Rev. 03.12.2026

State of Minnesota Contract

SWIFT Contract Number:

This Contract is between the State of Minnesota, acting through its Commissioner of Natural Resources (“State”) and [Contractor] whose designated business address is [Contractor’s business address] (“Contractor”). State and Contractor may be referred to jointly as “Parties.”

Recitals

1. State issued a solicitation identified as 2027-223 Minnesota Falls 3 Native Prairie Bank Woody Removal, SWIFT Event No. R2901-2000018699 on September 18, 2026 for all labor, equipment, materials, tools, transportation, herbicide and incidentals necessary to chemically treat buckthorn and bush honeysuckle using Basal herbicide and hand-cut and treat application on approximately 50 acres within the Minnesota Falls 3 Native Prairie Bank Easement located in Yellow Medicine County (“Solicitation”);

2. Contractor provided a response to the Solicitation indicating its interest in and ability to provide the goods or services requested in the Solicitation; and

3. Subsequent to an evaluation in accordance with the terms of the Solicitation, the Parties desire to enter into a contract.

Accordingly, the Parties agree as follows:

Contract

Term of Contract

Effective date. The State obtains all required signatures under Minn. Stat. § 16C.05, subd. 2, whichever is later. The Contractor must not begin work under this Contract until this Contract is fully executed and the Contractor has been notified by the State’s Authorized Representative to begin the work.

Expiration date. June 30, 2028 or until all obligations have been satisfactorily fulfilled, whichever occurs first.

Contractor’s Duties The Contractor shall perform all duties described in this Contract to the satisfaction of the State.

Representations and Warranties Under Minn. Stat. §§ 15.061 and 16C.03, subd. 3, and other applicable law the State is empowered to engage such assistance as deemed necessary.

Contractor warrants that it is duly qualified and shall perform its obligations under this Contract in accordance with the commercially reasonable standards of care, skill, and diligence in Contractor’s industry, trade, or profession, and in accordance with the specifications set forth in this Contract, to the satisfaction of the State.

Contractor warrants that it possesses the legal authority to enter into this Contract and that it has taken all actions required by its procedures, by-laws, and applicable laws to exercise that authority, and to lawfully authorize its undersigned signatory to execute this Contract, or any part thereof, and to bind Contractor to its terms.

Time The Contractor must comply with all the time requirements described in this Contract. In the performance of this Contract, time is of the essence.

Compensation and Conditions of Payment Compensation. The State will pay for performance by the Contractor under this Contract in accordance with the breakdown of costs as set forth in Exhibit D which is attached and incorporated into this Contract.

Conditions of Payment. All duties performed by the Contractor under this Contract must be performed to the State’s satisfaction and in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations including business registration requirements of the Office of the Secretary of State.

The Contractor will not receive payment for work found by the State to be unsatisfactory or performed in violation of federal, state, or local law.

Authorized Representative

State’s Authorized Representative. The State's Authorized Representative is TJ Boetcher, MN DNR Ecological & Water Resources, 805 N Hwy 44/76, Caledonia, MN 55921, or their successor or delegate, and has the responsibility to monitor the Contractor’s performance and the authority to accept the services delivered or goods received under this Contract. If the services are satisfactory, the State's Authorized Representative will certify acceptance on each invoice submitted for payment.

Contractor’s Authorized Representative. The Contractor's Authorized Representative is [name, title] at the following business address and telephone number: [insert business address and telephone number], or his/her successor. If the Contractor’s Authorized Representative changes at any time during this Contract, the Contractor must immediately notify the State.

Exhibits The following Exhibits are attached and incorporated into this Contract. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Contract and its Exhibits, or between Exhibits, the order of precedence is first the Contract, and then in the following order:

Exhibit A: Contract Terms Exhibit B: Insurance Requirements Exhibit C: Specifications, Duties, and Scope of Work Exhibit D: Price and Payment Schedule Exhibit E: Maps Exhibit F: Pesticide Application Report

1. State Encumbrance Verification Individual certifies that funds have been encumbered as required by Minn. Stat. §§ 16A.15 and 16C.05

3. Department of Natural Resources With delegated authority

Print name: Print name:

Signature: Signature:

Title: Date: Title: Date:

SWIFT Contract No.:

2. Contractor The Contractor certifies that the appropriate person(s) have executed the Contract on behalf of the Contractor as required by applicable articles, bylaws, resolutions, or ordinances.

4. Commissioner of Administration As delegated by The Office of State Procurement

Print name: Print name:

Signature: Signature:

Title: Date: Title: Date:

Exhibit A: Contract Terms

Prompt Payment and Invoicing.

Prompt Payment. The State will pay the Contractor pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 16A.124, which requires payment within 30 days following receipt of an undisputed invoice, or merchandise or service, whichever is later.

Terms requesting payment in less than 30 days will be changed to read “Net 30 days.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, the State may pay the Contractor in advance for purchases as allowed pursuant to Minn. Stat. §16A.065.

The payment for each order will only be made for goods received or services actually performed that have been accepted by the ordering entity, and meet all terms, conditions, and specifications of the Contract and the ordering document.

