124150 O3 Addendum Four Q&A SPB 26.docx

This is Solicitation Addendum Four, a Questions and Answers document issued by the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC) for tree clearing services at Merritt Reservoir Wildlife Management Area in Cherry County, Nebraska. The solicitation (Number 124150 O3) involves removing Eastern Red Cedar and Rocky Mountain Juniper trees across approximately 4,262.5 acres, comprising 3,965.1 acres of grasslands and 297.4 acres of woodlands. The primary removal methods include mulching, with cutting and piling permitted for trees over 20 feet tall with a diameter at breast height (DBH) exceeding 6 inches; trees 20 feet or shorter and those over 20 feet with DBH of 6 inches or less must be mulched. The project includes fuel reduction efforts and a 200-foot boundary treatment, with all work required to be completed by June 30, 2027. The solicitation opened on January 8, 2026, with responses due February 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time. A mandatory solicitation conference was held on January 21, 2026. The intent to award is scheduled for February 20, 2026, and the contract term runs from March 9, 2026, to June 30, 2027. The project will be awarded to a single contractor selected as the lowest responsible bidder.

The addendum addresses key operational clarifications, including treatment requirements on slopes of 35 percent or less, with steeper areas potentially excluded from cutting requirements. Contractors must work under dry or frozen ground conditions to minimize environmental impact, and completed work areas must be at least 200 acres in size prior to NGPC staff inspection and payment processing. The Nebraska Game & Parks Commission will be responsible for burning tree piles at a later date. Contractors may exchange merchantable timber for a decreased per-acre thinning rate, with all materials required to be removed by contract end. The solicitation includes specific environmental restrictions protecting Western Prairie Fringed Orchid, Northern Long-eared Bat, and Whooping Crane habitat. Contractors must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, including Workers' Compensation, Commercial General Liability with a $2,000,000 general aggregate, and Commercial Automobile Liability with a $1,000,000 combined single limit. Secretary of State registration is required after intent to award and before contract execution for foreign entities. Per-acre pricing will form the basis for contract valuation.