Wyandot and Sugar Creek WA Field Restorations - FY26

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife is seeking contractors for a field restoration project in Stark County, specifically targeting two upland wildlife areas: Wyandot Wildlife Area and Sugar Creek Wildlife Area. The procurement involves comprehensive field preparation, planting, and maintenance of two separate fields totaling approximately 17.53 acres, with precise restoration requirements for native herbaceous vegetation. Contractors must complete multiple tasks including fall tillage to a 6-inch depth, broadcasting cover crops by November 1st, 2025, applying herbicides by May 1st, 2026 with a 90% vegetation kill requirement, and planting a detailed native seed mix containing 22 different species by June 1st, 2026. A mandatory site visit is required before bidding, with contractors required to text a photo of the site to the project contact. All bids must be submitted through Ohio Buys by August 12th, 2025 at Noon, with the contract awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Bidders are required to bid on both Task 1 (field preparation) and Task 2 (post-plant mowing or herbicide application), with the contract term spanning two fiscal years and ending August 30th, 2026.

The solicitation appears to have standard state procurement requirements regarding vendor qualifications, including mandatory compliance with Ohio's Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and Executive Diversity, Growth and Equity (EDGE) vendor guidelines. Contractors must complete several standard forms, including the OPERS Independent Contractor Form and Standard Affirmation & Disclosure Form, which require verification of service locations within the United States and compliance with state ethics regulations. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly stated, the procurement documents emphasize preferences for diverse vendors and strict geographical service restrictions. The project involves detailed specifications for soil management, with fields having different compositions (clay-loam and silt-loam soils), requiring contractors to minimize ground disturbance and ensure at least 25% of seeds are visible during planting. Although a specific budget range is not provided, the comprehensive nature of the restoration project suggests a moderate-scale contract focused on wildlife habitat enhancement. Interested contractors must demonstrate technical expertise in native vegetation restoration, field preparation, and precise ecological management techniques.