FRD Forest Geneticist Faculty Position

The State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in partnership with Michigan State University (MSU) has issued an Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) for a Forest Geneticist Faculty Position to establish a successor director for the Michigan Cooperative Tree Improvement Program (MICHCOTIP). The procurement seeks a PhD-level faculty member specialized in forest genetics to lead this 50-year collaborative partnership between DNR's Forest Resources Division and MSU's Department of Forestry. Key responsibilities include directing genetics improvement efforts for red and jack pine growth and yield, as well as leading resistance breeding initiatives for tree species affected by non-native insects and diseases. The program manages progeny test plantings and seed orchards across multiple locations including DNR's Brighton Tree Improvement Center, additional DNR nursery lands, and MSU properties, with the ultimate objective of producing genetically superior seed and planting stock to support DNR's annual tree planting program of 6-7 million trees. The ITN identifies the intended source as Michigan State University, reflecting the mutual preference of both MSU and DNR for the successor director to hold faculty status at MSU. Written questions regarding the solicitation must be submitted by June 21, 2021, with a response deadline for written objections and alternative proposals set for June 24, 2021, through the Michigan SIGMA/VSS website. The resulting engagement will constitute a multi-year contract with Kip Conley designated as the sole point of contact for the solicitation.

This ITN appears to contain set-aside or restriction provisions limiting the procurement to Michigan State University as the intended source, reflecting the collaborative nature of the partnership and the requirement that the successor director hold faculty status at the institution. Currently, DNR-FRD and MSU serve as the sole contributing partners to MICHCOTIP, though other agencies and private companies have historically participated as members in the program. The ITN documentation does not specify explicit pricing terms, set-asides for disadvantaged enterprises, specific funding amounts, or detailed budget ranges for this faculty position engagement. No incumbent vendor or current contractor information is identified in the available documentation. The commodity code reference provided is 95845, which may assist potential respondents in identifying this opportunity through procurement databases.