Tate’s Hell Roadside Ditch Debrushing 2027 PROJECT# 04-901-HABRES-26

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is seeking a qualified contractor to perform masticating and mulching (de‑brushing) of vegetative material in roadside ditches along approximately 161 miles of forest service roads within Tate’s Hell State Forest, Franklin County, FL. The contractor must provide all labor, equipment, transportation, and supervision needed to clear brush, shrubs, and small trees (≤ 6″ DBH) down to a 3‑inch height on both sides of each ditch, meet a productivity rate of at least 7.5 miles per week, and complete the work by March 31 2027. A mandatory site‑visit is scheduled, and bids must be submitted in sealed envelopes by October 5 2026. • Scope: Mechanical masticating/mulching of roadside ditch vegetation (≈ 161 mi) • Performance rate: Minimum 7.5 mi/week; total contract duration ≈ 6 months (through 31 Mar 2027) • Requirements: Contractor‑owned equipment, qualified crew, foreman on‑site, compliance with wetland, bridge, and archaeological protections, all necessary licenses/permits • Mandatory pre‑bid site visit: 22 Sep 2026 (attendance required) • Bid submission deadline: 5 Oct 2026, 5:00 PM (sealed bids only) • Evaluation: Lowest responsive price; preferences for certified business enterprises, Florida‑produced commodities, drug‑free workplace, etc.