Manchester Water Works: Timber Harvesting Services on Leeds Woodlot

MANCHESTER WATER WORKS
WATERSHED MANAGEMENT
1583 LAKE SHORE ROAD, MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE 03109
BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS
GARY HAMER
President
GARRY HAWORTH
Clerk
Ex Officio
HON JAY RUAS
Mayor
PHILIP CROASDALE
Director
September 28, 2026
Bids to harvest timber from select Manchester Water Works properties will be received by Manchester
Water Works at their offices located at 1583 Lake Shore Road, Manchester NH until 2:00 p.m. on
October 28, 2026. Bids should be clearly labelled on the outside of the envelope with "Request for Bids
#2600045".
Bids will only be accepted from contractors having extensive experience in forest management and
operations.
Additional information can be obtained by contacting Mr. John O'Neil, at 603-496-5836
jmoneil@manchesternh.gov.
Philip Croasdale, Director
Manchester Water Works

Manchester Water Works
Request for Bids
Timber Harvesting Services on Leeds Woodlot
#2600045
1. Article 1 GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1.1 Manchester Water Works (MWW) is offering for sale to the highest bidder meeting all
qualifications: all trees marked for cutting with blue and/or orange paint found upon
approximately 47 acres of land belonging to MWW and located in the Town of Auburn, New
Hampshire.
1.2 The compensation for stumpage will be on the basis of bid price per unit of forest product sold.
1.3 Interested parties should request details from Mr. Samuel Taylor, Manchester Water Works
Forester, at 603-851-1463. A walkthrough of the woodlot(s) will be held at 9:00 a.m. on
October 14, 2026, meeting at the Audubon Massabesic Center parking lot located at 26
Audubon Way, Auburn, NH 03032. If you are unable to attend, please contact Mr. Taylor to
make other arrangements for viewing the woodlot(s).
1.4 All bids shall conform to the specifications issued herein. Bids failing to meet the minimum
requirements will be considered unacceptable.
1.5 MWW shall award a contract to a single professional timber harvesting contractor, hereinafter
referred to as "Contractor". Contractor shall be responsible for all associated labor and services
identified herein.
1.6 MWW is exempt from Federal Excise Tax and NH Timber Tax. Contractor is responsible for
paying Timber Tax, including the Timber Tax bond if required by the municipality.
1.7 Contractor must certify that no official or employee of the MWW or the City of Manchester,
NH has pecuniary interest in the bid or in any aspect of the contract or in the expected profits to
arise therefrom, and that this bid is made in good faith without fraud, collusion, or connection
with any other person submitting a proposal.
1.8 A written Contract Agreement will be in the form customarily employed by MWW,
incorporating the provisions of this request for bids, and shall be fully executed within two
weeks of the bid award, prior to the start of operations. The terms quoted shall hold firm for the
duration of the contract.
1.9 This contract shall terminate on June 15, 2027 under provisions of the City of Manchester
Procurement Code. This period may be extended at the discretion of MWW for such factors as
delays resulting from adverse weather conditions.
2. Article 2 RECEIPT OF BIDS
2.1 Sealed bids will be received at 1583 Lake Shore Road, Manchester, NH 03109 until 2:00 p.m.
on October 28, 2026.
2.2 MWW may consider informal any proposals not prepared and submitted in accordance with the
provisions herein.
2.3 MWW is not responsible for proposals delayed by mail and/or delivery services of any nature. It
is the proposer's responsibility to see that the proposal is delivered to and received by MWW.
2.4 The selected Contractor will be required to sign a written agreement with MWW.
2.5 Bids may be withdrawn prior to the closing time for receipt of said bids. A request to withdraw
a bid must be submitted in writing and signed by the prospective Contractor's representative. No
request to withdraw a bid will be accepted if it is verbal or submitted after the closing time.
2.6 Bids may be modified up to the closing time for the receipt of the bid. Modifications must be
submitted in writing and signed by prospective Contractor's representative. Only additions or
subtractions to the original bid should be stated. No modifications will be accepted after the
closing time.
