DNR RFB Clay County Winter Brush Mowing 2025

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking bids for winter brush mowing services in Clay County, specifically targeting approximately 216 acres of prairie/parkland habitats on the Flowing 12-1 and B-B Ranch Native Prairie Bank easements located near Felton, MN. The procurement involves mowing and mulching standing woody vegetation, including willow, young aspen, and other brush species, to within 4 inches of ground level. Contractors must utilize heavy-duty rotary brush mowers and drum-style mulching mowers, with specific equipment requirements mandating a tracked skid steer or tracked crawler with a minimum of 90 HP and 35 GPM hydraulic flow. Bidders are required to complete an Equipment and Operator Experience Requirements Form, demonstrating a minimum of 150 hours of operator experience with the specified equipment. The bid is due electronically through the Swift Portal by February 3, 2025, at 2:00 PM, with work to be completed by April 15, 2025, or prior to substrate thaw to prevent ground rutting. Evaluation criteria include compliance with specifications, lowest responsible bid, and the State's right to award based on the most advantageous terms. A site visit can be arranged by contacting Project Supervisor Tyler Larson at 218-616-4061.

The solicitation includes preferences for veteran-owned small businesses, offering a 12% preference on the first $2 million of the contract, and provides advantages for Minnesota resident vendors. No specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned in the documentation. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible vendor meeting all specifications and terms, with the State reserving the right to award items separately or by grouping. While no incumbent vendors are identified, the project requires strict adherence to invasive species prevention protocols, including comprehensive equipment cleaning procedures. The DNR reserves the right to adjust the contract scope based on available funding, potentially limiting or expanding the number of acres treated. Although a specific budget range is not provided, the project involves mowing 48 acres at the Flowing 12-1 site and 168 acres at the B-B Ranch site, with unit pricing to include all associated costs such as labor, materials, equipment, transportation, and incidental expenses. No subcontracting is anticipated for this project, and the Direct Pay Permit 1114 does not apply.