Commercial Timber Sale Redden State Forest Chesapeake Stand 27

The Delaware Department of Agriculture Forest Service is requesting proposals for a commercial timber sale at Redden State Forest, Chesapeake Tract, Stand 27, with proposals due November 4, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

The scope covers harvest and removal of approximately 429,554 board feet of Loblolly Pine sawtimber from approximately 23 acres using clearcut harvesting method. Bidders must provide names and references of all crew members for department approval; the department may reject crew based on unsatisfactory prior performance. The contractor must obtain an Erosion and Sediment Control Permit prior to harvesting and comply with Delaware's Forestry Practices Erosion and Sediment Control Law. Designated landing sites and forest roads must be used. The contractor assumes liability for three times the stumpage value for each unauthorized tree cut or wantonly damaged.

The contractor must carry liability and workers' compensation insurance with minimum coverage of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence, plus $50,000 property damage coverage. Contract duration is 365 calendar days from execution, with extension requests requiring a minimum of two weeks' advance written notice prior to expiration. A $5,000 certified check bid deposit, made payable to the Delaware Department of Agriculture Forest Service, is required; it will be retained as performance guarantee for the successful bidder and returned to unsuccessful bidders within seven days of contract signing, not to exceed 60 days.

Award evaluation uses a 100-point scale: prior harvesting evaluations (15 points), ability to perform contract requirements including crew qualifications (5 points), equipment capability (5 points), and bid amount (75 points). Public opening and reading of bids will occur immediately following the submission deadline at 2320 S DuPont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901. Contract award will be announced within 30 calendar days of bid opening; the successful bidder must execute contract documents within 30 calendar days of award notification.