This is a service / maintenance or supply contract in Des Moines, Iowa. Contact the soliciting agency for additional information.

Contractor must complete approximately 142.3 acres of Weed Tree Eradication in seven stands as specified on map provided in Exhibit E. The current overstory of these stands consist primarily of mature bur oak. Weed trees to eradicate include: hackberry, ironwood, white mulberry and Siberian elm. The purpose of this work is to allow more sunlight to reach the ground and create a more diverse herbaceous layer as well as providing some additional space for the bur oaks to grow. Using a chainsaw, service providers must fell or girdle all weed trees greater than or equal to 1" in diameter at breast height in this stand and treat the fresh cut wound with an approved herbicide to prevent them from sprouting. Girdle cuts must be made at least 1" inch deep into the sapwood around the stem and connecting. Alternatively, hack-and-squirt application may be used and will be required after spring sap flow (approximately Feb 29th). Specifications for hack-and-squirt application include hacking the tree at approximately 45-degree angle at a comfortable height around the tree and filling the cup created with 1 ML of herbicide. Hacks should be no more than 6" on center. All hackberry trees greater than 6" diameter at breast height must have hacks overlap each other which is known as frilling and have the entire frill treated with herbicide. Cutting must stop during spring sap flow. All herbicide treatments must be completed immediately after cutting. Wet the sapwood (outer few rings) of fresh cuts with herbicide. Acceptable cut-stump herbicides include triclopyr, 2,4-D, or glyphosate and must be labeled for Forestry use. Acceptable hack- and squirt herbicides include, undiluted triclopyr amine or choline formulations. Any other herbicide must be preapproved by the Area Forester. RFQ written questions, requests for clarification, and suggested changes from Respondents are due: Date: 1/15/24 DNR's written response to RFQ questions, requests for clarifications, and suggested changes are due: Date: 1/19/24 Tentative Contract term start date: March 1, 2024 Tentative Contract term end date: August 31, 2024 The DNR reserves the right to reject any or all Bids received in response to this RFQ, cancel this RFQ, or advertise a new RFQ at any time prior to the execution of the Contract. Issuance of this RFQ in no way constitutes a commitment by the DNR to award a contract. term of the contract: 6 Months