ESB - Interstate 5 MP 52 to 55: Clear Zone Tree Removal

The Oregon Department of Transportation is requesting competitive quotes for clear zone tree removal and disposal along Interstate 5 from milepost 52 to 55 in Josephine County under RFCQ 73000-00017966, with quotes due by the deadline posted in OregonBuys and a mandatory pre-quote conference on October 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the northbound shoulder near milepost 52—attendance is required, and failure to attend results in quote rejection. This solicitation is restricted exclusively to certified Emerging Small Businesses (ESBs) under COBID, with the contractor required to perform at least 51 percent of labor using its own workforce.

The scope spans tree and brush removal across four work items covering the three-mile corridor (milepost 52–53, 53–54, 54–55, and Exit 55 off-ramp clearing), including removal to the top of bank or fence line, stump treatment with approved herbicides, and complete off-site disposal of all woody debris and wood chips. The contractor is responsible for removing all debris from the project site with no on-site or off-site disposal location provided. Work must comply with established Acceptable Quality Levels defining zero tolerance for major defects and specified allowable minor defects per mile across tree damage, clearance requirements, drainage maintenance, and material disposal. Work is performed in Josephine County, BOLI Region 8, under prevailing wage rates effective September 3, 2026.

Final completion is required by December 15, 2026, with liquidated damages of $600 per calendar day for delays beyond Substantial Completion and $500 per 15-minute increment per lane for traffic closures exceeding allowed limits. The contract price is lump-sum and negotiated. Bid security of 10 percent of total bid is required. The successful offeror must hold current Oregon Construction Contractors Board licensure and public works bonds and must provide Performance and Payment Bonds each at 100 percent of contract value within seven days of notice of intent to award. Commercial General Liability insurance of $2 million per occurrence and $5 million annual aggregate, plus Commercial Automobile Liability insurance of $1 million combined single limit, are required. All quotes remain firm for 30 days from closing. An addendum issued October 2, 2026, permits mastication of blackberries and small brush but prohibits debris piles; any piles must be spread to no more than one inch height.