SAM #12443926Q0027

USDA Forest Service Solicits Plant Survey Services for Ottawa National Forest, MI

The USDA Forest Service, Ottawa National Forest, is seeking qualified small business contractors to conduct comprehensive plant surveys in the Kitchie Two Rivers Project Area, covering 1,334 stands and 39,430 acres across Ontonagon, Houghton, and Iron Counties, Michigan. - Government Buyer: - USDA Forest Service, Ottawa National Forest - Scope of Work: - Rare plant, invasive plant, and culturally significant plant surveys - Surveys to be conducted across Kenton, Ontonagon, and Watersmeet Ranger Districts - All stands must be surveyed once; 40% require a second survey with at least three weeks between visits - Contractors must provide all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, supplies, and incidentals - Technical and Reporting Requirements: - Adherence to Ottawa National Forest Botany Program protocols and Statement of Work - Deliverables include GPS track submissions, rare plant documentation, NNIP (non-native invasive plant) reporting, stand tracker updates, final report structure, and species list formatting - Emphasis on expertise in regional flora, especially the Botrychium genus - Period of Performance: - Field seasons in 2026, 2027, and 2028 (May 15 to September 15 each year) - All work completed by September 15, 2028; final deliverables due by October 15, 2028 - Set Aside: - 100% Total Small Business set-aside - No specific OEMs, hardware, or part numbers are referenced; this is a service-based opportunity.

Description

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION

Solicitation Number: 12443926Q0027 Type: Request for Quote (RFQ) Set‑Aside: Total Small Business NAICS: 115310 – Support Activities for Forestry PSC: F099 – Natural Resources/Conservation – Other Response Due: April 15, 2026 at 1700 Central Time

DESCRIPTION

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Part 12. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

The USDA Forest Service, Ottawa National Forest, requires contractor support to conduct rare plant, invasive plant, and cultural plant surveys within the Kitchie Two Rivers Project Area, consisting of 1334 stands totaling 39,430 acres located across Ontonagon, Houghton, and Iron Counties in Michigan. Surveys shall be conducted following the Ottawa National Forest Botany Program protocols during the field seasons 2026, 2027, and 2028, with required first‑ and second‑pass coverage as detailed in the Statement of Work.

All survey work, deliverables, and reporting must follow the technical requirements provided in the Statement of Work (SOW), including GPS track submission, rare plant documentation, NNIP reporting, stand tracker requirements, final report structure, and species list formatting.

All responsible Small Business concerns may submit a quotation which shall be considered.

SET‑ASIDE

This acquisition is 100% set aside for Total Small Business concerns.

STATEMENT OF REQUIREMENT

The contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, supplies, and incidentals necessary to perform plant surveys in accordance with the attached Statement of Work (SOW) and supporting materials. Requirements include:

Surveying 1334 stands at least once Resurveying 40% of awarded stands and acres Conducting surveys between May 15–September 15 of each performance year (2026–2028) Completing all surveys by September 15, 2028 Submitting all deliverables (stand tracker, species list, final report, GPS tracks, NNIP forms, MNFI forms) by the required due dates

See Attachment – Statement of Work for full technical requirements.

CLIN STRUCTURE

CLIN 0001 – Kitchie Two Rivers Plant Survey Quantity: 1 Unit: EA Description: All services required to perform rare plant, invasive plant, and cultural significance plant surveys for the Kitchie Two Rivers Project, Ottawa National Forest, MI, including all deliverables and reporting requirements. (Offerors must quote a single total price.)

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Ottawa National Forest, Ontonagon, Houghton, and Iron Counties, Michigan.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

Surveys shall be performed during the field seasons of 2026, 2027, and 2028, with all work completed no later than September 15, 2028, and final deliverables submitted by October 15, 2028, per SOW requirements.

TECHNICAL DATA / ATTACHMENTS

No drawings or schematics are provided. All technical data is included in the attachments provided with this posting, to include:

Statement of Work (SOW) – Kitchie Two Rivers Plant Survey Maps, Stand Lists, Rare Plant Lists, NNIP Priority Lists, and related reference documents

EVALUATION AND BASIS FOR AWARD

In accordance with FAR 12.203 and Part 12 procedures for acquisitions under $9M, FAR 52.212‑2 does not apply.

Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government, based on the following factors (listed in order of importance):

Qualifications and Experience – Demonstrated experience with flora of the Upper Midwest; botany survey expertise; rare plant detection success. Capacity – Availability of sufficient personnel and resources to complete multi‑year survey requirements within the field windows. Past Performance – Acceptable or neutral record based on USDA and other federal sources. Price – Evaluated for fairness and reasonableness.

No tradeoffs will be conducted. Award will not necessarily be made to the lowest‑priced offeror. The highest technically rated offeror with fair and reasonable pricing and acceptable past performance will receive the award.

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

Offerors shall submit:

Technical Quotation addressing all SOW requirements Pricing for CLIN 0001 (single total price) Past Performance References (optional but recommended) SAM Registration Confirmation (UEI, CAGE)

Quotes shall be valid for 90 days from the due date.

QUOTE SUBMISSION

Quotes Due: April 15, 2026, at 1700 Central Time (CT)

Submission Method: david.easter@usda.gov Email Subject Line: 12443926Q0027 – Kitchie Two Rivers Plant Survey – Vendor Quote

PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT

Ian K. Shackleford, COR Ottawa National Forest

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