DNR RFB Excel & Marsh Grove Woody Removal

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is requesting bids for woody vegetation removal and mulching services at two Native Prairie Bank locations totaling approximately 98 acres, with bids due August 25, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. CDT through the Swift Portal.

The scope covers mowing and mulching of standing woody vegetation (willow, young aspen, and brush species) at Excel 5-1 NPB near Holt (approximately 18 acres) and Marsh Grove 36-1 NPB near Newfolden (approximately 80 acres), with all vegetation removed to within four inches of ground level while protecting and preserving oak trees greater than one inch diameter at breast height, with no more than 5% damage to retained oaks permitted. Contractors must employ equipment operators with a minimum of 150 hours of experience and furnish rubber-tracked skid steers with minimum 110 gross engine horsepower and 45.0 gpm hydraulic flow, tracked crawlers with minimum 135 gross engine horsepower, and heavy-duty rotary brush mowers (Davco, Diamond, or equivalent). All equipment must maintain ground pressure not exceeding 6.0 psi and cannot include conventional wheeled machines. Contractors must provide fire safety equipment on-site throughout the project and complete substantially all work by October 2, 2026, with final completion by October 16, 2026.

Unit pricing must be submitted on a per-acre basis for each location and include all labor, materials, tools, transportation, equipment, fuel, lubrication, and applicable sales and use taxes. Contractors must maintain commercial general liability insurance with minimum limits of $1.5 million per occurrence and annual aggregate, commercial automobile liability with $1.5 million combined single limits, and statutory workers' compensation coverage. The State will pay within 30 days of receipt of an undisputed invoice upon satisfactory completion, with partial payments permitted not to exceed 80% of the total bid price. Minnesota Resident Vendor status may be claimed for consideration in tied-bid situations. Award will be made to the lowest responsible bidder meeting all specifications and terms. Site visits are available by contacting Project Supervisor Sam Timko at 218-608-0074. An Equipment-Operator Experience Form is required with all bid responses.