Invoicing. At a minimum the invoice must meet the requirements found on Exhibit D which provides a list of minimum invoice requirements.

Assignment, Amendments, Waiver, and Contract Complete.

Assignment. The Contractor may neither assign nor transfer any rights or obligations under this Contract without the prior consent of the State and a fully executed assignment agreement, executed and approved by the authorized parties or their successors.

Amendments. Any amendment to this Contract must be in writing and will not be effective until it has been executed and approved by the authorized parties or their successors.

Waiver. If the State fails to enforce any provision of this Contract, that failure does not waive the provision or its right to enforce it.

Contract Complete. This Contract contains all negotiations and agreements between the State and the Contractor. No other understanding regarding this Contract, whether written or oral, may be used to bind either party.

Termination.

Termination for Convenience. The State or Commissioner of Administration may cancel this Contract at any time, with or without cause, upon 30 days’ written notice to the Contractor. Upon termination for convenience, the Contractor will be entitled to payment, determined on a pro rata basis, for services or goods satisfactorily performed or delivered.

Termination for Breach. If the Contractor fails to perform according to the contract terms and conditions, the State is authorized to immediately cancel the Contract or purchase order, or any portion of it, and may obtain replacement goods or services and charge the difference of costs to the defaulting Contractor. In the event of default, the State reserves the right to pursue any other remedy available by law. A Contractor may be removed from the vendors list, suspended or debarred from receiving a Contract for failure to comply with terms and conditions of the Contract, or for failure to pay the State for the cost incurred on the defaulted Contract.

Termination for Insufficient Funding. The State may immediately terminate this Contract if it does not obtain funding from the Minnesota Legislature, or other funding source; or if funding cannot be continued at a level sufficient to allow for the payment of the services addressed within this Contract. Termination must be by written notice to the Contractor. The State is not obligated to pay for any services that are provided after notice and effective date of termination. However, the Contractor will be entitled to payment, determined on a pro rata basis, for services satisfactorily performed to the extent that dedicated funds are available. The State will not be assessed any penalty if the Contract is terminated because of the decision of the Minnesota Legislature, or other funding source, not to appropriate funds. The State must provide the Contractor notice of the lack of funding. This notice will be provided within a reasonable time of the State’s receiving notice.

Force Majeure.

Neither party shall be responsible to the other or considered in default of its obligations within this Contract to the extent that performance of any such obligations is prevented or delayed by acts of God, war, riot, disruption of government, or other catastrophes beyond the reasonable control of the party unless the act or occurrence could have been reasonably foreseen and reasonable action could have been taken to prevent the delay or failure to perform. A party relying on this provision to excuse performance must provide the other party prompt written notice of the inability to perform and take all necessary steps to bring about performance as soon as practicable.

Indemnification.

In the performance of this Contract, the Indemnifying Party must indemnify, save, and hold harmless the State, its agents, and employees, from any claims or causes of action, including attorney’s fees incurred by the State, to the extent caused by Indemnifying Party’s:

• Intentional, willful, or negligent acts or omissions; or

• Actions that give rise to strict liability; or

• Breach of contract or warranty.

The Indemnifying Party is defined to include the Contractor, Contractor’s reseller, any third party that has a business relationship with the Contractor, or Contractor’s agents or employees, and to the fullest extent permitted by law.

The indemnification obligations of this section do not apply in the event the claim or cause of action is the result of the State’s sole negligence. This clause will not be construed to bar any legal remedies the Indemnifying Party may have for the State’s failure to fulfill its obligation under this Contract.

Nothing within this Contract, whether express or implied, shall be deemed to create an obligation on the part of the State to indemnify, defend, hold harmless or release the Indemnifying Party. This shall extend to all agreements related to the subject matter of this Contract, and to all terms subsequently added, without regard to order of precedence.

Governing Law, Jurisdiction, and Venue.

Minnesota law, without regard to its choice-of-law provisions, governs this Contract. Venue for all legal proceedings out of this Contract, or its breach, must be in the appropriate state or federal court with competent jurisdiction in Ramsey County, Minnesota.

Contract Use by State Agencies.

To the extent applicable, the Contract does not prohibit state agencies from using their delegated purchasing authority to procure similar goods and services from other sources.

Warranty.

The Contractor warrants to the ordering entity that materials and equipment furnished under the Contract will be free from defects not inherent in the quality required or permitted, and that the work will conform to the requirements of the contract. Work not conforming to these requirements, including substitutions not properly approved and authorized in writing may be considered defective. The Contractor’s warranty excludes remedy for damage or defect caused by abuse, modifications not executed by the Contractor, improper or insufficient maintenance, improper operation, or normal wear and tear and normal usage. If requested, the Contractor shall furnish satisfactory evidence as to the kind and quality of materials and equipment used.

All installation materials and labor shall be guaranteed for a period of one (1) year following the date of final acceptance.

During the first year following acceptance, the Contractor shall, upon notification by the ordering entity of any malfunctions, make necessary repairs, including labor, travel, and materials, at the Contractor’s expense.

