Aquatic vegetation removal

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is requesting bids for mechanical aquatic vegetation shredding and removal services at Rice Hope Lake and Quarterman Lake in Richland County under IFB, with sealed bids due September 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. EST and questions due by September 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. EST. The State may apply Resident Vendor, Resident Contractor, or Resident Subcontractor preferences as applicable.

The scope covers removal of excessive weed growth and floating vegetative mats from two lakes of approximately 62 acres each on an as-needed basis. The contractor must furnish all labor, equipment, fuel, materials, and supervision. Required equipment includes hydraulically powered shredding equipment with a minimum 8-foot cutting head and 240 horsepower, an aquatic vegetation harvester with 6-foot or larger cutter heads capable of operating in 2 feet or less of water, a marsh excavator with hydraulic thumb attachment, a barge boat equipped with a rotovator, and a qualified airboat operator. Contractors must submit equipment photographs, equipment lists, and documentation of previous projects utilizing the proposed equipment. All subcontractors must possess a South Carolina LLR General Contractor License.

Work is restricted to periods before November 20, 2026, and after February 10, 2027, to prevent disturbance to waterfowl. The estimated contract term runs from July 18, 2026, to June 15, 2027. Bids must be submitted as a lump sum price for the entire job. Contractors must maintain General Liability Insurance with limits of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence, Auto Liability Insurance with $1,000,000 per accident limits, and Workers' Compensation Insurance with statutory limits. Award will be made to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder. Vendors must register with the State of South Carolina to obtain a vendor number prior to bid submission. Site visits are highly recommended prior to bid submission. Award notification will be posted on September 17, 2026.