12363N26Q4237 NFGT Davy Crockett RD Timber Mark and Cruise.pdf

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National Forests and Grasslands of Texas Davy Crockett RD Timber Mark and Cruise
Solicitation number
12363N26Q4237
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This is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for timber marking and cruising services at the Davy Crockett Ranger District in Texas, issued by the USDA Forest Service. The solicitation number is 12363N26Q4237, with an offer due date of September 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM Central Time. This is a total small business set-aside acquisition under NAICS code 115310 with a size standard of $11 million. The contract will be firm-fixed-price, with a performance period from October 19, 2026, to December 18, 2026, and one award is anticipated. The contracting officer is Cynthia G. Horwitz, located at the USDA-FS Stewardship Contracting Branch in Washington, DC.

The required services include boundary tree marking (11 miles), recon plot cruising (30 plots), leave tree marking (29 acres), cut tree marking (363 acres), and plot cruising (154 acres) across compartments 18, 108/109, and 110. Contractors must obtain Region 8 Qualified Cruiser Certification prior to award and complete annual recertification. The Government will furnish maps, data recorders, tree marking tracer paint, and cruise plans; contractors must provide all labor, equipment, transportation, and safety gear. Evaluation criteria include technical approach, price (evaluated for fair and reasonableness), and past performance (acceptable or neutral rating required). Offerors must provide pricing for all line items, a quality control plan, work schedule, and experience/capability questionnaire. Service Contract Labor Standards apply, with wage determinations for Houston and Trinity Counties in Texas included as attachments. The schedule requires at least 50% completion by day 30 and full completion within 60 days, with potential extensions for weather or natural disturbances approved by the contracting officer.

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SEE ADDENDUMIS CHECKED

CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

FACILITYCODE

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

OFFEROR

363N

WASHINGTON DC 20250-1138

MS-1138

1400 INDEPENDENCE AVE SW

USDA-FS STEWARDSHIP CONTRACTING BR

7DE1 CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

X

115310

SIZE STANDARD:

100.00 % FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED OR363N

REQUEST FOR

PROPOSAL

(RFP)

INVITATION

FOR BID (IFB)

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

REQUEST FOR

QUOTE (RFQ)

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY

CLASSIFICATION STANDARD

(NAICS):

SMALL BUSINESS

09/24/2026 1100 CT

09/10/2026

CYNTHIA HORWITZ

(No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIMEb. TELEPHONE NUMBER a. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

12363N26Q4237

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

1 59 1174502OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

KENNARD TX 75847

18551 STATE HIGHWAY 7 EAST

DAVY CROCKETT NATIONAL FOREST

USDA FOREST SERVICE

15. DELIVER TO

WASHINGTON DC 20250-1138

MS-1138

1400 INDEPENDENCE AVE SW

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$11.5

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW

ISSUE DATE

DELIVERY FOR FREE ON BOARD

(FOB) DESTINATION UNLESS

BLOCK IS MARKED

11.

SEE SCHEDULEX

12. DISCOUNT TERMS THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED

ORDER UNDER THE DEFENSE

PRIORITIES AND ALLOCATIONS

SYSTEM - DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

(SDVOSB)

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

USDA-FS STEWARDSHIP CONTRACTING BR

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (WOSB)

ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (EDWOSB)

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

Period of Performance: 10/19/2026 to 12/18/2026

0001 The purpose of the proposed contract is to provide timber marking services to the Davy Crockett Ranger District. Timber marking will include timber sale boundary marking, leave tree marking and cut tree marking with sample tree cruising. The contract includes Required Items (Boundary, Leave Tree and Cut Tree Marking as well as Recon and Plot cruising).

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

X

XX

DATED

CYNTHIA G. HORWITZ

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

31c. DATE SIGNED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE (FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION) FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3

AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Government Use Only)

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REFERENCE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

40. PAID BY39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER

37. CHECK NUMBER

FINALPARTIAL

36. PAYMENT

FINALPARTIAL

35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

34. VOUCHER NUMBER33. SHIP NUMBER

COMPLETE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41c. DATE41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021) BACK

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

59 2 of

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

Solicitation number 12363N26Q4237 is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for Timber Marking and Cruising in the Davy Crockett Ranger District of the National Forests and Grasslands of Texas.

This acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns. The applicable North American Industry Classification Standard Code is 115310 The small business size standard is $11 Million This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. All responsible sources may submit a quotation which will be considered by the agency.

Statement of Requirement This is for timber marking and cruising in the Davy Crockett Ranger District of the National Forests and Grasslands of Texas.

