ESB - Interstate 5 MP 38 - 39: Clear Zone Tree Removal

The Oregon Department of Transportation is requesting competitive quotes for clear zone tree removal and brush trimming on Interstate 5 between mileposts 38–39, with quotes due October 6, 2026, and a mandatory pre-quote conference on September 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the northbound shoulder near milepost 38. This solicitation is restricted exclusively to Emerging Small Businesses (ESBs) certified by Oregon's Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID).

The scope includes trimming and removing brush, small trees, and marked trees within designated clear zones for signage and no-work zones to improve sight distance. Contractors must reduce cut brush and trees to a minimum three-inch height and are permitted to masticate blackberries and small brush in brushing areas provided material depth does not exceed one inch where piles occur. All debris must be removed from the site; no on-site or external dumping location is available. Work is located in Jackson County along both northbound and southbound directions of Interstate 5. An Inadvertent Discovery Plan applies; work must stop and a 30-meter buffer zone must be established if archaeological sites, objects, or human remains are discovered during ground-disturbing activities.

Substantial completion is required by December 15, 2026, following issuance of a Notice to Proceed. Liquidated damages are $600 per calendar day for failure to meet substantial completion and $500 per 15 minutes per lane for lane closures exceeding permitted limits. The contractor must perform at least 51 percent of labor using its own workforce. Bid security of 10 percent of the total bid amount is required. Oregon prevailing wage rates for BOLI Region #8 (effective September 3, 2026) apply. Award will be made to the responsible offeror submitting the responsive quote with the lowest total price. All subcontractors must be licensed with the Construction Contractors Board or State Landscape Contractors Board before commencing work. Quotes must be submitted electronically through OregonBuys with no public opening. Prospective offerors whose authorized representatives do not attend the pre-quote conference will be rejected as non-responsive. An addendum dated October 2, 2026, modifies specifications regarding mastication and debris management.