Furnish and Deliver Peat to Akeley, MN (DNR)

The Minnesota Department of Administration, acting on behalf of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is seeking proposals for a one-time procurement to furnish and deliver 5,937 yards of screened peat to the DNR State Forest Nursery in Akeley, Minnesota. The peat must meet specific requirements, including a pH level between 5.0 and 6.0, minimum organic material content of 14%, and must be delivered in bulk between April 1, 2026, and June 1, 2026. The solicitation is a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) with strict submission guidelines, requiring all responses to be submitted exclusively through the SWIFT Supplier Portal by January 15, 2026, at 3:00 PM Central Time. Potential vendors must submit questions by January 7, 2026, at 3:00 PM to Molly Gunderson. The evaluation process will occur in two phases: Phase 1 assesses responsiveness and pass/fail requirements, while Phase 2 evaluates responses based on acceptance of State terms and conditions (100 points) and cost details (900 points). Vendors must provide several attachments, including a Responder Declarations form, Exceptions to State Terms and Conditions, Workforce and Equal Pay Declaration, and a certified peat nutrient analysis.

The solicitation includes provisions for preference points and potential certification for diverse businesses. Eligible vendors may receive up to 120 additional points for being certified as a targeted group, economically disadvantaged, veteran-owned, or meeting DEED/DHS eligibility criteria. Small businesses based in Minnesota or meeting specific ownership qualifications might be eligible for the State's Small Business Procurement Program. The estimated total contract value ranges from $150,000 to $200,000, though this is not a guaranteed minimum or maximum obligation. The contract will be effective from March 1, 2026, through August 31, 2026, with an option to extend for up to one additional year in increments determined by the State. Vendors must provide comprehensive insurance coverage, including Commercial General Liability of $2,000,000 per occurrence, Commercial Automobile Liability of $2,000,000, and Workers' Compensation Insurance. Delivery logistics will be coordinated with Wade Sandstrom, with deliveries accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding State holidays.