DNR RFB Northeast Forest Ash Tree Girdling

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking bids for the Northeast Forest Ash Tree Girdling project, which requires contractors to girdle ash trees mechanically or chemically across approximately 71.2 acres in Aitkin, Cass, and Crow Wing Counties. The project consists of 6 separate job sites ranging from 2.3 to 22 acres, with contractors required to bid on all sites as a single group. Bidders must have completed at least one written and verifiable contract for tree girdling work valued at $10,000 or greater since September 2019 and possess a current Minnesota Commercial Pesticide Applicators License. The Request for Bid (RFB) requires electronic submission through the SWIFT Portal by September 9, 2024, with project completion deadlines of April 1, 2025 for chemical girdling and June 15, 2025 for mechanical girdling. Site visits are available by contacting specific project supervisors for each job location, and contractors are encouraged to coordinate visits prior to bid submission. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible vendor meeting all specifications and terms, with the DNR reserving the right to evaluate bids based on compliance, project management, and communication capabilities.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations, but it does indicate that resident vendor status and veteran-owned small business preferences may be considered during the award process. Contractors will be disqualified if they have been found in default or had a contract terminated for cause in the past 36 months. The DNR reserves the right to contact references and review the contractor's history of compliance with labor laws and project requirements. While no specific budget range is provided, bidders are required to submit unit prices that include all costs such as labor, materials, tools, transportation, equipment, sales tax, and incidentals necessary for project completion. Proof of required insurance coverage will be mandatory for the awarded contractor. The payment structure will be on a lump sum basis upon full completion and acceptance by the Project Supervisor, with potential for partial payments as work progresses on a site-by-site basis.