DFW-2027-038 Firebreak Improvement and Construction at the ACOE Birch Hill Dam

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (MassWildlife) is soliciting written quotes under RFQ DFW-2027-038 for firebreak improvement and construction on approximately 140 acres of the Army Corps of Engineers Birch Hill Dam property in Templeton, Massachusetts, with a mandatory bidders' conference on November 18, 2026 and quotes due November 24, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. EST. Vendors unable to attend the conference must request an alternative date by calling the Habitat Biologist before the conference start time.

The base bid covers approximately 5,500 linear feet of 12-foot-wide firebreaks, 200 linear feet of 6-foot-wide firebreaks, erosion mitigation, and three truck turn-around locations, including stump and understory vegetation removal, grading, and bank stabilization. Three alternates reduce firebreak footage to 3,500, 2,700, and 1,400 linear feet. Work must be completed by May 1, 2027, and is suspended during winter when ground conditions are inadequate or snowmobile trail grooming occurs. The contractor obtains all permits except the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act and Wetlands Protection Act permits, which MassWildlife secures.

The project is subject to Massachusetts prevailing wage rates. Workforce participation goals call for 15.3% minority utilization and 6.9% women utilization. The contractor must carry commercial general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 naming the Commonwealth as an additional insured, plus workers' compensation insurance. Each employee must complete a minimum 10-hour OSHA-approved construction safety and health course before beginning work. A performance bond equals 100% of the contract price, and for contracts totaling $25,000 or more, a payment bond equals 50%, both due within ten days of award.

MassWildlife has identified $40,000 in funding. Award goes to the lowest responsible and eligible bidder whose quote meets all requirements under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 149, Section 44(2)(B). Quotes are submitted by email to james.burnham@mass.gov.