South Brook/Lake Wyola Conservation Area Trail Repair Project

The Town of Shutesbury Conservation Commission is issuing an Invitation for Bids for the South Brook/Lake Wyola Conservation Area Trail Repair Project, a two-phase initiative spanning two conservation parcels totaling 96.97 acres in Shutesbury, Massachusetts. The Design Phase runs through July 1, 2026, while the Build Phase must be completed by December 1, 2026. The scope of work includes trail layout and blazing, construction of up to nine 10-foot bog bridges and two 6-foot bog bridges, up to four stream-crossing features, replacement of up to two existing bridges, installation of up to two new trail drains, erosion control implementation, and site restoration using native materials. Bidders must demonstrate at least five years of documented experience performing similar services for municipalities or school districts and provide three references from comparable projects completed within the last five years. All contractors must comply with Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Trail Guidelines and Best Practices Manual standards, as well as the U.S. Forest Service Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook, and must obtain Performance and Payment Bonds with the Payment Bond set at 50 percent of the contract amount. Sealed bids are due to the Land Use Clerk at 1 Cooleyville Road, Shutesbury, MA 01072 by June 10, 2026 at 12:00 PM, with bid opening and award determination scheduled for June 11, 2026. An optional site visit and information session will be held on June 4, 2026 at 4:00 PM at the Lake Wyola boat ramp on Randall Road. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder in compliance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 30, Section 39M.

There are no specific set-asides for disadvantaged enterprises mentioned in the solicitation; however, contractors must meet workforce participation goals of 15.3 percent for minorities and 6.9 percent for women. All employees must complete OSHA-approved construction safety and health training of at least 10 hours duration before work begins, and bidders must provide evidence of OSHA training certification. Mandatory certifications include non-collusion, tax compliance, labor harmony certification, debarment certification, and Executive Order 481 compliance regarding undocumented workers. Bidders must submit a 5 percent bid deposit with their proposals and comply with Massachusetts prevailing wage requirements. The project is funded through the Community Preservation Act (CPA), with a maximum contract price not to exceed $72,900.