DNR RFB Lewiston Area Orchard Pruning

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is requesting bids for orchard pruning services on approximately 17.8 acres of state land in the Lewiston Forestry Area across up to three sites, with bids due July 7, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., and a contract performance deadline of March 31, 2027.

Work is divided into three bid groups: Snake Creek Oak (8 acres, approximately 225 trees in Houston and Wabasha Counties), Gordon Subline Red Oak (0.8 acres, approximately 50 trees), and Kronseder Oak (9 acres, approximately 399 trees). Bidders may bid on one, some, or all groups. All pruning must use hand and small power tools only. Scope includes labor, equipment, materials, tools, transportation, debris removal, invasive species prevention, equipment cleaning, and site restoration. A written project schedule must be submitted within ten days of Notice to Proceed. The contract is effective August 15, 2026, or upon receipt of all required signatures, whichever is later, and work cannot commence before August 15 or receipt of Notice to Proceed, whichever occurs later.

Compensation is based on dollar-per-acre unit pricing submitted for each site; all costs including labor, materials, tools, transportation, equipment, sales tax, and use tax must be included in the unit price. Payment is made within 30 days of receipt of undisputed invoice upon satisfactory completion and acceptance by the Project Supervisor. The State reserves the right to award items separately, by grouping, or by total, whichever is most advantageous.

Award will be made to the lowest responsible vendor meeting all specifications and terms. Minnesota resident vendor status may be considered for tied bids. Any trees damaged by the contractor result in a 2% reduction in bid price per 1% of trees damaged; sites not meeting specifications must be redone before payment is issued. Contractors must maintain Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance with a minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence combined single limit and Workers' Compensation Insurance as required by Minnesota Statutes, and must submit a Certificate of Insurance prior to contract execution.

Responses must be submitted electronically through the SWIFT Supplier Portal; email and faxed responses will not be accepted. Site visits can be arranged by contacting Angela Yuska, Site Supervisor, at 507-765-7832 or Angela.Yuska@state.mn.us. Questions are due in writing to Christine Eck by July 2, 2026, at 218-308-2661 or christine.eck@state.mn.us. Contractor Assistance Help Desk: 651-201-8100, Option 1.