Attachemnt 1 - MRWMA Unit 1.pdf

This file is an attachment map document supporting a service contract solicitation issued by the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC) for tree clearing services at Merritt Reservoir Wildlife Management Area located in Cherry County, Nebraska. The project encompasses approximately 4,262.5 acres, consisting of 3,965.1 acres of grasslands and 297.4 acres of woodlands, requiring removal of Eastern Red Cedar and Rocky Mountain Juniper trees measuring 18 inches and taller. Primary removal methods include mulching, with cutting and piling permitted for trees exceeding 20 feet in height with greater than 6-inch diameter at breast height. The solicitation opened January 8, 2026, with a mandatory bidders' conference scheduled for January 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Merritt Reservoir State Recreational Area, with attendance required for bid eligibility. Proposals are due February 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time, with an anticipated contract award date of February 20, 2026. The contract term runs from March 9, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with work to be performed under dry or frozen ground conditions to minimize environmental impact.

Pricing will be determined on a per-acre basis with contractors permitted to exchange merchantable timber for reduced thinning rates, provided all materials are removed by contract completion. Bidders must maintain comprehensive insurance 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. The State reserves the right to conduct reference and credit checks and will award to the lowest responsible bidder. Preference may be given to resident disabled veterans or businesses in designated enterprise zones when all other factors are equal. Completed work areas must be at least 200 acres and require NGPC staff inspection prior to payment. Environmental restrictions apply to protect Western Prairie Fringed Orchid, Northern Long-eared Bat, and Whooping Crane habitat.