Conservation/Natural Resources Cooperative Service Contract

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) 25CRDPBPPAYT-0106 seeking a contractor to provide comprehensive conservation and natural resources cooperative service support. The procurement aims to secure a partner capable of delivering up to 76 weeks of 5-person field crew time, totaling approximately 15,200 person-hours of work. Specific service requirements include chainsaw operations, invasive species control, trail building, sign installation, landscaping, restoration planting, prescribed fires, and equipment operation. Crew members must be trained in chainsaw safety, invasive species identification, trail building, and first aid, and provide their own transportation and tools. The technical evaluation will assess proposals based on 150 possible points, with 100 points allocated to technical factors and 50 points to cost. The RFP was released on February 15, 2025, with proposals due by March 7, 2025, at 4:30 PM CST through the state's IMPACS procurement system. Proposals must remain valid for 120 days after submission.

The RFP does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. However, the contractor will be required to maintain substantial insurance coverage, including $2 million in general aggregate liability and $1 million per occurrence liability. The DNR will provide project direction, occasional additional staff assistance, equipment, and training opportunities for crew members. Respondents may seek grants and partnerships to reduce project costs, subject to prior DNR approval. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the scope suggests a significant engagement involving 15,200 person-hours of work across 76 weeks. The payment terms allow 60 days for invoice processing, with potential early payment discounts. The DNR encourages innovative approaches that can support their conservation and natural resources management objectives while providing young adults with meaningful mentoring and service experiences in the environmental sector.