Agency TRANSPORTATION DEPT

Contractor University of Minnesota

SWIFT Contract Number B43768

Project Name Developing Salt Tolerant Sod Mixtures for Use as R

Project Number (if applicable) 89261 W211

Summarize purpose of the contract, including why it was necessary: The MnDOT recommendation for salt resistant sod (Table 3878-1) needed of re-evaluation. A number of sod installations conforming to the MnDOT specifications failed. It is critical that additional grass species and cultivars are evaluated under high-salt conditions so that the best salt-tolerant sod can be produced. Several species that are not currently included in the recommendations have performed well in low-input turfgrass evaluations in Minnesota and should be evaluated for salt tolerance in roadside environments. The goal of the proposed research is to develop a recommended mixture or a set of mixtures that provide salt-tolerant sod by utilizing the most recently-developed turfgrass cultivars.

Project Duration

Start Date Tue, 06/08/2010 - 00:00

Original end date Sun, 08/31/2014 - 00:00

Actual end date Wed, 12/31/2014 - 00:00

Did project finish on time? Yes

Total billable hours utilized (if applicable) {Empty}

Contract Amounts

Original contract: $176516.00

Amendments {Empty}

Contract total $176516.00

Did project finish within budget? Yes

What was the funding source? LRRB

Is this a sole source contract? No

If this was a single source contract, explain why the agency determined there was only a single source for the services (if applicable) {Empty}

Evaluator Name Dwayne Stenlund

Evaluator Email Address Dwayne.stenlund@state.mn.us

Evaluate the contractor's timeliness Very good

Evaluate the contractor's quality Excellent

Evaluate the contractor's cost Based on length of service, field trials, a bargain

Evaluate the contractor's overall performance Very good performance. Unfortunately, no control of weather related turf trial failures that caused subsequent problem of turf re-establishment in failed areas and delay of sod product results. Problem areas corrected properly.

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.): {Empty}

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