Period of Performance: October 19, 2026 – December 18, 2026

Schedule of Items

Schedule of Items

National Forests and Grasslands in Texas (NFGT)

Davy Crockett Ranger District

Task/Sub-task

Estimated Quantity

Unit Price Amount

Boundary Tree Marking 11 Miles $ $

Recon Plot Cruising 30 Plots $ $

Leave Tree

Marking

Acres

*Cut Tree Marking

Acres

Plot Cruising 154 Acres

Total Price:

Timber Marking

Boundary Tree Marking The project area is in compartment 110 on the Davy Crockett Ranger District. The treatment areas requiring boundaries are within the Apple Springs project area and consists of 11 miles of boundary for thinning operations. Unit boundaries have been flagged and mapped using Avenza. The contractor will mark flagged boundary lines and mapped using the Two Trails program. Paper and electronic maps will be provided when work begins on the contract. All unit boundaries of the contract will be marked in orange tracer paint with 3 diagonal slashes at DBH and 2 stump marks.

Boundary trees should be marked frequently enough to easily see marked trees in either direction along the boundary line, however the distance between marks should be between 20’-150’ apart.

Boundaries adjacent to any major road don’t require a marked boundary as the road marks the boundary.

Recon Plot Cruising The project area is in Compartment 110 on the Davy Crockett Ranger District. The treatment areas requiring Recon plots are within the Apple Springs project area and consists of 30 plots spread over 173 acres of thinning operations on the Honeycrisp timber sale. Of these 30 plots, 24 will be variable plot cruising for the first 7 units while the remaining 6 will be fixed plot cruising for the remaining unit 8. Units, plot locations and descriptions and maps will be provided at the time of award on the contract. The variable plots will be used for Designation by Spacing in units 1-7 and will be thinned to a BA of 50-60. All cut trees and leave trees will be sampled. The Fixed plots will be used for Cut Tree Marking in unit 8 and will be thinned to a BA of 50-60.

Leave Tree Marking The project area is in Compartment 18 on the Davy Crockett Ranger District. The treatment area is in the Apple Springs project area consisting of 1 unit (29 acres) of first thinning plantations. Units are to be determined, and maps will be provided at the time of award on the contract. Units will be marked in orange tracer paint with a 4” full wrap breast mark and 2 stump marks for sawtimber and 1 stump mark for pulpwood. Units will be marked to leave a target BA of 50-60. Some units will have visual quality requirements where directional marking could be necessary.

Cut Tree Marking The project area is in compartments 18, 108/109, and 110 on the Davy Crockett Ranger District. The treatment area in compartment 18 consists of 5 units totaling 209 acres for the Tobie sale. The treatment area in compartment 108/109 consists of 8 units totaling 138 acres for the Granny Smith sale. The last treatment area is one unit totaling 19 acres of the Honeycrisp sale. Only pine will be marked. Units will be marked in blue or yellow tracer paint and sample tree tally cruised. Two stump marks for all marked sawtimber trees and 1 stump mark for all marked pulpwood trees. All units will be marked to leave a 50-60 BA. Crew must be cruiser qualified to mark. Some units will have visual quality requirements where directional marking could be necessary.

Plot Cruising The project area is located on the Davy Crockett Ranger District. The treatment area in compartment 110 consists of variable plots over 7 units totaling 154 acres on the Honeycrisp sale. These units will be thinned to a BA of 50-60 utilizing Designation by Spacing throughout so no marking will be needed in these units. The units will be thinned based on tree size and spacing, only pine will be thinned. Two cruise files will be used simultaneously in each plot, one for cut trees and the other for leave trees. All trees within the plots will be counted and measure trees will be selected randomly by the FS Cruiser program. Plot locations, maps and a cruise file will be provided as soon as the recon plots are completed.

Project Area: All of these areas are accessible by vehicle or by foot and are generally level slope with an elevation of about 240 feet.

See the project maps for locations.

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and United States Department of Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) Clauses and Provisions The clauses and provisions contained herein are applicable to any order awarded as a result of this solicitation. The terms and conditions set forth herein supersede all other terms and conditions.

Acceptance of the order in accordance with (IAW) FAR 12.201-1(b)(2) constitutes acceptance of all terms and conditions contained herein.

As part of the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), system updates may lag policy updates. The System for Award Management (SAM) may continue to require entities to complete representations based on provisions that are not included in this solicitation. Contracting officers will rely on representations from offers based on provisions in the solicitation. Entities are not required to, nor are they able to, update their entity registration to remove these representations in SAM.

