Wilderness and Cheboygan Invasive Herbaceous Project

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Parks & Recreation Division, is seeking qualified contractors for the Wilderness and Cheboygan Invasive Herbaceous Project, targeting invasive plant species in Wilderness State Park (Emmet County) and Cheboygan State Park. The procurement is a Request for Proposal (RFP) 250000002143 for comprehensive invasive species control, specifically focused on eradicating spotted knapweed, sweet clover, baby's breadth, and reed canary grass along critical shoreline habitats that support endangered and threatened species. Contractors must be pre-qualified in herbaceous control and herbicide categories, with the project requiring two complete treatments using hand pulling and targeted herbicide application techniques. The work is scheduled for completion between June and September 2025, with bids due on April 29, 2025, at 9:30 am EST. Evaluation criteria will include a technical pass/fail assessment of the work plan, personnel qualifications, prior experience, and subsequent pricing review, with contractors required to provide detailed GPS mapping, maintain strict equipment cleaning protocols, and submit comprehensive treatment reports within two weeks of project completion.

The contract allows bidders to propose treatments for one or both parks, with the ability to offer discounts for multiple treatment areas, covering approximately 435 acres across different zones. While no specific set-aside designations are mentioned, the RFP emphasizes minimizing damage to native vegetation and effectively controlling invasive plant populations in sensitive ecological areas. The procurement is structured as a fixed-price contract, with the State reserving the right to award the contract in full or in part. Contractors must provide comprehensive cost breakdowns including labor rates, equipment costs, travel expenses, and chemical supplies, with pricing to remain valid for a specified period after purchase order issuance. Although specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the detailed bidding requirements suggest a comprehensive and potentially significant investment in ecological management. Successful bidders will need to demonstrate extensive technical expertise, environmental stewardship, and a precise approach to invasive species control in these ecologically sensitive state park environments.