Slash Pine and Longleaf Pine Planting Services – Goethe State Forest

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking competitive bids for tree planting services covering approximately 480 acres within the Goethe State Forest in Levy County, Florida. The scope of work is divided into two primary sites: the Otter Creek Tract, which requires machine planting of bare-root slash pine seedlings on approximately 454 acres, and the Daniels Island Tract, which requires hand planting of containerized longleaf pine seedlings on approximately 26 acres. Both sites target a density of 726 trees per acre. All seedlings will be provided by the Florida Forest Service, and the contractor must provide all necessary labor, equipment, and supervision. Planting activities are scheduled to occur between December 1, 2026, and January 31, 2027. The contract will be awarded to the responsive and responsible vendor offering the lowest grand total price. Bidders must submit sealed physical packages containing a signed price sheet, acknowledgment form, three references, and required certifications regarding lobbying, debarment, and the boycott of Israel. Preference may be given to certified business enterprises, drug-free workplace programs, or commodities produced within Florida. Awarded vendors must maintain specific insurance coverages, including general liability of 1 million dollars per occurrence and automobile liability of 300,000 dollars. Performance is subject to strict quality standards, requiring at least 90 percent of seedlings to be planted satisfactorily, with inspections conducted by a Florida Forest Service representative.