Attachment-08 Technical Evaluation Plan 127EAV25R0006 (1143507) Southwestern Region Tree Planting IDIQ.PDF.pdf

US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

127EAV25R0006 (1143507) Technical Evaluation Plan Southwestern Tree Planting IDIQ

Proposal Evaluation Criteria

Contents Section 1: Evaluation Methodology Section 2: Evaluation Factors

2.1 Factor 1: Technical Capability including Management and Experience

2.2 Factor 2: Past Performance

2.3 Factor 3: Price

Section 3: Definitions

3.1 Go/No Go Ratings

3.2 Adjectival Ratings

3.3 Technical Confidence Rating

3.4 Past Performance Confidence

3.5 Performance Confidence Assessment

3.6 Quote/Proposal Metrics

Section 1: Evaluation Methodology

Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the procedures in FAR Parts 12 and 13, specifically FAR Subpart 13.5 – Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Products and Commercial Services, supplemented with evaluation techniques from FAR Part 15.101-1, Best Value Tradeoff.

Ratings based on technical aspects of a quote/proposal will utilize the Adjectival Rating, Go/No Go and/or Confidence Ratings systems.

The Government will perform a comparative evaluation of proposals based on the following factors listed in no particular order of importance:

• Technical Capability including Management and Experience

• Past Performance

• Price

The evaluation will be conducted using best value tradeoff principles to determine the proposal(s) most advantageous to the Government, considering both price and non-price factors. The Government may conduct discussions if determined to be in the Government’s best interest;

however, the Government reserves the right to make an award without discussion.

This acquisition will not follow all formal source selection procedures of FAR Part 15 (e.g., competitive range determinations or formal debriefings) but will utilize certain Part 15 evaluation concepts to ensure a fair and transparent process. Multiple awards are anticipated under this solicitation, resulting in firm-fixed-price IDIQ contracts.

1.1 – General Proposal Requirements Offerors shall submit complete proposals electronically in PDF format via email to:

-shavera.leveille@usda.gov -SM.PPS.R3ReforestationIDIQ@usda.gov -david.l.watson@usda.gov

All proposals are due no later than 1700 MST, December 5, 2025. Each submission shall consist of three (3) separate volumes as outlined in this section. Each file shall not exceed 25 MB. The subject line must read: 'Proposal – 127EAV25R0006 – Tree Planting IDIQ – [Company Name]'. Late proposals will be handled in accordance with FAR 52.212-1(f). Offerors are responsible for ensuring receipt prior to the due date/time. Failure to provide adequate information will result in the offer not being placed in the eligibility group of technically acceptable, which will remove the offer from further consideration.

1.2 – Proposal Organization Each proposal shall be divided into the following three volumes:

Volume I – Technical Proposal (15 pages max) Volume II – Past Performance (10 pages max) Volume III – Price Proposal (no page limit)

127EAV25R0006 (1143507) Technical Evaluation Plan Southwestern Tree Planting IDIQ mailto:-shavera.leveille@usda.gov mailto:-david.l.watson@usda.gov mailto:-SM.PPS.R3ReforestationIDIQ@usda.gov

Each volume must be complete and capable of being evaluated independently. Use 11-point font or larger, with 1-inch margins. File format must be PDF. Each file name shall follow the convention:

TreePlant_IDIQ_[CompanyName]_VolX.pdf.

Section 2: Evaluation Factors

2.1 Technical Capability including Management and Experience

This will address Tree Preparation, Handling, and Care, Tree Planting, Artificial Shade and Animal Damage Control (ADC) Treatments, Sampling Methods, Workplan and Schedule, Key Personnel, Safety Plan, and Worksite Plan. Proposals will be evaluated on how well proposed operations will be able to accomplish the project objectives.

Submission Requirements:

Volume I – Technical Proposal Offerors shall demonstrate their understanding of project objectives and capability to perform reforestation work across Region 3. At a minimum, the Technical Proposal shall include:

1. Technical Approach - Description of planting methods, seedling handling, and site preparation. - Approach for variable terrain, elevation, and seasonal conditions. - Quality assurance, supervision, and compliance with specifications.

a. Tree Preparation, Handling, and Care: Describe how trees will be cared for while in your possession to ensure they receive the best chances for survival from receipt through the end of the planting day. Include details of tree transportation, dipping, tree protection, and tree care. Describe how you will account for the quantity of stock issued to ensure no trees are wasted, stashed, intentionally dropped, or altered. More specifically, describe how you will have enough personnel to plant trees in an appropriate timely manner to avoid expiration of perishable seedlings.

