DNR WLD Crystal Falls Openings Maintenance

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division is issuing a Request for Proposal for opening cultivation and habitat maintenance services on state-managed public lands located in Dickinson and Iron counties within Delta County. The procurement is structured into two distinct work blocks: Block I comprises cultivation, fertilizing, seeding, and herbicide application services across 176.5 acres (128.5 acres of planting and 48 acres of herbicide application), while Block II encompasses bulldozing and gravel hauling for approximately 1.0 mile of roadway and 400 yards of sifted pit run material. Contractors must supply all materials, including 11,750 lbs. of winter rye seed, 352 lbs. of clover varieties, 25,700 lbs. of fertilizers, 720 oz. of herbicides, and 400 yards of sifted pit run material. Block I work must commence May 1, 2025, and be completed by September 10, 2025, with individual project deadlines ranging throughout that period, while Block II must be completed between June 1 and August 1, 2025. Bidders must possess a valid Commercial Pesticide Applicator License and provide equipment meeting minimum specifications, including a disk with 25-inch minimum diameter disks and a seed planter for clover application. The proposal deadline is April 25, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. EST, with questions due by April 21, 2025, and answers posted on SIGMA VSS by April 23, 2025. Contractors must submit itemized pricing per acre for each of the eight projects within Block I and the single project in Block II, with all costs including labor, equipment, materials, and supplies; the State will evaluate proposals based on responsiveness, vendor capability, prior State performance, economic impact to Michigan, and total cost of ownership, awarding to the responsive and responsible bidder offering the best overall value.

The procurement contains no designated set-asides or restrictions limiting responses to specific organization types or disadvantaged enterprises. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the available solicitation materials. The anticipated contract start date is May 1, 2025, with the contract term expiring September 30, 2025, and pricing is firm for the entire contract duration. The project is funded through multiple sources including the Deer Range Improvement Fund (DRIP), Turkey Habitat dollars, and Pittman Robertson Funds, though specific budget allocations and award values are not disclosed in the available documentation; however, due to budget constraints, the State notes that not all projects may be fully funded, and award priority will be determined based on proposals received. Multiple awards may be made if bidders submit separate pricing for individual blocks. Payments will be disbursed exclusively through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), with invoices due by September 20, 2025, and payment expected within 45 days of receipt, and liquidated damages of $500 plus $100 per day will be assessed for late or improper completion of contract activities.