OR82: Bear Creek (Wallowa River) Bridge Planting Project

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is soliciting competitive quotes for the OR82: Bear Creek (Wallowa River) Bridge Planting Project located in Union County, Oregon. The procurement focuses on a comprehensive riparian planting project with specific environmental restoration requirements. Contractors must perform riparian plantings along the Bear Creek (Wallowa River), including site preparation, plant installation, and long-term maintenance. Key deliverables include installing seedling trees, conducting permanent seeding, implementing weed control, and providing ongoing watering. The project requires a substantial completion date of October 31, 2024, with a final completion date of October 31, 2029. Bidders must submit their competitive quotes through the OregonBuys eProcurement system by May 26, 2022, with ODOT intending to award the contract to the responsible contractor submitting the lowest compliant bid. Contractors will be evaluated on their ability to demonstrate competence, experience, and financial capability in arboriculture work.

The contract opportunity is limited to bidders who derive a majority of their income from arboriculture work, with the contractor's own organization required to perform at least 50% of the original contract amount. No specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises were identified in the documentation. Two preliminary bidders have been noted: Ash Creek Forest Management and Grass Growers, with initial bid amounts of $57,690.60 and $128,960.00 respectively. The project includes a comprehensive plant establishment period requiring the contractor to ensure plant survival for five years, including twice-weekly watering until October 31, 2026, and maintaining weed coverage at less than 15%. Bidders must provide documentation including a Tax ID Number, Certificates of Insurance, a Responsibility Inquiry Form, and potential Conflict of Interest Disclosure Forms. The contract will utilize estimated quantities, with payment based on actual measured quantities performed.