DNR RFB Schueler WMA Woody Invasive Removal

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is requesting bids for woody invasive removal and chemical treatment on approximately 35 acres at Schueler Wildlife Management Area in Fillmore County, with bids due September 28, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. CDT through the Swift Portal. A current Minnesota Commercial Pesticide Applicators License is mandatory for herbicide application work.

Prime contractors must demonstrate substantial completion of at least one verifiable contract within the past 24 months involving 35 or more acres of hand cutting and chemical treatment of woody invasives with a minimum contract value of $30,000. No contract defaults or terminations for cause within the past 36 months are permitted; affirmative responses result in automatic rejection. Contractors must submit a Contractor Qualification Form and proof of commercial general liability ($1.5 million per occurrence), commercial automobile liability ($1.5 million combined single limit), and workers' compensation insurance per state statutory requirements.

The scope spans removal and chemical treatment of buckthorn, honeysuckle, Oriental bittersweet, multiflora rose, Japanese barberry, and box elder using basal herbicide application, cut stump herbicide application, and hand mechanical cutting with brush saws and chainsaws—no brush mowing. Work is divided into two jobs: Job 1 requires fall 2026 basal bark or stump cut treatment; Job 2 consists of summer 2027 follow-up foliar treatment. Final project completion is October 10, 2027.

Unit pricing must be all-inclusive of labor, materials, tools, transportation, equipment, sales tax, and use tax. Award goes to the lowest responsible bidder meeting all specifications and terms. Payment is made within 30 days of receipt of an undisputed invoice following work acceptance, contingent on submission of FAW Pesticide Application Report and geospatial files. The Project Supervisor reserves the right to withdraw due to insufficient funding or limit completed acres to available budget. Minnesota resident vendor status may be considered for tied bids or reciprocal preference application. Site visits and pre-bid meetings are encouraged; contact Project Supervisor Donald Ramsden at 507-796-3365.