DNR RFB 2026 Eurasian Watermilfoil Removal

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is soliciting bids for removal of Eurasian Watermilfoil from approximately 6.91 acres across five sites within Kingsbury Bay in the St. Louis River under RFB 2027-085, with bids due August 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. CDT. A Minnesota Resident Vendor status preference applies to bid tie-resolution.

Contractors must remove invasive Eurasian Watermilfoil via hand pulling or diver-assisted suction harvesting (DASH); mechanical cutting tools are prohibited. The scope includes all labor, equipment, materials, tools, transportation, and incidentals for complete project execution. Work cannot commence before September 1, 2026, with substantial completion required by September 26, 2026, and final completion by October 1, 2026.

Eligibility requires demonstrated substantial completion since January 1, 2021 as a prime contractor for SCUBA/diver mechanical removal of aquatic vegetation or similar work valued at $10,000 or greater, with documented references. Contractors must also certify no contract default or termination for cause within the last 36 months; any affirmative response results in rejection. Project field leads must hold at least 80 hours of experience in leading selective removal of aquatic invasive species, hand pulling operations, or DASH projects, combined with training in target and non-target plant identification.

Prior to work commencement, contractors must obtain an MNDNR Commercial Mechanical Control Permit and maintain current MNDNR Commercial Mechanical Control Company certification. Insurance requirements include Commercial General Liability ($1.5 million per occurrence), Commercial Automobile Liability ($1.5 million combined single limit), Workers' Compensation, Aquatic/Boat Insurance ($2 million per occurrence), and Vessel Pollution Liability coverage ($2 million per occurrence). Bidding is on a line-item basis; unit pricing must include all costs, taxes, and comply with invasive species prevention and data practices requirements. Site visits are available upon request by contacting Project Supervisor David Grandmaison at 218-302-3249 or david.grandmaison@state.mn.us. All responses must be submitted electronically through the Swift Portal; email and faxed submissions will not be accepted. Buyer contact: Susan K. Crapser at 320-634-7365 or sue.crapser@state.mn.us.