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference Feb 1998 This solicitation incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also the full text of the clause may be accessed electronically at Internet address https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

52.212-4 Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025) ☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) of 52.212-4 52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (Nov 2023) 52.203-19 Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) of 52.222-50 52.226-8 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (May 2024) 52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations (Jun 2013) 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Mar 2023) 52.233-3 Protest After Award (Sep 2025) 52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Sep 2025) 52.240-91 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) of 52.240-91 52.244-6 Subcontracts for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025)

The following clauses are applicable if checked:

☐ 52.203-6 Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Jun 2020) with Alternate I (Nov 2021) of 52.203-6 ☐ 52.203-13 Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Nov 2021) ☐ 52.204-9 Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel Jan 2011 ☒ 52.204-13 System for Award Management—Maintenance (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.204-91 Contractor identification (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.209-6 Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (Sep 2025) ☐ 52.209-9 Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Sep 2025) ☒ 52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Sep 2025) ☐ 52.219-4 Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Aside (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate I (Mar 2020).

☐ 52.219-8 Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.219-9 Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate III (Nov 2025) of 52.219-9.

☐ Alternate IV (Nov 2025) of 52.219-9

☐ 52.219-14 Limitations on Subcontracting (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.219-16 Liquidated Damages—Subcontracting Plan (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.219-33 Nonmanufacturer Rule (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.222-3 Convict Labor (June 2003) ☐ 52.222-19 Child Labor—Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.222-35 Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-35 ☒ 52.222-36 Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-36 ☐ 52.222-37 Employment Reports on Veterans (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.222-40 Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010 ☒ 52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) ☒ 52.222-42 Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014)

This Statement is for Information Only:

It is not a Wage Determination

Employee Class Monetary Wage -- Fringe Benefits

☐ 52.222-43 Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards -- Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (Aug 2018) ☐ 52.222-44 Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards -- Price Adjustment (May 2014) ☐ 52.222-51 Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (May 2014) ☐ 52.222-53 Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.222-54 Employment Eligibility Verification (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-62 Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2022) ☒ 52.222-90 Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors (Apr 2026) ☐ 52.223-2 Reporting of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.223-9 Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA-Designated Items (May 2008)

☐ Alternate I (May 2008) of 52.223-9 ☐ 52.223-11 Ozone-Depleting Substances and High Global Warming Potential Hydrofluorocarbons (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.223-12 Maintenance, Service, Repair, or Disposal of Refrigeration Equipment and Air Conditioners (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.223-23 Sustainable Products and Services (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.224-3 Privacy Training (Jan 2017)

☐ Alternate I (Jan 2017) of 52.224-3 ☐ 52.225-1 Buy American-Supplies (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate I (Oct 2022) of 52.225-1 ☐ 52.225-3 Buy American--Free Trade Agreements--Israeli Trade Act (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate II (Nov 2025) of 52.225-3.

☐ Alternate III (Nov 2025) of 52.225-3.

☐ Alternate IV (Oct 2022) of 52.225-3

☐ 52.225-5 Trade Agreements (Nov 2023) ☐ 52.225-19 Contractor Personnel in a Designated Operational Area or Supporting a Diplomatic or Consular Mission outside the United States (May 2020) ☐ 52.225-26 Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016) ☐ 52.226-4 Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (Nov 2007) ☐ 52.226-5 Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (Aug 2025) ☐ 52.229-12 Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements ☐ 52.232-29 Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021) ☐ 52.232-30 Installment Payments for Commercial Products and Commercial Services

(Nov 2021) ☒ 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer— System for Award Management (Oct 2018) ☐ 52.232-34 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—Other Than System for Award Management (Jul 2013) ☐ 52.232-36 Payment by Third Party (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.237-2 Protection of Government Buildings, Equipment, and Vegetation (Apr 1984) ☐ 52.237-3 Continuity of Services (Jan 1991) ☐ 52.240-92 Security Requirements (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.240-93 Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems (No 2025) ☐ 52.247-64 Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate I (Apr 2023) of 52.247-64.

☐ Alternate II (Nov 2021) of 52.247-64

Other Applicable Clauses

52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (Nov 1999) 30 calendar days prior to contract expiration 52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (Mar 2000)

(a) 30 Calendar days prior to contract expiration and 60 days

(c) five years.

52.245-1 Government Property (Sep 2021) ☐ Alternate I (Sep 2021) of 52.245-1

AGAR Clauses

452.203-71 Anti-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Compliance (May 2026)

(a) By entering into this contract, the contractor certifies that:

(1) It is compliant with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws and the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution, and it will remain compliant for the duration of the contract.