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Manchester Water Works
Request for Bids
Timber Harvesting Services on Leeds Woodlot
#2600045
2.7 Electronic Communication: A proposal may be withdrawn or modified by electronic
communication provided such communication is received by the Manchester Water Works prior
to the closing time for receipt of bid proposals. Written confirmation, signed by prospective
Contractor's representative, must be mailed and postmarked prior to the closing time and
received by the Manchester Water Works within two days from the closing time, otherwise no
consideration will be given to the electronic communication.
3. Article 3 BASIS FOR AWARD
3.1 Total estimated revenue based on prospective Contractor's bid price per unit of forest product.
3.2 Competitive nature of bid and prospective Contractor's ability to meet the essential goals and
criteria established within the scope of work.
3.3 Prospective Contractor's record for forestry operations in public water supply areas.
3.4 Final selection of Contractor shall be determined by the MWW to be the contractor offering
revenue proposal, qualifications, experience, and approach that best suits the needs of MWW.
3.5 In order to be considered a responsible bidder, prospective Contractors and their subcontractors
shall not have been subject to misdemeanor or felony charges for timber harvesting-related
activity for at least the preceding five years.
3.6 Recommended bid shall be presented to the Board of Water Commissioners for approval and
award at the first regular meeting following the date of opening.
4. Article 4 INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
4.1 Contractor shall obtain and maintain in force, and shall require any subcontractor to obtain and
maintain in force the following insurance. Contractor shall provide evidence of insurance
meeting these requirements prior to beginning work.
CITY OF MANCHESTER INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE
REQUIREMENTS
In consideration of the utilization of Contractor's services by the Manchester Water
Works (owner), the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, Contractor agrees that all
persons furnished by Contractor shall be considered Contractor's employees or agents and
that Contractor shall be responsible for payment of all unemployment, social security,
and other payroll taxes, including contributions from them when required by law.
Contractor hereby agrees to protect, defend, indemnify, and hold the Manchester Water
Works and the City of Manchester and its employees, agents, officers, and servants free
and harmless from any and all losses, claims, liens, demands, and causes of action of
every kind and character including but not limited to, the amounts of judgments,
penalties, interests, court costs, legal fees, and all other expenses including claims, liens,
debts, personal injuries including injuries sustained by employees of the Manchester
Water Works, death or damages to property, including property of the Manchester Water
Works and without limitation by enumeration, all other claims or demands of every
character occurring, or in any way incident to, in connection with, or arising directly or
indirectly out of, the contract. Contractor agrees to investigate, handle, respond to,
provide defense for and defend any such claims, demands, or suits at the sole expense of
Contractor. Contractor also agrees to bear all other costs and expenses related thereto,
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Manchester Water Works
Request for Bids
Timber Harvesting Services on Leeds Woodlot
#2600045
even if the claim or claims alleged are groundless, false, or fraudulent. This provision
shall be effective without regard to whether such injuries, deaths, or damages are caused
by, or attributable in whole or in part to the negligence of the Manchester Water Works
or the City of Manchester, its employees, agents, officers, or servants.
Contractor agrees to maintain in full force and effect:
(a) Comprehensive general liability insurance written on occurrence form, including
completed operations coverage, personal injury liability coverage, broad form
property damage liability coverage, XCU coverage, and contractual liability
coverage insuring the agreements contained herein. The minimum limits of
liability carried on such insurance shall be $1,000,000 each occurrence and, where
applicable, in the aggregate combined single limit for bodily injury, property
damage liability, and personal injury (wrongful acts).
(b) Automobile liability insurance for owned, non-owned, and hired vehicles. The
minimum limit of liability carried on such insurance shall be $1,000,000 each
accident, combined single limit for bodily injury and property damage.
(c) Workers' compensation insurance, whether or not required by the New Hampshire
Revised Statutes Annotated, with statutory coverage and including employer's
liability insurance.
