Invasive species services - phragmites & semiaquatic plants

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Parks & Recreation Division, Stewardship Unit is seeking proposals for invasive species control services at 21 state parks across Michigan. The project focuses on surveying and treating non-native plant species, including phragmites, purple loosestrife, flowering rush, reed canary grass, non-native cattail, and other invasive herbaceous plants in parks located along Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, and inland locations. Contractors must be pre-qualified with invasive species control certification and demonstrate the ability to achieve a minimum of 98% treatment and 90% kill rate of target species. The Request for Proposal (RFP# 250000002642) requires detailed technical submissions, including personnel qualifications, project manager information, subcontractor details, and specific information about herbicide equipment, chemicals, and treatment techniques. Mandatory pre-bid meetings are scheduled for Algonac, Bay City, Port Crescent, and Sterling State Parks, with the proposal due date set for July 25, 2025, at 9:30 am EST. Work must be completed between August 1, 2025, and September 27, 2025, with contractors required to use specific herbicide application techniques, GPS tracking, mapping, and follow strict environmental protection protocols.

The contract will be awarded on a lump sum basis per park, with bidders allowed to submit proposals for any combination of parks. The evaluation process includes a technical pass/fail assessment of work plans, personnel qualifications, and prior experience, followed by a pricing review. While the documents do not explicitly mention set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises, they emphasize comprehensive environmental management and precise ecological treatment methodologies. Contractors must demonstrate expertise in distinguishing between native and non-native plant species, use specific herbicide mixtures like imazapyr with glyphosate, and minimize damage to native vegetation. The State reserves the right to award the contract in full or in part, with the bid remaining valid for 30 days from the submission date. Though specific budget ranges are not detailed, the contract involves treatment across multiple state parks and requires sophisticated invasive species management techniques. Successful bidders will need to provide comprehensive pricing information, use specialized equipment like ATVs with park manager permissions, and adhere to strict ecological preservation guidelines.