A10_0-ComboSS-127EAS26Q0017.pdf

Sierra NF High Sierra and Bass Lake Reforestation

127EAS26Q0017

(i) 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.

(ii) This solicitation, 127EAS26Q0017, is issued on 13 March 2026 as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) via the Governmentwide Point of Entry at SAM.gov.

(iii) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2025-06. This solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference. The full text of provisions and clauses may be accessed electronically at www.acquisition.gov.

(iv) This procurement is a Total Small Business Set-aside. The NAICS code is 115310 – Support Activities for Forestry. The Small Business Size Standard is $11.5M.

(v)Schedule of Items/Price Schedule. See Excel Document and Attachments in Section D. Offerors shall use the Excel spreadsheet to provide pricing for items/categories listed.

(vi) Description of Requirement. This project is for the acquisition of reforestation services for the High Sierra Ranger District and Bass Lake Ranger District, on the Sierra National Forest. Work includes auger planting conifer trees across multiple elevation bands in the spring months. See Section B herein and Attachments listed in Section D for requirement details.

(vii) Project Location. High Sierra Ranger District and Bass Lake Ranger District, Sierra National Forest. A detailed description of Project Locations can be found in Section B and Section D of this solicitation and any resulting contract/order, where applicable.

(viii) 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (NOV 2021) (Provision). See Section E for the applicable addenda to the provision and for specific instructions on how to submit quotations. Offerors are instructed to read the entire solicitation document, including all attachments, prior to submitting questions and/or preparing your quotation.

(ix) 52.212-2 Evaluation – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (NOV 2021) (Provision). See Section E of this solicitation for specific evaluation criteria. Paragraph (a) outlines the addenda of the provision.

(x)All offerors must have an ACTIVE registration in SAM.gov.

(xi) 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025) is included in this solicitation and will be included in the resulting contract(s). Addenda to this clause can be found in Section C.

(xii) All requirements and/or terms and conditions necessary for the performance of this work are included herein. All sections below and attachments identified in Section D of this solicitation are incorporated into and made a part of this solicitation.

http://www.acquisition.gov/

(xiii) Site Visit. No formal site visit will be held for this project. Vendors are encouraged to conduct self-guided visits to accessible project areas. It is the responsibility of each interested vendor to familiarize themselves with the project location to the extent necessary for submission of a complete and accurate quotation. Self-guided visits to project areas with limited access may be coordinated with the respective Ranger District Office (i.e. High Sierra Ranger District and/or Bass Lake Ranger District). Access to these areas will be provided at the discretion of Ranger District Personnel.

(xiv) Submission Due Dates. An anticipated schedule is as follows:

Event Date* Site Visit N/A Questions Due 03/17/2026 Quotations Due 03/20/2026

Award Notification (estimated) Projected on or before 04/01/2026

*Note: For the purposes of this Request for Quotation issuance, Quotations are due no later than 1700 PDT on 20 March 2026. The projected dates thereafter are tentative and subject to change.

Offerors shall submit quotations electronically via email to Matthew Killian at matthew.killian@usda.gov. No other methods of submission will be accepted.

(xvi) For information regarding this solicitation, contact Matthew Killian at matthew.killian@usda.gov.

Questions must be submitted via email by 1700 PDT on 03/17/2026, to matthew.killian@usda.gov.

Questions shall be submitted in the following format:

Document/Section Page Solicitation Language Question

(xv) Special Notices:

This RFQ is not a guarantee of award. The Government may cancel this request without award at any time, if the Contracting Officer determines it is in the Government’s best interest to do so.

mailto:matthew.killian@usda.gov

ITEM NO. QNTY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

1 LSQ $0.00

Component 1 310,000 EA $0.00

Component 2 83,500 EA $0.00

Component 3 16 HR $0.00

$0.00

SOI NOTES:

1 VENDOR INPUT REQUIRED

2 AUTO-CALCULATED VALUES

EA - EACH

HR - HOUR(S)

Sierra National Forest (NF) High Sierra & Bass Lake Reforestation

Walk-in Rate

BUSINESS PHONE:

BUSINESS EMAIL:

DESCRIPTION

Seedlings - Bass Lake Ranger District Reforestation

Sierra NF High Sierra & Bass Lake Reforestation

SUBMISSION OF A SIGNED SOI REPRESENTS THE OFFEROR'S

COMMITMENT TO THE DATA HEREIN. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF

THE OFFEROR TO VERIFY THAT ALL VALUES PRESENTED IN THE

SIGNATURE-CERTIFIED SOI, INCLUDING VALUES IN AUTO-CALCULATED

CELLS, ACCURATELY REPRESENT THE OFFEROR'S INTENDED PRICE

ELEMENTS. THE GOVERNMENT SHALL NOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY

ERRORS IN CALCULATION OR PRICING DATA.

