1451-25-R-IFBD-00002

The Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) is issuing an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for Urban Tree Canopy Assessment services across multiple coastal municipalities, specifically targeting six counties including Bolivar County. Funded through a $7.25 million USDA RESTORE Act grant, the project aims to enhance forest resources and water quality in Gulf Coast watersheds. The procurement seeks a contractor to perform comprehensive tree canopy assessments for up to 17 municipalities, with bids required to be priced on a per square mile basis. Vendors must demonstrate at least three years of experience in tree canopy services and have the capability to provide ecosystem services. Key deliverables include tree canopy cover maps, land cover maps, tree planting prioritization maps, and GIS data layers that must be accessible on a user-friendly platform for five years. The bid is due by May 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM CST, with an anticipated contract award date of May 15, 2025. Vendors are required to maintain a minimum assessment accuracy of 95% and must be registered to do business in Mississippi.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Vendors must comply with state procurement regulations and be prepared to integrate their findings into existing environmental restoration initiatives related to the BP Oil Spill recovery efforts. While the exact contract value is not specified, the $7.25 million USDA grant suggests significant funding potential for the selected contractor. The project encompasses municipalities across Pearl River, Stone, George, Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson counties, including cities like Picayune, Poplarville, Biloxi, Gulfport, and Pascagoula. The comprehensive nature of the assessment requires vendors to provide detailed ecosystem analysis, focusing on urban forest health and water quality improvement. Successful contractors will need robust GIS capabilities and the technical expertise to develop sophisticated mapping and prioritization tools that can be utilized by local governments for strategic urban forestry planning.