one-year contract is $935,000, sourced through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration federal grant NA25NOSX999C0059-T1-01. There is no formal line-item pricing structure, CLIN, or SLIN breakdown provided; instead, the award is based solely on statutory eligibility and operational capability rather than technical or cost evaluation factors. The contractor bears full responsibility for vessel operations, debris separation, transportation, and disposal, with performance acceptance occurring at FWC restoration sites and designated dumpster locations. No standard federal representations, certifications, UEI, CAGE codes, or socioeconomic status requirements are applicable; eligibility is determined entirely by state lease status. The contracting point of contact is Michelle O. Faircloth, Chief of General Services, who serves as the primary administrative liaison. No Contracting Officer’s Representative, Contracting Officer Technical Representative, or Procuring Contracting Officer roles are formally designated. The contract includes no option periods, payment office details, invoicing system specifications, or packaging standards, and administrative procedures for protests must align with Chapter 120, Florida Statutes. Performance is governed by NOAA grant guidelines, Florida statutes, and program-specific operational