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

VENDOR NAME:

SAM UEI #:

Sierra National Forest

VENDORS PLEASE NOTE: BEFORE PREPARING QUOTE, CAREFULLY READ THE CONTENTS OF THIS SOLICITATION.

B.1 SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

TOTAL

ANY AWARD WILL BE TO ONE OFFEROR

DATE:

Seedlings - High Sierra Ranger District Reforestation

LSQ - LUMP SUM QUANTITY

AUTHORIZED TO SIGN:

(NAME & TITLE)

SIGNATURE:

SEE ATTACHMENT 6

- F

ILL

ABLE

SOI

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) https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

☐ 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 Tree Planter $12.17

☐ 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)

☒ 52.223-9 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 ☐ 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

52.245-1 Government Property (Sep 2021) ☒ Alternate I (Sep 2021) of 52.245-1 52.245-2 Government Property 52.245-9 Use and Charges

AGAR Clauses

452.203-71 Anti-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Compliance (Dec 2025)

(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)

452.204–70 Modification for Contract Closeout (Nov 2025)

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

(b) Upon contract closeout for contracts utilizing SAP: if unliquidated funds of more than $1000 remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer shall issue a bilateral modification for deobligation.

The contractor will receive a copy of the modification and will be required to provide a signature.

(The Contracting Officer may also request a “Contractor Release of Claims” be completed by the contractor, although not required for contracts and orders using SAP.) If the bilateral modification and Release of Claims are not returned to the Contracting Officer within 60 days, the Contracting Officer shall release the modification as unilateral and proceed with contract close-out upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(c) Upon contract closeout for contracts utilizing anything other than cost reimbursement, if unliquidated funds of more than $1000 remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer shall issue a bilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification and a ‘‘Contractor Release of Claims’’ and will be required to provide a signature on both forms. If the bilateral modification and Release of Claims are not returned to the Contracting Officer within 120 days, the Contracting Officer shall release the modification as unilateral and proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(End of Clause)

OTHER REQUIREMENTS AND INFORMATION

Invoices and Payments

All invoices are to be submitted via the electronic Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) System. Supplemental to the “Submit Invoice-To” information provided on the SF 1442, the offeror must have an established account prior to commencement of work. Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) does not allow for the contractor to change the description of the line items being invoiced against; therefore, an itemized invoice must be uploaded as an attachment(s).

Itemized invoice shall include at a minimum:

Contractor Name and Address Contract, Task Order or Purchase Order numbers Invoice Number

Description of work completed in accordance with the Schedule of Items Date of work completion

Final Payment Following completion and acceptance of the work (including return of Government-furnished property and site cleanup), Final payment will made within 30 calendar days after approved final inspection and presentation of a properly executed invoice. The Government requires a completed release of all claims against the Government, other than claims arising under this contracted, in stated amounts, which the Contractor specifically accepts from the operation of the release.

USDA Bio-based/Sustainable Products Program

The contractor must comply with the Agriculture Act of 2014; the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (FCEA), 7 U.S.C. 8102; the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 9FSRIA), 7 U.S.C. 8102; the Federal Acquisition Regulation; Executive Order (EO) 13514, “Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy and Economic Performance”, dated October 2, 2009; EO 13423, “Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy and Transportation Management”, dated January 24, 2007; and Presidential Memorandum, “Driving Innovation and Creating Jobs in Rural America through Biobased and Sustainable Product Procurement,” dated February, 2012 to provide biobased products. All supplies and materials shall be of a type and quantity that conform to applicable Federal specifications and standards, and to the extent feasible and reasonable; include the exclusive use of biobased and recycled products.

In the performance of this contract, the Contractor shall make maximum use of biobased oils and lubricants that are designated by the United States Department of Agriculture unless the product cannot be acquired: (1) Competitively within a time frame providing for compliance with the contract performance schedule; (2) meeting contract performance requirements; or (3) at a reasonable price. Information about these products is available at http://sftool.gov/green-products/1/construction-materials.

