SAM #12363N26Q4248

USDA Forest Service seeks vendor capabilities for fuels reduction and helicopter timber operations in Bozeman, MT

The USDA Forest Service is seeking vendor capabilities for hazardous fuels reduction and helicopter timber operations in the Bozeman Municipal Watershed Project area, south of Bozeman, Montana. - Government Buyer: - USDA Forest Service, Custer Gallatin National Forest, Bozeman Ranger District, Stewardship Contracting Branch - Scope of Work: - Cutting and removal of approximately 290 CCF of Lodgepole pine sawtimber (min. diameter 6.0", min. length 8') - Cutting and removal of approximately 2045 CCF of Douglas-fir and other sawtimber (min. diameter 7.0", min. length 8') - Total area: 151 acres across four cutting units (Units 1, 2, 5, 6) - Whole-tree helicopter yarding/logging required due to steep, rugged terrain - Slash piling at landing areas - Road decommissioning of 0.59 miles of Temporary Road Use Permit roads (including NFSR P705-F Liebmann Ranch F-Spur) - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Operations must comply with federal highway construction standards for road decommissioning - Strict environmental and safety standards, including erosion control, noxious weed treatment, fire precautions, and liability insurance - Vendors must demonstrate relevant experience, safety programs, crew qualifications, equipment lists, and past performance - Helicopter operations are required for timber yarding - Performance bonds and compliance with environmental regulations emphasized - No specific OEMs or vendors are named in the solicitation or attachments - Estimated total timber volume: 2,335 CCF (sawtimber and non-sawtimber) - The project aims to reduce wildfire risk and protect Bozeman's municipal water supply

Description

Sources Sought (SS) / Request for Information (RFI)

This Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) is issued solely for market research and planning purposes. It does not constitute a solicitation or a promise to issue a solicitation in the future. The Government will not reimburse accompanying costs. 

Any answers or attachments provided are based upon the best information available at the time of the visit and are subject to change. 

1. Background & Purpose

 USDA Forest Service seeks capability statements from qualified vendors able to conduct fuels reduction on steep and rugged terrain within Bozeman Municipal Watershed Project area for the anticipated Leverich Helio Stewardship IRSC. The purpose of this SS/RFI is to gather information on vendor capabilities, invite prospective vendors to an organized site visit on 10/01/2026, and to view the area before snow limits access.

2. Anticipated Scope of Work

Cut and removal of approximately 290 CCF of Lodgepole pine sawtimber 2045 CCF of Douglas-fir and other Sawtimber on 151 acres. Whole-tree Helicopter yarding of included timber. Piling of slash at the landing area. Road Decommissioning of .59 miles of existing Temporary Road Use Permit (TRUP) roads post-hauling.

3. Place of Performance

The Leverich Helio Stewardship IRSC project is located in the northern Gallatin Mountain Range, just south of Bozeman, MT. Helicopter units are located on the west side of FS Road #979, along Bozeman Creek and adjacent to City of Bozeman land.

4. Period of Performance

Anticipated start date: Late Spring/Early Summer 2027. Period of performance is estimated to not exceed two operational seasons and is dependent on weather, access, and coordination.

5. Site Visit

An organized site visit will occur on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. MDT.  Interested parties will meet at the Bozeman Ranger District located at 3710 Fallon St. Suite C.  Bozeman, MT 59718.  Interested parties should contact Nathan Motzko at nathan.motzko@usda.gov or 406-224-0323 by 12:00 p.m. MDT on September 30, 2026, if they intend to attend.

6. Requested Capability Statement Content

Company information (UEI, address, email, POC, socio-economic status). Relevant experience, especially hazardous fuel reduction, helicopter yarding, steep slope timber operations. Safety program details and crew qualifications. Equipment lists and mobilization capabilities. Past performance references.

7. Response Instructions & Due Date

Any information submitted by vendors to this this SS/RFI is voluntary. Responses should be submitted electronically to Jeanne Windle at norma.windle@usda.gov.  All responses are due no later than October 15, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. MDT.  

8. Points of Contact

Direct all questions via email to Jeanne Windle, Contracting Officer at norma.windle@usda.gov. 

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