Containerized Seedlings and Services

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is requesting proposals for custom-grown containerized conifer and hardwood seedlings and seed upgrade services under RFP 260000002354, with proposals due August 17, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern and questions due August 5 by 3:00 p.m. Eastern. Qualified Disabled Veteran/Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses may receive preference consideration under Michigan law. If contractors utilize subcontractors for more than 20% of deliverables, they must award at least 20% of subcontracted work to Michigan-based Geographically Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, unless an exemption is granted.

Bidders must demonstrate previous high-volume experience growing 1-0 conifer seedlings at volumes specified in Schedule B, Table 2 to qualify for evaluation. High-volume production includes 1-0 Red Pine (2,000,000+) and 1-0 Jack Pine (1,000,000+). Low-volume offerings for species such as White Pine, White Spruce, Northern Red Oak, White Oak, Yellow Birch, and Paper Birch range from 1,000 to 500,000 units depending on species. Seedlings must achieve germination rates exceeding 97% for red pine and 85% for other conifer species. Delivery is to four MDNR field offices in Grayling, Gaylord, Newberry, and Ishpeming in late April or early May, F.O.B. destination in refrigerated trailers. The first anticipated delivery is spring 2028. Acceptance requires 90% or more of inspected seedlings to meet specifications; liquidated damages are $41.48 per thousand for undelivered red pine and $35.70 per thousand for undelivered jack pine.

The contract is effective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2031, with up to five additional one-year renewal options at the State's sole discretion. Pricing proposals must cover setup charges, shipping, handling, per-piece pricing, and palletizing; sowing fees may not exceed 50% of the per-thousand seedling cost. Pricing is firm for 365 days beginning on the effective date. Evaluation criteria are weighted: Product Quality (10 points), Delivery, Acceptance and Inspection (10 points), Service Capabilities (10 points), and Vendor Question Worksheet responses (70 points). Proposals scoring 80 or more will have pricing evaluated. The State reserves the right to negotiate pricing, terms, and deliverables; conduct on-site facility inspections; and consider economic impact factors including Michigan resident employment and job creation. The contract may be funded in whole or in part with federal funds, and bidders must accept federal provisions including Davis-Bacon Act, CDBG, Clean Air Act, and debarment verification requirements.