Delivery.

Contractor is obligated to deliver within the quoted lead times. If delivery is not made within that time frame, the State reserves the right to deem the Contractor in default.

Contractor must confirm delivery locations and requirements with the ordering entity. Prior to delivery, the Contractor is responsible for confirming in writing with the ordering entity that the delivery location will accommodate unloading the equipment. Contractor must notify the receiving entity at least 72 hours before delivery to allow for inspection and compliance. No delivery can be made on a State Holiday (as defined in Minn. Stat. § 645.44, subd. 5), on Saturday or Sunday, or after 4:00 p.m. Central Time on weekdays, without prior written approval by the receiving entity.

Risk of Loss.

The State is relieved of all risks of loss or damage to the goods and equipment during periods of transportation, installation by the Contractor, or while in the possession of the Contractor or its agent.

Purchase Orders.

The parties agree that there is no minimum order requirements or charges to process an individual purchase order unless otherwise stated in the Contract. The Purchase Order number must appear on all documents (e.g., invoices, packing slips, etc.).

Equipment Specifications.

All equipment must meet the contract specifications and all federal and State safety codes and regulations in effect at the date of manufacture. All equipment must be Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) equipment unless otherwise stated in the contract.

Items Offered as New.

All products, materials, supplies, replacement parts, and equipment offered and furnished must be new, of current manufacturer production, and must have been formally announced by the manufacturer as being commercially available, unless otherwise stated in this Contract.

Subcontracting.

This Contract may not be subcontracted in whole or in part.

Data Disclosure.

Under Minn. Stat. § 270C.65, subd. 3 and other applicable law, the Contractor consents to disclosure of its social security number, federal employer tax identification number, and Minnesota tax identification number, already provided to the State, to federal and state agencies, and state personnel involved in the payment of state obligations. These identification numbers may be used in the enforcement of federal and state laws which could result in action requiring the Contractor to file state tax returns, pay delinquent state tax liabilities, if any, or pay other state liabilities.

Government Data Practices.

The Contractor and State must comply with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. Ch. 13, (or, if the State contracting party is part of the Judicial Branch, with the Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch promulgated by the Minnesota Supreme Court as the same may be amended from time to time) as it applies to all data provided by the State under this Contract, and as it applies to all data created, collected, received, stored, used, maintained, or disseminated by the Contractor under this Contract. The civil remedies of Minn. Stat. § 13.08 apply to the release of the data governed by the Minnesota Government Practices Act, Minn. Stat. Ch. 13, by either the Contractor or the State.

If the Contractor receives a request to release the data referred to in this clause, the Contractor must immediately notify and consult with the State’s Authorized Representative as to how the Contractor should respond to the request. The Contractor’s response to the request shall comply with applicable law.

Intellectual Property Rights.

Definitions. For the purpose of this Section, the following words and phrases have the assigned definitions:

“Documents” are the originals of any databases, computer programs, reports, notes, studies, photographs, negatives, designs, drawings, specifications, materials, tapes, disks, or other materials, whether in tangible or electronic forms, prepared by the Contractor, its employees, agents, or subcontractors, in the performance of this Contract.

“Pre-Existing Intellectual Property” means intellectual property developed prior to or outside the scope of this Contract, and any derivatives of that intellectual property.

“Works” means all inventions, improvements, discoveries (whether or not patentable), databases, computer programs, reports, notes, studies, photographs, negatives, designs, drawings, specifications, materials, tapes, and disks conceived, reduced to practice, created or originated by the Contractor, its employees, agents, and subcontractors, either individually or jointly with others in the performance of this Contract. “Works” includes Documents.

Ownership. The State owns all rights, title, and interest in all of the intellectual property rights, including copyrights, patents, trade secrets, trademarks, and service marks in the Works and Documents created and paid for under this Contract. The Documents shall be the exclusive property of the State and all such Documents must be immediately returned to the State by the Contractor upon completion or cancellation of this Contract. To the extent possible, those Works eligible for copyright protection under the United States Copyright Act will be deemed to be “works made for hire.” The Contractor assigns all right, title, and interest it may have in the Works and the Documents to the State. The Contractor must, at the request of the State, execute all papers and perform all other acts necessary to transfer or record the State’s ownership interest in the Works and Documents.

Pre-existing Intellectual Property. Each Party shall retain ownership of its respective Pre-Existing Intellectual Property. The Contractor grants the State a perpetual, irrevocable, non-exclusive, royalty free license for Contractor’s Pre-Existing Intellectual Property that are incorporated in the products, materials, equipment, deliverables, or services that are purchased through the Contract.

Obligations.

Notification. Whenever any invention, improvement, or discovery (whether or not patentable) is made or conceived for the first time or actually or constructively reduced to practice by the Contractor, including its employees and subcontractors, in the performance of this Contract, the Contractor will immediately give the State’s Authorized Representative written notice thereof, and must promptly furnish the State’s Authorized Representative with complete information and/or disclosure thereon.

