F. D. #7 Vegetation Removal Project 21B-2

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry, is seeking a contractor to perform basal application of herbicide for vegetation removal in Forest District 07, spanning Clinton, Mifflin, and Centre Counties. The project involves treating an estimated 318 acres across four scattered basal spray blocks (Projects 072101, 072102, 072103, and 072108) to control competing understory tree species and aid in establishing high-value tree stands. Qualified contractors must provide personnel, spray equipment, and herbicides to complete the work, with a contract term running from the purchase order date or June 1, 2022 (whichever is later) through June 30, 2023. No herbicide application will be permitted from March 1 through May 31. The contractor will be paid based on the Department's surveyed acreage of successfully treated areas, with contract quantities subject to potential increase or decrease. Bid submissions were due by March 7, 2022, with the contract to be awarded to the lowest total sum bidder.

The procurement is specifically designated for small businesses, with only self-certified small business vendors eligible to submit bids. Contractors must possess a valid Pesticide Application Business License and provide $10,000 in performance security. The Department has established specific insurance requirements for the selected contractor and reserves the right to monitor the contractor's progress and performance throughout the contract term. While no incumbent vendor is explicitly mentioned, the contract includes standard government contracting provisions related to independent contractor status, warranties, confidentiality, and nondiscrimination. The project does not specify a precise budget range, but the payment will be based on the actual acreage treated, with the total estimated work scope covering 318 acres across multiple project blocks. Additional compliance requirements include completing the Worker Protection and Investment Certification Form and adhering to the Commonwealth's Reciprocal Limitations Act regulations regarding in-state product preferences.