The Department of Environmental Conservation (Department) Division of Lands & Forests has management responsibility of the Forest Preserve in the Adirondack and Catskill Mountain regions, and nearby State lands; some of the most ecologically sensitive, remote and rugged State lands, which are home to recreational trails which must be maintained, improved, hardened, re-routed or newly developed to accommodate concentrated use, mitigate environmental impacts and protect recreational users.

This Request for Proposal (RFP) is for the delivery of services, under a five-year contract, related to the maintenance and development of primitive recreational trails and trail appurtenances in the Adirondack Forest Preserve, Catskill Forest Preserve, and nearby State lands, under which the contractor must provide 125 weeks of services annually. This work is vital to the Department’s ability to maintain and develop a quality all-encompassing trail system which encourages responsible use of New York State’s Forest Preserve wild lands and waters.

The Department is authorized to develop and improve trail systems on State lands, including footpaths, bikeways, snowmobile trails, horse trails, cross country ski trails, roads and other rights-of-way suitable for hiking, strolling, cycling, horseback riding, skiing and other means of motorized and non-motorized travel for recreational purposes, under Environmental Conservation Law Article 9-0105 (Lands and Forests - General Provisions). The performance of these services is essential to the Department.

Pursuant to the State Finance Law Sections 139-j and 139-k, this RFP includes and imposes certain restrictions on communications between a Governmental Entity and a Proposer during the procurement process. Further information about these requirements, including a copy of the new lobbying law, can be found at: http://www.ogs.ny.gov/acp l/.

Proposers shall adhere to the NYS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION GUIDELINES REGARDING PERMISSIBLE CONTACTS DURING A PROCUREMENT AND THE PROHIBITION OF INAPPROPRIATE LOBBYING INFLUENCE.

All request for procurement documents, correspondence and/or questions relating to this RFP should be directed to the Department’s designated contact person.

Please note, telegraphic or other electronically transferred bids are not acceptable.