Attachment 6 - MRWMA Unit 6.pdf

This is a solicitation document issued by 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 measuring 18 inches and taller across approximately 4,262.5 acres, comprising 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 in height with greater than 6-inch diameter at breast height. The solicitation opened on 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; attendance is required for bid submission. Proposals are due 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, through June 30, 2027, with no renewal options indicated.

Pricing will be determined on a per-acre basis through the cost sheet provided in the solicitation, with the contract awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. Contractors may exchange merchantable timber for a reduced per-acre thinning rate, provided all materials are removed by contract end. Completed work areas must encompass at least 200 acres and require NGPC staff inspection prior to payment. 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, with specific environmental restrictions protecting Western Prairie Fringed Orchid, Northern Long-eared Bat, and Whooping Crane habitat. A 200-foot boundary treatment is also included in project scope. Preference may be given to resident disabled veterans or businesses in designated enterprise zones if all other factors are equal.