Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Agricultural Water Policy

 

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

Division of Agricultural Water Policy

Solicitation for Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizer Research Project

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Agricultural Water Policy announces a general solicitation to obtain proposals for developing specific guidance for the use of slow- and controlled-release fertilizers in Florida agriculture based on the current knowledge gained from research work conducted in Florida.

For purposes of Phase I of this project, slow-release fertilizers (SRFs) involve the release of the nutrient at a slower rate than a reference ‘rapidly available nutrient fertilizer’ such as ammonium nitrate or urea, ammonium phosphate or potassium chloride; however, the rate, pattern and duration of release are usually not well controlled. Controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) are typically coated or encapsulated products and their release pattern, quantity and time can be predicted within certain limits. The Association of American Plant Food Control Officials is working on official definitions for SRFs and CRFs, and analytical methodology standards for laboratories to follow to verify product release rate claims. Therefore, this is not part of the solicitation.

CONDITIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Prospective contractors shall be registered in the MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) system and where required, the Sunbiz system prior to submittal. Business entities which must be on file with Sunbiz include the following: Corporations for and not for profit, Limited Liability Companies (LLC), Limited Partnerships (LP) including Limited Liability Limited Partnerships (LLLP), and organizations doing business under a fictitious name (DBA). Prospective contractors may not be considered for an award if they are not associated with a land grant university, or a qualified entity registered in the MFMP and Sunbiz system. The registration address and federal employer identification (FEID) number must match that registered with the State of Florida.

QUALIFICATIONS OF PROJECT PERSONNEL AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT

1) Qualifications of contractor (individual or team) to do the proposed project, including academic credentials, performance record, and potential for future accomplishments;

2) Demonstrated awareness of SRFs and CRFs and the current use of these products in Florida;

3) Institutional experience and competence in subject area;

4) Adequacy of available or obtainable support personnel, facilities, and instrumentation;

5) Planning and administration of the proposed project, including: time allocated for attainment of objectives and the dissemination of information over the duration of the project; and

6) Each prospective contractor shall provide a minimum of three (3) references for similar projects completed.

PROPOSED PHASE I SCOPE OF WORK

Phase I of this project will primarily involve scientific literature review on SFR, CRF, including nitrification and urease inhibitor studies conducted over the last 15 years in Florida or the southeastern US; development of a Florida Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizer Guidebook (emphasis on nitrogen and phosphorus) written for agricultural producers; and a recommendation for how the use of these products can be facilitated in springs recharge basins within the state. As such, three deliverables will be required as a result of the Phase I Scope of Work.

Depending upon the outcome of Phase I, Phase II of this project may involve enhanced efficiency fertilizer research trials at representative farm sites in Florida.

QUESTIONS AND PROPOSALS SHALL BE DIRECTED TO:

Bill Bartnick ([e-mail])

Environmental Administrator

Office of Agricultural Water Policy

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Elliot Building

401 S. Monroe Street

Tallahassee, Florida 32399

[phone]

[phone] fax