James Madison University Invasive Species Control

The Virginia Department of Forestry is requesting bids for post-harvest invasive species control on approximately 23 acres at James Madison University property in Rockingham County, with all-inclusive per-acre bids due September 10, 2026 by 12:00 PM EST. DSBSD-certified small businesses and micro businesses may receive set-aside award priority.

The scope covers directed foliar spray, hack and squirt, and basal bark application methods targeting Ailanthus and Japanese Honeysuckle on mature Loblolly Pine, White Pine, and natural hardwood stands at 8309 Alumnae Drive, Port Republic, Virginia. The contractor must furnish all labor, materials, equipment, tools, transportation, supervision, and supplies. Technical specifications include defined herbicide concentrations and application methods, with temperature restrictions of 20–80 degrees Fahrenheit for basal bark treatments and completion of foliar applications prior to freezing temperatures. The contractor is responsible for site cleanup, debris removal, trail and road protection, stream and lake pollution prevention, and non-target vegetation protection. Work must be completed by October 15, 2026.

All work must be completed by October 15, 2026. Site visits are optional but encouraged; contractors should contact Jack Kaufman at (540) 395-1226 or Stuart Baker at (434) 987-8326 to schedule inspections and obtain access to a geo-referenced Avenza map. Contractors must notify the Department of Forestry and James Madison University at least three business days prior to work commencement.

All bids must be submitted electronically through eVA with a completed Vendor Data Sheet (Attachment B). All contractors must register in the eVA Internet e-procurement portal. For contracts exceeding $10,000, contractors must maintain workers' compensation insurance, employer's liability coverage of $100,000, commercial general liability of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, and automobile liability of $1 million combined single limit if applicable. Contractor must certify non-debarment status and comply with Virginia and federal anti-discrimination laws. Contact Brian Fox at (434) 995-0394 or brian.fox@dof.virginia.gov for additional information.