Steens BLM /ODFW GNA Juniper Treatment (Burnt Flat/Quail Creek)

The State of Oregon, through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is soliciting competitive bids for juniper cutting and piling services on Steens Mountain near Crane, Oregon. This invitation to bid (ITB #S-63500-00016728) seeks a qualified contractor to perform hand-severing and treatment of western juniper trees across approximately 1,142 acres to increase nesting habitat for greater sage-grouse. The project scope includes four distinct line items: low-density (3% cover) lop and scatter treatment on 370 acres, low-density (15-20% cover) cut and pile treatment on 213 acres, medium-density (4.5% cover) lop and scatter treatment on 300 acres, and medium-density (20-25% cover) cut and pile treatment on 259 acres. The work encompasses two treatment units (North at 583 acres and South at 559 acres) and requires completion by November 30, 2026. Bidders must submit proposals by May 29, 2026, at 3:00 PM Pacific Time, with questions and clarifications due by May 14, 2026, at 3:00 PM, and responses to be provided by May 18, 2026; the Notice of Intent to Award is expected approximately June 4, 2026, with contract execution targeted for approximately June 9, 2026. Required qualifications include submission of a bid cover sheet, reference check form documenting three comparable business references and three key person references from work completed within the last five years, a certified disadvantaged business outreach plan, and a responsibility inquiry form addressing financial capability, contract performance history, legal compliance, and licensing requirements. Pricing must be submitted on a unit cost per acre basis for each of the four line items, and all bids must be submitted electronically through OregonBuys. Award will be made to the lowest responsible bidder whose bid substantially complies with ITB requirements.

The solicitation encourages participation from Oregon Certified Firms, including minority-owned, woman-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, and emerging small businesses. All bidders must certify they have no undisclosed delinquent debt to the State, are in compliance with Oregon tax laws, maintain non-discriminatory employment practices, are not on federal exclusion lists, and possess a current Pay Equity Certificate if the contract exceeds $150,000. Bidders must also demonstrate compliance with sexual harassment and discrimination prevention policies and maintain comprehensive insurance coverage including Workers' Compensation, Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 annual aggregate), and Automobile Liability ($1,000,000 combined single limit). Bidders must be registered in OregonBuys and provide proof of insurance prior to award. The contract may be subject to prevailing wage rates, and if the contract value exceeds $500,000 and the bidder employs 50 or more full-time workers, a Pay Equity Compliance Certificate from the Oregon Department of Administrative Services is required. Payment will be structured as a not-to-exceed lump sum amount at 50% completion and 100% completion upon delivery of accepted deliverables and services, with specific pricing information not disclosed in the available documents. The primary point of contact is Kathy Blehm, Contract Specialist 2, at 503-509-1322 or Kathy.m.blehm@odfw.oregon.gov.