FRD GNA HMNF FY25 Heritage Surveys

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued Request for Proposal (RFP) 25*2585 for Heritage Surveys to be conducted in the Hiawatha National Forest (HMNF) for Fiscal Year 2025. This procurement seeks a contractor to perform comprehensive heritage survey services, with a contract term of one year and potential for up to four additional one-year renewals. The solicitation was posted on SIGMA VSS on June 9th, with proposals due by June 30th, creating a 21-calendar-day submission window. Four bidders submitted proposals: Gray & Pape, Arcadis of Michigan, ASC Group, and Mannik & Smith Group. The evaluation process focused on technical responsiveness and pricing, with a primary objective of selecting the lowest-priced, responsible vendor capable of conducting heritage surveys across three site probability categories: High, Moderate, and Low. Proposals were comprehensively reviewed to ensure technical compliance and competitive pricing, with a strong emphasis on the contractor's ability to effectively execute heritage survey work in the specified forest region.

The procurement does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types. Four companies competed for the contract, with Mannik & Smith Group recommended for award at $203,000.00, which was significantly lower than competitor pricing (with Gray and Pape's proposal reaching $441,000.00). The recommendation is pending State Administrative Board approval, and unsuccessful bidders are invited to schedule a debriefing with Solicitation Manager Samantha Fusco to understand their non-selection. The total proposed price range demonstrates significant variability among bidders, with Mannik & Smith Group presenting the most economically advantageous proposal. The contract appears to be structured with potential multi-year extensions, providing flexibility for ongoing heritage survey work in the Hiawatha National Forest. Unsuccessful bidders are encouraged to seek feedback to improve future proposal submissions, indicating a transparent procurement process aimed at securing the most qualified and cost-effective contractor for the heritage survey project.