RFQ No 1240BD26Q0006.pdf

Project Title: Walker TnT Thin and Hand Pile Solicitation No. 1240BD26Q0006

This is a Combined Synopsis-Solicitation (CS-S) for commercial services prepared IAW FAR Part 12 template and as edited by the contracting officer (CO).

Solicitation No. 1240BD26Q0006 is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for the USDA Forest Service, Colville National Forest, Republic Ranger District. The Forest Service has a requirement to secure Ladder Fuels Reduction (LFR) services as described herein.

This acquisition is a 100% Small Business Set-Aside. This solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference. The full text of provisions and clauses may be accessed electronically at www.acquisition.gov.

The applicable codes and size standard are as follows:

NAICS Code: 115310—Support Activities for Forestry, Fuels Management Services (Exception 2).

Product Service Code: F014—National Resources/Conservation--Tree Thinning.

Small Business Size Standard: $34 Million

All responsible and responsive vendors, that have an active System for Award Management (SAM) account, may submit a quotation to be considered by the USDA Forest Service.

The solicitation provides an overview of the requirements and informs vendors what is required to be submitted for evaluation.

Address all questions concerning this solicitation to Brian A. Johnson, CO, in writing at brian.johnson3@usda.gov. If the CO’s answer clarifies basic solicitation details, the CO will respond directly to the vendor asking the question. If the answer may benefit all competitors, the CO will issue a “Questions & Answers” amendment and post it on the SAM website.

RFQ No 1240BD26Q0006 Walker TnT Thin and Hand Pile Page 1 of 48

GPE: System for Award Management Colville National Forest Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP)

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (WOSB)

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

1. REQUISITION NUMBER

2. CONTRACT NUMBER 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE

DATE

4. ORDER NUMBER 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE

DATE

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (No collect calls)

8. OFFER DUE DATE/

9. ISSUED BY

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

CODE

15. DELIVER TO 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE17a. CONTRACTOR/

OFFEROR

CODE

FACILITY

CODE

CODE

TELEPHONE NUMBER

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

OFFER

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

BELOW IS CHECKED

REQUEST

FOR QUOTE

(RFQ)

INVITATION

FOR BID

(IFB)

REQUEST

FOR

PROPOSAL

(RFP)

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

ITEM NUMBER

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Government Use Only)

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH

AND DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND

ON ANY ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS

SPECIFIED

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REFERENCE OFFER

DATED . . YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

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

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

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

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS UNRESTRICTED OR

NORTH AMERICAN

INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION

STANDARD (NAICS):

SIZE STANDARD:

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

THE DEFENSE PRIORITIES

AND ALLOCATIONS

SYSTEM - DPAS (15 CFR 700)

SET ASIDE: % FOR:

11. DELIVERY FOR FREE ON

BOARD (FOB) DESTINATION

UNLESS BLOCK IS MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

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

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

8(A)

ECONOMICALLY

DISADVANTAGED

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (EDWOSB)

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

(SDVOSB)

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SMALL BUSINESS

NOTE: OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, AND 30. 1161845

1240BD26Q0006

brian.johnson3@usda.gov

(509) 423-2223

1240BD 100

N/A

All quote packages shall be submitted via e-mail to Block 7a.

1240BD

Same as Block 9

Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) www.ipp.gov

(866) 973-3131 ippcustomersupport@fiscal.treasury.gov

WALKER TNT THIN AND HAND PILE

USDA Forest Service

Colville National Forest Washington State

(Ferry County)

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

115310

$11.5M

2/9/2026

LOCAL TIME

Refer to SAM

1240BD

USDA-FS CSA NORTHWEST 2

ATTN: BRIAN A. JOHNSON, CO

1220 SW 3RD AVE., STE 310

PORTLAND, OR 97204-2829

IPP

Notice to Vendors: The project maps are provided via separate cover. They are included in SAM's attachments due to the large file sizes.