Representation. The Contractor must perform all acts, and take all steps necessary to ensure that all intellectual property rights in the Works and Documents are the sole property of the State, and that neither Contractor nor its employees, agents, or subcontractors retain any interest in and to the Works and Documents. The Contractor represents and warrants that the Works and Documents do not and will not infringe upon any intellectual property rights of other persons or entities.

Indemnification. Notwithstanding any other indemnification obligations addressed within this Contract, the Contractor will indemnify; defend, to the extent permitted by the Attorney General; and hold harmless the State, at the Contractor’s expense, from any action or claim brought against the State to the extent that it is based on a claim that all or part of the Works or Documents infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others. The Contractor will be responsible for payment of any and all such claims, demands, obligations, liabilities, costs, and damages, including but not limited to, attorney fees. If such a claim or action arises, or in the Contractor’s or the State’s opinion is likely to arise, the Contractor must, at the State’s discretion, either procure for the State the right or license to use the intellectual property rights at issue or replace or modify the allegedly infringing works or documents as necessary and appropriate to obviate the infringement claim. This remedy of the State will be in addition to and not exclusive of other remedies provided by law.

Copyright.

The Contractor shall save and hold harmless the State of Minnesota, its officers, agents, servants and employees, from liability of any kind or nature, arising from the use of any copyrighted or noncopyrighted compositions, secret process, patented or non-patented invention, article or appliance furnished or used in the performance of the Contract.

Assignment of Antitrust Rights.

Upon the request of the State of Minnesota, Contractor will irrevocably assign to State any state or federal antitrust claim or cause of action that the Contractor now has or which may accrue to the Contractor in the future, in connection with any goods, services, or combination provided by Contractor under the terms of this Contract.

Contractor’s Documents.

Any licensing and maintenance agreement, or any order-specific agreement or document, including any pre-installation, linked or “click through” agreement that is allowed by, referenced within or incorporated within the Contract whenever the Contract is used for a State procurement, whether directly by the Contractor or through a Contractor’s agent, subcontractor or reseller, is agreed to only to the extent the terms within any such agreement or document do not conflict with the Contract or applicable Minnesota or Federal law, and only to the extent that the terms do not modify, diminish or derogate the terms of the Contract or create an additional financial obligation to the State. Any such agreement or document must not be construed to deprive the State of its sovereign immunity, or of any legal requirements, prohibitions, protections, exclusions or limitations of liability applicable to this Contract or afforded to the State by Minnesota law. A State employee’s decision to choose “accept” or an equivalent option associated with a “click-through” agreement does not constitute the State’s concurrence or acceptance of terms, if such terms are in conflict with this section.

State Audits.

Under Minn. Stat. § 16C.05, subd. 5, the Contractor’s books, records, documents, and accounting procedures and practices relevant to this Contract are subject to examination by the State, the State Auditor, or Legislative Auditor, as appropriate, for a minimum of six years from the expiration or termination of this Contract.

Publicity and Endorsement.

Publicity. Any publicity regarding the subject matter of this Contract must identify the State as the sponsoring agency and must not be released without prior written approval from the State’s Authorized Representative. For purposes of this provision, publicity includes notices, informational pamphlets, press releases, information posted on corporate or other websites, research, reports, signs, and similar public notices prepared by or for the Contractor individually or jointly with others, or any subcontractors, with respect to the program, publications, or services provided resulting from this Contract.

Endorsement. The Contractor must not claim that the State endorses its products or services.

Debarment by State, its Departments, Commissions, Agencies, or Political Subdivisions.

Contractor certifies that neither it nor its principals is presently debarred or suspended by the Federal government, the State, or any of the State’s departments, commissions, agencies, or political subdivisions. Contractor’s certification is a material representation upon which the Contract award was based. Contractor shall provide immediate written notice to the State’s Authorized Representative if at any time it learns that this certification was erroneous when submitted or becomes erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.

Contingency Fees Prohibited.

Pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 10A.06, no person may act as or employ a lobbyist for compensation that is dependent upon the result or outcome of any legislation or administrative action.

Certification of Nondiscrimination (in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 16C.053).

If the value of this Contract, including all extensions, is $50,000 or more, Contractor certifies it does not engage in and has no present plans to engage in discrimination against Israel, or against persons or entities doing business in Israel, when making decisions related to the operation of the vendor's business. For purposes of this section, "discrimination" includes but is not limited to engaging in refusals to deal, terminating business activities, or other actions that are intended to limit commercial relations with Israel, or persons or entities doing business in Israel, when such actions are taken in a manner that in any way discriminates on the basis of nationality or national origin and is not based on a valid business reason.

Non-discrimination (in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 181.59).

The Contractor will comply with the provisions of Minn. Stat. § 181.59.

E-Verify Certification (in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 16C.075).

For services valued in excess of $50,000, Contractor certifies that as of the date of services performed on behalf of the State, Contractor and all its subcontractors will have implemented or be in the process of implementing the federal E- Verify Program for all newly hired employees in the United States who will perform work on behalf of the State.

