DNR - Muskie Population Project

The State of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is requesting bids for lodging, meeting space, storage, parking, and on-site marina accommodations for a Muskie Population Project at Lake Vermilion, with responses due October 21, 2026 at 2:00 PM Central Time.

The facility must be located on the north side of Lake Vermilion within 10 miles of the Vermilion Dam (coordinates 4757'40"N 9228'34"W) at Kabetogama State Forest. Responders certified as targeted group, economically disadvantaged, or veteran-owned businesses receive preference points equal to 12 percent of total available points; DEED and DHS eligible providers receive 6 percent preference.

The scope requires accommodations for up to 12 people for up to 4 weeks during spring 2027 (November 2, 2026 through June 30, 2027, with an option to extend into the 2028 season). Lodging must include 12 individual rooms with full kitchens, gas or charcoal grills, and 48-hour cleaning service. Meeting space must accommodate up to 14 staff with Wi-Fi. Storage must be climate-controlled and lockable for fishing gear. A 150 by 200-foot grassy area is required for net drying. Marina accommodations must include dock space for up to 4 boats (18–22 feet long), an on-site boat ramp, marine fuel, equipment charging capability, and simple boat and motor repair capacity. Parking must accommodate up to 4 truck/boat trailer combinations and 14 vehicles daily. The facility must comply with ADA requirements, Hotel and Motel Fire Safety Act standards, and Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act regulations. Contractors must maintain commercial general liability insurance with $2 million per occurrence limits and commercial automobile liability insurance with $5 million per occurrence limits.

No minimum number of lodging rooms is guaranteed, and contract prices shall not be adjusted if attendance falls below estimates. Responses must include completed pricing schedules (Exhibit D) with all applicable taxes, service fees, and detailed cancellation policies. The State reserves the right to inspect the facility prior to award and may reject responses based on facility condition, cleanliness, maintenance, or inadequate dedicated space. Written questions are due October 19, 2026 at 2:00 PM CST to sheri.karpenko@state.mn.us. Responses remain firm for 180 days.