Merritt SRA Unit 6 Shelterbelts only.pdf

This file consists of a geographic information system (GIS) map and supporting solicitation documents from the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission for tree clearing services at Merritt Reservoir State Recreational Area 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 using mulching and cutting/piling methods. Work must be divided into units of at least 50 acres, with 50 percent completion required in the first year and the remaining 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 proposals 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 on March 5, 2026. The contract term runs from execution through June 30, 2027, with potential extension by mutual agreement.

Contractors may negotiate reduced per-acre thinning rates in exchange for removing and utilizing merchantable timber, subject to specific removal conditions, providing potential cost offsets. 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. The state requires compliance with standard contractual provisions, including civil rights laws, Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, and insurance coverage consisting of $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. The GIS map identifies Unit 6 Woodlands as covering 22.7 acres within the broader project area.