Subject:
Title
Emergency agreement with 3B Cattle, LLC for Land Management Services on the Cross Bar and Al Bar Ranch property located in Pasco County, FL.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of Emergency agreement with 3B Cattle, LLC for an emergency land management services contract on the Cross Bar and Al Bar Ranch property so that continuation of vital services and County Utilities-contracted presence and security is maintained.
• This contract is for land management services on the Cross Bar and Al Bar Ranch property, including tasks related to ecosystem management and forestry management as directed by the County’s Project Manager.
• Contractor responsibilities include 24-hour site security, fire line maintenance, wildfire suppression, gate and fence maintenance, infrastructure and building maintenance, road grading and upkeep, mowing, tree/debris clearing, nuisance wildlife control, and assistance to County and third-party personnel, as needed.
• The County has contracted with The Forestry Company (TFC) for this service for the past five years, under which 3B Cattle has been subcontracted in the Land Manager role. This contract expires on March 20, 2023.
• Emergency agreement is to 3B Cattle, LLC, the current land manager that has been in residence for five years under contract to TFC.
• Funding for this project is derived from the Water Operating Fund.
• Contract term is to be 12 months, during which Request for Proposals (RFPs) will be solicited for a 5-year contract for Land Management Services under the Consultants Competitive Negotiation Act.
• Per Section 2-181, the County Administrator is authorized to approve this Emergency agreement in any amount.
Contract No. 23-0620-E Emergency agreement for Cross Bar & Al Bar Ranch Land Manager; in the amount of $347,654.72.
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Strategic Plan:
Practice Superior Environmental Stewardship
3.1 Implement green technologies and practices where practical
3.2 Preserve and manage environmental lands, beaches, parks, and historical assets
3.3 Protect and improve the quality of our water, air, and other natural resources
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
Summary:
The purpose of this Emergency agreement is to retain the current resident land manager that shall be responsible for the multi-faceted land management requirements at the Cross Bar / Al-Bar Ranch property in an emergency capacity so there is no interruption of vital services and County Utilities contracted presence and security on the property is maintained. Previous prime contractor under which this service was sub-contracted chose not to sign the 5-year renewal option with the County.
During the 12-month duration of this Emergency agreement, the County will solicit an RFP to secure a long-term services agreement for land management services to include maintenance of the land and for the support of the forestry operations, ecological management, and wildlife habitat restoration activities. It is the intention to have three separate contracts with three specialized vendors; one to provide consulting and management supervision for the forestry operations defined as the Forestry Services Contract; one to provide oversight of habitat restoration activities and total ecosystem management defined as the Ecological Consulting Services Contract; and one for the labor and supply materials necessary to manage the land, plant the pine seedlings, maintain agricultural operations, and support the wetland augmentation, and habitat restoration activities, and other environmental programs defined as the Land Management Contract.
Background/Explanation:
Pinellas County owns approximately 12,381 acres inclusive of the Cross Bar / Al Bar Ranch in north central Pasco County. The Cross Bar Ranch is currently utilized as a regional well field operated by Tampa Bay Water (TBW). A mixed-use Ecosystem Management Plan is currently being implemented which balances water supply operations and resource protection, silviculture, agricultural operations, protection of wildlife, and habitat restoration activities. The property has been managed through a consolidated contract with a prime contractor, The Forestry Company, and two subcontractors, 3B Cattle and Quest Ecology. The current contract is set to expire on March 20, 2023.
Fiscal Impact:
Estimated Contract Term Costs $347,654.72
Funding for this project is derived from the Water Operating Fund.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Emergency agreement is granted under Section 2-181(a).
Staff Member Responsible:
Megan Ross, Director, Utilities
Merry Celeste, Division Director Purchasing & Risk Management
Joe Lauro, Director, Administrative Services
Partners:
N/A
Attachments:
Agreement