DNR RFB Rohlik's Slough WMA Tree Removal

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking bids for tree removal, stump treatment, and site clearing on the Paul's Slough (east) unit of Rohlik's Slough Wildlife Management Area in Redwood County, with bids due September 1, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. CDT. A 12% preference applies to targeted group businesses, economically disadvantaged businesses, and veteran-owned businesses in scoring.

The scope covers cutting, stump treating with herbicide, and removing or piling and burning all undesirable trees and shrubs greater than 3 feet tall or 3 inches in diameter across a 38-acre project area. Target species include black willow, cottonwood, eastern red cedar, and buckthorn. All costs — labor, equipment, materials, tools, transportation, herbicide, sales tax, use tax, and incidentals — must be included in the unit price. Contractors must hold a current Minnesota Pesticide Applicator License to apply herbicides and must obtain all required permits, including open burning permits and compliance with invasive species prevention and pollinator best management practices under Minnesota Statute 84.973.

Prime contractors must have substantially completed at least one written and verifiable tree removal contract of similar scope with a minimum value of $20,000 since July 1, 2021, and must provide verifiable references. Contractors must certify they have not been found in default or had a contract terminated for cause within the previous 36 months; affirmative responses result in bid rejection. The State reserves the right to contact references and verify project milestones, on-site supervision, subcontractor coordination, Minnesota prevailing wage law compliance, and payment history before award.

Substantial completion is required by March 5, 2027, with final completion by March 12, 2027. The contract runs from execution through March 12, 2027. Partial payments are permitted if mutually agreed, not to exceed 80% of the total bid price until final acceptance. Payment follows Minnesota Statute 16A.124 within 30 days of an undisputed invoice. Contractors must provide Certificates of Insurance for Commercial General Liability ($1.5 million), Commercial Automobile Liability ($1.5 million), and Workers' Compensation coverage. Site visits are encouraged; contact Project Supervisor Jeff Zajac at (507) 233-1257 to arrange inspection. All responses must be submitted electronically through the Swift Portal; email and faxed submissions will not be accepted.