Sussex Nursery Fill in Labor

Background
The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) is seeking to establish a term contract for additional labor during the lifting season at the Sussex Nursery. The goal of this contract is to ensure adequate labor is available for the processing and packaging of seedlings, which is critical for the agency's mission in forestry management and conservation.

Work Details
The contractor will provide labor and supervision at the Sussex Nursery located at 19127 Sandy Hill Rd., Courtland, VA 23837. Specific tasks include:

1. Packaging longleaf containerized seedlings from plastic trays, with 334 seedlings per box, requiring 7-10 workers.
2. Lifting loblolly beds as directed.
3. Culling, processing, and packaging loblolly pine seedlings by weight.
4. Counting, processing, and packaging shortleaf and control pollinated loblolly pine seedlings.

The contractor must ensure compliance with OSHA standards and provide necessary personal protective equipment for workers. Additionally, they must maintain cleanliness in work areas and provide adequate hydration for workers.

Period of Performance
The contract will be performed during the lifting season, typically from Monday through Friday, with operational hours from 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM. Extended hours may be required based on production needs or adverse weather conditions.

Place of Performance
The work will be conducted at the Sussex Nursery located at 19127 Sandy Hill Rd., Courtland, VA 23837.

Bidder Requirements
Bids will only be accepted from qualified contractors who have prior experience performing similar services for state agencies. Contractors must verify that all workers are authorized to work in the United States and comply with federal immigration laws. The contractor must also provide proof of insurance coverage including Workers’ Compensation and Commercial General Liability.