Ruby South HFR

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued Invitation for Bid (IFB) #7037 for a hazardous fuels reduction project under the Good Neighbor Authority, targeting 157.3 acres in the Colville National Forest located approximately 20 miles northwest of Cusick, Washington. The project encompasses four distinct units ranging from 9.5 to 74.8 acres, with specific work including mechanical piling of slash materials from previous timber harvest operations and decommissioning 3,332 feet of non-system roads. Deliverables include reducing soil compaction, restoring hydrologic function, and treating areas with slopes ranging from 0-40%. The bid evaluation will consider multiple factors such as responsiveness, references, worker's rights, and small/veteran-owned business status, with a total possible scoring of 105 points. A mandatory pre-bid conference will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams on July 17, 2025, with final bids due by 11:59 PM PST on August 11, 2025. The contract term extends from execution date through November 2, 2026, with anticipated work commencement in August 2025, contingent upon soil and weather conditions.

Bidders must be licensed to do business in Washington and comply with state and federal regulations. Work is restricted from December 1 to May 31 without written approval, indicating potential seasonal limitations. While specific set-aside designations are not explicitly detailed, the evaluation criteria suggest preferences for small and veteran-owned businesses. The project is funded through a combination of federal and state dollars, though a specific budget range is not provided in the solicitation documents. Contractors will need to demonstrate compliance with worker's rights provisions and possess capabilities for mechanical slash piling and road decommissioning in challenging terrain with slopes up to 40%. Qualifications will likely include experience in forest management, mechanical equipment operation, and environmental restoration techniques. The project's location spans both Pend Oreille and Pierce Counties, potentially offering opportunities for local or regional contractors familiar with the specific environmental conditions of the Colville National Forest region.