DFW-2027-018 Access Improvements at Birch Hill ACOE

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife is soliciting written quotes for access improvements at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Birch Hill Dam Property in Winchendon, Worcester County, under RFQ DFW-2027-018, with quotes due September 18, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. EST and a mandatory bidder's conference on September 8 at 9:00 a.m. at Lake Dennison Recreation Area Day Use parking lot. Attendance at the bidder's conference is mandatory; bids will not be accepted from vendors who do not attend or secure an alternative date approved by the Habitat Biologist prior to the scheduled conference.

The scope includes installing a 15-foot-wide entrance single-leaf pipe gate at the Rifle Range Unit; supplying and installing approximately 50 boulders across 150 linear feet with a 33-foot by 22-foot parking area at the Scotch Pine Unit; placing approximately 10 boulders to block a 40-foot linear span at the Lake Dennison Unit; and removing and disposing of an old pipe gate at the Elm Street Unit. All work must be completed by November 24, 2026. Contractors must obtain all permits except environmental permits (Massachusetts Endangered Species Act and Wetlands Protection Act), which MassWildlife secures.

The estimated project cost is $18,000. Prevailing wage rates under Massachusetts General Laws apply; the wage schedule effective August 11, 2026 is incorporated into the RFQ and must be posted at the work site. Submissions must include a completed Mandatory Bid Sheet, list of proposed equipment and methods, Business Reference Form with at least two references from similar work completed in the past two years, and Contractor Authorized Signatory Listing.

The contractor must be non-debarred, compliant with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 149, Section 44(2)(B), and hold a 10-hour OSHA-approved construction safety course certification for all employees. The contract carries a 15.3% minority workforce utilization goal and 6.9% women workforce utilization goal. Performance bonding of 100% of the contract price is required within ten days of award. Comprehensive commercial general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 naming the Commonwealth as an additional insured, workers' compensation insurance, and proof of valid certificates must be provided prior to work commencement. Quotes must be submitted by email to james.burnham@mass.gov.