DFW-2025-076 Artificial Hibernaculum construction at Muddy Brook WMA

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) is seeking a contractor to construct a snake hibernaculum at the Muddy Brook Wildlife Management Area in Hardwick, Worcester County. The project, identified as DFW-2025-076, requires excavating an 11-foot deep, 20'x20' square hole and carefully filling it with concrete slabs, concrete pipes, cinder blocks, and boulders to create a safe overwintering site for declining snake species. The base bid includes excavation, material placement, drainage pipe installation, and site grading, with an optional alternate for installing a 6' high, 130' long chain-link fence around the hibernaculum. Quotes are due by 9:00 am EST on May 28, 2025, with all work to be completed by June 30, 2025. Bidders must submit a mandatory bid sheet, business reference form, and contractor authorized signatory listing. The winning bidder will be evaluated based on being the lowest responsible and eligible bidder, with MassWildlife reserving the right to waive informalities or reject bids if deemed in the public interest.

The contract includes specific workforce participation goals of 15.3% minority and 6.9% women workforce utilization. Contractors must provide documentation of employee safety training, environmental controls, and hazardous materials handling policies. The estimated construction cost is $25,000, and the successful bidder will be required to provide performance and payment bonds, as well as proof of liability insurance. Additional requirements include compliance with Massachusetts prevailing wage rates, which are detailed in the accompanying documentation specifying base wages, health benefits, and pension contributions for various construction trade classifications. The project is subject to comprehensive state procurement regulations, including tax compliance, employment security law adherence, and specific reporting requirements such as quarterly projected workforce reports and weekly manpower tracking. Contractors must also complete a Contractor Authorized Signatory Listing and adhere to strict documentation and compliance standards set by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.