RFQ No 1240BD26Q0006 Walker TnT Thin and Hand Pile Page 2 of 48

WALKER TNT THIN AND HAND PILE

USDA Forest Service

Colville National Forest Republic Ranger District

Washington State (Ferry County)

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS (Page 1 of 3)

19.

ITEM NUMBER

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

0001, Base Items, Tree Thinning, Republic Ranger District

0001AA A.1 Walker LFR 031 18 Acres $ $

0001AB A.2 Walker LFR 117 29 Acres $ $

0001AC A.3 Walker LFR 124 6 Acres $ $

0001AD A.4 Walker LFR 137 2 Acres $ $

0001AE A.5 Walker LFR 140 103 Acres $ $

0001AF A.6 Walker LFR 145 5 Acres $ $

0001AG A.7 Walker LFR 145A 2 Acres $ $

0001AH A.8 Walker LFR 156A 15 Acres $ $

0001AI A.9 Walker LFR 25 12 Acres $ $

0001AJ A.10 Walker LFR 26 3 Acres $ $

0001AK A.11 Walker LFR 35 3 Acres $ $

0001AL A.12 Walker LFR 601 25 Acres $ $

0001AM A.13 Walker LFR 601A 24 Acres $ $

0001AN A.14 Walker LFR 601B 36 Acres $ $

0001AO A.15 Walker LFR 601C 12 Acres $ $

0001AP A.16 Walker LFR 601D 25 Acres $ $

0001AQ A.17 Walker LFR 606A 9 Acres $ $

0001AR A.18 Walker LFR 606B 24 Acres $ $

0001AS A.19 Walker LFR 606C 41 Acres $ $

0001AT A.20 Walker LFR 606D 14 Acres $ $

0001AU A.21 Walker LFR 614 102 Acres $ $

0001AV A.22 Walker LFR 614A 10 Acres $ $

0001AW A.23 Walker LFR 615 2 Acres $ $

0001AX A.24 Walker LFR 618 26 Acres $ $

0001AY A.25 Walker LFR 619 21 Acres $ $

0001AZ A.26 Walker LFR 80 15 Acres $ $

Total Acres (Item 0001AA-0001AZ): 584 Total Price: $

RFQ No 1240BD26Q0006 Walker TnT Thin and Hand Pile Page 3 of 48

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS (Page 2 of 3)

ITEM NUMBER

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

0002, Base Items, Hand Piling, Republic Ranger District

0002AA B.1 Walker LFR 031 18 Acres $ $

0002AB B.2 Walker LFR 117 29 Acres $ $

0002AC B.3 Walker LFR 124 6 Acres $ $

0002AD B.4 Walker LFR 137 2 Acres $ $

0002AE B.5 Walker LFR 140 103 Acres $ $

0002AF B.6 Walker LFR 145 5 Acres $ $

0002AG B.7 Walker LFR 145A 2 Acres $ $

0002AH B.8 Walker LFR 156A 15 Acres $ $

0002AI B.9 Walker LFR 25 12 Acres $ $

0002AJ B.10 Walker LFR 26 3 Acres $ $

0002AK B.11 Walker LFR 35 3 Acres $ $

0002AL B.12 Walker LFR 601 25 Acres $ $

0002AM B.13 Walker LFR 601A 9 Acres $ $

0002AN B.14 Walker LFR 601B 36 Acres $ $

0002AO B.15 Walker LFR 601C 12 Acres $ $

0002AP B.16 Walker LFR 601D 25 Acres $ $

0002AQ B.17 Walker LFR 606A 9 Acres $ $

0002AR B.18 Walker LFR 606B 24 Acres $ $

0002AS B.19 Walker LFR 606C 27 Acres $ $

0002AT B.20 Walker LFR 606D 14 Acres $ $

0002AU B.21 Walker LFR 614 36 Acres $ $

0002AV B.22 Walker LFR 614A 10 Acres $ $

0002AW B.23 Walker LFR 615 2 Acres $ $

0002AX B.24 Walker LFR 618 5 Acres $ $

0002AY B.25 Walker LFR 619 5 Acres $ $

0002AZ B.26 Walker LFR 80 15 Acres $ $

Total Acres (Item 0002AA-AZ): 452 Total Price: $

RFQ No 1240BD26Q0006 Walker TnT Thin and Hand Pile Page 4 of 48

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS (Page 3 of 3)