(d) Any and all deductibles on the above-described insurance policies shall be
assumed by, and be for the account of, and at the sole risk of, Contractor.
(e) Insurance companies utilized must be admitted to do business in New Hampshire
or be on the Insurance Commissioner's list of approved non-admitted companies
and shall have a rating of (A) or better in the current edition of Best's Key Rating
Guide.
(f) Contractor agrees to furnish certificate(s) of the above-mentioned insurance to the
Manchester Water Works within fourteen (14) days from the signing of the
contract and, with respect to the renewals of the current insurance policies, at least
thirty (30) days in advance of each renewal date. Such certificates shall, with
respect to comprehensive general liability and auto liability insurance, name the
Manchester Water Works as an additional insured and, with respect to all policies,
shall state that, in the event of cancellation or material change, written notice shall
be given to the Watershed Land and Property Manager, Manchester Water Works,
1583 Lake Shore Rd, Manchester NH 03109, at least thirty (30) days in advance
of such cancellation or change.
(g) The purchase of the insurance required, or the furnishing of the aforesaid
certificate(s), shall not be a satisfaction of Contractor's liability hereunder or in
any way modify Contractor's indemnification responsibilities to the Manchester
Water Works, and the City of Manchester.
(h) It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure that all subcontractors and
contract operators comply with the same insurance requirements as indicated
above.
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Manchester Water Works
Request for Bids
Timber Harvesting Services on Leeds Woodlot
#2600045
5. Article 5 SCOPE OF WORK
5.1 The Contractor will cut and tally to mill, or other buyer, forest products from designated MWW
properties. Trees designated to be cut are marked with blue and/or orange paint. No timber shall
be cut except that marked or designated by the MWW forester.
5.2 All harvested trees shall be utilized in a manner that yields the highest return in value for MWW
from products within each tree.
5.3 This timber sale is divided into 1 total unit, which is located in the Town of Auburn.
5.4 The total estimated volume of marked trees is approximately 326,030 board feet and 1,041 tons
(see bid sheet for specific species and product volumes). These volumes are not guaranteed. The
information provided by MWW is not intended to be a substitute for independent verification by
the bidder.
5.5 Due to the proximity of residences, operations shall be limited to the hours between 7:00 a.m.
and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
5.6 Contractor shall be responsible for all costs associated with construction of a log landing area
and driveway. This may include but is not limited to excavator work and material. MWW will
supply up to 36 yards (or 48 tons) of aggregate material as necessary for this purpose.
5.7 Snow removal is the responsibility of the Contractor, not MWW.
5.8 Operations shall be performed during dry or frozen ground conditions.
5.9 This timber sale requires 3 temporary pole ford crossings and 2 sections of corduroy.
5.10 All trees larger than 1" DBH shall be cut within designated group cuts unless designated as a
wildlife retention tree with yellow paint and/or white flagging.
5.11 Locations where skid trails cross MWW fire roads shall be cleared of debris at the conclusion of
each work week.
5.12 All tops, slash, and trees root sprung or hung-up as a result of this operation shall either be
removed and utilized or lopped so that no portion of the trees remains more than 3 feet above
ground level.
5.13 Trees damaged during cutting and logging, whether merchantable or unmerchantable, shall be
felled upon the request of the MWW forester. All such merchantable trees shall be utilized.
5.14 Stumps and slash from the log landing may be distributed in a low berm on the back of the
landing and covered with topsoil, or may be distributed throughout the harvest area.
5.15 At the conclusion of cutting and hauling, log landing shall be smoothed and cleaned of logging
debris. Ditching or sloping of landing area to permit water to drain or spread shall be applied as
needed. Any ruts on skid trails or in the harvest area shall be smoothed, and water bars shall be
placed where required by the MWW forester. Locations where skid trails cross MWW fire roads
shall be cleared of debris and smoothed.
5.16 Entrance to the log landing and locations where skid trails cross MWW fire roads shall be
blocked with rocks and/or logs at the conclusion of operations.
