2023 Forestry Tree Planting

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry is seeking a contractor to plant approximately 421,950 seedlings across six state forests: Rothrock, Bald Eagle, Moshannon, Susquehannock, Tioga, and Delaware State Forests. The procurement consists of planting 44,500 hardwoods and 377,450 conifers, with seedlings specified as 1-0 to 3-0 bare root stock. The contract term runs from receipt of the Notice to Proceed until May 31, 2023, with all planting to be completed by May 15, 2023. Contractors must demonstrate daily planting capacity and previous planting experience. Bids must be submitted electronically through the PA Supplier Portal by February 2, 2023, at 10:00 am, with the contract to be awarded to the lowest total bid price per tree. The Bureau will provide the seedlings, and payment will be made on a reimbursement basis upon satisfactory completion of each project, as determined by DCNR inspections.

The contract is reserved exclusively for Self Certified Small Businesses in Pennsylvania, with bidders required to be certified through the Department of General Services' self-certification process. Only small businesses meeting the state's qualification criteria are eligible to submit proposals. Bidders must provide references and complete the required Worker Protection and Investment Certification Form, which ensures compliance with state labor laws. The Commonwealth reserves the right to adjust contract quantities based on actual needs, with potential increases or decreases from the estimated 421,950 seedlings. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, the procurement will be awarded as a fixed-price contract with potential for extension. Liquidated damages may be assessed for improperly planted trees, and contractors must adhere to strict planting specifications and quality standards outlined in the solicitation documents.