DNR EWR PT calcareous FEN vegetative surveys

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is soliciting proposals for a comprehensive vegetative survey of 19 statutorily protected calcareous fens located on Scientific and Natural Areas (SNA) and Native Prairie Bank easements across ten Minnesota counties, including Carver County. The selected surveyor will be responsible for conducting meander surveys, completing releve data collection, documenting endangered and threatened species, mapping plant communities, and collecting 100 vouchered plant specimens. Key qualifications include having at least one field personnel certified on the DNR's listed-species surveyors list, demonstrating expertise in plant identification, herbarium specimen processing, and Native Plant Community classification. The evaluation process will allocate 1,000 total points, with 300 points for the work plan, 400 points for qualifications and experience, and 300 points for cost detail, with potential additional preference points. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the SWIFT Supplier Portal by May 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM Central Time, with the project period running from June 2025 to June 2026 and field work to be completed by June 30, 2026.

The procurement opportunity includes diversity and inclusion considerations, offering potential preference points for veteran-owned businesses, targeted group businesses, and economically disadvantaged businesses. Specifically, there is a 12% preference for certified small businesses majority-owned by veterans, and additional opportunities for businesses owned by racial minorities, women, persons with substantial physical disabilities, or those located in economically disadvantaged counties. While no incumbent vendor is mentioned, the DNR requires strict compliance with specific documentation and certification requirements, including workforce and equal pay certifications for contracts exceeding $100,000. Although a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the survey across 19 sites suggests a substantial contract value. Vendors must be registered as bidders or suppliers in the SWIFT Supplier Portal and must adhere to the detailed cost breakdown requirements outlined in the Cost Detail form, which includes specific limitations on expenses such as vehicle mileage (capped at the federal rate of $0.655/mile) and meal costs aligned with the Commissioner's Plan.