I20 median tree cutting - kershaw*

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is seeking bids for a median tree cutting project located on Interstate 20 in Kershaw County, spanning approximately 13 acres between mile markers 86.95 and 88.03. The solicitation requires a contractor to perform comprehensive tree removal services, including cutting, removing, and stump grinding with stumps ground 2 inches below surface level. All tree debris must be shredded, and the contractor is responsible for providing complete traffic control, including detours, lights, barricades, warning signs, and flagmen, with lane closures restricted to specific engineer-approved times. Prospective bidders were required to submit questions by February 9, 2022, at 12:00 PM, with final offers due by February 28, 2022, at 2:30 PM. The contract is scheduled to commence on March 31, 2022, with all services to be completed by December 30, 2022, subject to weather and unforeseen circumstances. Contractors must provide unit pricing for the entire 13-acre project and demonstrate capability to manage complex interstate roadside clearing operations.

The procurement does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrict participation to specific enterprise types. Contractors must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, including Commercial General Liability insurance with $1,000,000 per occurrence, Auto Liability coverage of $1,000,000 per accident, and Worker's Compensation with statutory limits. Work must be performed during daylight hours, Monday through Friday, with the contractor bearing full responsibility for traffic control and property protection. Financial risks include non-refundable deduction charges plus actual repair costs for negligent damage to SCDOT property, and mandatory reimbursement to the state within 30 days for any third-party property damage claims. While specific award values are not detailed in the solicitation, the contract is structured as a fixed-price arrangement with no preferential treatment for in-state vendors. Contractors will be responsible for all project costs, including labor, equipment, mobilization, permits, licenses, bonding, disposal fees, and traffic control, with no additional compensation anticipated from the state for these expenses.