DEM - Shaded Fuel Breaks

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is seeking proposals through Request for Quotation (RFQ24003138) for a shaded fuel break project in Providence County. The procurement involves creating a 1-mile shaded fuel break with a 66-foot (1 chain) width extending from access roads, totaling approximately 8 acres per mile. The project requires vendors to clear various wood products, including sawtimber, pulp, and dead oak, with an estimated total scope of 120 acres. Vendors must submit per-acre pricing for clearing the shaded fuel breaks electronically through the Ocean State Procures system. The solicitation opened on August 16, 2023, with responses due by August 30, 2023, at 2:00 PM EDT, and included a vendor Q&A period from August 16 to August 22, 2023. The initial contract period will begin around September 1, 2023, for one year, with the potential for up to three additional 12-month renewals based on vendor performance and funding availability.

The RFQ includes a mandatory 10% Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) participation requirement, with vendors required to submit MBE Utilization Plans for review. Vendors must carry specific insurance coverage, including $1,000,000 in general liability, workers compensation, and automobile liability. All vendors must register in the Ocean State Procures system and comply with Rhode Island's affirmative action and licensing requirements. While no specific budget range was explicitly stated, the project involves clearing 120 acres of fuel breaks, suggesting a significant potential contract value. The State reserves the right to make single or multiple awards and to reject any or all bids. Deliveries will be made on a Free On Board (FOB) Destination basis, with inside delivery included at no extra cost, and no additional expenses will be authorized for travel, meals, mileage, or portal-to-portal charges.