6. Article 6 PERFORMANCE
6.1 Following contract signing and receipt of insurance binders, Contractor shall have from contract
signing until March 15, 2027 to complete harvesting and trucking operations. Site restoration
must be completed by June 15, 2027. Should Contractor fail to complete work within the
specified period, or due to other criteria stated in this contract, MWW may opt to terminate or
extend the current contract.
6.2 Contractor shall be responsible for meeting contract requirements and deadlines. All
5

Manchester Water Works
Request for Bids
Timber Harvesting Services on Leeds Woodlot
#2600045
subcontractors, equipment, and personnel employed shall be the responsibility of the primary
Contractor for performance, timeliness, insurance, and economic considerations.
6.3 Contractor shall be responsible for all federal, state, or local permits required for this work,
except as noted in 7.3, below.
6.4 Contractor shall comply with all federal and state laws (See NH RSA 227-J) pertaining to the
operation and be liable for any action resulting from this operation.
6.5 Contractor shall adhere to all OSHA prescribed work and safety practices.
6.6 All work shall be completed in a professional workmanlike manner by qualified individuals.
6.7 Any work performed in areas in proximity to wet areas shall be performed in accordance with
current best management practices to minimize any erosion or disruption of soils.
6.8 Contractor agrees to have adequate spill containment supplies on site throughout operations.
6.9 Damage to residual trees shall be kept to a minimum. Any determination of excessive damage
shall be at the discretion of MWW.
6.10 Skid trails shall not be rerouted without prior approval by the MWW forester.
6.11 All determinations regarding the suitability and/or acceptability of work, quality, quantity, and
cleanup shall be the sole responsibility of the Manchester Water Works. Any work not meeting
MWW's criteria shall be made acceptable to MWW prior to any further harvesting activities.
7. Article 7 DOCUMENTATION AND PAYMENT
7.1 The Contractor shall furnish a security deposit in the amount of $5,000 at the time of contract
signing. This shall be retained as a performance bond and returned to the Contractor upon
satisfactory fulfillment of the contract obligations.
7.2 Contractor shall file the Notice of Intent to Cut form with associated municipalities and provide
a tax bond, if required by the municipality. Contractor is responsible for filing any
supplemental notice of intent to cut in the event that harvest volumes necessitate such action.
Contractor is responsible for payment of associated timber tax from Contractor's harvesting
proceeds.
7.3 MWW will prepare and submit Forestry Statutory Permit-by-Notification (SPN) applications
and maps.
7.4 Trip tickets shall be issued for each truckload of product removed. One copy of each trip ticket
shall be left in a designated box on the log landing, and a second copy shall be forwarded to
MWW attached to the associated mill scale slip.
7.5 All mill scale slips issued for each load shall be copied to MWW. These documents shall be
forwarded along with timber payments to the MWW forester on a weekly basis.
7.6 Scale slips should be clearly legible and show the number of logs, individual log lengths, and
volumes for each species for each load. Scale slips for products sold by the ton must list gross
weight, tare weight, and net weight for each load. Each scale slip must clearly identify the
scaling location or mill and the date on which the scaling was done.
7.7 For the purpose of this agreement, the International 1/4 Inch Kerf Log Rule shall be the basis
of measure for sawlogs and the standard 2,000-pound ton shall be the basis of measure for all
roundwood, pulpwood, and chipwood. Should it be necessary to convert scale units, two
cords shall equal 1 MBF. The weight equivalent of a standard 128 cubic foot cord shall be
2.60 tons for hardwood, 2.25 tons for red pine, 2.40 tons for hemlock, and 2.15 tons for
softwood.
7.8 Payments to Contractor shall be from mill or purchaser of forest products.
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Manchester Water Works
Request for Bids
Timber Harvesting Services on Leeds Woodlot
#2600045
7.9 MWW shall be paid for all wood cut as determined by mill tally, with payment to MWW on the
basis of price per unit of forest product as determined in the award of this contract. Payment
shall be made to Manchester Water Works, 1583 Lake Shore Road, Manchester NH 03109,
within ten (10) working days of receipt of payment to the Contractor. Contractor cost to perform
shall not alter payment to MWW. Contractor shall guarantee payment to the Manchester Water
Works for any products which go unpaid due to default or nonpayment from purchaser.
