2026 Wetland Tree Planting - North, Grand & University

The Michigan Department of Transportation is requesting proposals for wetland tree planting services across five sites in the North, Grand, and University regions under RFP 260000002348, with proposals due August 4, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern and questions due July 28, 2026. Bidders must be currently listed as MDOT Prequalified Contractors in the H-Landscaping category and registered with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity as a State Project Contractor.

The scope spans five locations: Cheboygan River Watershed Bank (Emmet County, North Region), US-131/Manton Wetland Mitigation Site (Wexford County, North Region), M-6/Holstege Site (Kent County, Grand Region), M-59/Musson Road Site (Livingston County, University Region), and River Raisin Watershed Bank (Washtenaw County, University Region). Each site requires installation of 500 native tree and shrub species, with four required species: Platanus occidentalis, Quercus bicolor, Quercus macrocarpa, and Quercus palustris. Planting must occur between October 1 and November 15 annually at approximately 100 stems per acre with 12- to 15-foot random spacing. Key personnel must hold a minimum of five years of specialized experience in wetland plant material installation and provide three current references. Prevailing wage requirements apply across all five counties. The contractor must furnish performance and lien bonds each for 100 percent of the total contract price.

Pricing proposals must be submitted electronically through www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS in modifiable formats with separate pricing file upload. Unit pricing per tree includes site preparation, labor, materials, equipment, layout, tree guards, and establishment period costs including replacements. Wetland watering and cultivation are paid per site visit at contracted rates when directed by the Program Manager. Provisional acceptance payment of 80 percent is released upon Notice of Provisional Acceptance; the remaining 20 percent follows final acceptance at the end of the establishment period (June through August of the first full growing season). Pricing is firm for the entire contract term. Invoices must be submitted within 45 days of contract expiration. The anticipated contract start date is September 14, 2026. Liquidated damages for late or improper completion range from $500 to $4,000 daily depending on contract value. Award goes to the responsive and responsible bidder with the lowest price meeting all pass/fail criteria.