DNR EWR PT MR and LK native plant communities

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), specifically the Minnesota Biological Survey (MBS), is seeking qualified contractors to conduct comprehensive native plant community mapping and data collection in the Laurentian Mixed Forest Province. The project involves delineating, collecting vegetation plot data, and digitally mapping Marsh (MR) and Lake (LK) Native Plant Communities at 32 specific lake sites. Contractors must have a minimum of three years of field experience as a botanist and two years of experience mapping native plant communities. The work requires conducting desktop screening, field planning, and ground surveys, with 1-3 releve plots per target basin to document Native Plant Community Classes. Proposals will be evaluated across four key areas: understanding of project objectives (100 points), deliverables and work plan (200 points), qualifications and experience (400 points), and cost detail (300 points), totaling 1,000 possible points. The proposal submission deadline is February 5, 2025, at 2:00 PM Central Time, with the contract period anticipated to run from April 1, 2025, to October 30, 2026, involving field surveys over two consecutive summers.

The procurement opportunity includes preference points for certified targeted group businesses, with up to 120 additional points available for economically disadvantaged, veteran-owned, or other qualifying businesses. Vendors must submit proposals exclusively through the SWIFT Supplier Portal and provide their own equipment, including GPS units, boats, and mapping software. Contractors are responsible for their transportation and lodging expenses, which should be incorporated into their cost proposal. The project budget is estimated at $55,000, with a payment structure involving quarterly invoicing and a 10% retainage held until final completion. The DNR has specific insurance requirements, including Commercial General Liability ($2M per occurrence), Commercial Automobile Liability ($2M combined single limit), Workers' Compensation, and Privacy Liability Insurance ($2M per occurrence). Successful contractors will be required to submit preliminary mapping by May 30 of each year, complete field surveys by September 30, provide initial data submissions by October 30, and submit final Native Plant Community mapping by December 30 of each project year.