(2) Neither it nor any subcontractor or teaming partner operates or funds any program, policy, or initiative that promotes DEI in a manner that violates any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws, including but not limited to Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, or the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution, and the contractor and any subcontractor or teaming partner will not do so for the duration of the contract.

(b) If the contractor participates in, facilitates, or funds programs that implicate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, including but not limited to grants to or for schools, colleges, universities, 4-H programs, non-governmental organization (NGO) programs, sports programs, and education-related grants to prisons or other detention facilities, the contractor certifies that it will remain compliant with those laws, including the requirements set forth in Executive Order 14168, Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, and Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.

(c) The contractor affirms that the above requirements are conditions of payment that go to the essence of the contract and are therefore material terms of the contract. Payments under the contract are predicated on compliance with the above requirements, and therefore the contractor is not eligible for funding under the contract or to retain any funding under the contract absent compliance with the above requirements.

(d) This certification reflects a change in the Government’s position regarding the materiality of the foregoing requirements and therefore any prior payment of similar claims does not reflect the materiality of the foregoing requirements to this contract.

(e) Submission of a knowing false statement relating to contractor’s compliance with the above requirements and/or eligibility for the contract may subject the contractor to liability under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, and/or criminal liability, including under 18 U.S.C. §§ 287 and 1001.

(f) The contractor must include the provisions of this clause in all subcontract solicitations.

(g) Failure on the part of the contractor or its subcontractors to comply with the terms of this clause may be grounds for the Contracting Officer to terminate this contract for default.

(End of Clause)

(End of Clause)

452.204–70 Modification for Contract Closeout (Apr 2026)

(a) If unliquidated funds in the amount of $1000 or less remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer (Contracting Officer) may issue a unilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification but is not required to provide a signature. The Contracting Officer will immediately proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(b) For commercial contracts not exceeding the simplified acquisition procedure threshold under FAR 12.001(c), if more than $1,000 in unliquidated funds remain at closeout, the Contracting Officer will issue a bilateral deobligation modification. Only the modification requires the contractor’s signature, though a Release of Claims may be requested. If the required documents are not returned within 60 days, the Contracting Officer will issue a unilateral modification and proceed with closeout once performance is complete, acceptance is confirmed, and final payment is made.

(c) For all other non-commercial or non–cost‑reimbursement contracts, if more than $1,000 in unliquidated funds remain at closeout, the Contracting Officer will issue a bilateral deobligation modification and a Release of Claims, both requiring contractor signature. If these documents are not returned within 120 days, the Contracting Officer will issue a unilateral modification u and proceed with closeout upon completion of performance, acceptance, and final payment.

(End of Clause)

Solicitation Information

Award Type

It is anticipated that a firm-fixed-price contract will be awarded as a result of this synopsis/solicitation. The Government intends to make one award from this solicitation. Therefore, to be considered responsive, contractors must submit pricing for all items.

Evaluation and Basis for Award

The provision at FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services is not applicable to this solicitation. In lieu of this provision, quotes will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.203 based on the criteria listed below. Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government.

Technical Approach:

The technical approach will evaluate the ability of the offeror to provide a sound and compliant approach that meets all requirements and shows a thorough understanding of them. It is the contractor's responsibility to ensure their quotation clearly demonstrates their capability to meet these requirements. All offerors must provide the following minimum information and documentation with their quotations to be considered responsive and have their offers evaluated:

• Ability of the offeror to meet the schedule requirements listed in the Statement of Work

(SOW).

• Detailed explanation of any requirement listed in the SOW that cannot be successfully accomplished by the offeror.

Price:

The offeror shall provide pricing as requested in the Schedule of Items on page 3 of this Request for Quote. Failure to propose pricing for all individual line items may result in a quotation being excluded from further consideration. The offeror’s quotation will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.204, to determine if it is fair and reasonable.

Past Performance:

The Government may utilize any references provided by the Contractor, along with information available from past contracts/orders with the USDA and any information found using sources such as Federal Government sources or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to determine if the Contractor has acceptable or neutral Past Performance. Past Performance will be evaluated using the following rating system:

• Acceptable: The contractor shows a demonstrated ability to meet contract requirements in prior or current contracts, including quality of work, timeliness, cost control, business relations, and adherence to contract terms.

• Neutral: Offeror does not have a past performance record.

• Unacceptable: The contractor has a documented history of failing to meet contract requirements, including poor quality, missed deadlines, cost overruns, lack of responsiveness, or unethical behavior.

Evaluation Method:

All quotations will be evaluated to identify the offeror presenting the most advantageous solution based on the stated evaluation criteria. Once a technically capable offeror is identified, their price will be evaluated to determine whether it is fair and reasonable. Past performance will also be assessed to ensure it is acceptable or neutral.

