B53417 Q and A.docx

This Q&A document addresses vendor inquiries regarding timber stand improvements at Embarrass River Bottom State Natural Area, a project solicited by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The project encompasses six restoration units (R6-1, R6-2, R11-1, R11-2, R11-4, and R14-2) totaling 208 acres with an anticipated 216 hours of work. Activities include tree thinning and crop tree release across all units, with work varying in intensity depending on whether units represent initial restoration or follow-up efforts to previously completed work. R6-1 involves removal of scattered trees in a sedge meadow area, while R6-2 and R11-4 focus on thinning in areas established through the Emergency Watershed Protection Program. All work consists of felling trees predominantly under 8-10 inches diameter at breast height, followed by herbicide treatment. The project does not include forestry mowing or mulching. Proposals are due August 5, 2026, with all work required to be completed by December 31, 2027.

The contract is valued at approximately $32,400 based on an hourly rate structure for vendor time spent at the job site, excluding travel time. A small-business set-aside program waiver request has been filed, indicating potential exemption from Illinois's standard small-business requirements. Vendors must maintain General Commercial Liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence with $2,000,000 annual aggregate and Auto Liability coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence. Herbicide and dye materials will be supplied by the State and excluded from the hourly rate bid. Subcontractors are permitted if qualified and identified at the time of bidding. Vendors must demonstrate knowledge of native Illinois flora and the ability to identify rare, threatened, and endangered species during the growing season. A pre-bid on-site meeting with the Contract Field Coordinator is required before work begins, and a final evaluation meeting must be scheduled at least three days prior to the last planned work day. The contract term does not exceed ten years.