Prepare up to 18 acres within a timber sale

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Forest Resources Division is seeking a contractor to prepare up to 18 acres within a timber sale located at the Brighton Tree Improvement Center in Livingston County. The specific project involves mulching and brush clearing services, with contractors required to mulch all woody material within designated areas, including slash and brush up to 1 inch in diameter. Key deliverables include completing all work by September 15, 2018, submitting weekly progress reports, and providing a final project report within two weeks of completion. The project requires a Project Manager with at least 5 years of experience in arboricultural operations and project management. Mandatory pre-work requirements include scheduling a meeting with the project manager at least two weeks before beginning work and implementing specific safety measures such as posting safety signs along roads in four directions and maintaining closed gates during operations. The Request for Proposal (RFP #180000002476) was issued on May 7, 2018, with vendor questions due by May 11, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern, and final proposals due by May 18, 2018, at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, with an anticipated contract start date of May 25, 2018.

The procurement allows for potential set-aside considerations for qualified disabled veteran (QDV) businesses under MCL 18.1261(8). The State reserves the right to award the contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with evaluation criteria including overall cost, potential QDV status, and the ability to conduct site visits, oral presentations, interviews, reference checks, and background checks. Contractors must provide all necessary equipment, including chainsaws, aerial and ground-based tree removal equipment, safety gear, fuel, and transportation. Payment will be processed via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), with invoices requiring specific documentation. The pricing structure is based on a per-acre rate, and the total project cost is subject to available funding, with the State retaining the right to decrease the project scope and corresponding payment. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the contract is structured to ensure that contracts exceeding $500,000 will require State Administrative Board approval, suggesting a potential maximum threshold for the project's total value.