DNR RFB 2026-581 LQP WMA Tree Removal

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is issuing Request for Bid 2026-581 for tree removal services at the Lac qui Parle Wildlife Management Area located in Chippewa County. The procurement seeks qualified contractors to perform cutting, stump treatment with herbicide (Garlon 4 or equivalent Triclopyr-based products), and either pile and burn or removal of all designated woody material greater than 3 inches in diameter or 3 feet in height across 80 acres split between two tracts: the Engebretson Tract (64 acres) and the Aamot Tract (16 acres). Primary targeted species include green ash, cottonwood, black willow, red cedar, Siberian elm, box elder, honeysuckle, Russian olive, buckthorn, and white mulberry, with exceptions for oak species and native shrubs. Contractors must submit separate lump-sum prices for each tract through the SWIFT Supplier Portal by 2:00 PM on January 29, 2026, with contract performance required from February 2, 2026, through April 3, 2026, and substantial completion by March 27, 2026. The bid will be awarded to the lowest responsible vendor meeting all specifications and requirements. All unit prices must include labor, materials, tools, transportation, equipment, sales tax, use tax, and all other costs necessary for project completion. Prospective contractors must demonstrate substantial completion of at least one verifiable tree removal contract valued at $50,000 or greater since January 1, 2021, with similar scope and activity, and must certify they have not been found in default or had a contract terminated for cause within the preceding 36 months. Site visits are encouraged and available by contacting Nick Trauba, MN DNR Assistant Area Wildlife Manager, at 320-297-0410 or Nicholas.Trauba@state.mn.us.

Eligible targeted group businesses, economically disadvantaged businesses, and veteran-owned businesses receive a 12 percent preference in scoring, while DEED/DHS providers receive a 6 percent preference. Contractors must provide comprehensive insurance coverage including Commercial General Liability ($1,500,000), Commercial Automobile Liability ($1,500,000), and Workers' Compensation insurance, with the State of Minnesota named as an additional insured. Only licensed commercial pesticide applicators in Minnesota are authorized to apply herbicides, with stumps requiring treatment within two hours of cutting and a minimum 95 percent compliance requirement. The contractor is responsible for all permits, equipment cleaning to prevent invasive species spread, damage repairs, and proper disposal or burning of cut material in compliance with state open burning regulations. Payment will be made within 30 days of receipt of an undisputed invoice for work satisfactorily performed and accepted by the Project Supervisor, with partial payments permitted up to 80 percent of the total bid price. No specific budget range or award value is disclosed in the solicitation; however, the State reserves the right to award items separately, by grouping, or by total as deemed most advantageous. Direct Pay Permit 1114 does not apply to this project. Contractors requiring assistance with SWIFT Portal registration or response completion may contact the Contractor Assistance Help Desk at 651-201-8100, Option 1.