DNR RFB Finland Picnic & Grp Camp Fuels Reduction

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is requesting bids for fuels reduction services—felling white spruce and balsam fir trees and disposing of all material off-site on approximately 3.7 acres at the Finland Picnic Area and Finland Recreation Area Group Camp in Lake County—under RFB 2027-371, with bids due October 28, 2026 at 2:00 PM CDT and a mandatory pre-bid meeting on October 21, 2026 at 1:00 PM at the Finland Campground kiosk on Highway 6/Little Marais Road.

Bidders must have a minimum of two years' experience in tree felling and removal; felling operators must have a minimum of two years' experience. The scope includes all labor, equipment, materials, tools, transportation, equipment cleaning to prevent invasive species introduction, public safety signage and traffic control, debris removal, and incidental costs necessary for completion. Work cannot commence before Notice to Proceed and must be completed by December 11, 2026. Pricing is submitted as a lump-sum bid including labor, materials, tools, transportation, equipment, sales tax, use tax, permits, disposal, overhead, and profit. Work is performed at the project site in Lake County with delivery to DNR PAT Two Harbors Area at 1568 Highway 2, Two Harbors, Minnesota 55616-4035.

The contractor must carry Commercial General Liability insurance with minimum limits of $1.5 million per occurrence and annual aggregate, Commercial Automobile Liability of $1.5 million combined single limit, and Workers' Compensation insurance per statutory requirements. The award goes to the lowest responsible vendor meeting all specifications and terms and conditions; the State reserves the right to award items separately, by grouping, or by total. Written questions are due October 23, 2026 to Amy L. Archer at 218-328-8955 or Amy.Archer@state.mn.us. All responses must be submitted electronically through the Swift Portal; no email or faxed submissions are accepted. Responders must complete Vendor Qualifications (Attachment E) and Equipment Specifications (Attachment F) forms. Payment is made within 30 days of receipt of an undisputed invoice. Minnesota resident vendor status may be considered for resolving tied bids or applying reciprocal preference. Environmental preferences apply for recycled and environmentally responsible goods and services where practicable and cost-effective.