Lead Mine & Mule Shoe Woodland Thinning & TSI

The Missouri Department of Conservation is soliciting bids for woodland thinning and timber stand improvement services across Lead Mine and Mule Shoe Conservation Areas, with bids due September 7, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Central Time.

The scope encompasses timber stand improvement in stands 109 and 110 at Mule Shoe (40 estimated acres) and woodland thinning in stands 43, 44, and 45 at Lead Mine (51 estimated acres), plus additional TSI treatment in stand 58 at Lead Mine (6.5 estimated acres). Work requires contractor-provided labor, equipment, and materials to thin stands to designated basal area targets, remove undesirable tree species, treat stumps with herbicide, and maintain specified stump heights. Six line items are priced per acre on a firm, fixed-rate basis. All work must be completed by May 1, 2027, with 50 percent completion required by March 1, 2027. Work is restricted during specified periods: April 1–August 31 (bat exclusion dates for Mule Shoe stands 109–110), firearms deer season, and the first seven days of spring turkey season.

Mandatory compliance includes Missouri tax clearance ("Vendor No Tax Due" certificate), Secretary of State business registration, E-Verify work authorization enrollment for eligible business entities, and a minimum $5,000 or 2 percent of total contract value participation requirement (whichever is greater) with Organizations for the Blind or Sheltered Workshops. Bonus points (5–15 points) are available for participation exceeding the minimum. Contractors must maintain general liability insurance naming the Department as additional insured and comply with all federal and state employment laws; child and juvenile labor is prohibited.

Award is based on lowest responsive and responsible bid. The Department reserves the right to add, remove, or modify work areas during the contract period while maintaining quoted unit prices. Site tours are available by request; contact Scott Hollabaugh at 417-326-5189, extension 1841. Responses are submitted electronically through MissouriBUYS (MOVERS) or by mail. Payment is due within 30 calendar days of invoice submission and service acceptance.