Hack and Squirt (Tree Removal) Services; TWRA

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is seeking a contractor for Hack and Squirt (Tree Removal) Services at Moss Island and Thorny Cypress Wildlife Management Areas and White Lake Refuge in Dyer County. The procurement involves injecting and removing undesirable tree species across 1,938 acres divided into twelve blocks, with a specific focus on eastern cottonwood and sycamore trees exceeding 10 inches in diameter. The project requires row-thinning approximately 740 acres using precise herbicide injection techniques, with mandatory use of 20 ounces per gallon of imazapyr and 32 ounces per gallon of glyphosate products. Contractor qualifications include demonstrable experience implementing hack and squirt services on tracts of 300 acres or more, with references from at least three governmental or non-governmental organizations. The mandatory site visit is scheduled for August 26, 2025, at 9:00 am at the TWRA Dyersburg Office, with bid submissions accepted through September 10, 2025, at 2:00 PM CDT via the Tennessee Edison procurement system. Contractors must provide a large injection crew of at least 30 members, with one English-speaking or bilingual supervisor per 10 crew members, and adhere to strict environmental protection protocols for chemical handling and equipment disposal.

The solicitation does not specify explicit set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, but requires all bidders to comply with non-discrimination policies and Iran Divestment Act provisions. Contractors must be registered with the State of Tennessee Supplier Portal and provide a current Certificate of Liability Insurance and proof of Department of Revenue registration. Insurance requirements include workers' compensation, commercial general liability, and automobile liability coverage. While no specific budget range is detailed, the contract will be awarded to the responsive and responsible bidder offering the lowest cost, with a single award anticipated. The contract is structured as a one-time purchase without guaranteed minimum quantities, and payment will only be issued for goods or services provided after a purchase order is issued. Contractors must also disclose any subcontracting plans and certify they are not debarred or suspended from state or federal transactions. The maximum liability of the State will be determined and specified in the final contract, with completion required by November 9, 2025.