The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requires Contractors to report the purchase of biobased products under service and construction contracts during the previous Government fiscal year (October 1 thru September 30) and to submit this report no later than October 31 of each year during contract performance and at the end of contract performance (as applicable). Information about this requirement is available at https://www.biopreferred.gov/BioPreferred/faces/catalog/Catalog.xhtml"https://www.biopreferred.g ov/BioPreferred/faces/catalog/Catalog.xhtml#.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsftool.gov%2Fgreen-products%2F1%2Fconstruction-materials&data=05%7C02%7CMatthew.Killian%40usda.gov%7Cd1ef7ef23a3f4f3b159008dc2cb79a7f%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638434414812861120%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=279Hk6Fx93em9NXxYTMVBhI%2BofLZNFXD%2Be5Ff0GoeEI%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsftool.gov%2Fgreen-products%2F1%2Fconstruction-materials&data=05%7C02%7CMatthew.Killian%40usda.gov%7Cd1ef7ef23a3f4f3b159008dc2cb79a7f%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638434414812861120%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=279Hk6Fx93em9NXxYTMVBhI%2BofLZNFXD%2Be5Ff0GoeEI%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.biopreferred.gov%2FBioPreferred%2Ffaces%2Fcatalog%2FCatalog.xhtml%2522https%3A%2Fwww.biopreferred.gov%2FBioPreferred%2Ffaces%2Fcatalog%2FCatalog.xhtml&data=05%7C02%7CMatthew.Killian%40usda.gov%7Cd1ef7ef23a3f4f3b159008dc2cb79a7f%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638434414812866972%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=M4nm5LRGfMOlmaUHhdDLhRcTbOsPhSQrohi28VWOSTg%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.biopreferred.gov%2FBioPreferred%2Ffaces%2Fcatalog%2FCatalog.xhtml%2522https%3A%2Fwww.biopreferred.gov%2FBioPreferred%2Ffaces%2Fcatalog%2FCatalog.xhtml&data=05%7C02%7CMatthew.Killian%40usda.gov%7Cd1ef7ef23a3f4f3b159008dc2cb79a7f%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638434414812866972%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=M4nm5LRGfMOlmaUHhdDLhRcTbOsPhSQrohi28VWOSTg%3D&reserved=0

SECTION D – CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

Att

Description # of Pages

1 Statement of Work: A10_1-127EAS26Q0017-Att1-SOW 18 2 Maps 1: A10_1-127EAS26Q0017-Att2-Maps-Planting1 5 3 Maps 2: A10_1-127EAS26Q0017-Att3-Maps-Planting2 1 4 Maps 3: A10_1-127EAS26Q0017-Att4-Maps-PlantingBuffin 1 5 Wage Determination: A10_1-127EAS26Q0017-Att5-SCAWD1977-0727 4 6 Schedule of Items (SOI): A10_1-127EAS26Q0017-Att6-FillableSOI 1 7 Experience Questionnaire: A10_1-127EAS26Q0017-Att7-ExperienceQuestionnaire 3 8 Key Personnel: A10_1-127EAS26Q0017-Att8-KTRKeyPersonnel 1

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

Award Type

It is anticipated that a Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order 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

Evaluation Criteria

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.

Factor 1. Technical Approach to Performing the Work

When evaluating the Offeror’s proposed Technical Approach to Performing the Work, the Government will assess the reasonableness of the Offeror(s) proposed approach in accordance with the technical requirements, performance specifications, terms, and conditions of this solicitation. Technical Capability will be evaluated based upon the Offeror(s) demonstrated ability to meet or exceed the technical requirements and specifications put forth in this solicitation.

Factor 2. Responsibility

Responsibility will be determined in accordance with FAR 9.104-1

Factor 3. Experience & Past Performance

The Government will consider the extent to which the vendor demonstrates experience performing work similar in scope, size, and complexity to the requirements of this solicitation. Greater consideration will be given to vendors whose experience reflects a strong alignment with the Government’s needs. Offerors shall complete Attachment 5 - Experience Questionnaire, found in Section D of this solicitation. As a part of this evaluation, the Government will consider formal Past Performance evaluations. Sources may include CPARS, past performance questionnaires, and other verifiable references. The Government reserves the right to limit or expand the number of references it decides to contact and to contact references other than those provided by the offeror.

If no relevant contracts are available, the three (3) most recent contracts completed in the last five (5) years may be used. Contracts listed may include those with the Federal Government, State and Local Governments or their agencies, and Commercial Customers. If an offeror has no relevant past performance history, the offeror must affirmatively state that it possesses no relevant past performance history.

