DNR RFB Ferndale Ridge WMA Woody Invasives Control

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is soliciting bids under RFB 2027-435 for chemical treatment of woody invasive species on approximately 16 acres at the Ferndale Ridge Wildlife Management Area in Houston County, with questions due November 13, 2026 and bids due November 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Central Time. Responders that are eligible and certified as Targeted Group, Economically Disadvantaged, or Veteran-Owned businesses receive a 12 percent scoring preference, and eligible DEED/DHS providers receive a 6 percent preference.

The contractor must supply all labor, equipment, materials, tools, transportation, herbicide, and incidentals for basal bark herbicide application targeting buckthorn, invasive honeysuckle, Oriental bittersweet, multiflora rose, Japanese barberry, and box elder. Only personnel holding valid Minnesota commercial pesticide applicator licenses may apply herbicides. Responders must have substantially completed at least one written, verifiable contract as a prime contractor, not a subcontractor, since October 1, 2021, for hand cutting and chemically treating woody invasive species with a value of $10,000 or greater. Responders must also certify no default or termination for cause within the last 36 months. Required submittals include the Vendor Qualification Form, Responder Declarations, and a State of Minnesota Pesticide Applicator license. Before work begins, the awardee must provide a Certificate of Insurance covering Commercial General Liability of $1.5 million per occurrence, Commercial Automobile Liability of $1.5 million combined single limit, and statutory Workers' Compensation.

Compensation is a lump-sum amount determined by bids for a single line item covering the full 16-acre scope. Prices must include all costs, including sales tax, use tax, permits, and licenses. Direct Pay Permit 1114 does not apply. The State will pay undisputed invoices within 30 days. Partial payments may be issued as work progresses, if mutually agreed, not to exceed 80 percent of the total bid price. Funding is subject to Minnesota Legislature appropriation, and the State may immediately terminate the contract if funding is not obtained or becomes insufficient. Responses remain firm for 180 days.

The contract runs from December 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, with substantial completion required by June 15, 2027. Work may not commence before December 1, 2026, and no work may occur during the November 7–15, 2026 firearms deer season without written approval. Bidders are encouraged to conduct site visits at 5853 Ferndale Road, Rushford, Minnesota, by contacting Project Supervisor TJ Boettcher at (507) 724-5261 or tj.boettcher@state.mn.us. Questions go to Contract Officer Amy Archer. All responses must be submitted electronically through the SWIFT Portal, and email and fax submissions are not accepted. The State will award to the lowest responsible vendor meeting all specifications and terms, and it reserves the right to award by item, by group, or by total.