2023 Sudden Oak Death Mechanical Eradication Services

The Oregon Department of Forestry is seeking qualified contractors to provide 2023 Sudden Oak Death (SOD) Mechanical Eradication Services through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The primary jurisdictions involved are Marion County and the City of Salem, with the scope of work focused on cutting, piling, and burning trees and shrubs infected with the SOD pathogen. Contractors must have a valid Oregon Farm/Forest Labor Contractor License and demonstrate experience in SOD eradication. Proposers will be evaluated based on their ability to meet performance requirements, relevant experience, qualifications, and proposed pricing, with evaluation criteria emphasizing the proposer's expertise in mechanical eradication techniques. The RFP closes on August 30, 2023, with an initial contract term of one year and potential options to extend for four additional one-year terms. The estimated treatment area for the first year is 0-50 acres, with specific requirements including equipment operation using excavators, track hoes, chain saws, and optional skidders.

The RFP includes a Certified Disadvantaged Business Outreach Plan that requires proposers to take reasonable steps to ensure certified minority-owned, woman-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, and emerging small businesses (COBID firms) have equal subcontracting opportunities. Proposers must indicate if they are a COBID certified firm, provide a list of COBID and non-COBID firms they have contracted with in the past two years, and describe steps to solicit COBID firms if awarded the contract. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the contract will compensate contractors based on hourly rates for specific equipment and personnel, with reimbursement for items such as portable toilets, plastic for covering piles, and burn fuel. Proposers must complete a comprehensive Responsibility Inquiry demonstrating their financial and operational capabilities, past performance, and legal history. The Oregon Department of Forestry reserves the right to award all, part, or none of the proposal items, with final compensation based on inspected acreage and acceptable work quality.