Contractor is responsible for collecting all subcontractor certifications and may do so utilizing the E-Verify Subcontractor Certification Form. All subcontractor certifications must be kept on file with Contractor and made available to the State upon request.

Hazardous Substances.

To the extent that the goods to be supplied to the State by the Contractor contain or may create hazardous substances, harmful physical agents, or infectious agents, as set forth in applicable State and federal laws and regulations, the Contractor must provide the State with Material Safety Data Sheets regarding those substances. A copy must be provided upon request. Goods and containers supplied to the State must be labeled in compliance with state and federal laws, rules, and regulations.

These terms apply to goods supplied under this contract:

Products Containing Triclosan Banned. The Contractor must comply with Minn. Stat. § 145.945.

Products Containing Certain Types of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether Banned. The Contractor must comply with Minn. Stat. § 325E.385-325E.388).

Coal Tar Sealant Use and Sale Prohibited. The Contractor must comply with Minn. Stat. § 116.202.

Products Containing Mercury. The Contractor must comply with Minn. Stat. 116.92.

https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fosp.admin.mn.gov%2Fsites%2Fosp%2Ffiles%2Fpdf%2Feverifysubcertform.doc&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fosp.admin.mn.gov%2Fsites%2Fosp%2Ffiles%2Fpdf%2Feverifysubcertform.doc&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK

Products containing PFAS. The Contractor must comply with Amara's Law (Minn. Stat. § 116.943), which took effect in Minnesota January 1, 2025. The law applies all products sold or distributed under the contract and prohibits the sale or distribution of some products with intentionally added PFAS within Minnesota.

Survival of Terms.

The following clauses survive the expiration or cancellation of this Contract: Indemnification; State Audits; Government Data Practices; Intellectual Property; Publicity and Endorsement; Governing Law, Jurisdiction, and Venue; and Data Disclosure. Any other Contract term that expressly states or by its nature shall survive, shall survive.

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/116.943#stat.116.943

Exhibit B: Insurance Requirements

Notice to Contractor.

The Contractor is required to submit Certificates of Insurance acceptable to the State as evidence of insurance coverage requirements prior to commencing work under this Contract.

The Contractor shall not commence work under the contract until they have obtained all the insurance described below and the State has approved such insurance. Contractor shall maintain such insurance in force and effect throughout the term of this Contract, unless otherwise specified in this Contract

The failure of the Contractor to provide a Certificate of Insurance, for the policies required under this Contract or renewals thereof, or failure of the insurance company to notify the State of the cancellation of policies required under this Contract shall not constitute a waiver by the State to the Contractor to provide such insurance.

The State reserves the right to immediately terminate this Contract if the Contractor is not in compliance with the insurance requirements and retains all rights to pursue any legal remedies against the Contractor. All insurance policies must be open to inspection by the State, and copies of policies must be submitted to the State’s Authorized Representative upon written request.

Notice to Insurer.

The Contractor’s insurance company(ies) waives its right to assert the immunity of the State as a defense to any claims made under said insurance.

Insurance certificate holder should be addressed as follows:

State of Minnesota 500 Lafayette Rd St. Paul, MN 55155

Additional Insurance Conditions. The following apply to the Contractor, or the Contractor’s subcontractor:

Contractor’s policy(ies) shall be primary insurance to any other valid and collectible insurance available to the State with respect to any claim arising out of Contractor’s performance under this Contract.

If Contractor receives a cancellation notice from an insurance carrier affording coverage herein, Contractor agrees to notify the State within five (5) business days with a copy of the cancellation notice, unless Contractor’s policy(ies) contain a provision that coverage afforded under the policy(ies) will not be cancelled without at least thirty (30) days advance written notice to the State;

Contractor is responsible for payment of Contract related insurance premiums and deductibles;

If Contractor is self-insured, a Certificate of Self-Insurance must be attached;

Contractor’s policy(ies) shall include legal defense fees in addition to its policy limits with the exception of professional liability.

Contractor’s insurance companies must either (1) have an AM Best rating of A- (minus) and a Financial Size Category of VII or better, and be authorized to do business in the State of Minnesota or (2) be domiciled in the State of Minnesota and have a Certificate of Authority/Compliance from the Minnesota Department of Commerce if they are not rated by AM Best.

An Umbrella or Excess Liability insurance policy may be used to supplement the Contractor’s policy limits to satisfy the full policy limits required by the Contract.

Coverages. Contractor is required to maintain and furnish satisfactory evidence of the following insurance policies:

Commercial General Liability Insurance. Contractor is required to maintain insurance protecting it from claims for damages for bodily injury, including sickness or disease, death, and for care and loss of services as well as from claims for property damage, including loss of use which may arise from operations under the Contract whether the operations are by the Contractor or by a subcontractor or by anyone directly or indirectly employed by the Contractor under the contract. Insurance minimum limits are as follows:

$1,500,000 – per occurrence $1,500,000 – annual aggregate $1,500,000 – annual aggregate – applying to Products/Completed Operations

The following coverages shall be included:

• Premises and Operations Bodily Injury and Property Damage

• Personal and Advertising Injury

• Blanket Contractual Liability

• Products and Completed Operations Liability

• State of Minnesota named as an Additional Insured, to the extent permitted by law

Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance. Contractor is required to maintain insurance protecting it from claims for damages for bodily injury as well as from claims for property damage resulting from the ownership, operation, maintenance or use of all owned, hired, and non-owned autos which may arise from operations under this contract, and in case any work is subcontracted the contractor will require the subcontractor to maintain Commercial Automobile Liability insurance. Insurance minimum limits are as follows:

$1,500,000 – per occurrence Combined Single limit for Bodily Injury and Property Damage

In addition, the following coverages should be included: Owned, Hired, and Non-owned Automobile.

