1450-25-R-IFBD-00005

The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) is seeking competitive bids for an invasive herbicide treatment project at the Wachovia Preserve in Hancock County, involving treatment of 504.98 acres during the 2025 growing season. The solicitation, identified as RFx# 3160007352, requires contractors to apply selective ground herbicide to suppress and reduce thirteen mapped invasive plant species, including alligator weed, Chinese privet, and cogon grass. Bidders must possess a valid Mississippi Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification and provide three professional references. The project demands comprehensive data collection, including GPS/GIS mapping, photographs of treatment crews, and detailed documentation of herbicide usage, with contractors required to follow strict biosecurity protocols to prevent invasive species spread. Key submission details include a pre-bid conference on May 7, 2025, and sealed bids due by 10:00 AM CDT on May 27, 2025, which can be submitted via hand delivery, mail, or through the MAGIC Portal. The contract will have an initial one-year term with potential for a single one-year renewal, and will be awarded to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder. Evaluation will focus on technical capability, adherence to specifications, and comprehensive treatment approach.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. While no incumbent vendors are identified, the contract allows for electronic registration through Mississippi's Accountability System for Government Information and Collaboration (MAGIC). Payment terms indicate contractors will be reimbursed within 45 days of invoice receipt, with funding sourced from state resources. The total project area covers 504.98 acres across fifteen subunits, suggesting a substantial scope of work that would likely require specialized environmental management expertise. Although a specific budget range is not disclosed, the complexity of the project—involving precise herbicide application, extensive documentation, and rigorous environmental protocols—implies a significant contract value. Interested vendors must carefully review the full bid documentation available through the MDMR website, the Mississippi Procurement Portal, or by contacting the IFB Coordinator, Teselyn Melton Funches, to understand the complete requirements and submission guidelines.