8. Article 8 INTERPRETATIONS
8.1 All questions about the meaning or intent of this document shall be referred to John O'Neil,
MWW Land & Property Manager, at Manchester Water Works, 1583 Lake Shore Road,
Manchester, NH 03109.
8.2 At its discretion, MWW may issue written clarifications or interpretations by Addenda.
Addenda will be mailed via certified mail, with return receipt requested, to all parties recorded
as having received this Request for Bids. Oral and other clarifications or interpretations will be
without legal effect.
8.3 Each firm shall be responsible for determining that they have received all Addenda issued and
so note on the Bid Form.
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Manchester Water Works
Request for Bids
Timber Harvesting Services on Leeds Woodlot
#2600045
Bid Form
Please ensure that a bid price is entered for each product listed in the tables below. Blank bids or bids
of $0.00 will not be accepted for any product. Note: this also applies to products listed without
volumes. These represent products that may vary depending upon utilization, or may be present, but
unaccounted for in the volume sample.
The Manchester Water Works Board of Water Commissioners reserves the right to reject any or all
bids. Volume and quality of stumpage are not guaranteed. Bidders are expected to examine the
property and determine volumes, values, and operating conditions for themselves.
Sealed bids will be received until 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
In accordance with the specifications and agreement described in this Request for Bids, I offer the following
prices for the marked stumpage on the described area:
Leeds Woodlot Estimated Volumes
Species Product Total (mbf) Bid Price/mbf
White Pine Sawlogs 266.770
White Pine Pallet 24.990
Hemlock Sawlogs 0.670
Other Softwood Sawlogs 0.500
Red Oak Sawlogs 10.880
Red/Black Oak Pallet 4.650
Black Oak Sawlogs 4.220
White Oak Sawlogs 0.500
Other Hardwood Sawlogs 11.060
Hardwood Pallet 1.290
Hardwood Matlog 0.500
Total (tons) Bid Price/ton
Hardwood Roundwood 293.53
Softwood Pulp 214.32
Hemlock Pulp 12.63
Mixedwood Chips 520.48
By signing below, I certify that I have read and understand the provisions of this Request for Bids,
and am authorized to make this offer.
NAME COMPANY:
ADDRESS:
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE DATE:
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Manchester Water Works
Request for Bids
Timber Harvesting Services on Leeds Woodlot
#2600045
Contract Form
Manchester Water Works
281 Lincoln St
Manchester, NH 03103-5093
CONTRACT
THIS AGREEMENT, made this ____ day of Month 20XX, by and between the Manchester Water
Works, hereinafter called "MWW", acting herein through the President of its Board of Water Commissioners, and
Contractor Name, doing business at Contractor Address, County of XX, and State of New Hampshire, hereinafter
referred to as "Contractor".
WITNESSETH: That for and in consideration of payments and agreements described within, MWW agrees to
permit the Contractor to enter onto the land described in the attached documents for the purpose of cutting and
removing timber which is the subject of this agreement. The Contractor agrees to furnish services and payment to
the Manchester Water Works described as stipulated by Manchester Water Works Request for Bids: Timber
Harvesting Services on Leeds Woodlot (#2600045) dated and submitted October 28, 2026. Said documents are
attached to this agreement.
The Contractor agrees to furnish all materials, equipment, superintendence, labor, insurance, and other accessories
and services necessary to complete the said work in accordance with the terms and conditions contained within
the document referenced above, during the period specified.
____________________________________ By: ______________________________________
Witness John M. O'Neil, Watershed Land and Property Manager, Manchester
Water Works
____________________________________ By: ______________________________________
Witness Name, Title in Company duly authorized, Company Name
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