DNR Precommercial Thinning Contract - Northeast Region

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a contractor for precommercial thinning services in the Northeast Region, specifically targeting 738 treatment acres across eight units in Okanogan County. The Invitation for Bid (IFB) #3266 solicits silvicultural land management services focused on forest density management, with work to be performed between July 14, 2025 and November 9, 2025. Bidders must provide a complete bid packet, including fully completed forms and photocopies of state and federal Farm Labor Contractors licenses, with mandatory minimum qualifications for conducting the work. The contractor will be responsible for supplying a crew of 10-18 workers, necessary equipment, and safety gear to perform detailed thinning specifications, which include hand piling slash and selectively removing smaller trees and hardwoods while retaining the largest, most dominant disease-free conifer trees. Bids are due by 10:00 AM PST on June 25, 2025, and will be evaluated based on responsiveness, qualifications, references, and cost, with a maximum bid price of $350 per acre.

The solicitation includes preferences for small businesses, veteran-owned businesses, and firms without mandatory individual arbitration clauses. Bidders must be licensed to do business in Washington State and possess current Washington State and US Department of Labor Farm Labor Contractors Licenses. The contract appears to have set-aside considerations that may provide advantages to disadvantaged enterprises, specifically highlighting preferences for small and veteran-owned businesses. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed beyond the $350 per acre maximum, the total contract value will depend on the final bid and actual acres treated. The procurement process emphasizes contractor qualifications, technical capabilities, and the ability to execute precise silvicultural management techniques in compliance with DNR's forest management standards. The contract will be awarded to the most responsive and responsible bidder meeting all specified requirements, with the ultimate goal of improving forest health and potential future timber production in the Northeast Region of Washington State.