SWLO Tree Planting

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), specifically the Southwest Land Office (SWLO), is soliciting bids for a tree planting services contract covering Missoula, Ravalli, and Granite Counties. The procurement seeks a contractor to plant 1,000 tree seedlings during the spring planting season from April 15 through June 30, 2024. Deliverables include planting Ponderosa Pine and Western Larch seedlings across three specific units: Corley Gulch (134 acres near Victor), Beavertail (180 acres near Clinton), and Wallace Cramer. Bidders must adhere to precise planting specifications, including 12'x12' or 15'x15' spacing, 12" scalping, and strategically positioning seedlings near stumps or coarse woody debris. The solicitation requires comprehensive company information, uses a lump sum pricing model, and mandates use of specific bid forms. The bid opens on 3/4/2024 at 4:00 PM MST and closes on 3/28/2024 at 3:00 PM MDT, with Autumn Mitchell (AMitchell@mt.gov) serving as the primary contact.

The contract opportunity does not explicitly outline set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The project requires contractors to demonstrate expertise in forest-related services, specifically tree planting and netting, with commodity codes 2113 and 2112. Contractors must also comply with extensive safety and environmental regulations, including forest fire prevention protocols and bear habitat work guidelines. While specific budget ranges are not disclosed, the project involves planting 57,300 Ponderosa Pine and 26,000 total seedlings across approximately 314 acres of state lands. Successful bidders must possess 4x4 vehicle access capabilities, understand complex terrain conditions, and implement specialized installation techniques such as Vexar tube and bamboo stake protection methods. Contractors will be expected to navigate challenging environmental contexts, including previously harvested sites and areas with fire damage history, while maintaining strict adherence to montana's forestry management standards.