124151 O3 Intent to Award Notice.docx

This is an Intent to Award Notice issued by the State of Nebraska, Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, for tree clearing services at Merritt Reservoir State Recreational Area in Cherry County. The solicitation (124151 O3) seeks comprehensive tree removal services across approximately 216.6 acres, including eastern red cedar, Rocky Mountain juniper, and scattered ponderosa pine through mulching and cutting/piling methods. The mandatory solicitation conference was held on January 21, 2026, at the project location (88079 State Highway 97, Valentine, NE), with written questions due by January 28, 2026, and state responses posted by February 4, 2026. Electronic solicitation responses were due by February 10, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Central Time. The state posted its Intent to Award on February 20, 2026, with contract finalization targeted for March 4, 2026, and award by March 5, 2026. The contract runs from execution through June 30, 2027, with potential extension by mutual agreement. Contractors must divide work into units of at least 50 acres, with 50 percent completion required in the first year and 50 percent in the second year.

The awarded contractor is Fegley Fence. The contract requires compliance with standard state contractual provisions, including civil rights laws, Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, and specific insurance coverage of $2,000,000 Commercial General Liability, statutory Workers' Compensation, and $1,000,000 Commercial Automobile Liability. Work is restricted to dry or frozen ground conditions and limited by specific timeframes to avoid interference with campground operations and events. Bidders were permitted to negotiate reduced per-acre thinning rates in exchange for removing and utilizing merchantable timber, subject to specific removal conditions. The project is subject to legislative appropriation of funds, with no advance payments permitted. Contractors must be registered with the Nebraska Secretary of State and meet all state contractual requirements.