Attachment 4 - MRWMA Unit 5.pdf

This is a map attachment document for a state and local contract opportunity issued by the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC) for tree clearing services at Merritt Reservoir Wildlife Management Area in Cherry County, Nebraska. The project encompasses approximately 4,262.5 acres requiring removal of Eastern Red Cedar and Rocky Mountain Juniper trees 18 inches and taller, with primary removal methods including mulching and cutting/piling 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. The response deadline is February 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time, with an intent to award on February 20, 2026. The contract term runs from March 9, 2026, to June 30, 2027. The project site comprises 3,965.1 acres of grasslands, 297.4 acres of woodlands, 3.6 acres of fuels reduction work, and 22.4 acres of 200-foot boundary treatment.

Pricing is structured on a per-acre basis, with contractors permitted to exchange merchantable timber for reduced per-acre thinning rates, provided all materials are removed by contract end. The State will award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder and reserves the right to conduct reference and credit checks. Preference may be given to resident disabled veterans or businesses in designated enterprise zones if all other factors are equal. Contractors must maintain comprehensive insurance 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. 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 and protect designated habitats for Western Prairie Fringed Orchid, Northern Long-eared Bat, and Whooping Crane species.