DFW-2026-053 Firebreak Improvements at Camp Cachelot & Maple Springs (Wareham/Plymouth, MA): Bid/No-Bid Guide

Executive takeaway

This opportunity is a straightforward land-clearing and grading package for firebreak improvements at Camp Cachelot and Maple Springs WMAs in Wareham/Plymouth, Massachusetts. The core performance requirement called out is removal of trees, stumps, and woody vegetation greater than 1 inch in diameter, followed by grading, all within an identified firebreak footprint and in accordance with the treatment specifications. If you can reliably mobilize clearing/grubbing and earthwork equipment and work to a defined footprint/specification, this is likely a good fit.

What the buyer is trying to do

The buyer is improving and constructing firebreaks at two wildlife management areas. The goal (as evidenced by the treatment description) is to create and maintain a cleared, graded firebreak footprint by removing woody fuels and smoothing/reshaping the area per specification.

What work is implied (bullets)

• Mobilize to Camp Cachelot and Maple Springs WMAs (Wareham/Plymouth, MA) for field work.
• Remove all trees within the identified firebreak footprint.
• Remove stumps within the footprint.
• Remove woody vegetation greater than 1 inch in diameter within the footprint.
• Grade within the identified firebreak footprint after vegetation removal.
• Perform work in accordance with the “treatment specifications” referenced in the notice (verify details in attachments).

Who should bid / who should pass (bullets)

• Bid if: you are a land clearing/forestry mulching, sitework, or excavation contractor that routinely performs clearing/grubbing and grading to a defined corridor/footprint.
• Bid if: you can manage stump removal and disposal logistics and maintain production without widening beyond the intended firebreak footprint.
• Pass if: you lack the equipment or crews for combined clearing + grading (or would need to sub most of it).
• Pass if: your model depends on light brush cutting only—this scope explicitly includes trees and stumps and woody vegetation > 1 inch diameter.

Response package checklist (bullets; if unknown say 'verify in attachments')

• Completed response forms (verify in attachments).
• Work plan/method describing how you will remove trees, stumps, and woody vegetation > 1 inch diameter, then grade within the firebreak footprint (verify format requirements in attachments).
• Equipment list for clearing/grubbing and grading (verify in attachments).
• Schedule and mobilization plan (verify in attachments).
• Pricing submission as required by the solicitation (verify in attachments).
• Any required insurance, certifications, or registrations (verify in attachments).

Pricing & strategy notes (how to research pricing; do not invent pricing numbers)

The description indicates a treatment-based scope (removal by diameter threshold and grading) within an “identified firebreak footprint.” Before you lock pricing, focus your research on what the footprint actually measures and how the treatment specifications define acceptable finish conditions.

• Quantities drive everything: confirm the linear footage/acreage and average width of the firebreak footprint in the attachments; pricing will differ dramatically between narrow corridor work and wide-area clearing.
• Confirm disposal expectations: the snippet does not say how removed trees/stumps/woody material should be handled. Verify whether chipping, hauling, stockpiling, or other handling is required (attachments).
• Clarify grading standard: “followed by grading” can range from light smoothing to more substantial earthwork. Verify the required finish and tolerances in the treatment specifications.
• Production-based estimate: build unit rates using your expected daily production for clearing/grubbing + stump work + grading, then stress-test for access and maneuvering within a constrained footprint.

Subcontracting / teaming ideas (bullets)

• Pair a forestry/land-clearing operator (trees/woody vegetation removal) with an earthwork contractor for grading if your firm is stronger in one discipline than the other.
• Team with a hauling/disposal partner if the treatment specifications require off-site removal of stumps or woody debris (verify in attachments).
• Bring in specialized stump-handling capability if you typically avoid stump removal but want to bid the rest of the package.

Risks & watch-outs (bullets)

• Spec ambiguity in the snippet: key requirements are referenced (“treatment specifications section below”) but not included here—verify exactly what “removing all trees” and “grading” mean in the attachments.
• Footprint control: the buyer emphasizes an identified firebreak footprint; plan for clear field controls so you don’t clear outside limits.
• Diameter threshold: woody vegetation greater than 1 inch diameter is specifically called out; ensure your approach and QC can demonstrate compliance.
• Schedule risk: response deadline is time-bound; confirm any site visit requirements or submission steps in the attachments and portal instructions.

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How to act on this

1. Open the notice and download/verify the treatment specifications and any drawings defining the firebreak footprint.
2. Decide bid/no-bid based on your ability to execute tree + stump removal and grading within a defined footprint.
3. Build your estimate around verified quantities and the specified handling/finish requirements.
4. Submit your response through the solicitation channel before the deadline.

If you want an extra set of eyes on bid strategy, scope gaps, or a compliance-focused checklist, consider support from Federal Bid Partners LLC.

Author: Avery Collins, Proposal Research Analyst