DNR RFB Warroad Area Road Grading

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking bids for road grading services in the Warroad Forestry Area, covering Beltrami, Roseau, and Lake of the Woods Counties. The procurement involves grading approximately 200 miles of State Forest roads, with an estimated 500 hours of work per year during a contract period from March 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027. Contractors must provide a motor grader meeting specific technical requirements, including a 14-foot moldboard, 150 horsepower, and 19,000 pounds mass, equipped with a Hobbs meter and slope meter. Bidders must demonstrate at least 1,000 hours of motor grader operation experience and provide evidence of two similar completed contracts within the past five years. The solicitation requires electronic submission through the Swift Portal by January 15, 2026, with bids to be evaluated based on lowest responsible vendor meeting all specifications and terms. Evaluation criteria include compliance with equipment specifications, vendor qualifications, and ability to meet service delivery requirements.

The procurement does not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged businesses, though bidders are asked to self-identify if they meet Small Business Procurement Program criteria. Contractors must provide comprehensive insurance coverage, including Commercial General Liability ($1,500,000 per occurrence), Commercial Automobile Liability ($1,500,000 combined single limit), and Workers' Compensation insurance. The unit pricing must include all associated costs such as labor, equipment, fuel, tools, transportation, and applicable taxes, with no additional mobilization or transportation payments. While no specific budget range is detailed, the contract will compensate based on Hobbs meter readings documenting actual grading hours at an hourly rate. Contractors must also comply with environmental protocols, including invasive species prevention and pollinator best management practices. Payment will be issued within 30 days of invoice receipt, with quantities not guaranteed and the State reserving the right to award items separately or by total as deemed most advantageous.