DNR RFB Cloquet Area Wild Valley Buckthorn

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is requesting bids for mechanical and chemical treatment of invasive buckthorn on approximately 16 acres of state-administered land in Carlton County, with bids due October 2, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Central Time under RFB 2027-224. Targeted group businesses, economically disadvantaged businesses, and veteran-owned businesses certified by the State receive a 12% preference in point scoring; eligible DEED/DHS providers receive a 6% preference.

Contractors must hold current Minnesota Department of Agriculture commercial herbicide applicator licensure (Category A plus J or equivalent) and demonstrate a minimum of two years' experience in forest herbicide application or roadside and rights-of-way application using ground equipment, with proof of licensure required at bid submission. The scope includes all labor, equipment, materials, licenses, tools, and transportation necessary to treat buckthorn using basal bark, foliar, or stump treatment methods; the DNR supplies all chemicals. Bidding is by unit price per acre, with all costs including labor, materials, tools, transportation, equipment, and applicable taxes included in the unit rate.

The estimated total contract value is $11,000, though this figure is not binding as a minimum or maximum. The contract term extends from Notice to Proceed through June 30, 2027, with no renewal options. Work must be completed when snow depth is less than six inches and during periods without heavy sap flow. Acceptance requires visual inspection confirming that a minimum of 95% of visible stems needing treatment were properly treated; for every one percent of crop trees damaged, the bid price is reduced by two percent. Contractors must maintain Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance with a minimum $1,000,000 combined single limit and Workers' Compensation Insurance at statutory rates. Subcontracting is prohibited. Questions are due September 29, 2026. Site visits may be arranged through Project Supervisor Benjamin Becker at 218-878-5644. All responses must be submitted electronically through the SWIFT Portal; email and faxed submissions will not be accepted. Bidder offers remain firm for 180 days from submission.