Merritt SRA Unit 3.pdf

This solicitation document concerns a service contract issued by the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission for tree clearing services at Merritt Reservoir State Recreational Area located in Cherry County, Nebraska. The project requires comprehensive removal of eastern red cedar, Rocky Mountain juniper, and scattered ponderosa pine across approximately 216.6 acres through mulching and cutting/piling methods. Contractors must be capable of dividing work into units of at least 50 acres, with 50 percent completion required in the first year and 50 percent in the second year. A mandatory solicitation conference is scheduled for January 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 88079 State Highway 97, Valentine, Nebraska. Written questions must be submitted by January 28, 2026, with state responses posted by February 4, 2026. Electronic solicitation responses are due via ShareFile by February 10, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Central Time. The state intends to post an Intent to Award by February 20, 2026, with contract finalization by March 4, 2026, and award by March 5, 2026. The contract term extends from execution through June 30, 2027, with potential extension by mutual agreement.

Work is restricted to dry or frozen ground conditions and limited by specific timeframes to avoid interference with campground operations and events such as the Nebraska Star Party. Bidders may negotiate reduced per-acre thinning rates in exchange for removing and utilizing merchantable timber, subject to specific removal conditions, providing potential cost offsets through marketable material removal. The contract requires compliance with standard state contractual provisions, including civil rights laws, Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, and specific insurance coverage: $2,000,000 Commercial General Liability, statutory Workers' Compensation, and $1,000,000 Commercial Automobile Liability. Contractors must be registered with the Nebraska Secretary of State. The project is subject to legislative appropriation of funds, with no advance payments permitted. No specific set-aside designations are mentioned in the solicitation documentation.