SUBJECT
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Approve agreement with GISJane LLC to provide forecasting, detection, and mitigation of harmful algal blooms. ($300,000.00 one-time expense)
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DESCRIPTION
On September 2, 2025, the Board approved the selection committee’s recommendation and authorized staff to negotiate an agreement with GISJane LLC for Request for Proposal (RFP) 25-285. GISJane will conduct studies on publicly accessed lakes and streams for Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) detection, monitoring, and mitigation.
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) present serious risks to public health, aquatic ecosystems, and water quality across the State of Florida, including Polk County. These blooms are primarily driven by increased nutrient inputs into water bodies, often associated with population growth and land use practices.
Polk County is home to hundreds of lakes, many of which have experienced HAB occurrences in recent years. These events have been documented and made publicly accessible via the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Algal Bloom Dashboard. Recognizing the growing impact of HABs, the State of Florida has allocated funding to support the development and implementation of innovative technologies aimed at forecasting, detecting, and mitigating these blooms.
In response to the State’s initiative to better understand nutrient loading and HAB trends, Polk County was awarded a grant from FDEP under the Innovative Technology Grant Program.
To implement the grant funded project, Parks and Natural Resources requested Procurement to solicit proposals from qualified firms to conduct studies on publicly accessed lakes and streams for Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) prediction, monitoring, and mitigation.
The term of the agreement is for two years but will continue until completion of the services to the County’s satisfaction.
RECOMMENDATION
Request Board approve agreement with GISJane LLC to provide forecasting, detection, and mitigation of harmful algal blooms services.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are budgeted and available in the Parks and Natural Resources FY 25/26 CIP, within the Special Revenue Grant Fund.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Brad Howard
Sr. Procurement Analyst
bradhoward@polk-county.net <mailto:bradhoward@polk-county.net>
863-534-6706