DNR Prairie Seed Mix for Purdueville PHA

The State of Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a contractor to provide a comprehensive prairie seed mix for the Purdueville Public Housing Authority (PHA) restoration project. The procurement involves the acquisition and delivery of native prairie seeds across 40 total acres, with a detailed specification list encompassing 27 native plant species including grasses, legumes, and forbs. Key deliverables include precise seed quantities measured in Pure Live Seed (PLS) pounds and ounces per acre, with specific requirements for species like Little Bluestem (1.25 lbs/acre), Sideoats grama (0.75 lbs/acre), and Virginia wildrye (0.5 lbs/acre). The contract opportunity was posted on October 17, 2025, with proposals due by October 23, 2025, requiring vendors to submit detailed cost proposals that calculate seed procurement costs based on PLS weight and unit pricing. Potential bidders must carefully review the seed list, which includes special handling instructions such as hulled seed requirements for certain coneflower species, and ensure compliance with technical specifications for ecological restoration.

The contract appears to be open to all qualified vendors, with standard State of Illinois procurement regulations applying, including mandatory compliance with the Chief Procurement Office General Services Standard Terms and Conditions (Version 23.2). Vendors must meet significant insurance requirements, including $1,000,000 general commercial liability per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate, as well as $1,000,000 auto liability coverage. A mandatory $15 minority contractor initiative fee applies for contracts over $1,000, potentially encouraging participation from disadvantaged business enterprises. The total project cost is currently listed at $97, though this may represent a preliminary estimate. Vendors must be prepared to comply with prevailing wage requirements, maintain comprehensive records for three to five years, and understand that the State retains exclusive ownership of all work products. Contractors should also be prepared for potential background checks and must obtain all necessary licenses and permits at their own expense.