Fuels Reduction and Mastication Services

The State of Oregon, through the Department of Forestry and in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, is issuing an Invitation to Bid (ITB #S-62900-00002385) for Fuels Reduction Thinning Mastication Services in Wasco County. The primary objective is to improve wildlife habitat across multiple units totaling approximately 1,496 acres, with 18 separate treatment areas ranging from 14 to 148 acres. Contractors will be required to provide a boom-mounted masticator and experienced operator to masticate vegetation less than 20 feet tall and 6 inches in diameter, with 1,000 acres to be completed by June 30, 2023, and the remaining 477 acres by June 30, 2026, if the contract is renewed. Bidders must demonstrate qualified experience in similar services and provide references from three different firms documenting past performance within the last five years. The initial contract term is one year, with options to renew annually up to three additional one-year terms, for a maximum contract duration of four years. Bids are due by April 28, 2022, at 2:00 PM Pacific Time, with an anticipated award date of May 2, 2022. Potential bidders must complete several attachments, including a Bid Cover Sheet, Reference Check Form, Cost Bid Form, Outreach Plan, and Responsibility Inquiry to be considered.

The solicitation includes provisions for disadvantaged business enterprises, requiring bidders to list any certified disadvantaged, minority-owned, woman-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, or emerging small businesses they have contracted with in the past two years. Bidders must indicate if they are an Oregon-certified firm and provide their certification number, with a preference given to Oregon businesses. Contractors must possess an Oregon Farm/Forest Labor Contractor License and provide comprehensive insurance coverage. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the contract mentions compensation will be paid from timber sales revenue. The documentation suggests the project is open to a wide range of qualified contractors, with no explicit restrictions on business size or type beyond the certification requirements. Bidders must demonstrate financial stability, material and equipment resources, and provide detailed information about their operational capacity and performance history. The contract requires contractors to comply with all applicable laws and regulations and meet independent contractor certification requirements.