Award will be made to the offeror whose proposal is determined to be technically acceptable, provided that:

• The proposed price is fair and reasonable, and

• Past performance is assessed as acceptable or neutral.

Award will not necessarily be made to the lowest-priced offeror. Tradeoffs will not be conducted.

FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation - Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025)

(a) Evaluation factors. The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible Offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors will be used to evaluate offers:

1) Price

2) Technical Capability

3) Past Performance

(c) Notice of award. A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer furnished to the successful Offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(End of provision)

Service Contract Labor Standards

The Service Contract Labor Standards could apply to any contracts awarded through this solicitation.

In accordance with (IAW) FAR 22.1002-3(a)(2), the place of performance for this contract is currently unknown. The Contracting Officer has determined Houston and Trinity Counties in Texas as the possible places of performance and has included Wage Determinations for each place as an attachment to this solicitation. The Contracting Officer will obtain wage determinations for additional possible places of performance if asked to do so in writing at cynthia.horwitz@usda.gov.

Offerors must request additional wage determinations no later than two days before solicitation close. Offerors who intend to perform in a place or area of performance for which a wage determination has not been attached or requested may nevertheless submit proposals. However, a wage determination shall be incorporated in the resultant contract, and there shall be no adjustment to the contract price.

52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference Feb 1998 This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025)

FAR 52.212-1 is amended as follows:

Period for acceptance of offers.

Offers are due no later than 11:00 AM Central Time on September 24, 2026. The Offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 90 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers.

Questions Questions shall be submitted via email to cynthia.horwitz@usda.gov and are due no later than September 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM Central Time. This will ensure enough time to respond before the solicitation period ends. Please include the solicitation name and number as the subject line of the email.

52.203-18 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation (Jan 2017) 52.209-2 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations - Representation (Sep 2025) 52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law (Sep 2025) 52.240-90 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications (Nov 2025)

The following provisions are applicable if checked:

☐ 52.203-11 Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions (Sep 2024) ☒ 52.204-7 System for Award Management—Registration (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) to 52.204-7 ☐ 52.204-90 Offeror Identification (Nov 2025) https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52 mailto:cynthia.horwitz@usda.gov

☐ 52.207-6 Solicitation of Offers from Small Business Concerns and Small Business Teaming Arrangements or Joint Ventures (Multiple-Award Contracts) (Aug 2024) ☐ 52.209-12 Certification Regarding Tax Matters (Oct 2025) ☐ 52.219-2 Equal Low Bids (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.222-18 Certification Regarding Knowledge of Child Labor for Listed End Products (Feb 2021) ☐ 52.222-48 Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment–Certification (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.222-52 Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards for Certain Services-Certification (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.222-56 Certification Regarding Trafficking in Persons Compliance Plan (Oct 2020) ☐ 52.223-4 Recovered Material Certification (May 2008) ☐ 52.225-2 Buy American Certificate (Oct 2022) ☐ 52.225-4 Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act Certificate (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.225-6 Trade Agreements-Certificate (Feb 2021) ☐ 52.226-3 Disaster or Emergency Area Representation (Nov 2007) ☐ 52.229-11 Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements—Notice and Representation (Jul 2025)

AGAR Provisions

452.203-70 Anti-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Certification (Dec 2025)

(a) By submission of its offer, the offeror certifies that:

(1) It is compliant with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws and the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution.

(2) Neither it nor any proposed subcontractor or teaming partner operates or funds any program, policy, or initiative that promotes DEI in a manner that violates any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws, including but not limited to Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, or the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution.

(b) If the offeror participates in, facilitates, or funds programs that implicate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, including but not limited to grants to or for schools, colleges, universities, 4-H programs, non-governmental organization (NGO) programs, sports programs, and education-related grants to prisons or other detention facilities, by submission of its offer, the offeror certifies that it is compliant with those laws, including the requirements set forth in Executive Order 14168, Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, and Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.

(c) The offeror affirms that the above requirements are conditions of payment that go to the essence of the contract and are therefore material terms of the contract. Payments under the contract are predicated on compliance with the above requirements, and therefore the offeror will not be eligible for funding under the contract or to retain any funding under the contract absent compliance with the above requirements.

(d) This certification reflects a change in the Government’s position regarding the materiality of the foregoing requirements and therefore any prior payment of similar claims does not reflect the materiality of the foregoing requirements to this contract.

(e) Submission of a knowing false statement relating to offeror’s compliance with the above requirements and/or eligibility for the contract may subject the offeror to liability under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, and/or criminal liability, including under 18 U.S.C. §§ 287 and 1001.

