DNR EWR PT QC butterfly monitoring in NW MN

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a contractor to conduct butterfly monitoring across four sites in northwestern Minnesota prairies through a quick call procurement process. The project aims to detect changes in butterfly communities related to various environmental agents, requiring the selected vendor to survey 100-meter transects five times between June 3 and August 28, 2024, totaling 80 sample-surveys. Minimum qualifications for responders include having at least 20 work days of experience conducting standardized butterfly surveys and identifying butterfly species in Midwest North American grasslands. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the SWIFT Supplier Portal by March 29, 2024, at 2:00 PM Central Time, with price being a significant evaluation factor. The DNR anticipates awarding the contract to a single vendor with a projected start date of April 8, 2024. The total estimated contract value should not exceed $8,000, and compensation will be based on the number of completed transects.

The DNR is committed to diversity and inclusion in its procurement process, actively encouraging participation from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with substantial physical disabilities. The solicitation is open to all registered bidders and suppliers, with the state's Small Business Procurement Program providing opportunities for eligible businesses to explore certification. While no incumbent vendor is specified, the RFP includes detailed insurance requirements for the successful responder, including workers' compensation, commercial general liability, and commercial automobile liability coverage. Vendors must affirm noncollusion, disclose any potential conflicts of interest, and comply with organizational conflict of interest guidelines. The procurement also includes preferences for targeted group and economically disadvantaged businesses, veteran-owned businesses, and resident vendors, demonstrating the state's commitment to inclusive and equitable contracting practices.