ITB-1354 Agency Decision

The Florida Department of Transportation is soliciting bids to purchase species habitat conservation credits to offset environmental impacts from transportation projects primarily in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands Counties, with a focus on mitigating effects on the Sand Skink and Bluetail Mole Skink. The solicitation, identified as DOT-ITB-26-1354-CB, was issued on April 22, 2026, with a response deadline of May 19, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Bidders must submit a single PDF file not exceeding 25MB via email with the subject line “DOT-ITB-26-1354-CB,” and the email body must be blank. Required attachments include the official Bid Sheet, the completed DOT-ITB-26-1354-CB Bid Submittal, and compliance with PUR 1000 and PUR 1001 contract conditions. Credit validity must be verified through current federal and state ledgers issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and bidders must provide formal documentation demonstrating compliance with mitigation banking standards. Delivery of credits is required within 14 days of purchase order issuance, with F.O.B. destination terms applying, and performance is statewide but concentrated in the three primary counties. Award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder under a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable framework, with price being the primary determinant, though a 5% preference may be applied to out-of-state vendors under Florida Statute s.287.084. Bidders must be actively registered in MyFloridaMarketPlace and have submitted an electronic W-9 through the state’s vendor portal. Additional mandatory certifications include compliance with E-Verify, maintenance of a drug-free workplace, and affirmation that the vendor is not listed on Florida’s scrutinized companies lists for activities involving boycotts of Israel or operations in Sudan, Iran, Cuba, or Syria. Out-of-state vendors must also submit a legal opinion confirming their state does not grant preferential treatment to in-state businesses. Failure to meet any requirement, including submission of a protest bond equal to 1% of the estimated contract value to challenge an award, may result in bid rejection or disqualification. Payment will be processed electronically through MyFloridaMarketPlace, with no formal contract value established due to the project-based, incremental nature of credit purchases. The Department retains sole