DNR fire assistance

The State of Illinois, through the Office of Resource Conservation, is soliciting a firm contract for DNR fire assistance to support prescribed fire operations across Heritage and INPC sites in southern Illinois. The scope of work involves providing trained crew members to perform site preparation, ignition, holding, and mop-up operations under the direction of an IDNR Certified Prescribed Burn Manager. Key tasks include installing 6-8 foot wide firebreaks and mitigating hazards such as burning snags across various counties, including Johnson, Saline, Pope, Hardin, Massac, Alexander, Pulaski, Jackson, Williamson, Perry, Franklin, and Union. The contract term begins upon the final signature and ends on April 15, 2029, with a maximum total term not to exceed ten years. Qualified vendors must provide personnel who are physically capable of working in smoke-filled environments and steep terrain, and who are proficient in English and fire terminology. Crew members must have completed S-130, S-190, and fire field day training, and have participated in at least two fire seasons. Chainsaw operators must hold SAWW or S-112 certifications. The vendor is responsible for providing all necessary personal protective equipment, including Nomex clothing and safety gear, as well as standard fire equipment like backpack blowers and hand tools. Administrative requirements include the submission of daily work logs and weekly email updates to the Primary Job Coordinator, with a notification requirement of at least 12 hours before starting a job. Payments are processed according to the State Prompt Payment Act, and the contract may be funded in part or in full by federal funds. Vendors must maintain comprehensive insurance, including $1,000,000 in general commercial liability and $2,000,000 in combined single limit for bodily injury and property damage. Bids are submitted on an hourly basis for an estimated 483 hours of work via the BidBuy portal.