MN DNR Learn to Hunt

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking proposals for a Fish and Wildlife Learn to Hunt program targeting underserved and underrepresented populations across multiple Minnesota locations, including Saint Croix State Park, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and Lake Bemidji State Park. The procurement seeks vendors to conduct comprehensive hunting mentor programs with a required 1:1 mentor/mentee ratio, focusing on hunting education and skill development for individuals who may not have traditional access to hunting training. Vendors will be responsible for managing all aspects of the hunt, including pre-hunt training, safety protocols, equipment procurement, and coordinating logistics such as food and lodging. The evaluation will be point-based, with 1000 total points distributed across four key areas: approach (300 points), qualifications and experience (300 points), diversity/equity/inclusion (100 points), and cost detail (300 points). The solicitation covers deer and potentially other species hunts, with all hunts to be completed by May 31, 2026. The proposal responses are due by May 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM Central Time, with an anticipated contract term from May 2025 to May 2026 and an option to extend up to an additional year.

The DNR has incorporated specific set-aside and preference provisions to encourage participation from diverse businesses, including additional points for targeted groups, economically disadvantaged businesses, and veteran-owned enterprises. The solicitation includes specific questions about whether the bidding business is based in Minnesota, qualifies as a small business, and is majority owned or operated by racial minorities, women, people with substantial physical disabilities, veterans, or is located in an economically disadvantaged county. While no incumbent vendors are explicitly mentioned, the contract has a maximum award value of $50,000 that may cover multiple vendor proposals. Potential vendors must be registered as either a bidder or supplier in the SWIFT Supplier portal and will be required to maintain comprehensive insurance coverage. The DNR emphasizes creating accessible, inclusive hunting experiences with low participant fees to maximize program accessibility, and vendors have flexibility in choosing hunt locations from provided priority sites or alternative public/private locations based on their organizational capacity.