124151 O3 Addendum Three Q&A SPB 26.docx

This is a Solicitation Addendum Three Questions and Answers document issued by the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission for tree clearing services at Merritt Reservoir State Recreational Area. The project encompasses approximately 216.6 acres requiring removal of eastern red cedar, Rocky Mountain juniper, and ponderosa pine through mulching and cutting/piling methods. The solicitation opened on February 10, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Central Time, with this addendum effective as of February 4, 2026. A mandatory solicitation conference was held on January 21, 2026, with written questions due by January 28, 2026. The state plans to post an Intent to Award by February 20, 2026, with contract finalization by March 4, 2026, and award by March 5, 2026. The contract runs from execution through June 30, 2027, with no specific renewal options mentioned. Key clarifications from the addendum include confirmation that contractors registered after the initial bidders meeting are eligible to bid, Secretary of State registration is required after Intent to Award, and the total project must be completed by June 30, 2027, with no mandated interim completion timeline.

The addendum provides critical specifications addressing contractor concerns regarding work scope and operations. In woodland areas, all cedar trees 20 feet tall and under will be mulched, with trees over 20 feet allowed to be either mulched or cut and piled; pine trees 6 feet tall and under will also be mulched. Operations are restricted to areas with slopes of 35 percent or less, with slope maps to be provided to the awarded contractor. The state retains responsibility for burning tree piles or hiring a contractor to perform this work at a later date. Root ball removal is explicitly prohibited, with trees limited to mulching or ground-level cutting and piling. An existing contractor, Skidder Bros, operates under separate contracts in specific adjacent areas with expiration on June 30, 2026, with no renewals anticipated, eliminating concurrent work conflicts during the contract period.