DNR Starved Rock NP Exotic Shrub Control

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is soliciting competitive bids for exotic shrub control services at Starved Rock Nature Preserve through a firm fixed-hourly rate contract. The project entails the chemical treatment and removal of invasive woody species including bush honeysuckle, burning bush, Japanese barberry, jetbead, autumn olive, common buckthorn, and multiflora rose across two designated units using basal bark treatments with 20% Garlon 4 herbicide applied via backpack sprayers during the dormant season (November through February). The vendor must achieve and maintain a minimum 90% control rate of all treated exotic plants, complete follow-up treatments as necessary, and prioritize treatment of Unit 2 (higher stem density) before proceeding to Unit 1 (lower stem density) if hours permit. The contract runs from execution through December 31, 2027, with final invoicing due by January 15, 2028. Key qualifications include possession of a valid Illinois Department of Agriculture Commercial Herbicide Applicators License, with the crew leader demonstrating a minimum of four years of professional herbicide application experience and at least 50% of staff possessing three years of experience, all within high-quality natural areas in Illinois involving endangered or threatened species. Vendors must provide reference documentation for four completed projects from sites containing endangered and threatened species, areas listed on the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory for high floristic quality, dedicated Nature Preserves, or registered Land and Water Reserves. The proposal due date is March 23, 2026, with required submissions including detailed vendor experience documentation, crew leader credentials, and itemized monthly invoices reflecting dates, locations, hours worked, and chemical quantities used. The vendor must maintain General Commercial Liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate, Auto Liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence, and Worker's Compensation Insurance, with the State named as additionally insured.

No minority or disadvantaged enterprise set-asides are explicitly identified in the solicitation documents; however, the State of Illinois assesses a $15 Minority Contractor Initiative fee for awarded contracts of $1,000 or more under specific Illinois Procurement Code sections. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the available documentation. The contract structure includes a base allocation of 282 hours at a vendor-determined unit rate, with any additional hours beyond 282 billed at the same rate, though the State will specify the maximum contract amount prior to execution. Subcontracting is expressly prohibited, making this opportunity available only to vendors capable of performing all work in-house with their own staff and resources. Vendors are responsible for all herbicide, adjuvants, dyes, equipment maintenance, and expenses related to inadequate treatment requiring follow-up work. Standard Illinois contract terms apply, including compliance with prevailing wage requirements where applicable, contingency upon appropriation availability, State right of termination for convenience with 30 days' notice, and requirement that all work product becomes the exclusive property of the State of Illinois. While specific budget information is not disclosed in the solicitation documents, the hourly-rate structure with a 282-hour base and potential for additional hours provides flexibility in contract value depending on vendor pricing and actual work requirements.