Commercial Timber Sale Redden State Forest Ellendale Stand 24

The Delaware Department of Agriculture Forest Service is requesting proposals for a commercial timber sale at Redden State Forest Stand 24, with sealed proposals due October 21, 2026 at 1:00 p.m., with public opening and reading of bids at that location and time.

The scope covers commercial thinning timber harvesting on approximately 96 acres located at the corner of South Old State Road and East Robbins Road, approximately one mile south of Ellendale, Delaware. The sale involves pulpwood and sawtimber removal using commercial row thinning methods with a residual basal area of 70 square feet per acre. Compensation is based on tonnage delivered, with weekly payment upon submission of haul and weight slips from state-certified motor truck scales. The contract term is 365 calendar days from contract execution, with extension requests permitted if submitted at least two weeks prior to expiration.

Bidders must submit a certified check deposit of $5,000 with their proposals, retained as a performance guarantee for the successful bidder and returned to unsuccessful bidders within seven days of contract signing, not to exceed 60 days. Bidders must provide names and references of crew members for departmental approval prior to work commencement and must carry liability insurance with minimum coverage of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence, plus workers' compensation insurance. The bidder must comply with Delaware's Seed Tree Law and Forestry Practices Erosion and Sediment Control Law; penalties of three times stumpage value apply for unauthorized tree cutting or wanton damage. The Department obtains the Erosion and Sediment Control Permit.

Evaluation weighs bid amount at 75 points and non-price factors at 25 points: prior harvesting evaluations (15 points), ability to perform contract requirements (5 points), and equipment capability (5 points). Contract award is expected within 30 calendar days of bid opening. The successful bidder must execute contract documents within 30 calendar days of notification.