SEEDING, EROSION, & WILDLIFE ENHANCEMENT

The South Carolina Forestry Commission is soliciting bids for a seeding, erosion control, and wildlife enhancement project on the Sumter National Forest's Long Cane Ranger District, specifically targeting approximately 75 acres across Edgefield, McCormick, and Saluda Counties. The project requires contractors to perform comprehensive seedbed preparation through chisel plowing, disking, or a combination of methods to a minimum depth of five inches, followed by applying a Dove & Quail Mix seed at 40 pounds per acre using spin spreaders, drag harrows, light disking, or drilling techniques. Contractors must provide all necessary materials, labor, and equipment, and demonstrate Commercial General Liability Insurance coverage of at least $1,000,000. The solicitation (IFB #5400028982) requires bidders to submit unit prices on a per-acre basis, with questions due by November 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM, and sealed bids due by December 2, 2025, at 2:00 PM. Award notification is scheduled for December 4, 2025, with the contract term running from May 1, 2026, through July 15, 2026. Additionally, a $15,000 performance bond is required within ten days of award, which will be held in a non-interest-bearing account and can be forfeited for failure to perform or property damage.

The procurement appears to be open to all eligible bidders without specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises or small businesses. No incumbent vendor information is provided, and the solicitation does not indicate any requirements for integration with existing infrastructure or technology. While the total contract value is not explicitly stated, the project scope covers 75 acres with unit pricing to be submitted by contractors. Bidders must be registered as South Carolina vendors and will be evaluated based on being the lowest responsible and responsive bidder. Site access is available by 4-wheel drive vehicle on open or gated roads, which will be accessible to prospective bidders upon request to the procurement officer. A mandatory pre-work conference with the SC Forestry Commission and Francis Marion National Forest must be scheduled before commencing work. The government will furnish compartment and district maps, which can be picked up at the office prior to work beginning. Contractors should note that the work is specifically limited to seeding timber sale decks and skid trails, with payment issued upon work completion.