124150 O3 Addendum Three SPB 28.docx

This is Solicitation Addendum Number Three issued by the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC), updating the work plan completion dates for a tree clearing service contract at Merritt Reservoir Wildlife Management Area in Cherry County, Nebraska. The project involves the removal of Eastern Red Cedar and Rocky Mountain Juniper trees measuring 18 inches and taller across approximately 4,262.5 acres, comprising 3,965.1 acres of grasslands and 297.4 acres of woodlands. Primary removal methods include mulching, with cutting and piling permitted for larger trees exceeding 20 feet in height with diameters greater than 6 inches at breast height. The work also includes fuel reduction efforts in designated areas and a 200-foot boundary treatment. A mandatory solicitation conference was held on January 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Merritt Reservoir State Recreational Area, with attendance required for bid submission. The solicitation opened on January 8, 2026, with responses due on February 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time. The contract term runs from March 9, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with an intent to award on February 20, 2026. Addendum Three, effective February 4, 2026, specifies that the entire project must be completed by June 30, 2027.

The State will award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder and reserves the right to conduct reference and credit checks. Pricing will be based on per-acre rates submitted on the cost sheet, with work valuation determined by completed acreage. Contractors may exchange merchantable timber for a reduced per-acre thinning rate, with all materials required to be removed by the contract end date. Completed work areas must consist of at least 200 acres and require Nebraska Game & Parks Commission staff inspection prior to payment authorization. Preference may be given to resident disabled veterans or businesses located in designated enterprise zones if all other evaluation factors are equal. Contractors must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, including Workers' Compensation, Commercial General Liability with a $2,000,000 general aggregate limit, and Commercial Automobile Liability with a $1,000,000 combined single limit. Work must be performed under dry or frozen ground conditions to minimize environmental impact. The project includes specific environmental restrictions to protect Western Prairie Fringed Orchid, Northern Long-eared Bat, and Whooping Crane habitat.