Arrowhead State Trail Rare Plant Survey

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Parks & Trails Division is requesting proposals for a comprehensive rare plant survey along a 6.2-mile corridor of the proposed Arrowhead State Trail re-route near Tower Area, with proposals due August 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time through the SWIFT Supplier Portal. The State offers a twelve percent preference for certified Targeted Group Businesses, Economically Disadvantaged Businesses, and veteran-owned small businesses meeting statutory requirements.

The survey covers a 100-foot corridor (50 feet on each side of the proposed trail centerline) across approximately 102 acres of mixed terrain including constructed trail and road areas, clear-cut forests, clear-cut regrowth, and mixed deciduous and coniferous forest, all on state lands only. The contractor must identify endangered, threatened, and special concern plant species present in the area prior to trail re-routing and surface upgrades for all-season ATV use. Desired qualifications include a university or college degree in botany or related natural resource field, minimum three years of experience surveying endangered, threatened, and special concern species in northern Minnesota, and knowledge of northeastern Minnesota rare plants. The contractor must conduct pre-field duties and complete the survey by September 11, 2026, with a final summary report due by November 20, 2026 (NHIS submissions by December 31, 2026). All work must comply with Minnesota Natural Heritage Program protocols and the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.

Proposals are evaluated on qualifications (40 percent), approach to project (30 percent), and cost (30 percent). The State reserves the right to short-list respondents for interviews or conduct best and final offer negotiations. Required insurance includes Commercial General Liability ($2 million per occurrence), Commercial Automobile Liability ($2 million per occurrence), and Workers' Compensation per Minnesota statutory requirements. All work must be performed within the United States. Questions are due to Charles Schuman, Contract Officer, by August 3, 2026, at 218/328-8951 or Charles.Schuman@state.mn.us.