Equipment Specifications and Operator Requirements for 2026 Kingsbury Bay Eurasian Watermilfoil Removal

This document contains equipment specifications and project field lead experience requirements for Solicitation #2027-085, a Eurasian Watermilfoil removal project administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in St. Louis County/Duluth. The project involves the removal of aquatic invasive species from approximately 6.91 acres across five sites within Kingsbury Bay in the St. Louis River, utilizing hand pulling or diver-assisted suction harvesting (DASH) methods. No specific equipment is mandated for the project; however, mechanical cutting tools are prohibited. Contractors have discretion in selecting watercraft type—motorized or non-motorized—and transportation methods for removed vegetation. Project supervisory contact is David Grandmaison at 218-302-3249 or david.grandmaison@state.mn.us. Responses must be submitted electronically through the Swift Portal by the specified deadline, and site visits are available upon request. Award will be made to the lowest responsible vendor meeting all specifications and compliance requirements.

Project field leads must demonstrate at least 80 hours of experience in leading selective removal of aquatic invasive species, hand pulling operations, or DASH projects, combined with basic aquatic plant identification training to distinguish target species (Eurasian Watermilfoil) from non-target species. Contractors must identify field lead personnel and certify their training in target and non-target plant identification, including training date and instructor affiliation. Unit pricing must encompass all labor, materials, tools, transportation, equipment, applicable taxes, and all other costs necessary for project completion. The State reserves the right to award items separately, by grouping, or by total based on what is deemed most advantageous. Responses failing to comply with solicitation requirements will be considered non-responsive and rejected.