Attachment 4 - MRWMA Unit 5.pdf

This is a geographic information systems map document prepared for the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC) depicting Merritt Wildlife Management Area Unit 5 in Cherry County, Nebraska. The map illustrates the project scope for tree clearing services across the Wildlife Management Area, showing the distribution of grasslands (339.4 acres), woodlands (101.3 acres), fuel reduction areas (3.6 acres), and a 200-foot boundary treatment zone (22.4 acres). The NGPC solicitation seeks qualified bidders to remove Eastern Red Cedar and Rocky Mountain Juniper trees measuring 18 inches and taller across approximately 4,262.5 acres, with primary removal methods including mulching and secondary methods of cutting and piling for larger trees exceeding 20 feet in height with greater than 6-inch diameter at breast height. A mandatory solicitation 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 January 8, 2026, with proposals due February 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time. Contract performance is scheduled from March 9, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with an intent to award on February 20, 2026.

Pricing will be determined on a per-acre basis using the contractor's cost sheet submission. Contractors may exchange merchantable timber for reduced per-acre thinning rates, with all materials required to be removed by contract completion. Completed work areas must comprise at least 200 acres and require NGPC staff inspection prior to payment authorization. All contractors 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. Work must be performed under dry or frozen ground conditions to minimize environmental impact. The State will award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder and may conduct reference and credit checks. Preference may be given to resident disabled veterans or businesses located in designated enterprise zones when all other evaluation factors are equal. Environmental restrictions apply to protect Western Prairie Fringed Orchid, Northern Long-eared Bat, and Whooping Crane habitats within the project area.