b. Tree Planting: Describe how you will ensure that trees planted will be protected from the elements to give them the best chances of survival. Include your capability to microsite trees for protection from the sun and harsh environmental conditions. Demonstrate that you understand what satisfactory trees are and your capability and experience to provide satisfactorily planted trees. Describe how you will ensure the proper species are planted in the appropriate location. Describe how you will ensure that trees are planted in prime plantable locations according to prescribed specifications.

c. Artificial Shade and Animal Damage Control (ADC) Treatments: Describe how and when you would provide artificial shade and ADC treatments to ensure that seedlings are protected from hot afternoon sun. This may include when artificial shade will be installed relative to the time of day when trees are planted and how you may vary the timing due to environmental conditions. How soon after planting is installation guaranteed?

d. Sampling Methods: Describe how units will be monitored for planting quality while work is in progress. Describe sampling designs to ensure quality measurements are representative of the portions of units treated either with planting or artificial shade/ADC treatments.

2. Required Plans and Deliverables - Quality Control Plan (QCP) - Safety Plan - Work Plan and Schedule.

a. Quality Control Plan (QCP): The Contractor shall provide a general Quality Control Plan (QCP) with the contract technical proposal. The Contractor shall supplement the QCP within 30 days prior to starting work, based on items awarded to the Contractor and Government comments. The general QCP must demonstrate how the Contractor will assure quality meets the requirements and specifications of the contract. The QCP shall describe how quality will be monitored to assure appropriate tree handling and care, the performance standards are met, the supervision of crew and work, and personnel that will be performing the quality control.

Quality control shall include monitoring tree care and other associated tasks, quality while planting and artificial shade/ADC treatments are in progress, and an unbiased sample of planting, shading and/or ADC treatments for determining actual quality percentage.

b. Safety Plan: Provide a detailed Safety Plan that outlines how safety will be provided for all workers present when on site. This includes both key personnel and tree planters that may be present on a job site. Include details such as safety equipment that will be provided, medical training of personnel, emergency medical and/or evacuation plans, any COVID Emergency plans etc.

c. Workplan and Schedule: Provide your general Work Plan including crew size, work schedule, and production rate that will allow you to complete task orders. Provide detailed information regarding the number of crews you have available to work on multiple task orders across several National Forests at the same time. Describe your alternatives to mitigate for unforeseen reductions in crew size or production. For example, what alternate crews or crewmembers are available if needed and how soon can they be in place? How will you organize your workforce to achieve the various contract requirements, e.g., who will plant, who will install artificial shade or ADC? If planning on subcontracting any of the work, address the percentage of the work that will be performed with your own employees and/or any subcontractors.

d. Worksite Plan: Provide a general Worksite Plan that demonstrates how you will keep the worksite clean during treatment operations.

3. Personnel and Equipment Resources - Key Personnel (resumes ≤ 2 pages each for Superintendent, Foreman, Safety Officer, QC Lead). - Equipment List with available quantities (planting tools, trucks, GPS units, etc.).

Identify all Key Personnel by name, title, roles and responsibilities and state their availability and contact information. If one or more of the following categories are held by one person, indicate who and which categories they fulfill. Concisely describe the training, experience, management skills and customer service qualities of each of the identified Key Personnel. All personnel shall be fully conversant in the English language.

4. Subcontracting Plan (if applicable) - Identify proposed subcontractors and their responsibilities.

5. Assumptions or Clarifications - State any exceptions to solicitation terms or confirm 'none' if fully compliant

Evaluation Criteria/Methodology:

Ratings will be based on the adjectival and confidence ratings listed in tables 3.2, 3.3, and 3.6.

The adjectival rating and the confidence rating are of equal importance.

2.2 Factor 2: Past Performance

Submission Requirements: Volume-II Past Performance

Provide at least three (3) relevant projects within the past three (3) years, similar in scope and complexity. Each reference shall include: - Project title, location, and contracting agency. - Dollar value and period of performance. - Description of work performed and results achieved (e.g., acres planted, survival rate). - Customer point of contact (name, phone, and email). - CPARS or reference letter, if available. The Government reserves the right to contact any references or other known clients for verification.

Evaluation Criteria/Methodology:

Ratings will be based on: Go/No Go, Relevancy, Recency, and confidence assessment ratings listed in tables 3.1, 3.4, 3.5, and 3.6. The adjectival rating and the confidence rating are of equal importance.

