Elk Lake WPA Wetland Restoration, Elk Lake WPA, Clay County

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is soliciting bids for the Elk Lake WPA Wetland Restoration project in Clay County, Iowa, with a specific focus on wetland enhancement and infrastructure improvement. The procurement involves construction of an earthen dike, water control structure installation, and comprehensive wetland restoration activities, including removal of an existing culvert, 2,700 cubic yards of earthfill for berm construction, spillway excavation, tile investigation, and tile breaks. Bidders must submit proposals electronically to constructionbids@dnr.iowa.gov by February 27, 2025, at 3:00 PM CST, with the project completion date set for October 3, 2025. Interested contractors must contact Jeff Felts at 515-250-3712 or jeff.felts@dnr.iowa.gov to obtain the complete bid package, which includes detailed Final Plans Set and Contract Packet documentation. Evaluation will likely focus on technical capabilities, compliance with specifications, and adherence to the comprehensive engineering drawings that outline precise construction requirements for dike, spillway, and water control structure implementation.

The contract opportunity appears to have federal funding components, which introduces mandatory EPA forms and certifications regarding debarment, lobbying, and minority/women's business enterprise participation. Contractors must provide specific insurance coverage, including $250,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for public liability, and $250,000 per occurrence for property damage. A performance bond covering 100% of the contract amount is required for the successful bidder. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned, the federal funding suggests potential opportunities for disadvantaged business enterprises. Contractors must utilize only rubber-tired equipment and access designated borrow areas through pre-cleared routes, with strict material transportation and site management requirements. Though no specific budget range is provided in the documents, the comprehensive nature of the wetland restoration project and the detailed engineering specifications suggest a significant investment in ecological infrastructure improvement.