DNR RFB 2026-594 Jay Cooke SP Tree Removal

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is issuing Request for Bid (RFB) 2026-594 for tree removal services at Jay Cooke State Park located in Carlton, Minnesota, within Carver County jurisdiction. The project involves the removal of spruce, fir, and ash trees affected by spruce budworm and emerald ash borer infestations across approximately 2.5 miles along Highway 210 and 8 acres in the campground area, with up to 50 additional optional trees available. All removed materials must be hauled off-site, and the work requires traffic control, safety signage, and coordination with the Minnesota Department of Transportation for potential lane closures. The contract term extends from the Notice to Proceed through April 30, 2026, with work hours restricted to 8:00 AM to sundown daily during non-rutting conditions. Bidders must submit a lump sum price for the base project and a per-tree price for optional trees, though the per-tree pricing does not affect award determination. A mandatory pre-bid site visit is required on February 4, 2026, at 1:00 PM at 780 E Highway 210, Carlton, MN 55718, with responses from bidders who fail to attend being rejected. Bids are due February 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM through the SWIFT Supplier Portal, with questions due by February 6, 2026, directed to Cindy Lee at 651-259-5509 or cindy.lee@state.mn.gov. All unit prices must include labor, materials, tools, transportation, equipment, and applicable taxes, and contractors must maintain commercial general liability insurance of $1,500,000 per occurrence, commercial automobile liability insurance of $1,500,000 combined single limit, and workers' compensation insurance per statutory requirements.

Targeted group businesses, economically disadvantaged enterprises, and veteran-owned businesses are eligible to receive a 12% bid preference, while DEED/DHS eligible providers receive a 6% preference. The state reserves the right to award the contract to a single responder or multiple responders based on the lowest responsible bid meeting all specifications and terms and conditions, with Minnesota Resident Vendor status potentially considered for resolving tied low bids. Contractors are responsible for repairing any damage caused by operations at no additional cost to the DNR, preventing invasive species spread through equipment cleaning, and complying with Minnesota Department of Agriculture regulations regarding Emerald Ash Borer quarantine. All responses must be submitted electronically through the SWIFT Portal; email and faxed submissions will not be accepted. Prompt payment is required within 30 days of invoice receipt. No specific budget range or award value is listed in the procurement documents, and no incumbent vendors or existing contractors are identified for this project.