DNR Forest Resources Tree & Boundary Marking Paint

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Forest Resources Division, issued a Request for Proposal on June 25, 2020, for the procurement of tree and boundary marking paint products to support the management of over 4 million acres of forest lands. The solicitation requests pricing for three product categories: 12-ounce aerosol cans, quart containers, and gallon containers in seven colors for tree marking (black, light blue, light green, orange, purple, red, and yellow) and six colors for boundary marking (black, light blue, light green, orange, red, and yellow). Estimated annual quantities total approximately 2,600 aerosol cans, 16,075 quart cans for tree marking, 5,550 gallon cans for tree marking, 5,350 quart cans for boundary marking, and 825 gallon cans for boundary marking, with 10-year contract quantities ranging from 1,000 to 80,000 units per product line. Paint specifications require three-year shelf life for tree marking paint and five-year shelf life for boundary marking paint, with products meeting current EPA regulations, being lead-free, and demonstrating excellent durability and color retention; suitable brands include Nelson Aero Spot, Nelson Super Spot, and NCP BarkMark or comparable alternatives. Proposals were due by 3:00 p.m. EST on July 9, 2020, with questions required by July 6, 2020, and answers posted on July 8, 2020; the anticipated contract begin date was August 5, 2020. The contract term is five years expiring July 31, 2025, with options for five additional one-year renewals at the State's sole discretion. Pricing must be firm for a 365-day initial period and include all delivery and shipping costs, with delivery required within seven business days of order receipt, F.O.B. destination to various locations throughout Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas.

The RFP does not specify any set-aside designations or restrictions on organization types eligible to respond. Bidders must be registered in the State's SIGMA VSS system and EFT-compliant for payment processing to submit proposals and receive payment. The State reserves the right to conduct facility inspections, require oral presentations, perform reference checks, and request price concessions during evaluation; a performance bond may be required at the State's discretion, and contractors must maintain commercial general liability insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 general aggregate. The State prefers low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints and encourages bidders to offer quick payment discounts. Late proposals submitted after the deadline are subject to disqualification, and liquidated damages of $500 plus $100 per day apply for late or improper completion of contract activities. No specific award value or budget range is disclosed in the solicitation documents; however, the estimated annual quantities and multi-year contract term suggest substantial procurement volume across the specified product categories.