Tree & Shrub Maintenance in the Everglades Complex of Wildlife Management Areas

Background
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking competitive bids for the annual maintenance of planted trees and shrubs in the Everglades Complex of Wildlife Management Areas (ECWMA). This includes the Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area (EWMA), Holey Land Wildlife Management Area (HWMA), and Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area (RWMA).

The goal of this contract is to ensure the survival of these plants, which have been maintained annually for over 22 years, and to assist staff in tracking survival rates and planning future restoration activities.

Work Details
The scope of work includes:
1. Removal of weeds from tree and shrub metal exclosures.
2. Removal and disposal of metal exclosures.
3. Data collection related to the maintenance activities.

There are approximately 8,000-10,000 exclosures requiring maintenance. Access to the tree islands will require specialized equipment such as airboats or tracked vehicles, which will be the responsibility of the awarded contractor. The contractor must ensure that all living plants within exclosures are cleared of weeds and debris, maintain exclosures upright, remove dead plants along with their tags, replant any uprooted plants, and properly dispose of all removed materials off-site.

Additionally, all work must be coordinated under FWC supervision, with a crew supervisor present on-site at all times.

Period of Performance
The contract will be effective for three years from the date of Purchase Order issuance. Work must begin within two weeks of purchase order issuance and shall be completed by May 1st each year unless otherwise instructed by the FWC Project Manager.

Place of Performance
The maintenance work will be conducted on tree islands within the Everglades Complex of Wildlife Management Areas (ECWMA) in Florida.