Aquatic Invasive Species Removal at South Higgins Boat Basin

The State of Michigan, Department of Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation Division, is procuring aquatic invasive species removal services at South Higgins Lake State Park in Huron County and East Grand Rapids City through Bid #190000002903. The project scope involves the removal and treatment of 0.4 acres of Eurasian Milfoil and Starry Stonewort from a 2.89-acre boat basin, with treatment extending 15 feet from the South/Southwest shoreline to the center of the basin. Successful contractors must be certified and licensed applicators who will secure all required Department of Environmental Quality permits, including NPDES and Aquatic Nuisance Control permits, and provide all signage, labor, equipment, materials, and transportation necessary to complete the work. The deliverables include a detailed sequential work plan specifying techniques, equipment, and chemical treatments (identified by brand and trade names with active ingredient concentrations), identification of the project manager and all dedicated field staff with assigned roles, applicator license numbers, descriptions of any subcontractors, and documentation of at least three prior projects of similar scope with performing company names, project manager contact information, work descriptions, project dates, and dollar values. Evaluation criteria are conducted on a technical pass/fail basis, assessing the proposed work plan, personnel qualifications, and prior experience. The bid submission deadline is August 1, 2019, at 9:30 a.m., submitted through the SIGMA-VSS system, with no pre-bid meeting scheduled and work to be completed as soon as possible following bid award.

The procurement documents do not specify any set-aside designations, disadvantaged enterprise restrictions, or incumbent vendors. Contractors must maintain a minimum liability insurance policy of $2,000,000 that includes coverage for aquatic work without pollution exclusion clauses and names the State of Michigan as an additional insured, with a current Certificate of Insurance required at bid submission. Pricing must be submitted as a firm, fixed-price contract with detailed cost breakdowns identifying labor (hourly rates and hours per staff member), equipment costs, travel costs, supplies including chemicals, and Department of Environmental Quality permit costs, with no allowance for additional charges beyond the original bid amount. The contract documents do not include a published budget range or award value; however, the fixed-price submission structure allows contractors to propose competitive pricing based on their specific methodologies and resource requirements. All work must comply with best industry practices and product label instructions, and contractors must coordinate with the Park Supervisor, Harbor Master, and City of East Tawas prior to application.