Potts Creek Wildlife Clearings

Background
The Commonwealth of Virginia, through its Department of Forestry, is issuing this Invitation for Bids (IFB) to establish a contract aimed at creating permanent early successional grass/forb habitat for wildlife, including pollinators.
The goal is to clear, level, topdress, and plant four designated clearings in Alleghany County.

Work Details
The contractor will be responsible for the following tasks:
1. **Delineation of Area**: Mark and delineate four clearings ranging from 1.4 to 2.98 acres with slopes not exceeding 10%. Install three metal gates at specified access points.
2. **Site Preparation**: Clear timber slash/regrowth, protect topsoil, remove stumps using an excavator, and ensure the area is free of debris and rocks for future maintenance.
3. **Topdressing**: Apply 2 tons per acre of pelletized or crushed ag lime and 300 lbs per acre of 19-19-19 fertilizer using a tractor spreader.
4. **Planting**: Broadcast seed a mix of cover crops (buckwheat, grain oats, ladino clover) and native seeds after October 1, 2026, ensuring proper spreader function with pelletized lime.
5. **DOF Inspection**: The Department will inspect the completed work and notify the contractor of any deficiencies that must be corrected before payment.

Period of Performance
The contract period will commence from the date of award until November 1, 2026.

Place of Performance
The work will be performed in Alleghany County, Virginia.

Bidder Requirements
Bidders must possess a Virginia Contractor License and may need to be DSBSD-certified as a Small Business to qualify for this contract.