DNR George Fell Nature Preserve Invasive Species Control in High Quality areas

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a qualified vendor to perform invasive species control at the George B. Fell Nature Preserve, located in Morgan County. The project specifically targets two distinct areas: Annie's Canyon and a seep area near Highway 2, with the primary objective of removing and treating invasive woody shrubs and trees over 24 inches in height. Vendors must cut these shrubs and apply a 50% aquatic-safe glyphosate herbicide solution to the stumps, with specific disposal requirements for the cut vegetation. In Annie's Canyon, cut shrubs will be left in place, while shrubs in the Seep Area must be removed and piled 40 feet from the area's boundary at locations designated by the job coordinator. The contract opportunity was posted on September 4, 2025, with proposals due by September 12, 2025. Vendor qualifications will be evaluated based on documented experience working in natural areas, particularly those with endangered and threatened species, high-quality floristic sites, Nature Preserves, or Land and Water Reserves. Vendors must complete a Vendor Experience Documentation Form detailing up to four reference projects, demonstrating technical capability and past performance in ecological restoration.

The procurement appears to be open to all qualified vendors, with no specific set-aside designations mentioned in the documentation. Vendors must meet stringent experience requirements, with provisions allowing substitution of field personnel as long as they meet the specified qualifications. While the exact contract value is not specified, vendors will be expected to comply with the State of Illinois Chief Procurement Office General Services Standard Terms and Conditions (Version 23.2), which includes requirements for maintaining $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate general commercial liability insurance, along with auto liability and worker's compensation insurance. The contract terms indicate potential for federal funding and emphasize that all work performed will be considered "work for hire," with full ownership transferred to the State of Illinois. Intellectual property rights, tax compliance, and potential audit provisions are also outlined in the standard terms. The solicitation suggests a competitive selection process focused on technical expertise and proven capability in managing sensitive ecological environments.