DNR-PRD Waterloo and Lake Hudson Trees

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is requesting proposals for native tree seedlings and acorn seeds to support restoration projects at Waterloo Recreation Area and Lake Hudson Recreation Area, with proposals due August 6, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. EST.

The scope requires delivery of one-year-old bare-root or container-grown seedlings in specified species and quantities: Waterloo requires 6,200 white oak, 10,234 black oak, and 1,000 flowering dogwood seedlings plus viable black oak acorn seeds for 10,234 trees; Lake Hudson requires 2,000 white oak, 2,000 red oak, 2,000 sugar maple, 2,000 swamp white oak, 1,000 bitternut hickory, and 1,000 slippery elm seedlings plus viable seeds for 1,000 each of black oak, black cherry, pignut hickory, red maple, and hackberry trees. All seedlings must be grown under climatic conditions similar to project sites with vigorous root systems and no disease or damage. Seeds must achieve a minimum 50% viability and be sourced from native trees of known wild provenance within the designated recreation areas or within two miles of park boundaries. Delivery is scheduled for November 1, 2027, within two weeks of that date by mutual agreement. Contractors must bid delivery costs separately for each park location.

The contract term runs from September 1, 2026 through September 1, 2028, with renewal options at the State's discretion. All pricing must be firm for the entire contract term. Mandatory minimum requirements include proof of valid nursery or grower licensing. Evaluation is conducted on a pass/fail basis across vendor worksheets, statement of work sections, and key personnel qualifications. Late or improper completion triggers liquidated damages of $5,000 plus $100 per day for each day the deficiency persists. Payment is via Electronic Funds Transfer within 45 days of invoice receipt. Questions were due July 27, 2026, with answers posted July 31, 2026.