Cedar Tree Clearing for Firebreaks at Wapiti WMA

The Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC) is soliciting proposals for a service contract to perform cedar tree clearing for firebreaks at Wapiti Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The project requires a qualified contractor to remove eastern red cedar trees across 44.8 acres, with specific requirements for cutting and debris management within designated work zones. Contractors must cut trees at or below ground level within 150-300 feet of firelines, relocate downed trees beyond designated boundaries, and manage tree removal to facilitate prescribed burns in the Loess Canyons terrain. A mandatory solicitation conference will be held on December 18, 2025, in North Platte, Nebraska, where bidders must register to submit responses. Written questions are due by December 24, 2025, with responses posted by December 31, 2025. Electronic proposals are due January 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM Central Time. The evaluation will be primarily cost-based, with the State reserving the right to consider factors such as previous contract performance and resident disabled veteran preferences.

The solicitation appears to have potential set-aside considerations for Nebraska-based businesses, specifically mentioning preferences for resident disabled veterans and businesses located in designated enterprise zones under Nebraska Revised Statutes 73-107. Contractors must demonstrate adequate manpower and equipment capable of moving large trees in steep terrain and must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, including $2,000,000 in general aggregate liability and $1,000,000 in commercial automobile liability. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated in the documents, the cost sheet suggests pricing will be determined through the bidding process. The contract will commence upon execution and conclude on June 30, 2026, with work beginning immediately after contract finalization. Contractors should note that they will be responsible for repairing any fence damage during tree removal operations and must complete all work to specification, with the understanding that any failure to meet requirements will necessitate return and correction at no additional cost.