1451-25-R-IFBD-00003

The Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) is seeking a contractor to serve as the Forest Legacy Program (FLP) Grant Coordinator for Sunflower County through an Invitation for Bids (IFB) released on July 9, 2024, with proposals due by August 8, 2024, at 10:00 am. The selected vendor will be responsible for comprehensive program management, including developing and distributing promotional materials, facilitating meetings with landowners and companies, enlisting partnerships, identifying cost-sharing opportunities, and soliciting and assisting with program applications. Key deliverables include updating electronic copies of the Assessment of Need (AON), coordinating communication with MFC, organizing meetings with land trusts, coordinating nomination reviews, attending regional and national meetings, and supporting grant application and administration processes. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, with qualifications and references serving as major evaluation criteria. Bids can be submitted electronically through the state's MAGIC system or in person to MFC, and must include pricing on company letterhead with a detailed breakdown of all fees.

The contract is funded through the Forest Legacy Grant 2022 (Grant No. 22-DG11083128-003), with the grant amount representing the maximum MFC will pay for the services. While no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on bidder types are explicitly mentioned, the procurement appears open to qualified service providers capable of executing the program's complex coordination requirements. If the submitted bid exceeds available funding, the contractor and MFC will need to collaboratively adjust the scope of work. The contract appears focused on engaging with landowners, conservation organizations, and stakeholders in Sunflower County to promote forest conservation and land preservation through the Forest Legacy Program. While a specific contract value is not disclosed, the funding is tied to the specific grant amount, suggesting a defined budget range for the project's implementation.