RFB06042025 License Timber Harvesting Higginson-Henry WMA

The Commonwealth of Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet, Division of Real Properties, on behalf of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, is soliciting sealed bids for timber harvesting services at the Higginson-Henry Wildlife Management Area located in Union County, Kentucky (noting the jurisdiction listed as Spencer County). The procurement encompasses timber harvesting from approximately 40 acres, trail improvements converting 4.61 miles of existing trails into 15-foot-wide firebreaks, and removal of invasive species (autumn olive) across 125 acres of the Wildlife Management Area. Successful bidders must complete all timber removal operations within one year of contract execution and demonstrate the capability to manage associated land restoration activities in compliance with Best Management Practices and stream crossing requirements. All bids must include three professional references from landowner or character references documenting work completed within the past five years, with bids containing fewer than three references subject to rejection. The evaluation criteria allocate 55 points to the lump sum bid amount and 45 points to the evaluation of prior work quality based on bidder references. Sealed bids are due on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. ET at the Division of Real Properties, Bush Building, 403 Wapping Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601-2607, with a bidders' conference call available on the bid opening date. Timber cutting operations are restricted to the period of August 1 through March 31 due to federal wildlife regulations.

The solicitation does not specify set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, small businesses, or other restricted categories in the available documentation. Bidders must provide a lump sum payment for all timber products prior to commencing operations and furnish a $5,000 bond within five days of contract signing, with a total bond payment of $10,000 required before any activity begins. Commercial general liability insurance with a $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate must be obtained, naming the Commonwealth as an additional insured. The resulting Contract of Tenancy will commence upon execution by the Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet with an initial two-year term and an option to renew contingent upon demonstration of reasonable progress. The solicitation does not identify incumbent contractors or provide specific award value information in the available bid package materials.