DNR RFB Indian Pine Forest Road Graveling

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is requesting bids for labor, equipment, materials, and incidentals to load, haul, and spread an estimated 5,000 cubic yards of state-provided gravel on Indian Pines State Forest Road within Pine Island State Forest, with bids due September 16, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. CDT. Minnesota Resident Vendors may claim preference status if they meet statutory requirements.

Prime contractors must meet three mandatory qualification thresholds to be eligible: substantially completed at least two similar written and verifiable contracts as prime contractor since January 2022; no default or termination for cause in the last 36 months; and no willful or repeated OSHA safety citations with final orders within the last 36 months. The qualification form is required; responses lacking it or failing to meet these requirements will be rejected as nonresponsive.

The scope requires contractors to provide all labor, equipment, tools, transportation, mobilization, demobilization, fuel, lubrication, and final cleanup. All equipment must be thoroughly cleaned before site entry to prevent invasive weed spread, and contractors must take precautions against rutting and compaction. Loaders must have functioning and certified bucket scales. All operators must demonstrate a minimum of 150 hours of experience operating the assigned equipment type. Unit bid prices must include labor, materials, tools, transportation, equipment, sales tax, use tax, and all incidentals.

Place of performance is Indian Pines State Forest Road in Koochiching County. Project completion deadline is August 13, 2027. Prevailing wage requirements apply under Minnesota Statutes 177.30–32, 177.41–44, and sections 16B and 16C. Surety bonds equal to 5% of the bid are required for responses exceeding $50,000; payment and performance bonds equal to 100% of contract amount are required if project is estimated at $175,000 or greater per Minnesota Statute 574.26. Insurance must include workers' compensation, automobile liability, and commercial general liability with minimum limits of $1.5 million per occurrence. Non-Minnesota contractors are subject to 8% withholding on cumulative payments exceeding $50,000 unless exemption is obtained. All responses must be submitted electronically through the SWIFT Supplier Portal; fax, email, and printed responses will not be accepted. Site visits are available by contacting Project Supervisor Nick Abel at 218-395-6028 or Nick.Abel@state.mn.us. Direct questions to Barbara Swanson at 651-259-5239 or Barbara.Swanson@state.mn.us. Award will be made to the lowest responsible vendor meeting all specifications and terms.