Wambaw Trail Maintenance and Grooming

The South Carolina Forestry Commission is requesting sealed bids for trail maintenance and grooming services on the Wambaw Cycle OHV Trail in the Francis Marion National Forest, spanning Berkeley and Charleston counties, with bids due November 5, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. and contract start estimated November 15, 2026.

The scope covers approximately 40 miles of trail and three warmup loops across four maintenance phases: October 15–December 15, 2026; January 15–February 15, 2027; March 30–April 30, 2027; and May 15–June 2, 2027. Work consists of single-pass maintenance and grooming operations using SWECO tracked equipment or comparable machinery 48–50 inches wide. The contractor must obtain a state vendor number prior to submission and hold an A.M. Best rating of at least VII.

Insurance requirements include Commercial General Liability with limits of at least $1 million per occurrence, Auto Liability coverage of $1 million per accident, and Workers' Compensation with Employer's Liability insurance of $1 million per accident. A performance bond of $15,000 is required within ten days of award. Equipment must be in satisfactory operating condition and operate on bio-preferred fuel and oils. Work scheduling requires advance coordination with Forest Service and State personnel. Payment occurs on a Net 30 basis after each grooming cycle is verified complete by the Forest Service and South Carolina Forestry Commission.

Award will be made to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder based on unit price calculations for a single line item. The contract is contingent upon availability of funds and approval by the U.S. Forest Service; cancellation is possible if such approval is not obtained. The contract must comply with federal regulations under 2 CFR 200, sections 200.317, 200.318, 200.321, 200.323, and 200.327.

Questions are due October 28, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Site visits are available by appointment with Jawana Stephens at jawana.stephens@usda.gov or 843-336-2225. Award notification is scheduled for November 6, 2026 and will be posted at www.procurement.sc.gov. Sealed paper offers only are accepted; one original copy must be submitted. Solicitation number is 5400030331.