FY26 - District 2 Fish Access Area Vegetation Control

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is seeking a contractor for vegetation control services in District 2, specifically focusing on fishing access areas across Lucas, Ottawa, Erie, and Sandusky Counties. The project involves two rounds of herbicide treatments during the active growing season, with applications targeting riprap, fence lines, access roads, and shoreline areas at nine specific locations including Resthaven Wildlife Area, Sandusky Bay Bridge Access, and Mazurik Fishing Access. The contractor must provide all labor, materials, and equipment, and comply with federal, state, and local regulations including IBC, ADA, and OSHA standards. Work is limited to Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with a requirement to notify the area manager at least 24 hours before each application. The contractor must use only aquatic-approved herbicides and exercise extreme precision to avoid damaging adjacent properties, water bodies, parking lots, and infrastructure. The solicitation was posted on July 17, 2025, with proposals due by August 8, 2025.

The contract opportunity encourages participation from Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and Executive Diversity, Growth and Equity (EDGE) businesses, in alignment with Ohio's commitment to diverse vendor participation. Contractors must complete several mandatory forms, including an OPERS Independent Contractor Form, an Affirmation and Disclosure Form addressing offshore service restrictions, and comply with state ethics laws. Insurance requirements include Commercial General Liability, Commercial Automobile Liability, Workers' Compensation, and Cyber Liability Insurance with specific minimum coverage limits. While a precise budget is not explicitly stated, the contract is structured within the current state biennium and is contingent on Ohio General Assembly appropriations. Contractors must be prepared to provide background checks for on-site employees and adhere to strict confidentiality and data protection protocols. The contract includes provisions for potential termination if legislative funding is withdrawn or if the contractor fails to meet specified performance standards.