Root River State Trail Bank Stabilization

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), through its Operations Services Division and Parks and Trails Division, is soliciting proposals from consulting firms to provide comprehensive services for the Root River State Trail Bank Stabilization project located north of Houston in Houston County. The project requires final plans, specifications, and technical services during construction to stabilize and reconstruct the riverbank along the state trail. Key deliverables include completing a geomorphic assessment, conducting hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, developing a restoration design approach, and obtaining necessary permits such as wetland delineation. The project timeline is extensive, with a contract term anticipated from December 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and potential extensions up to two additional years. Responses are due by 2:00 PM Central Time on November 25, 2024, with a comprehensive submission requiring a work plan, qualifications and experience documentation, and detailed cost information. The project schedule includes specific milestones such as a kick-off meeting within 45 days of Notice to Proceed, concept plans by May 30, 2025, preliminary plans by August 4, 2025, final approvals by September 29, 2025, bid opening on November 6, 2025, and construction from December 2025 through March 2026.

The solicitation includes preference points for certified targeted group, economically disadvantaged, and veteran-owned businesses. The project is funded by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) with a budget of $750,000 and a construction completion target of October 2025. The state's diversity and inclusion questionnaire asks respondents about business ownership characteristics, including whether the business is based in Minnesota, considered a small business, and majority-owned, operated, and controlled by a racial minority, woman, person with a physical disability, veteran, or located in an economically disadvantaged county. Respondents must submit all required attachments, with potential disqualification for incomplete submissions. The State reserves the right to negotiate with the highest-scoring respondent and potentially pursue multiple awards. While no incumbent vendors are specified, the project involves working closely with the DNR and requires careful coordination for permit acquisition, design development, and construction oversight.