Tate's Hell State Forest Roadside Ditch Debrushing 2025

Background
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is seeking competitive bids for the masticating/mulching of vegetative material along roadside ditches in Tate’s Hell State Forest, located in Franklin County, FL. This initiative aims to maintain the ecological integrity of the forest while ensuring safe and accessible roadways. The solicitation is governed by Chapter 287, Florida Statutes, and Rule 60A-1, Florida Administrative Code.

Work Details
The contractor will be responsible for providing all labor, materials, equipment, tools, transportation, supplies, and supervision necessary to masticate/mulch all vegetative material along the identified roadsides on both the exterior and interior sides of the ditch.

The project area consists of approximately 102 miles where brush, shrubs, and small trees (less than six inches in diameter) must be mechanically masticated/mulched down to three inches or less. The contractor must ensure that no vegetation remains within the ditch corridor. All trash and debris created during the work must be properly disposed of at a location found by the contractor.

Additionally, the contractor is required to provide sufficient equipment capable of operating in natural conditions and to furnish adequate personnel to complete the project within specified deadlines. Safety measures must be implemented to protect wetlands and archaeological resources.

Period of Performance
The anticipated contract period will commence upon execution of a formal contract and continue through June 30, 2025.

Place of Performance
The work will be performed in Tate’s Hell State Forest located in Franklin County, Florida.