Notice of Intent to Award RFP 210000001615

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) issued RFP 210000001615 for wetland tree planting services across four regions: Bay, Grand, Superior, and University. The procurement involves planting container-grown tree species at an approximate density of 100 stems per acre at individual wetland mitigation sites throughout the state to support MDOT's statewide wetland mitigation program. Tree planting will be conducted during spring or fall of each planting year. Bidders were required to be MDOT Pre-Qualified Contractors in the H-Landscaping work type and meet mandatory minimum requirements including submission of required certifications, documentation, and key personnel resumes demonstrating a minimum of five years of specialized experience in wetland plant material installation with three current references. The RFP was posted on June 28, 2021, with a submission deadline of July 26, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. EST. The contract term extends for one year with one one-year renewal option. Four bidders submitted proposals: Diane Dukes, Inc.; Treeworks, Inc.; Cardno, Inc.; and G & J Site Solutions, Inc.

Awards were recommended to responsive and responsible bidders offering the lowest pricing to the state, pending State Administrative Board approval. Diane Dukes, Inc. was recommended for an award in the amount of $152,200.00, and Cardno, Inc. was recommended for an award in the amount of $57,380.00. Three of the four bidders—Diane Dukes, Inc., Cardno, Inc., and G & J Site Solutions, Inc.—met all mandatory requirements and passed the evaluation criteria, while Treeworks, Inc. did not meet the mandatory minimum requirements and was not recommended for award. The notice of intent to award was posted on August 2, 2021, with a due date of August 4, 2021. Multiple vendors were deemed eligible for award based on location and competitive pricing considerations.