(f) Failure on the part of the offeror or its subcontractors to comply with the terms of this clause may be grounds for the Contracting Officer to terminate the contract for default.

(End of Provision)

NOTICE FOR FILING AGENCY PROTESTS

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Protest Procedures

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is committed to fair, transparent, and efficient acquisitions. Interested parties with concerns about this solicitation are encouraged to seek resolution through the following USDA procedures.

Tier 1: Contracting Officer Concern Resolution

Submission: Interested parties with concerns about either the solicitation or subsequent award should first submit their concern directly to the Contracting Officer, providing sufficient detail to allow the Contracting Officer to understand and assess the issue.

Process: The Contracting Officer will review the concern, seek clarification as needed, and engage with the interested party to attempt prompt resolution.

Review Timeline: The Contracting Officer will make every effort to provide a response or resolution within 10 business days of receiving the concern.

Effect on Award or Performance: Tier 1 engagement is not considered an official notification of filing an agency protest and does not pause solicitation deadlines, delay award decisions, or suspend contract performance.

Next Steps: If the matter cannot be resolved at Tier 1, the interested party may file a written agency protest under Tier 2.

USDA encourages all parties to seek resolution with the Contracting Officer before filing an agency protest.

Tier 2: Agency Protest

If concerns cannot be resolved at Tier 1, an interested party may file a written agency protest with either the Contracting Officer or the USDA Independent Review Authority. The decision by the USDA Independent Review Authority is an alternative to a decision by the Contracting Officer. The USDA Independent Review Authority will not consider an appeal of the Contracting Officer’s decision on an agency protest.

The protest must state whether the protester elects review by the Contracting Officer, by the UDSA Independent Review Authority. If no election is stated, the Contracting Officer will decide the protest.

Required Information: Protests shall include the information set forth in FAR 33.104-4 (a)(3).

Failure to submit the required information may result in a delay or dismissal of the protest.

Submission: Agency protests should be submitted electronically to SPE.inquiry@usda.gov and the Contracting Officer.

Timeliness: Protests must be filed within the timeframes specified in FAR 33.104.

Effect on Award or Performance: Contract awards or performance will be suspended during the protest period unless justified in writing for urgent and compelling reasons or determined to be in the best interest of the Government.

Review Timeline: USDA strives to resolve agency-level protests within 35 business days of receipt.

Election of Forum: By filing a protest with USDA, the protesters agree not to file a protest on the same matter with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or any other external forum while the agency protest is pending. If such a protest is filed externally, the USDA agency protest will be dismissed.

Questions: Questions regarding this notice or protest procedures should be directed to the Contracting Officer identified in this solicitation.

mailto:SPE.inquiry@usda.gov

CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS OR ATTACHMENTS

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

General Description

1. SCOPE

The purpose of the proposed contract is to provide timber marking services to the Davy Crockett Ranger District. Timber marking will include timber sale boundary marking, leave tree marking and cut tree marking with sample tree cruising. The contract includes Required Items (Boundary, Leave Tree and Cut Tree Marking as well as Recon and Plot cruising).

Project Location: Davy Crockett Ranger District with the district office being in Ratcliff, Texas.

Project Area: The total combined project area consists of approximately 547 acres of sale prep work in Compartments 18, 108, 109, and 110. All units are delineated on the ground with orange flagging and GPS data collected before the start of the work.

Compartment 18 is located approximately 9 miles north of the Davy Crockett Ranger District Office.

The treatment area consists of 6 timber sale units within the compartment (See the project maps for exact locations).

Compartment 108/109 is located approximately 15.6 miles southeast of the Davy Crockett Ranger District Office. The treatment area consists of 8 timber sale units within the compartment (See the project maps for exact locations).

Compartment 110 is located approximately 16 miles southeast of the Davy Crockett Ranger District Office. The treatment area consists of 8 timber sale units within the compartment (See the project maps for exact locations).

Access: All of these areas are accessible by vehicle or by foot and are generally level slope with an elevation of about 240 feet.

