Cone Harvesting Services

The South Carolina Forestry Commission has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for cone harvesting services at the Niederhof Forestry Center, located in Lancaster County. The procurement seeks a qualified contractor to harvest cones from three distinct pine orchards: 17 acres of Third-Cycle Coastal Loblolly Pine (estimated 350-500 bushels), 12 acres of Third-Cycle Piedmont Loblolly Pine (estimated 450-600 bushels), and 30 acres of Improved 1.5 Generation Longleaf Pine (estimated 500-800 bushels). Bidders must demonstrate a minimum of three years of verifiable cone harvesting experience and provide proof of liability insurance. The contract requires contractors to provide 65' lift units, supervise harvesting crews, and ensure careful cone collection with minimal branch damage. The solicitation mandates pricing on a per-bushel basis, with payment determined by a tally of filled crates. A mandatory site visit is scheduled for September 4th, and bids will be opened on September 10, 2025. The contract term runs from October 3, 2025, to December 31, 2025, with harvesting to be completed prior to the last week of October, contingent upon cone maturation and weather conditions.

The solicitation includes potential preferences for South Carolina resident contractors and subcontractors, suggesting a potential advantage for local businesses. The SC Forestry Commission will provide sacks and cone crates, direct harvesting areas, conduct ripeness checks, and inspect harvested cones. While specific set-aside designations are not explicitly detailed, the procurement appears to be open to qualified contractors meeting the experience and insurance requirements. No incumbent vendors are mentioned in the documentation. The procurement does not specify a precise budget range, but the potential harvest volumes suggest a contract value that would depend on the final bushel count and agreed-upon per-bushel pricing. Contractors must comply with state procurement regulations and labor guidelines, indicating a structured and regulated bidding process. The solicitation emphasizes technical capabilities, experience, and precise harvesting methodology as key evaluation criteria for potential contractors.