Juniper Reduction Project

The Oregon Department of State Lands is seeking qualified contractors for a Juniper Reduction Project located in eastern Deschutes County, covering 127 acres north of Highway 20. The procurement is a Request for Quote (RFQ) soliciting competitive bids for juniper tree removal using chainsaws and hand crews, with potential access via ATVs/OHVs given the challenging terrain. Contractors must demonstrate prior experience in similar juniper removal work and provide professional references as part of their bid submission. The project requires complete tree cutting and felling, with the possibility of additional acreage being added depending on submitted bid amounts. Key evaluation criteria include the lowest cost per acre, and bidders must submit their proposals by December 13, 2022, at 2:00 PM PST. A voluntary site visit is scheduled for December 6, 2022, to allow potential contractors to assess the project area. The entire project must be completed by June 1, 2023, with provisions for partial payments upon completion of 50% of the total acreage and subsequent inspection by the contract manager.

While no specific set-aside designations or disadvantaged enterprise requirements are explicitly mentioned in the documentation, the procurement appears open to qualified contractors with relevant experience in juniper removal. The project jurisdictions include Deschutes County and the City of Bend, suggesting a localized scope of work. Although a specific budget range is not disclosed, the procurement method suggests a competitive bidding process designed to secure the most cost-effective solution for juniper reduction. The contract allows for potential expansion beyond the initial 127 acres, which could increase the overall project value. Contractors will need appropriate equipment such as chainsaws, hand tools, and potentially ATVs/OHVs to navigate the challenging terrain. The procurement indicates a focus on ecological management and landscape restoration, targeting the removal of juniper trees in the specified area.