Evidence of Subcontractor insurance shall be filed with the Contractor.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance. Statutory Compensation Coverage. Except as provided below, Contractor must provide Workers’ Compensation insurance for all its employees and, in case any work is subcontracted, Contractor will require the subcontractor to provide Workers’ Compensation insurance in accordance with the statutory requirements of the State, including Coverage B, Employer’s Liability. Insurance minimum limits are as follows:

$100,000 – Bodily Injury by Disease per employee $500,000 – Bodily Injury by Disease aggregate $100,000 – Bodily Injury by Accident

If Minn. Stat. § 176.041 exempts Contractor from Workers’ Compensation insurance or if the Contractor has no employees in the State, Contractor must provide a written statement, signed by an authorized representative, indicating the qualifying exemption that excludes Contractor from the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation requirements.

If during the course of the contract the Contractor becomes eligible for Workers’ Compensation, the Contractor must comply with the Workers’ Compensation Insurance requirements herein and provide the State with a certificate of insurance.

UMBRELLA OR EXCESS LIABILITY

An Umbrella or Excess Liability insurance policy may be used to supplement the Contractor’s policy limit to satisfy the full policy limits required by the Contract.

Officers and Employees of the State of Minnesota shall be named as Additional Insureds, to the extent permitted by law, for claims arising out of the Contractor’s negligence or the negligence of those for whom the Contractor is responsible for both ongoing and completed operations.

POLLUTION LIABILITY INSURANCE. Pollution Liability Insurance is waived for this project

Exhibit C: Specifications, Duties, and Scope of Work

SCOPE

The work covered under this solicitation shall consist of the labor, equipment, materials, tools, transportation, herbicide and incidentals necessary to chemically treat and buckthorn, bush honeysuckle using Basal herbicide and hand-cut and treat application on approximately 50 acres within the Minnesota Falls 3 Native Prairie Bank Easement located in Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota. Due to challenges with monitoring and evaluating compliance with specifications, work on this job will be monitored as follows:

1) Vendor will be required to track progress geospatially, using a handheld GPS (Garmin or equivalent) or GPS-enabled smartphone (Avenza app or equivalent). Vendor will be required to coordinate this component of the project with the Project Supervisor.

2) Written progress reports must be provided at a minimum of 2-week intervals to the Project Supervisor.

Project Supervisor reserves the right to perform regular on-site inspections as work progresses. These progress reports must include daily pesticide application report logs, as well as the geospatial information referenced above.

LOCATION OF WORK

Address: Main Access will be from 5519 Highway 167 Granite Falls, MN 56241. Access to the western portion of the property will be from the side of Highway 23/67. Contractors will need to park on the side of the highway and cross a fence.

The work is to be performed on private property that has a Native Prairie Bank Easement under the State of Minnesota, Department of Natural Resources. It is mandatory that Contractor must meet with Project Supervisor on site BEFORE starting work to review project specifications. All inquiries, information, and coordination with the Owner relating to the scheduling of work, use of site and similar matters shall be directed to the Project Supervisor listed below.

BACKGROUND AND GOALS

The easement occurs within a large outcrop complex that covers approximately 2100 acres immediately downstream from Granite Falls in Yellow Medicine and adjacent Chippewa counties. Minnesotak outcrop complex within which Minnesota Falls 3 is embedded is a statewide conservation priority, with high-quality native plant communities and rare species of statewide significance. Due to the rocky nature of this site, it avoided the plow and now contains high-quality remnant mesic prairie, rock outcrops-prairie complex, and wetlands. Invasives that are present mostly exist as patches within the project area and don’t cover the entire project area as one dense monoculture.

This area has had previous buckthorn and cedar removal. 10 years ago, cedars and buckthorn were forestry mowed or hand-cut and treated across most of the site. Then 5 years later, mowing, hand-cutting and treating of buckthorn resprouts was conducted again on the eastern side of the property. The portion next to HWY 23/67 has never been treated and still contains large cedars. A Rx burn was also conducted at one point but was very patchy.

The goal of this site is to maintain it as a remnant prairie/wetland complex. Therefore, nearly total woody removal is the goal except for a few bur oaks and native hardwoods that would naturally be resistant to fire or find refuge in the fire shadow of the wetlands. Because past efforts via forestry mowing and cut stump treatment left many untreated stumps or because foliar follow-up treatments were unsuccessful, we’d like to take a different approach to treatment this time.

