Three Year Pine Straw Lease Program

The Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners (County) is seeking qualified individuals or companies interested in entering into a three (3) year lease agreement for the harvesting, collection, baling, and removal of pine straw from designated County-owned properties located at parcel numbers 26-02S-13E-08017-000000 (41999) 85 and 35-02S-13E-08354-000020 (42002) 85.

The purpose of this lease program is to provide for the responsible and efficient harvesting of pine straw while generating revenue for Suwannee County, protecting County-owned timber resources, and maintaining the environmental integrity of the designated properties.

This Scope of Work (SOW) defines the responsibilities, obligations, operational standards, and environmental requirements governing the lease of approximately ~113 acres of County-owned pine timberlands ("Lease Area") by the Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners ("Owner") to a qualified Contractor for the exclusive right to rake, harvest, bale, and remove pine straw during the term of this Lease.

This Lease is revenue-generating and does not obligate the County to purchase pine straw or other materials. The Contractor is solely responsible for all harvesting activities.

Contractor shall:

• Rake and bale pine straw in a commercially acceptable manner.
• Minimize soil disturbance and avoid rutting.
• Maintain forest floor condition conducive to ongoing straw production.
• Apply herbicide or mowing treatments only in accordance with Florida BMPs and all applicable laws.

Contractor shall not damage standing timber, roads, culverts, fences, gates, signage, utilities, or any County assets.

All waste and debris must be removed at the end of each workday.

Contractor shall maintain:

• Daily harvest logs (date, location, bale/load count)
• Monthly or quarterly summary reports shall be submitted.

Bidders shall submit a proposed annual lease payment for the right to harvest pine straw from the designated County properties.

Suwannee County, Florida will receive sealed digital bids on the County's procurement portal, suwanneecountyfl.bonfirehub.com, or sealed paper bids at the Clerk of Court Cashier Window located within the Courthouse to the attention of Clerk to the Board, 200 South Ohio Avenue, Live Oak, FL 32064. All responses are due before **Thursday, November 19, 2026, at 4:00 P.M.**

All sealed paper bids must be submitted with one original and one copy (2 total).

Contract time is three (3) years, starting with the Notice to Proceed date.

The Board of County Commissioners requires proof of insurance in the amount of **one million dollars** at a minimum.

SCBCC may require a security deposit, performance bond, or irrevocable letter of credit to ensure compliance and proper site restoration.

SCBCC may, at its sole discretion, approve up to two (2) additional one-year renewals, subject to the Contractor's performance, compliance, and continued suitability.