2.3 Factor 3: Price

Submission Requirements:

Volume III – Price Proposal

Price Evaluation:

Offerors shall complete the pricing schedule in Section B, Attachment-01 Schedule of Items for all CLINs. Provide unit pricing (per acre or hour) for each planting type, along with labor category rates and any applicable discounts. Prices must be in U.S. dollars, rounded to two decimals. Do not include technical or narrative data in this volume

Evaluation Criteria/Methodology:

The CO will evaluate the competitiveness, realism and reasonableness of the pricing including any discounts offered. The Government reserves the right to reject any quote that includes any assumption that adversely impacts the Government’s requirements.

Section 3: Definitions

3.1 Go/No Go Ratings

The term “Pass/Fail” will not be utilized in any rating; instead “Go/No Go” will be utilized. When Go/No Go ratings are utilized the following sentence shall appear in the request “Specifically, for a vendor to be considered for an award, the proposed solution must meet the minimum technical criteria listed.”

3.2 Adjectival Ratings

Adjectival Rating Definition

Exceptional Quote/Offer contains no deficiencies and fully addresses all aspects of the criteria and demonstrates an excellent approach/solution and understanding of the requirements. Many strengths exist, far outweighing any weaknesses. The highest quality of contract performance is anticipated with very low risk.

Very Good Quote/Offer contains no deficiencies; fully addresses all aspects of the criteria and demonstrates a very effective approach/solution and understanding of the requirements. Some weaknesses may exist; however, the weaknesses, if any, are outweighed by strengths. A high quality of contract performance is anticipated with low risk.

Satisfactory Quote/Offer contains no deficiencies; addresses all aspects of the criteria and demonstrates an adequate approach/solution and understanding of the requirements. Strengths and weaknesses are offsetting or will have little or no impact on contract performance. A quality contract performance is anticipated with an acceptable amount of risk.

Marginal Quote/Offer may contain deficiencies; fails to address all of the criteria and does not demonstrate an adequate approach/solution or understanding of the requirements. One or more weaknesses exist which are not offset by strengths.

Contract performance is anticipated with high risk.

Unsatisfactory Quote/Offer contains many deficiencies and does not address all aspects of the criteria and/or does not present evidence demonstrating an adequate approach/solution and understanding of the requirements. Many weaknesses and/or omissions exist creating an unacceptable risk.

3.3 Technical Confidence Rating

Confidence Rating Definition

High Confidence (Low Risk)

The Government has high confidence the vendor understands the requirement, proposes a sound approach, and will be successful in performing the contract with little or no Government intervention.

Some Confidence (Moderate Risk)

The Government has some confidence the vendor understands the requirement, proposes a sound approach, and will be successful in performing the contract with some Government intervention.

Low Confidence (High Risk)

The Government has low confidence the vendor understands the requirement, proposes a sound approach, or will be successful in performing the contract even with Government intervention.

3.4 Past Performance Confidence

Rating Description

Relevant Past/present performance effort involved much of the similarity, magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation requires.

Somewhat Relevant

Past/present performance effort involved some of the similarity, magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation requires.

Not Relevant

Past/present performance effort did not involve any of the similarity, magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation required.

3.5 Performance Confidence Assessment

3.6 Quote/Proposal Metrics

When identifying the merits of a quote/proposal the following three terms shall be utilized along with the definitions.

Narrative Element Definition Strength A significant, outstanding, or exceptionally positive aspect of a Quote/Offer.

Weakness Any aspect of a Quote/Offer increasing the potential for problems and issues with regard to contract performance. The Quote/Offer provides a minimally acceptable response to the Government’s requirements. The response leaves the evaluator with uncertainty as to the understanding of the work, capability to successfully perform the work, or capability to effectively manage the work effort.

Deficiency A material failure of a Quote/Offer to meet a Government requirement or a combination of significant weaknesses in a Quote/Offer increasing the risk of unsuccessful contract performance to an unacceptable level.

Rating Description

Substantial Confidence Based on the offeror’s performance record, the government has a high expectation that the offeror will successfully perform the required effort.

Satisfactory Confidence Based on the offeror’s performance record, the government has an expectation that the offeror will successfully perform the required effort.

Limited Confidence Based on the offeror’s performance record, the government has a low expectation that the offeror will successfully perform the required effort.

No Confidence Based on the offeror’s performance record, the government has no expectation that the offeror will be able to successfully perform the required effort.

Unknown Confidence No performance record is identifiable, or the offeror’s performance record is so sparse that no confidence assessment rating can be reasonably assigned.