Attachment 2 - MRWMA Unit 2.pdf

This is a solicitation document from the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC) for tree clearing services at the Merritt Reservoir Wildlife Management Area located in Cherry County, Nebraska. The project involves removing Eastern Red Cedar and Rocky Mountain Juniper trees 18 inches and taller across approximately 4,262.5 acres, consisting of 3,965.1 acres of grasslands and 297.4 acres of woodlands. Primary removal methods include mulching, with cutting and piling permitted for trees exceeding 20 feet tall with greater than 6-inch diameter at breast height. The project also encompasses fuel reduction efforts in designated areas and a 200-foot boundary treatment. A mandatory bidders' conference is 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. The solicitation opened on January 8, 2026, with a response deadline of February 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time. The State intends to award the contract on February 20, 2026, and the contract term runs from March 9, 2026, to June 30, 2027.

Pricing is structured on a per-acre basis, with contractors permitted to exchange merchantable timber for a decreased per-acre thinning rate, provided materials are removed by the contract end date. The State will award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder and reserves the right to conduct reference and credit checks. Preference may be granted to resident disabled veterans or businesses located in designated enterprise zones when all other factors are equal. 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. Completed work areas must be at least 200 acres in size and require NGPC staff inspection prior to payment. Work must be performed under dry or frozen ground conditions to minimize environmental impact. Environmental restrictions protect Western Prairie Fringed Orchid, Northern Long-eared Bat, and Whooping Crane habitat.