Factor 4. Price (Including Basis of Estimate)

The proposed price will be evaluated for reasonableness in accordance with FAR 12.204 and FAR 13.106-3(a)

Evaluation Method:

The Government intends to evaluate quotations using a comparative evaluation methodology. This means quotations will be compared against one another to determine which provides the best value to the Government, based on the evaluation factors outlined in this solicitation.

The Government may consider quotations that exceed minimum requirements and offer additional value or benefits, even if they are not the lowest priced. However, formal tradeoff procedures will not be conducted.

Evaluation of evaluation factors one (1) and three (3) will be completed utilizing an adjectival rating scale that represents the Government’s confidence in the offeror’s ability to successfully perform the solicited work. The Government will consider the benefits associated with the offeror’s proposed approaches, experience, and qualifications to arrive at a confidence assessment of the offeror’s likelihood of successfully performing the work and meeting the requirements of the RFQ.

The following table shows the adjectival ratings that will be used:

Rating Description

Excellent

Excellent understanding of the requirements; significantly exceeds all the minimum requirements of the criteria; contains significant strengths, exceptional features, or innovation that should substantially benefit the Government;

contains no weaknesses or deficiencies; has a very high probability of success and the risk of unsuccessful performance is extremely low.

Good

Good understanding of the requirements; exceeds all the minimum requirements of the criteria; contains significant strengths or minor strengths, features, or innovation that should benefit the Government; weaknesses, if any, are minor and are more than offset by strengths; no deficiencies are noted; has a better than average probability of success and the risk of unsuccessful performance is very low.

Satisfactory Acceptable understanding of the requirements; meets all the minimum requirements of the criteria; there are few, if any, strengths or features to benefit the Government; has an average probability of success.

Marginal

Superficial or vague understanding of the requirements; fails to meet one or more of the minimum requirements of the criteria; there are weaknesses that cannot be offset by strengths and cannot be readily corrected; the risk of unsuccessful performance is moderate.

Unacceptable

Lacks understanding of the requirements; fails to meet any of the minimum requirements of the criteria; numerous weaknesses and deficiencies exist; quotation needs major revisions; the risk of unsuccessful performance is high.

Neutral Not enough information is available to assess the criterion.

Period of Performance:

For the purpose of this solicitation, the following Period of Performance (PoP) dates are projected, subject to change, based on the award date:

Notice to Proceed +45 Days Projected PoP Start: 3 April 2026 Projected PoP End: 18 May 2026

Service Contract Labor Standards

Applicable Wage Determination: SCAWD 1977-0727, Rev. 79, 03 December 2025

Qualification Requirements

See Statement of Work in Section D of this Solicitation for any applicable qualification requirements.

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

FAR 52.212-1 is amended as follows:

Instructions to Offerors

Offers must be prepared in accordance with the instructions in this section, providing all required documents and information in the format specified. Failure of an offer to show compliance with these instructions may be grounds for exclusion from further award consideration. The offer shall clearly and concisely describe the offeror’s response to the requirements of the solicitation.

Offerors shall acknowledge receipt of any/all amendments to this solicitation by the date and time specified in the amendment(s).

Offerors must have an active entity registration in the System for Award Management in order to submit an offer. https://www.sam.gov/SAM/

All offers shall include:

1) Title Page using the following format:

i. Solicitation Number/Description

ii. Company Name

iii. Address

iv. Point of Contact Name

v. Point of Contact Phone & Email

vi. SAM UEI Number

vii. Type of small business: e.g. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small

Business, Veteran-Owned Small Business, Woman-owned Small Business, etc.

2) Technical Volume

The technical volume shall include, at a minimum, the information identified below in sufficient detail to allow for evaluation based on the criteria identified herein. It is strongly suggested that offerors organize their technical volume with individual sections that address each of the following evaluation criteria:

Factor 1. Technical Approach to Performing the Work: At a minimum, describe your planned approach to performing this work. Include the type of equipment to be used, key personnel and their qualifications, logistics of equipment and supply delivery, crew accommodations, major sub-contractors and their roles, approach to maximizing local labor opportunities, biobased products to be used in the accomplishment of the work, and anticipated schedule of work. A quotation which merely paraphrases the requirements of the Government's Statement of Work or uses such phrases as "will comply" or "standard techniques will be employed" will be considered unacceptable and may not be considered further for award.

