DFW-2027-040 Frances Crane North WMA Fuel Reduction

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) is soliciting sealed bids under Invitation for Bid DFW-2027-040 for woodland thinning and fuel reduction on up to approximately 40 acres at Frances Crane (North) Wildlife Management Area in Falmouth and Sandwich, Massachusetts. A mandatory bidders' conference is scheduled for November 19, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. at the property gate in Sandwich, and attendance is required for bid eligibility. Sealed bids are due November 30, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

The source names no set-aside or preference program. It states an applicable minority workforce utilization percentage of 15.3% and a women workforce utilization percentage of 6.9%. Every machine operator involved in felling and tree transport must hold a current Massachusetts Timber Harvester License. All employees must complete at least 10 hours of OSHA-approved construction safety and health training before starting work. The contractor must carry commercial general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 naming the Commonwealth as an additional insured, plus workers' compensation as required by Massachusetts law.

The scope covers tree felling, thinning, and removal to reduce wildfire hazard, create firebreaks, and support prescribed fire while restoring open-canopy pitch pine and oak woodland habitat. Ancillary work includes skidding, processing, and cleanup. Felling may begin no earlier than December 1, 2026 and must finish by March 15, 2027, and all ancillary work must finish by March 31, 2027. The project is subject to Massachusetts prevailing wage rates, which bidders must build into their pricing. Contractors must submit Workforce Participation Report forms throughout performance.

Total project funding is $140,000 in Massachusetts fiscal year 2027 state funds. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible and eligible bidder for the Base Bid, with compensation based on unit prices in the proposal. Bidders must submit a bid deposit equal to 5% of the total bid price by surety bond, certified check, or cash. Before execution, the winning contractor must furnish a performance bond equal to 100% of the contract sum and a labor and materials payment bond equal to 50% of the contract sum. Payment is a lump sum made within 30 days of invoice receipt, after MassWildlife determines the work is complete, provided no insufficiencies or non-compliance issues are identified.

Bidders must submit two complete paper copies to James Burnham, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581. Vendors unable to attend the November 19 conference must contact Nicole Keleher at (857) 337-5173 before its scheduled start time to arrange an alternative conference.