SUBJECT
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Request Board approve selection committee’s recommendation to authorize staff to enter into contract negotiations with Bern Kinard Auctioneer, Inc. for Gator Creek Grazing Lease. (No fiscal impact)
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DESCRIPTION
Gator Creek Reserve, located at 9305 Hall Road Lakeland, FL 33809 is part of the County’s Environmental Lands Program (ELP). The ELP, approved by voters in November 1994, provides for the acquisition, preservation, protection, management and restoration of environmentally sensitive lands, water resources and important wildlife. Gator Creek Reserve has areas that are scheduled for future restoration, however, until this occurs grazing is being utilized as a beneficial restoration management tool.
The Parks and Natural Resources Division requested Procurement solicit proposals from qualified vendors to lease 750 acres of land within Gator Creek Reserve for cattle grazing purposes. The grazing lease assists the County with stewardship and maintenance of designated areas not currently being used for recreational purposes and provides revenue to offset the maintenance and management of the property. Grazing activities will not restrict the movement of wildlife or interfere with the recreational use of the property not included in the leased area.
Request for Proposal (RFP) 23-364, Gator Creek Grazing Lease was issued, and two vendors submitted proposals. The selection committee met on September 21, 2023, to evaluate and score the proposals. Both vendors were elevated for interviews. On October 5, 2023, the selection committee conducted interviews and received presentations from both vendors. After the interviews, the consensus of the selection committee was to request the Board authorize staff to enter into contract negotiations with all proposers, starting with the highest ranked proposer, Bern Kinard Auctioneer, Inc.
The following is a listing of the firms and their rankings:
Proposer City Rank
Bern Kinard Auctioneer, Inc. Lakeland, FL 1
Double H Bar Cattle LLC Kathleen, FL 2
A recommendation to award was posted, and no protests were received.
RECOMMENDATION
Request Board approve the selection committee’s recommendation and authorize staff to enter into contract negotiations with Bern Kinard Auctioneer, Inc. of Lakeland for RFP 23-364, Gator Creek Grazing Lease.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact during negotiations.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Danielle Rose
Procurement Analyst
(863) 534-7593
daniellerose@polk-county.net