We have had success with basal bark treating large acreages like this in other parts of the state and then removing dead, standing debris after. Advantages to this include not losing any cut stumps under debris or grass during mowing or hand-cutting and treating. Additionally, any missed stems will stick out during the follow-up treatment. Finally, forestry mowing after plants are dead allows for improved aesthetics and reduced perches for birds that may deposit more invasives seeds.

SPECIFICATIONS for Treatment Area:

Job 1: 2026/2027 Basal bark or stump cut treatment of Invasives (50 acres) Until June 30, 2027

• All invasive stems that are greater than ¼ inch diameter:

o Must be treated using Basal Bark methods o If hand cutting and treating with chainsaws or brush saws allows for easier mobility or access to stems within a patch, then this method may be used.

o Contractor may use an ATV/UTV equipped with a tank sprayer and hand-held spray wand to access the property and treat stems o The herbicide mixture shall include 25% oil based triclopyr herbicide labelled for basal bark treatment

(such as Garlon 4, Garlon 4 Ultra, Element 4), bark oil, and an oil soluble dye to aid in identifying treated stems and stumps. If the bark oil is already dyed, then adding oil soluble dye is not necessary.

o Contractor should treat the bottom 12 inches of the stem around the entire stem on individuals larger than half an inch in diameter at ground height. Stems smaller than half an inch may only be treated on the bottom 4 inches.

o Target species include common buckthorn and bush honeysuckles.

Job 2: 2027 Basal bark follow-up (50 acres) July 1, 2027-September 15, 2027

• All invasive stems that are greater than ¼ inch diameter:

o Must be treated using Basal Bark methods o If hand cutting and treating with chainsaws or brush saws allows for easier mobility or access to stems within a patch, then this method may be used.

o Contractor may use an ATV/UTV equipped with a tank sprayer and hand-held spray wand to access the property and treat stems o The herbicide mixture shall include 25% oil based triclopyr herbicide labelled for basal bark treatment

(such as Garlon 4, Garlon 4 Ultra, Element 4), bark oil, and an oil soluble dye to aid in identifying treated stems and stumps. If the bark oil is already dyed, then adding oil soluble dye is not necessary.

o Target species include common buckthorn and bush honeysuckles.

o Follow-up treatment must take place at least 2 weeks after initial treatment to allow for identification of remaining untreated plants.

Job 3: 2028 Forestry mowing (~32 acres) December 1, 2027-March 15, 2028

• Contractor must use a skid-steer-mounted rotary brush mower to mow all dead standing stems from basal bark treatment.

• Contractor must avoid operating heavy equipment on the rock outcrops to avoid damaging sensitive plant communities.

• Forestry mowing must be kept to dry or frozen ground to avoid rutting.

Job 4: 2028 Hand cutting (~18 acres) December 1, 2027-June 30, 2028

• Contractor will use chainsaws or handheld brush saws to cut standing dead stems of buckthorn and honeysuckle as well as living eastern red cedar less than 5 ft tall.

• Cut stems should not be piled

• Cut stems should be cut and slashed into smaller pieces to lay relatively close to ground.

• Cedars larger than 5 ft tall should be cut, slashed, and debris should be spread out to not create a pile. No cedar debris should be left on rock outcrops.

Motorized Equipment

• Motorized equipment must be clean of dirt, debris, mud, and seeds prior to bringing them on site.

• Motorized equipment must follow and stay on designated access trail through the treatment area.

• Hand equipment needs include but are not limited to: chainsaws, handheld brushsaws, handheld or backpack herbicide applicator, all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for each piece of equipment.

• ATV’s, UTV’s may be used to access the site but are limited to flat terrain.

Herbicide Use Requirements

• Hand/wand herbicide application only. NO broadcast spraying with a boom allowed.

• Vendor must not spray when wind exceeds safe and environmentally responsible conditions (follow state regulations). Spray drift is the responsibility of the applicator.

• Vendor must consider the potential for drift to adjacent sensitive areas (e.g., residential areas, bodies of water, known habitat for threatened or endangered species, non-target crops).

• Vendor must adhere to the following guidelines in regard to drift: To aid in reducing spray drift, using an agriculturally labeled drift control additive, high viscosity invert system, or equivalent as directed by the manufacturer. Velocity is low (follow state regulations). In hand-gun applications, select the minimum spray pressure that will provide adequate plant cover (Without forming a mist). Do not apply with nozzles that produce a fine droplet spray.

• All herbicide application shall follow appropriate herbicide label directions.

• Only licensed commercial pesticide applicators in the State of Minnesota will work with or apply chemicals.

• All herbicide treatments must contain a marker dye sufficient to show extent of stumps and stems treated either blue or red that will be visibly colored for 2 weeks after treatment.

• The contractor is responsible for proper storage, transportation and application of herbicide.

• Herbicide spill cleanup and disposal of empty herbicide containers is the contractor's responsibility.

• Contractor must have Material Safety Data Sheets at work site for all products that contain or may create hazardous substances.

