Attachment 6 - MRWMA Unit 6.pdf

Attachment 6 is a geographic information system (GIS) map document related to a tree clearing service contract solicitation issued by the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC) for work at the Merritt Reservoir Wildlife Management Area located in Cherry County, Nebraska. The solicitation requests proposals for removing Eastern Red Cedar and Rocky Mountain Juniper trees measuring 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 in height 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 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 bids due February 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time. The contract term extends from March 9, 2026, to June 30, 2027, with an anticipated award date of February 20, 2026.

Contract awards will be made to the lowest responsible bidder, with the State reserving the right to conduct reference and credit checks. Contractors must provide 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. The pricing basis is per-acre thinning rates, with contractors permitted to exchange merchantable timber for reduced per-acre costs, provided all materials are removed by contract completion. Completed work areas must encompass at least 200 acres and require NGPC staff inspection before payment. The project includes environmental restrictions protecting Western Prairie Fringed Orchid, Northern Long-eared Bat, and Whooping Crane habitat. Work must be performed under dry or frozen ground conditions to minimize environmental impact. Preference may be extended to resident disabled veterans or businesses in designated enterprise zones if all other evaluation factors are equal.