DNR EWR QC native plant community mapping

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), specifically the Minnesota Biological Survey (MBS), is soliciting proposals for a native plant community (NPC) mapping project in the Caribou Wildlife Management Area located in Kittson County. The procurement seeks qualified professionals to conduct on-the-ground surveys to update and refine existing complex mappings of native plant communities, with field work required during July or August 2025. Contractors must complete detailed vegetation surveys, create GPS tracking records, compile field notes, and produce ArcGIS mapping deliverables by December 31, 2025. Minimum qualifications include three summer seasons or 12 months of experience collecting and identifying native plants in Minnesota's Northern Prairie Parkland and Aspen Parklands Provinces. The evaluation criteria will weight proposals as follows: 40% on personnel qualifications, 30% on cost, 20% on work plan and project management, and 10% on understanding of project objectives. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the SWIFT Supplier Portal by 2:00 PM Central Time on May 19, 2025, with the complete project to be finalized by May 21, 2025.

The State of Minnesota demonstrates a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion in this procurement, actively encouraging proposals from small businesses, minority-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, veteran-owned businesses, and businesses owned by individuals with substantial physical disabilities. The state specifically aims to increase vendor representation from historically underrepresented groups and businesses located in economically disadvantaged counties. While the specific contract value is not explicitly stated in the provided documents, the procurement appears to be a targeted, specialized mapping project with specific technical requirements. Contractors are expected to provide their own equipment and meet stringent technical specifications for native plant community mapping. The solicitation emphasizes electronic submission through the SWIFT Supplier Portal, with potential vendors required to be registered as either a bidder or supplier. Interested parties are directed to the Office of Equity in Procurement for any questions regarding certification or participation requirements.