Sustainable Forestry Initiative Forest Management Standard

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking competitive bids for audit services to maintain the Florida Forest Service certification under the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) 2022 Forest Management Standard. The scope of work involves conducting one certification audit and four surveillance audits from 2027 through 2031 for 505,348 acres across the Blackwater River, Four Creeks, Jennings, John M. Bethea, and Tate’s Hell state forests. These audits must be performed by certification bodies accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and adhere to SFI 2022 Standards and Rules as well as ISO/IEC 17021-1 and ISO/IEC TS 17021-2. The initial term of the contract is five years, with a possible renewal for an additional five years, not to exceed a total of ten years. The contract will be awarded to the responsive and responsible vendor offering the lowest Initial Term Total Price. Bidders must submit sealed responses by December 3, 2026, including a signed acknowledgement form and price sheet. Required certifications include E-Verify registration, lobbying and debarment disclosures, and proof of general liability, automobile, and worker's compensation insurance. Final reports and invoices are due by May 15th of each year, and payments are subject to annual legislative appropriation and a 1.0% transaction fee. Preference in the event of tie-breaking may be given to certified business enterprises, veteran-owned businesses, or Florida-based producers.