Merritt SRA Unit 3.pdf

This document is a geographic information system map and supporting solicitation materials from the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission for tree clearing services at Merritt Reservoir State Recreational Area in Cherry County, Nebraska. The project involves removing eastern red cedar, Rocky Mountain juniper, and scattered ponderosa pine across approximately 216.6 acres using mulching and cutting/piling methods. The work must be divided 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 are due by January 28, 2026, with state responses posted by February 4, 2026. Electronic bids must be submitted via ShareFile by February 10, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Central Time. The state plans 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.

Bidders may negotiate reduced per-acre thinning rates in exchange for removing and utilizing merchantable timber, subject to specific removal conditions, allowing for potential cost offsets through marketable material recovery. The contract requires compliance with state contractual provisions, including $2,000,000 Commercial General Liability insurance, statutory Workers' Compensation, and $1,000,000 Commercial Automobile Liability. 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. Contractors must be registered with the Nebraska Secretary of State. The project is subject to legislative appropriation of funds, with no advance payments permitted. The map identifies Merritt Reservoir SRA Unit 3 as containing 50.6 acres total, comprising 41.9 acres prairie, 8.7 acres shelterbelts, 26.5 acres grasslands, 23.8 acres woodlands, and 0.3 acres designated as no-cut areas.