RFB11192025 For License Salvage Timber Sale

The Commonwealth of Kentucky, through the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves (OKNP) and the Division of Real Properties, is seeking a qualified contractor for a salvage timber harvesting project at the William H. Martin State Natural Area in Pulaski County. The procurement, identified as RFB11192025, involves removing downed timber and debris from approximately 104.2 acres, with strict prohibitions against damaging live, standing trees. Bidders must attend a mandatory site visit on either November 10 or 12, 2025, and submit sealed bids by December 3, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. ET to the Division of Real Properties in Frankfort. The evaluation criteria will be based on a 100-point system, with 55 points allocated to the bid amount and 45 points to prior work quality demonstrated through landowner references. Successful bidders must provide a $5,000 performance bond, maintain $1,000,000 in commercial general liability insurance, comply with Best Management Practices and the Kentucky Forest Conservation Act, and commit to a two-year Contract of Tenancy with potential renewal.

There are no specific set-aside designations mentioned for disadvantaged enterprises or small businesses for this timber salvage contract. Bidders must provide three landowner references from timber harvesting conducted within the past five years, with bids lacking three references being automatically rejected. While no incumbent vendor is identified, contractors must meet extensive operational requirements, including cleaning equipment to prevent invasive species spread, maintaining roads and bridges used during operations, and obtaining all necessary permits and licenses. The contract requires a full lump sum payment for timber products, with an initial $10,000 bond payment and the total timber price due before harvesting commences. Though a specific contract value is not explicitly stated, contractors should be prepared to make a substantial upfront investment and demonstrate significant operational capability in timber salvage and forest management.