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Davy Crockett Ranger District Required Work

Mapping Item Compartment sale Type Miles

1 110 Honeycrisp Marking/mapping 11 miles Recon Plot Cruising

Item Compartment Sale Type Plots 2 110 Honeycrisp Variable Recon Plots 24 plots 3 110 Honeycrisp Fixed Recon Plots 6 plots

Leave Tree Marking Item Compartment Sale Type Acres

4 18 Tobie Leave Tree 29 acres Cut Tree Marking

Item Compartment Sale Type Acres 5 18 Tobie Cut Tree 206 acres 6 108/109 Granny Smith Cut Tree 138 acres 7 110 Honeycrisp Cut Tree 19 acres

Plot Cruising Compartment Sale Type Acres

8 110 Honeycrisp Plot Cruising 154 acres

MARKER CERTIFICATION: In order complete the cut tree marking and plot cruising, Contractors are required to obtain a Region 8 Qualified Cruiser Certification through the Forest Service by passing a written examination and field test PRIOR TO AND IN ORDER TO

COMPETE FOR CONTRACT AWARD OF TIMBER SALE PREPARATION TASKS AND

SUBTASKS. This certification will remain valid for a period of one year and annual recertification is required in order to continue performing services under this contract. Contact Kristi Keach, 936-639- 8540, to obtain information about the Qualified Cruiser Certification and recertification.

Payment: It will be required that the timber marking be completed to contract specifications and inspected by an authorized Forest Service Representative on a single area before payment is made for that area.

Contractor Representative: The Contractor shall designate and make known a Contractor Representative for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate(s) shall be designated in writing to the Contracting Officer. Any designated Contractor Representative or alternate shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The Contractor Representative and alternate(s) must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English and read maps.

Contractor Access: Roads may be gated. Contractor shall have reasonable access through these gates to complete project work. Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that gates are kept shut and locked at all times.

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Pre-work Meeting: The contract will be administered by the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer will designate Contracting Officer’s Representatives (CORs) for the purpose of insuring compliance with the specifications and provisions of this contract.

Prior to commencement of work, the Contracting Officer or COR will arrange a meeting with the Contractor to discuss the contract terms and work performance requirements and work progress schedule submitted with the bid package.

The Contractor shall designate in writing a person to act for them in their absence. The Contractor or their designated representative will be available on site or by telephone while work is in progress. In the absence of the Contractor, their authorized representative will take action as required to keep the job in progress under terms of the contract. The presence of the COR on the job will not relieve the Contractor of responsibility of satisfactory performance.

The pre-work meeting may also include a technical familiarization phase. This will provide the Contractor with the opportunity to become acquainted with Forest Service protocol for marking leave trees and timber marking paint accountability procedures.

Performance Period: October 19, 2026 – December 18, 2026

• The Contractor should complete the work in varied stages based on days.

• At least 50% of the work shall be completed by 30 days.

• Contract should be completed in 60 days.

• Additional days may be allowed or extended due to weather, fire, or other natural disturbances, but must be agreed to by the contracting officer.

• Any contract extensions will be agreed upon by the Contracting Officer.

Government Furnished Property

1. Maps

2. Data recorder as needed

3. Tree Marking Tracer Paint

4. Cruise Plans and Marking Guides

Contractor Furnished Items/Services: The Contractor shall provide all certifications, permits and licenses that may be required. The Contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, supplies, supervision, transportation, operating supplies, and incidentals necessary to complete the tasks/subtasks specified within the contract, except those supplies listed below in Government Furnished Property. Contractor will need items such as, but not limited to the list below to complete the work in this contract.

1. Hardhats and other safety gear

2. Equipment such as loggers tapes, prisms, cruisers vests, clip boards, pens, pencils and markers.

3. Paint guns that fit on quart size tree marking paint cans or other types of suitable paint sprayers.

4. Transportation.

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Submittals: The Contractor shall provide information on past performance, technical capabilities, quality control plan, work plan and progress schedule with their proposal to allow the Government to evaluate each evaluation criteria. The Contractor shall provide and maintain a quality control plan and work plan throughout the life of this contract.

Documentation: The Contractor shall maintain a folder with the following information available in the field: records, materials, and other evidence regarding inspection, testing, and quality control for any work performed under this contract for examination, audit, or reproduction including a copy of the treatment area map with approximate locations of plots and shading of progress. The information should be reasonably available to the COR to inspect work and monitor performance.

Confidential Nature of Information and Conflicts of Interest: The Contractor shall not divulge, and shall take all reasonable steps to insure that no member of its organization divulges, any information concerning this timber data to any person other than those duly authorized representatives of the Contracting Officer.

In addition, neither the Contractor, his/her employees may be involved in bidding on any timber sales resulting from this contract.

2. DEFINITIONS

TERMS MEANING

Basal Area (BA) The cross-sectional area of a tree at DBH, used to determine stocking, typically expressed by the acre.

Basal Area Factor (BAF) The critical angle used to determine BA with a prism Butt Mark Butt marks are applied the same way for both leave tree marking and cut tree marking, sawtimber will have two butt marks and pulpwood will have one butt mark.

