2026 Douglas County Open Space Forest Maintenance Project

Douglas County Government Department of Open Space and Natural Resources in Colorado is requesting bids for forest maintenance services on approximately 276 acres of open space to reduce wildfire hazards through retreatment of previously treated Gambel Oak, with bids due August 18, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. and a mandatory site visit on August 6, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. — attendance at the site visit is a prerequisite for bid eligibility.

The scope covers mechanical mowing and mastication of Gambel Oak across six treatment blocks on the Dawson Butte Open Space property located approximately 7 miles southwest of Castle Rock, Colorado (1753 Tomah Road, Castle Rock, CO 80109). Work must be completed between August 2026 and December 31, 2026 with no extensions permitted. Bidders must submit equipment specifications, a utilization plan, and three references from similar projects completed within the past five years. Performance standards include daylight-only operations (8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., five days per week), trail protection, daily trash removal, and comprehensive site restoration. The County assesses damage penalties of $200 per significantly damaged tree (6 inches diameter at breast height or greater).

Pricing shall be firm and fixed on a cost-per-acre basis. Contractors must provide proof of General Liability Insurance ($1,000,000 minimum), Workers' Compensation Insurance, and Automobile Liability Insurance. All work must comply with federal, state, and local codes including OSHA requirements. The contract is contingent upon annual funding appropriation and the County's satisfaction with work quality. Questions are due August 10, 2026, with responses posted by August 14, 2026. Finalists may be interviewed with final selection anticipated for August 2026. Bids must be submitted electronically through the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing/BidNet System at www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado/douglas-county-government. The County reserves the right to reject any or all bids and is not obligated to award the lowest bid.