Competing Vegetation Removal SFM 18-5 FD 7 & 10

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Bureau of Forestry, is soliciting competitive bids for a herbicide application contract to remove competing vegetation across state forest lands. The project requires a contractor to apply herbicide to an estimated 338 acres across 4 scattered spray blocks in Forest Districts 7 and 10, with treatment areas consisting of uncut forest stands, recently cut shelterwood stands, and areas with significant tree mortality. Contractors must utilize motorized spray equipment capable of traversing mountain terrain, with a preference for a double-sided air blast mist blower or an acceptable single-sided alternative. The primary vegetation targeted includes Mountain Laurel, fern, invasive species, and birch. Contractors must possess a valid Pesticide Application Business License from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and demonstrate specific qualifications for herbicide application. The contract period runs from May 1, 2018, to September 30, 2018, with a potential 15-day extension, and the bid will be awarded based on the total sum of all blocks, with payment determined by actual surveyed acreage treated. The proposal submission deadline is February 27, 2018, with no pre-bid conference scheduled.

The contract is specifically set aside for self-certified small businesses in Pennsylvania, creating a restricted procurement opportunity for qualifying vendors. Contractors must include all herbicide and adjuvant costs within their per-acre bid price, with no separate reimbursement provided by the Commonwealth. The successful bidder will be required to provide detailed documentation, including a Block Herbicide Spray Record documenting application details such as date, time, materials used, weather conditions, and operator information. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the contract covers approximately 338 acres of treatment across multiple forest districts. Contractors must also submit comprehensive documentation including personnel and equipment details, demonstrating their capability to perform the specialized vegetation removal services. The Reciprocal Limitations Act requirements will be in effect, potentially influencing bid evaluations based on the state of manufacture for supplies and equipment. Additionally, standard Commonwealth contractual clauses related to nondiscrimination, contractor integrity, and personnel background checks will apply to the selected vendor.