DNR Root River St Trl Rock Stabilization

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Operations Services Division (OSD), and Parks and Trails (PAT) Division is seeking consulting firm proposals through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) for rock bluff stabilization services along the Root River State Trail north of Heron Road between Preston and Lanesboro in Freeborn County, Minnesota. The scope of work includes nine primary deliverables: project kick-off meeting, comprehensive survey with 3D laser scanning and topographic cross-sections, risk assessment with stability analysis and mitigation measures, concept plans (30%), preliminary plans (90%), final design documents, construction documents with specifications and cost estimates, bidding phase services, and construction administration during the anticipated six-week construction phase involving one inspection per week. The consulting firm must demonstrate proven expertise in geology, rock slope failures, rock removal, and civil engineering, with evidence of at least two similar projects completed within the last five years involving streambank restoration, stabilization, and permitting. Key milestone dates include a project kick-off meeting within 21 days of the Notice to Proceed (estimated end of February 2026), site assessments within 45 days, risk assessment completion within 75 days, concept plans due August 1, 2026, preliminary plans due September 1, 2026, final plans due October 1, 2026, and construction documents due November 1, 2026, with construction scheduled for January through March 2027. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the SWIFT eSupplier portal by January 29, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Central Time, with deliverables due to DNR OMB Purchasing in St. Paul by February 7, 2026. The evaluation process occurs in three phases: Phase 1 assesses responsiveness and mandatory requirements on a pass/fail basis; Phase 2 evaluates proposals on Work Plan (300 points), Qualifications and Experience (400 points), and Cost Detail (300 points) for a total of 1,000 points, with an additional 120 preference points available for certified Targeted Group, Economically Disadvantaged, and Veteran-Owned businesses; and Phase 3 selects the finalist based on best value determination.

Minnesota's Small Business Procurement Program set-asides are available for certified small businesses, including minority-owned, women-owned, owned by persons with substantial physical disabilities, veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, or located in economically disadvantaged counties; interested small businesses may contact the Office of Equity in Procurement at Procurement.Equity@state.mn.us or 651-201-2402 for certification information. The anticipated contract term is April 1, 2026 through June 1, 2027, with an option to extend up to an additional two years in increments determined by the State. The contract requires submission of detailed work plans, qualifications and experience documentation with personnel resumes, cost details for each of nine deliverables on the provided Cost Detail attachment, and required certifications including Responder Declarations, Exceptions to State Terms and Conditions, and Workforce and Equal Pay Declaration Pages; firms with 40 or more full-time employees must comply with Minnesota Workforce Certificate and Equal Pay Certificate requirements. Contractors must maintain Commercial General Liability insurance of $2,000,000 per occurrence, Commercial Automobile Liability of $2,000,000 combined single limit, Professional Liability/Errors and Omissions of $2,000,000 per claim, and Workers' Compensation insurance in accordance with Minnesota statutory requirements prior to commencing work. The State does not make regular time-based payments and only compensates for services performed or work delivered upon completion, with up to 90 percent of amounts due paid upon invoice review and remaining balances paid upon satisfactory completion. No specific budget or award value is disclosed in the RFP documentation; evaluation and selection is anticipated to be completed by March 2026.