1451-26-R-IFBD-00002

The Mississippi Forestry Commission is seeking a qualified contractor to serve as the Forest Legacy Program (FLP) Grant Administration Coordinator through an Invitation for Bids (IFB). The contract requires comprehensive program administration, including developing and distributing promotional materials, organizing meetings with land trusts and conservancies, soliciting and assisting with applications, coordinating with the State Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee and USDA Forest Service, and maintaining the Forest Legacy Information System. Qualified contractors must have a minimum of five years of experience as a Forest Legacy Program coordinator and maintain general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence, with additional workers' compensation and vehicle liability coverage. The sealed bid submission is due by February 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with bids to be submitted via email or the MAGIC system. Evaluation criteria will focus on the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, considering pricing, IFB compliance, demonstrated experience, and capability.

The procurement appears to be open to all qualified contractors, with no specific set-aside designations mentioned. Bidders must be in good standing with the Mississippi Secretary of State and submit a comprehensive proposal including company background, experience summary, and an itemized budget detailing travel, mileage, administrative support, and project management costs. The initial contract term is five years, with potential renewal at the agency's discretion, and is subject to the availability of federal and state funding. While no specific award value is explicitly stated, the contract requires detailed invoicing with comprehensive activity reports and will be paid electronically through the State of Mississippi's payment system. The contractor will be classified as an independent contractor, and the Mississippi Forestry Commission reserves the right to terminate the contract with ten working days' notice if anticipated funds are not available or the program is materially altered.