Containerized Seedlings and Services

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is requesting proposals for custom-grown containerized conifer and hardwood seedlings and seed upgrading services under RFP 26-2354, with proposals due August 17, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern. Questions were due August 5, 2026 with answers posted August 12. When subcontractors perform more than 20% of deliverables, contractors must award at least 20% of that subcontracted work to Michigan-based Geographically Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (GDBEs), with documented exemption requests required if suitable GDBE subcontractors cannot be identified.

The scope encompasses seed upgrading services for red pine, jack pine, white pine, and white spruce to achieve germination rates exceeding 97% for red pine and 85% for other conifers; high-volume production of 1-0 Red Pine (2,000,000+) and 1-0 Jack Pine (1,000,000+); and low-volume production of various 1-0 and 2-0 conifer and hardwood species ranging from 1,000 to 500,000 units. Containerized seedlings must meet specified dimensions and root collar diameters. Contractors must deliver seedlings in a dormant but thawed condition between April 1 and May 1 to four designated DNR field offices (Grayling, Gaylord, Newberry, and Ishpeming) using refrigerated trailers and wax-lined boxes, with staging capability for approximately two weeks at each location. The first anticipated delivery occurs in spring 2028. Bidders must demonstrate prior high-volume and low-volume growing experience and appoint a dedicated contractor representative available during business hours.

The contract term is October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2031, with the option to renew for up to five additional one-year periods at the State's sole discretion. Pricing is firm for 365-day periods. Contractors may charge a sowing fee of up to 50% of order value upon receipt of purchase orders. The State will reimburse shipping, handling, and refrigerated trailer rental costs. All payments are made via Electronic Funds Transfer within 45 days of invoice receipt.

Evaluation is worth 100 points: product quality (10 points), delivery/acceptance/inspection (10 points), service capabilities (10 points), and vendor questionnaire responses (70 points). Proposals scoring 80 or more points are eligible for price evaluation and award. The State reserves the right to conduct facility inspections, request oral presentations, conduct interviews, and negotiate with one or more bidders. Contracts valued at $250,000 or more require State Administrative Board approval. Proposals must be submitted electronically through Michigan SIGMA VSS as separate modifiable files (Word or Excel) not exceeding 30 MB each, with a completed Confidential Treatment Form mandatory regardless of whether confidential information is included.