The butt mark shall be a concentration of paint at least 3 inches in diameter on the base of the tree at ground level on the downhill side. Butt marks shall be concentrated in cracks or crevices on the stump as much as possible.

Accumulations of debris (pine straw, moss, hardwood leaves) shall be kicked out of the way prior to application of the paint, and the paint shall cover both the base of the tree and the ground immediately joining the stump.

Cut Trees Trees which will be cut during harvest due to location within the unit or deformities.

Cut Tree Marking (CTM) A method of identifying the trees intended for removal in a sale unit during harvesting.

The trees are designated with at least two spots of paint – one at eye level and one or two butt marks depending on merchantability.

Diameter Breast Height (DBH) Diameter of the trunk of a tree measured 4.5 feet above the ground level on the uphill side of the tree. Measurements are rounded down to the nearest tenth of an inch.

Eye Level Mark Paint applied at eye level on a tree.

Eye Level Mark when Leave Tree Marking: Paint mark(s) will create a continuous band completely around the tree so that the marks can be seen from any direction within the sale unit.

Eye Level Mark when Cut Tree Marking: Paint mark(s) will be put on uphill side of the tree. The mark can be a 3” diameter spot or a horizontal or diagonal stripe. If stripes are used a minimum mark would be 2 inches in width and 6 inches long.

First Thinning The first time to harvest selected trees within an even-aged pine plantation stand.

GPS(Global Positioning System) Surveys

GPS receivers and methods commonly used to determine ground locations and calculate the horizontal area of polygons (sale units).

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Inclusion An area greater than one acre in size that is significantly different from the surrounding stand, either by product, species, or density.

Leave Trees Trees which will not be cut during harvest due to size or spacing.

Leave Tree Marking (LTM) A method of identifying the trees intended to be left in a sale unit during harvesting. The trees are designated with a painted band or stripes on all sides at eye level and one or two butt marks depending on merchantability.

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

(RCW)

An endangered species of bird which nests in live pine trees, which can be identified by a small hole (< 2” diameter) at approximately 30’ high on the tree. There is usually sap running down the tree originating from points clustered around the hole.

Sale Unit Payment/Cutting unit in a tree measurement timber sale or a subdivision in a weight scale sale.

Sample Group Groupings within a Strata of similar trees for sampling purposes.

Sample Interval How often to measure a tree in each Sample Group/Strata combination. Used with sample tree cruising.

Sample Tree Cruising (STR) A method of measuring tree volume by taking a specific sample of the marked trees for measurement and recording.

Strata A subdivision of a population of trees which improves sampling error.

Timber Cruising The method by which volume estimations for timber are made based on tree count and measurement.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). A Government representative designated by the Contracting Officer, to help the Contracting Officer with contract administration and surveillance.

Defective Service. A unit of service, which contains one or more defects, or nonconformance with, specified requirements.

Quality Assurance. Those actions taken by the Government to assure services meet the requirements of the Statement of Work (SOW).

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) an organized written document used for quality assurance surveillance. The document contains specific methods the Government will use to perform surveillance of the contractor.

Quality Control Plan. Those actions taken by a contractor to control the performance of services so that they meet the requirements of the SOW.

Random Sampling. A sampling method in which each service output in a unit has an equal chance of being selected.

Work Plan--The work plan shall describe how the Contractor plans to perform the project and include methods, personnel and equipment. This plan should include how the Contractor will provide for safety and whether the Contractor’s crew will be camping or commuting to the worksite. If the crew plans to camp then the Contractor needs to include a plan to prevent fires and dispose of trash properly.

3. SPECIFIC UNIT SERVICES

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Boundary Marking (Required Items)- All sales units within the contract will be marked using orange paint along the orange flagged boundary.

Boundaries to be painted are delineated with orange flagging on the ground and mapped with Avenza.

Boundaries must be painted, then mapped using the Two Trails program on a government provided tablet.

Boundary Tree Marking and Mapping Item Compartment Sale GIS Miles

1 110 Honeycrisp 11 miles

For all boundary marking/mapping these requirements apply:

• The boundary mark will include three (2 ½”-3”) diagonal slash marks covering 2/3 of the tree facing into the unit with two stump marks.

• Trees selected as boundary trees must be within 10 feet of the already existing orange flagged line.

• Larger trees are preferred (>16”) when possible, however use what trees are available within 10 feet of the flagged line. Mark only live trees, no preference on species.

• Trees should be marked frequently enough to see marked trees in either direction along the boundary line. The distance between marks should be between 20’-150’ apart.

• Boundaries adjacent to any major road don’t require a marked boundary and are therefore not included within this contract…

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