DNR wildfire prevention billboards on MN highways

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a contractor to provide wildfire prevention billboard advertising on seven specific highway locations across the state, including sites near Rush City, Carlton, Little Falls, Rice, Aitkin, Park Rapids, and Mille Lacs. The procurement is a formal Request for Bid (RFB) solicitation, with responses due by March 12, 2025, at 2:00 PM Central Time through the SWIFT Supplier Portal. Bidders must submit unit prices that include complete costs for billboard production and installation, with the DNR providing the artwork for an eight-week advertising campaign. The contract will commence on March 12, 2025, or upon obtaining required signatures, and will run until all contractual obligations are satisfactorily fulfilled. Evaluation criteria include compliance with specifications, pricing, and the ability to meet the DNR's billboard placement requirements, with the state reserving the right to reject any or all bids and to award items separately or by grouping as deemed most advantageous. Prospective bidders must submit any questions via email to Denise Katchmark by March 10, 2025, with responses provided through an addendum to the bid request.

The solicitation emphasizes Minnesota's commitment to diversity and inclusion, offering preference points and opportunities for businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with substantial physical disabilities. Certified small businesses that are majority-owned and operated by veterans can receive up to a 6% preference, with specific documentation requirements for claiming this advantage. The state also incorporates environmental considerations, preferring environmentally responsible goods when practicable. Vendors must comply with multi-factor authentication for the SWIFT Supplier Portal and provide all required documentation, including Responder Declarations and attachments. While no specific contract value is explicitly stated, the procurement allows for a single price per billboard location that includes all production and installation costs. Bidders must be registered as either a supplier or bidder in the state's system, with registration typically taking two to three days for review and activation. The DNR will utilize a Direct Pay Permit and will not pay additional charges beyond the listed prices, ensuring a straightforward and transparent procurement process.