DNR FY26 Spring Littlefork Area TIS Control

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources issued Request for Bid (RFB) 2026-837 for invasive species treatment services in Koochiching County near Littlefork, Minnesota. The procurement seeks contractors to spot treat invasive plant species across approximately 41.2 miles of forest roads covering 123.5 acres, 2 miles of off-highway vehicle access roads covering 9.6 acres, and 2.8 acres of gravel pit treatment. The primary target invasive species include wild parsnip, spotted knapweed, and common tansy, with treatment specifications varying by location: highway vehicle access roads require 24-foot total width treatment (12 feet from each shoulder), off-highway vehicle access roads require 40-foot total width treatment (16-foot roadbed plus 12 feet from each shoulder), and gravel pit treatment requires complete coverage of uneven terrain including three large gravel piles. Contractors must demonstrate minimum qualifications including a current Minnesota Category A (core) plus J (Forestry, Rights-of-Way, and Natural Areas) herbicide applicator license, minimum two years of broadcast forest herbicide application experience, and ability to identify target invasive plants in early summer growth stage. Compensation is calculated on a per-acre unit price basis for completed and accepted work, contingent upon achieving 90% or greater mortality of target vegetation as verified by State personnel within 30 days of treatment. The electronic submission deadline through the SWIFT Supplier Portal is April 29, 2026, at 14:00:00, with work commencement required by June 1, 2026, and final completion required by June 30, 2026 with no extensions considered. Questions must be submitted by April 22, 2026, at 2:00 PM to buyer Alexandra Staley, and site visits are encouraged and can be arranged with Project Supervisor Nicholas Riley.

The solicitation extends preference points to Targeted Group (TG), Economically Disadvantaged (ED), Veteran-Owned (VO), and DEED/DHS eligible providers, with preference equal to 12% and 6% respectively of total available points, encouraging applications from Minnesota resident vendors, small businesses, and certified diverse businesses including those owned by minorities, women, persons with substantial physical disabilities, and veterans. No incumbent vendors or existing contractors are identified in the procurement documents. Contractors must provide proof of insurance upon award, including Commercial General Liability coverage of $1,500,000 per occurrence, Commercial Automobile Liability coverage of $1,500,000 combined single limit, and Workers' Compensation coverage at statutory levels with the State named as additional insured. All herbicide, equipment, and labor costs including mobilization and fuel are the contractor's responsibility, and work must comply with invasive species prevention protocols, weather restrictions, and Minnesota Statutes regarding environmental substances including PFAS, triclosan, coal tar, and mercury-containing products. The contract does not guarantee exact acreage amounts; payment is based on actual acres properly completed and measured by State personnel. Award will be made to the lowest responsible vendor meeting all specifications and terms and conditions, with the State reserving the right to award items separately, by grouping, or by total as deemed most advantageous, and the State reserves the right to adjust work scope based on available funding or cancel the contract with 30 days written notice.