Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Department of Defense, Veterans & Emergency Management (Department) is seeking proposals for the removal of vegetation in existing fire breaks, removal of vegetation along burn unit edges and removal of vegetation within certain burn units. The work is expected to include the use of forestry mulcher(s) and other equipment for the removal of small vegetation and in some cases trees as defined in this Request for Proposal (RFP) document. This document provides instructions for submitting proposals, the procedure and criteria by which the awarded Bidder will be selected, and the contractual terms which will govern the relationship between the State of Maine (State) and the awarded Bidder. This project involves to removal of vegetation in existing fire breaks, removal of vegetation along burn unit edges and removal of vegetation within certain burn units as described below and shown on attached maps. This work is expected to include the use of forestry mulcher(s) and other equipment for the removal of small vegetation and in some cases, trees. Any trees to be removed that are too large for the forestry mulcher will be cut and hauled off site, mulched material will remain. The contractor will make every effort to not disturb soil where practicable or use machinery in any wetland. To facilitate post-treatment prescribed fire, resulting mulch from all activities described within shall consist of shredded, non-compacted, rough-cut woody material that traps air between individual pieces of mulch to promote drying and decomposition. The Contractor shall modify their mulching process as needed to meet this requirement. Mulched material shall be evenly dispersed and left uncompacted. Stumps and stobs in the work area shall not exceed 6 inches in height from the ground surface. Multiple passes with mulching machinery should be kept to a minimum to avoid compaction of soil. Task 1 – Re-mow all existing fire breaks as shown in Map figure 1. These areas should be cleared of all shrub and tree vegetation EXCEPT pitch pine (Pinus rigida), oak trees (Quercus sp.) and cherry (Prunus sp.). All other tree species in these areas shall be removed to include white pine (Pinus strobus), maples (Acer sp.), birches (Betula sp.), etc. These fire breaks are 75’ wide and are approximately 16 acres in size with very little tree cutting necessary. Most of this area was last mowed in 2019 so vegetation is primarily light. Task 2 – Mulch areas shown in Map figure 2. These areas should be cleared of all shrub and tree vegetation EXCEPT pitch pine (Pinus rigida), oak trees (Quercus sp.) and cherry (Prunus sp.). All other tree species in these areas shall be removed to include white pine (Pinus strobus), maples (Acer sp.), birches (Betula sp.), etc. This area is approximately 105 acres. Task 3 – Mulch burn unit boundaries in 20’ from road or trail edges as indicated in Map figure 3. These areas should be cleared of all shrub and tree vegetation EXCEPT pitch pine (Pinus rigida), oak trees (Quercus sp.) and cherry (Prunus sp.). All other tree species in these areas shall be removed to include white pine (Pinus strobus), maples (Acer sp.), birches (Betula sp.), etc. This area is approximately 5.4 acres
