Notice of Intent to Award-Rye Planting Clare and Gladwin Co

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Procurement Services Office issued Request for Proposal #190000002968 for rye planting services across Gladwin and Clare Counties, Michigan. This one-time purchase procurement, with no renewal options, solicited bids for planting 77.4 acres of fall rye. The RFP was posted on the SIGMA VSS platform on August 8, 2019, with a proposal submission deadline of August 15, 2019, at 3:00 p.m. The evaluation process assessed bidders for both responsiveness to solicitation requirements and responsibility in performing the contracted duties, with award recommendation made to the lowest-priced responsive and responsible bidder. The evaluation committee consisted of Project Manager Bruce Barlow and DNR Buyer Patrick Avendt, both serving in voting advisory capacities. Bidders not recommended for award were encouraged to request debriefing sessions with Solicitation Manager Patrick Avendt to understand the State's rationale for the award decision.

Groves Lawncare & Tree Service of Beaverton, Michigan, located at 5320 Flock Road, was recommended for award as the lowest responsive bidder at a contract value of $16,900.29 for the 77.4-acre rye planting project. The competing bidder, Kill Zone Food Plots, submitted a proposal of $23,220.00 for the same scope of work. The award recommendation is pending State Administrative Board approval if applicable. No specific set-aside designations, restrictions on bidder types, incumbent vendors, or special qualifications were identified in the solicitation documents. The procurement represents a straightforward competitive bidding process where cost served as the primary differentiator among qualified respondents.