Agency Water & Soil Resources Board

Contractor Metro Blooms

SWIFT Contract Number 166149

Project Name Lawns to Legumes Program Implementation

Project Number (if applicable) {Empty}

Summarize purpose of the contract, including why it was necessary: Under Minn Stat. § 15.061 and M.L. 2019, First Special Session, Chpt. 4, Art. 2, Sec. 2, Subd. 8 (f), This meets the agency’s statutory requirements by improving and protecting Minnesota’s water and soil resources by working in partnership with many local organizations and private landowners to establish projects that will ultimately increase water quality, pollinator habitat and diversity. In addition, this contract is necessary to implement the requirements of the appropriation laws, Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) are from the trust fund to BWSR for demonstration projects that provide grants for payments to plant residential lawns with native vegetation and pollinator friendly forbs and legumes to protect a diversity of pollinators.

Project Duration

Start Date Fri, 09/20/2019 - 00:00

Original end date Wed, 09/01/2021 - 00:00

Actual end date Mon, 05/01/2023 - 00:00

Did project finish on time? Yes

Total billable hours utilized (if applicable) {Empty}

Contract Amounts

Original contract: $430000.00

Amendments $-10560.00

Contract total $419440.00

Did project finish within budget? Yes

What was the funding source? 2050 / R9PELL9

Is this a sole source contract? Yes

If this was a single source contract, explain why the agency determined there was only a single source for the services (if applicable) Blue Thumb Partnership is the only organization that has all the necessary components in place to implement this program-they have experience running a native plant reimbursement and recognition program; conducting landowner workshops on the topic of turf conversion and pollinator habitat; and they have expertise in coordinating coaching landowners along with other conservation partners. Additionally, they are currently conducting train the trainer workshops which are a component of this project. The workplan for this appropriation was approved by the Legislative Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) and states most of the work should be performed by the Blue Thumb Partnership. Metro Blooms is the fiscal coordinator of the Blue Thumb Partnership.

Evaluator Name Dan Shaw

Evaluator Email Address dan.shaw@state.mn.us

Evaluate the contractor's timeliness The contactor has been successful with meeting deadlines and being responsive to the needs of the project.

Evaluate the contractor's quality The contractor has been a great partner on our Lawns to Legumes program. They have been able to greatly increase the outcomes of the program due to their effectiveness as an organization and connections with a wide range of partners and residents of MN.

Evaluate the contractor's cost The cost has been a good investment for the project particularly considering the many positive outcomes of the project. We feel that the same work could not be done by another partner for the same cost effectiveness.

Evaluate the contractor's overall performance The performance of the contractor has been high with all of their staff being effective at their roles. The results of the program would not have been possible without the contractor’s contributions, ideas and ability to extend the partnerships involved in the program.

Would you engage the contractor's services again? Yes

Describe any negative action taken during the duration of this contract (i.e., termination, pursuit of suspension, etc.): No negative actions taken

Please rate the overall experience with the contractor 5 - very satisfied