DNR Green River Fecon Resprouts and Exotic Species Control

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a qualified vendor to execute a stewardship project at the Green River State Wildlife Area in Lee County, focusing on invasive species control and habitat management. The project requires a vendor with a commercial herbicide applicators license from the Illinois Department of Agriculture who can perform targeted herbicide treatments on specific invasive species including aspen, bush honeysuckle, autumn olive, black locust, silver maple, and black cherry. The contractor must demonstrate at least four years of professional experience managing natural areas with endangered species and possess expertise in native and exotic plant identification. Key performance objectives include achieving 90% control of invasive plants, maintaining detailed work logs, and providing weekly updates to the primary job coordinator. The contract will run from the final signature date until December 31, 2027, with a total anticipated work volume of 1,100 hours. The proposal is due by May 13, 2025, with the opportunity originally posted on May 5, 2025.

The contract requires comprehensive insurance coverage, including $1,000,000 per occurrence in General Commercial Liability, $1,000,000 in Auto Liability, and standard Worker's Compensation Insurance. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly noted, vendors must comply with the State of Illinois' Standard Certifications, which include provisions for minority and disadvantaged business participation. The procurement is subject to the State of Illinois Chief Procurement Office General Services Standard Terms and Conditions (Version 23.2), which establishes comprehensive guidelines for vendor performance, financial responsibilities, and legal compliance. Although a specific budget range is not detailed, the hourly rate-based contract structure suggests flexibility in pricing. Vendors must be prepared to meet rigorous compliance standards, including attestations to business ethics, employment practices, tax obligations, and workplace standards, with potential penalties for non-compliance including contract voiding, suspension, or debarment.