DFW-2027-035 Tree Clearing at Southeast Pine Barrens WMA, Plymouth MA

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife is requesting bids on tree clearing and firebreak creation at Southeast Pine Barrens Wildlife Management Area in Plymouth under IFB DFW-2027-035, with bids due November 4, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. and a mandatory bidders' conference on October 26, 2026. The project is subject to Massachusetts prevailing wage rates and workforce utilization targets of 15.3% minority and 6.9% women participation.

The scope covers approximately 126 acres: a Base Bid for 87 acres of white pine, scots pine, and pitch pine clearing plus a firebreak approximately 5,000 feet long and 20 feet wide, and Alternate Number 1 for an additional 39 acres of tree clearing. All tree felling must be completed by April 14, 2027; skidding, trucking, and processing must be completed by May 15, 2027. The contractor furnishes all labor, materials, tools, and equipment. All employees must have completed a 10-hour OSHA-approved construction safety and health course prior to beginning work.

The project is funded with $225,000 in Massachusetts state fiscal year 2027 funding. Contract compensation is structured as unit prices specified in the proposal, with total contract amount to be determined upon award. Award will go to the lowest responsible and eligible bidder for either the Base Bid alone or the Base Bid plus Alternate Number 1, contingent on available funding.

The bidder must submit a 5% bid deposit as a surety bond, certified check, or cash. Upon award, the contractor must furnish a Performance Bond equal to 100% of the contract sum and a Material and Payment Bond equal to 50% of the contract sum. Comprehensive commercial general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 naming the Commonwealth as additional insured and workers' compensation insurance are required. Payment is made as a lump sum within 30 days of invoice receipt upon MassWildlife's determination of work completion, provided no contract insufficiencies exist. The mandatory bidders' conference location is the intersection of South Line Road and Charge Pond Road in Wareham, Massachusetts; vendors unable to attend must request an alternative conference date from MassWildlife Habitat Biologist Fletcher Clark at 857-283-8986 before October 26.