Bids & RFPs

Current Opportunities for Bids and Solicitations

The Lower Minnesota RIver Watershed District will occasionally solicit work with contractors and consultants through bid and RFP (Request for Proposal) processes.  If you are interested in submitting a bid, please review the bid item regularly for addenda issued to the original document.

The District reserves the right to accept or reject any or all responses, in part or in whole, and to waive any minor informalities, as deemed in the District’s best interests. In determining the most advantageous proposal, the District reserves the right to consider matters such as, but not limited to, consistency with the District’s watershed management plan goals, and the quality and completeness of the consultant’s completed projects similar to the proposed project.

What are Bids and Requests for Proposals?

Bids

Bids are used to procure services that have easily defineable characterisitics.  Finding a qualified contractor at the lowest price is the main concern in the sealed bid process.  An invitation for bid is advertised.  Then an official usually opens all sealed bids at an appointed time, reads them aloud and records them.  A contract is awarded to the responsible party with the lowest bid.  The bid must be submitted on time and according to the instructions required of the Invitation to bid, including any addenda added after the initial invitation.

Requests for Proposals

Requests for Proposals are typically used when the award will be based on factors other than just price.  Like sealed bids, proposals are usually for larger purchases.  Proposals often allow the LMRWD to bargain over details before a contract is awarded.  The LMRWD is looking for a proposal that provides the best value.  For this reason, the lowest price submitted is not always the winning proposal.