• No herbicides listed on the Forest Stewardship Council’s list of prohibited chemicals may be used on this project. Refer to link below:

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/certification/fsc__sfi-banned_pesticides.pdf

• Contractor must follow DNR-Forestry Pesticide Use Guidelines, which may be reviewed at any Forestry station or found at the following link:

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/ecssilviculture/policies/pesticide_use_guidelines.pdf

• A FAW Pesticide Application Report must be completed and submitted to the project supervisor before any partial or final payment will be approved. Report can be found in Exhibit F.

• If substituting an equivalent EPA labelled product, the substitute herbicide must be labelled for Forestry Use (It is not adequate that a product is labelled for use on rangeland, permanent pastures, CRP, ROW, non-crop areas, or natural areas).

Garlon 4 or equivalent EPA labeled product: Apply as specified on the label for "Low Volume Foliage Treatment,” "Low Volume Basal Bark Treatment," or "Cut Stump Treatment”. Herbicide to be applied no more than 1 hour after stem is cut. Do not apply when snow prevents spraying to the ground line (no more than 3 inches of snow on ground).

Garlon 4 Ultra or an equivalent generic product mixed at 25% with 75% bark oil is an acceptable herbicide for spot spray basal bark and cut stump treatment.

Garlon 4 Ultra or equivalent generic product mixed at 5% with water and 1 oz. non-ionic surfactant per gallon is an acceptable herbicide for foliar treatment.

• Basal Spray: Use the basal bark treatment on stems less than 3 inches DBH and the cut stump treatment on stems greater than 3 inches DBH. Apply Garlon 4 Ultra (or equivalent) with a color dye in a manner that http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/certification/fsc__sfi-banned_pesticides.pdf http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/ecssilviculture/policies/pesticide_use_guidelines.pdf thoroughly wets the target trunk from the root collar up the stem at least 12”, but not to the point of runoff. On stems half an inch thick or smaller, herbicide may be applied only from the root collar up 4”.

CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• EXAMINATION OF SITE: All prospective bidders are strongly encouraged to contact the Project Supervisors to get maps and directions for each site. Before submitting a proposal on the work contained in these specifications, each bidder is encouraged to visit the site, examine the premise, and thoroughly familiarize themselves with all existing conditions and limitations pertaining to the work involved. No extras will be allowed because of the Contractor’s misunderstanding as to the amount of work entailed, or lack of knowledge of existing conditions.

o To arrange site visits prior to the bid, contact the Project Supervisor.

TJ Boettcher; Conservation Opportunity Area Coordinator.

805 N Hwy 44/76 Caledonia, MN 55921 Phone: 507-313-4758; Email: tj.boettcher@state.mn.us

• A written project schedule will be provided to the Project Supervisor. The schedule will include the following:

o Anticipated start date.

o A date on which the project will be substantially complete and ready for inspection for compliance by the Project Supervisor. This date shall be no later than (7) calendar days before the listed completion date for each project to allow time for any additional work or clean-up required.

• Before beginning work, the Contractor must contact the Project Supervisor and participate in an on-site meeting with the Project Supervisor to review contract specifications, expectations, and address any other pertinent questions.

• Contractor must notify the Project Supervisor at least one week before work begins.

• Contractor must have on site a person with the ability to identify all tree species when any cutting or herbicide treatment is being performed.

• Contractor must follow DNR-Forestry Pesticide Use Guidelines, which may be reviewed at any Forestry station.

This includes the requirement that all personnel applying herbicide must be licensed in the State of Minnesota as commercial pesticide applicators.

• Immediately repair at own expense any damage to parking lots, access roads, trails or fields caused by contractor or any agents of the contractor.

• Do not fell any trees with tree stands in them. Contractor will also be careful to avoid damaging any deer blinds on the property.

• Any equipment left on site must be secured and is the sole responsibility of the Contractor.

• If the project is inactive for longer than two weeks of the growing season, the Contractor shall close, obstruct, or gate all access routes as directed by the Project Supervisor until the project resumes.

• Contact Project Supervisor and adjacent landowners, as needed, for additional access permission and specific details regarding use.

• Contractor is responsible for being aware of and meeting all Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances as they relate to the type of work being conducted.

• Contractors must have on site Safety Data Sheets for all products that contain or may create hazardous substances.

• All oil, diesel, herbicide, and other hazardous fluid spills must be cleaned up immediately by the contractor in accordance with PCA guidelines.

• Contractor shall work in a manner that minimizes rutting, sod, and severe soil disturbance.

STATE’S RESPONSIBILITIES

• Project Supervisor will provide the contractor with detailed maps and meet on site as needed. Avenza maps or GPS boundaries of the project areas will be provided upon request.

• Project Supervisor or his/her designee will monitor the project site to ensure compliance with specifications.

• Project Supervisor will provide final inspection upon completion of the project.

SCHEDULE

No work shall be completed during any deer season without consent of the landowner.

AWARD

• Contract will be awarded to one responsible bidder with the lowest total bid. Bidders will provide a Price Per Acre for each of the four (4) Jobs.

• The DNR Project Supervisor, at their discretion, reserves the right to withdraw the…