1451-26-R-IFBD-00001

The Mississippi Forestry Commission is seeking sealed bids for a personal service contract to provide cogongrass treatment services across Mississippi. This Invitation for Bids (IFB) solicits qualified contractors to perform herbicide application for eliminating cogongrass, an invasive species affecting the Southern Region of the United States. Contractors must provide comprehensive services including labor, equipment, materials, herbicides, transportation, and supervision for treating cogongrass on state, federal, and private lands. Successful bidders must be licensed Mississippi Commercial Pesticide Applicators capable of applying approved herbicides like imazapyr and glyphosate mixtures on rights-of-way, forested lands, and agricultural margins. The scope of work requires treatment extending at least six feet past visible cogongrass edges, with statewide treatment needs potentially ranging from small patches to several hundred acres annually. Sealed bids must be submitted by January 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. through email or the MAGIC system, with the contract term beginning April 1, 2026, and potential for up to three optional one-year renewals based on satisfactory performance.

The procurement does not specify specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. Contractors must provide comprehensive general liability insurance with minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence and workers' compensation insurance as required by Mississippi law. Proof of good standing with the Mississippi Secretary of State is mandatory. Pricing will be submitted on a per-hour rate basis for crews with a minimum of two persons, with payment made within thirty days of invoice approval. The contract will be funded through state and federal grants, including RESTORE and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) programs, though specific funding amounts are not disclosed. The Mississippi Forestry Commission reserves the right to award contracts to multiple vendors to ensure statewide coverage. A unique contract feature allows for potential rate increases up to 110 percent of the original bid rate if unanticipated market disruptions occur, with the contractor required to provide detailed market analysis and cost justification.