Use of the Forest Service Designation of Key Personnel-Reps form is mandatory. Form can be found in Section D of this Solicitation, and roles are editable. NOTE: Personnel may hold multiple roles.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov%2FSAM%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cbob.eberle%40usda.gov%7Cc44771bf2ab545071ff008dc7a962dc3%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638520032635690049%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Enk2RQw0fH8GQ0lVMrVNGriSXNWCWt32A4R5PtQtKYI%3D&reserved=0

Factor 2. Responsibility: Responsibility will be determined by the Government in accordance with FAR 9.104-1. Factor 2 requires of the offeror no additional deliverables.

Factor 3. Experience & Past Performance: The Technical Volume must include a completed copy of the Experience Questionnaire. Complete all sections on the questionnaire and include a brief statement in block 13 regarding financial ability to perform the work. Form can be found in section D of this Solicitation

3) Price Volume

Factor 4. Price: The Price Volume must include at a minimum:

1. Schedule of Items (SOI): Using the provided Excel SOI worksheet in section D, submit the price quotation on all items listed. Offeror must return SOI with all highlighted areas completed, to include signature.

It is the responsibility of the offeror to verify that all values presented in the signature-certified SOI, including values in auto-calculated cells, accurately represent the offeror's intended price elements. The Government shall not be held liable for any errors in calculation or pricing data. Unit prices will govern any total value errors unless otherwise determined by the Contracting Officer.

2. Basis of Estimate (BOE): An explanation of proposed pricing is required. The BOE must provide sufficient detail to demonstrate a clear understanding of and rationale for proposed costs.

Offerors are strictly advised to comply with all instructions within this solicitation to ensure consideration for award. Failure by the offeror to furnish a complete quotation per the instructions in this solicitation on or before the quotation due date and time may result in a determination of ineligibility and elimination from further award consideration.

The price and technical volumes shall be separate documents (Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, or Adobe PDF). It is the vendor’s responsibility to ensure delivery of all required documents by the date and time set for receipt of offers.

Contact the Contracting Officer, Matthew (Matt) Killian by e-mail at matthew.killian@usda.gov if you do not understand any part of these instructions.

(End of provision)

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: You can either leave all clauses and check the boxes of the ones that apply or delete the clauses that do not apply. If you delete lines, you will need to right-click on the box and select “remove content control” before it will delete.

☒ 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) ☐ 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)

Other Applicable FAR Provisions

52.233-2 Service of Protest (Sep 2025) 52.237-1 Site Visits (Apr 1984)

AGAR Provisions

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

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

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

(4) 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) Ombudsman Program

The USDA is committed to issuing solicitations and awarding contracts in a fair and prompt manner.

The Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests (OPAP) was established to address protest issues within the agency, providing an alternative to costly and time-consuming litigation. Operating independently, OPAP offers relief comparable to that granted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Interested parties are encouraged to resolve concerns through USDA’s internal Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process before pursuing external forums such as the GAO.

Concerns may be addressed informally or through a formal agency protest filed with either the Contracting Officer or the Ombudsman.

Informal Forum with the Ombudsman

1. Initial Point of Contact: Interested parties who believe a specific USDA procurement is unfair or otherwise defective should first direct their concerns to the applicable Contracting Officer.

2. Escalation: If the Contracting Officer is unable to address their concerns, interested parties are encouraged to contact the USDA Ombudsman for Agency Protests. Under this informal process, the agency is not required to suspend contract award performance. Utilization of the informal forum does not suspend any time requirement for filing a formal protest with the agency or other forums.

3. Required Information: To ensure a timely response, interested parties should provide the following information to the Ombudsman: solicitation/contract number, contracting office, Contracting Officer, and solicitation closing date (if applicable).

Formal Agency Protest with the Ombudsman

1. Effort to Resolve: Prior to submitting a formal agency protest, protesters must first use their best efforts to resolve their concerns with the Contracting Officer through open and frank discussions.

2. Independent Review: If the protester’s concerns remain unresolved, an Independent Review is available by the Ombudsman. The protester may file a formal agency protest with either the Contracting Officer or, alternatively, with the Ombudsman under the OPAP program. Contract awards or performance will be suspended during the protest period unless justified in writing for urgent and compelling reasons or determined in writing to be in the best interest of the Government.

3. Resolution Timeline: The agency’s goal is to resolve protests within 35 calendar days from the date of filing.

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

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

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

6. Submission: Formal protests under the OPAP program should be submitted electronically to SPE.inquiry@usda.gov and the Contracting Officer.

Election of Forum. By initiating a protest with the USDA, the protester agrees not to pursue the same matter with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or any other external forum while the agency protest is pending. If a protest is filed externally, the agency protest will be dismissed.

mailto:SPE.inquiry@usda.gov