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Developing Bid Specifications for Invasive Plant Management Programs
Steven T Manning
Invasive Plant Control, Inc., PO Box 50556, Nashville, TN 37205, stevemanning@mindspring.com
In the evolving field of invasive plant management many integral pieces of the infrastructure of this new industry are under development. It is imperative that land managers understand the intricacies involved in developing contract specifications prior to contracting work in natural areas. When developing bid specifications, the land manager must fully understand the property to be managed and relay this information to prospective contractors. A comprehensive project description helps ensure the most effective and desired control practices are implemented. For instance, a project description should clearly identify and describe all key project elements including project sites and target species. Another critical element is to identify, properly categorize and transfer information to the proposed contractors about the species you wish to control. Information regarding specific weed biology and site ecology will help you prioritize any desirable species you wish to protect. Require all bidders to have adequate knowledge of local plant ecology and require a performance guarantee that holds contractors liable for any non-target control. The contracting agency must also comprehensively outline: licensing requirements, technical specifications, safety plans, performance requirements, references and performance guarantees. Specific information should be required such as a detailed analysis of proposed control methods. The contractor should also require a detailed resume of the primary contacts that will be involved with the proposed project. Participants in this session will walk away with the “Developing Bid Specifications for Invasive Plant Control Programs” brochure as well as bid specification samples from non-profit, municipal, state and federal agencies.
