DNR Prairie Seed Mix for Purdueville PHA

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a contractor to provide a comprehensive prairie seed mix for the Purdueville Public Housing Authority (PHA) ecological restoration project located in Fulton County. The procurement involves supplying a specialized seed mix for 40.97 total acres, requiring 28 distinct native plant species including grasses, forbs, and legumes. Specific deliverables include seeds such as Little Bluestem, Sideoats grama, Virginia wildrye, multiple milkweed varieties, and various asters and coneflowers, with precise seeding rates measured in pounds and ounces per acre of Pure Live Seed (PLS). The contract opportunity was posted on November 5, 2025, with proposals due by November 12, 2025. Bidders must calculate total seed requirements based on the detailed seed palette specifications, with seeding rates ranging from 0.01 lbs/ac for Heath Aster to 1.25 lbs/ac for Little Bluestem. Evaluation criteria will likely include adherence to the specified native species list, seed quality, and compliance with the comprehensive technical specifications provided in the Seed List attachment.

The procurement appears to be open to all qualified vendors, though the State of Illinois Standard Terms and Conditions include a $15 Minority Contractor Initiative fee for contracts of $1,000 or more, which may incentivize participation from disadvantaged enterprises. Vendors must maintain general commercial liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate, along with auto liability insurance of $1,000,000 and workers' compensation as required by law. The total project cost is indicated as $43,399, though the pricing breakdown in the documentation remains incomplete. Contractors must be prepared to meet rigorous documentation requirements, including three-year (or five-year for federal funds) record retention and potential subcontractor approval processes. The State reserves the right to terminate the contract for cause, convenience, or if appropriations are unavailable, and all contracts are subject to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Prospective bidders should carefully review the standard terms and conditions and seed specifications to ensure full compliance with the procurement requirements.