ITEM NUMBER

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

1001, Optional Items, Tree Thinning, Republic Ranger District

1001AA C.1 TnT LFR 44 24 Acres $ $

1001AB C.2 TnT LFR 556A 44 Acres $ $

1001AC C.3 TnT LFR 558 496 Acres $ $

1001AD C.4 TnT LFR 181 61 Acres $ $

Total Acres (Item 1001AA-AD): 625 Total Price: $

19.

ITEM NUMBER

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

1002, Optional Items, Hand Piling, Republic Ranger District

2001AA D.1 TnT LFR 558 53 Acres $ $

Total Acres (Item 2001AA): 53 Total Price: $

SUMMARY OF PRICES

Base Items 0001AA-AZ: $_______________

Base Items 0002AA-AZ: $_______________

Optional Items 1001AA-AD: $_______________

Optional Item 2001AA: $_______________

TOTAL PRICE (All Line Items): $______________________

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS NOTES

a. Before submitting your quotation package read all instructions carefully.

b. Insert a Unit Price (Blk. 23) and Amount (Blk. 24) for each item number on the Schedule of Items.

c. Quoter must quote on all items to be considered for contract award.

d. Optional Items 1001 and 2001 will be evaluated and considered at the time of contract award. They will / will not be awarded based on the availability of funding. Award of these optional items may occur any time during the contract’s period of performance.

PERIOD OF PERFORMNACE

Estimated Start Work Date: 03/16/2026 Performance Time: 10/31/2026

RFQ No 1240BD26Q0006 Walker TnT Thin and Hand Pile Page 5 of 48

(i) The following FAR solicitation provisions apply to this acquisition (see 12.205(a)).

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (AUG

2025)(DEVIATION)

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2025)

(DEVIATION)

Addenda to provision 52.212-1: Addenda to paragraph (a) Submission of Offers—

Submission of offers. Submit signed and dated offers to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the date/time specified on the System for Award Management’s (SAM) “Contract Opportunities” website. The closing date/time is not cited on the SF-1449.

1) Vendors must have an Active Registration in SAM to submit a quotation package (https://sam.gov/). If your SAM Registration is inactive, do not submit a quotation package.

2) Quotation Package Requirements:

Organize your quotation package in this order:

i) SF-1449, Amendments, & Schedule of Items

Submit the following:

SF-1449, Complete Blocks 17a., 30a., 30b., and 30c. (include telephone, e-mail, and Unique Entity ID (UEID) in Block 17a.);

Acknowledge and submit all SF-30 Amendments to the solicitation, if any, as posted by the CO on SAM; and

Complete the Schedule of Items.

Note #1: Omitting the UEID from the SF-1449 will prevent the CO from verifying that your company has an active SAM account. Including the UEID elsewhere in your quotation package will cause your quotation package to be excluded from consideration.

Note #2: Failure to complete each block on the Schedule of Items will cause your quotation package to be excluded from consideration, which includes math errors and omissions.

ii) Experience

Submit the following:

Operating as a prime contractor, describe your company’s experience (no time limit) directly performing tree thinning / hand piling services or managing tree thinning / hand piling subcontractors. Limit this submittal to no more than 1-2 pages.

Note: Submission of more than 2 pages will cause your quotation package to be excluded from consideration.

RFQ No 1240BD26Q0006 Walker TnT Thin and Hand Pile Page 6 of 48

GPE: System for Award Management Colville National Forest Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP)

DOCUMENTS

TO SUBMIT AS

YOUR

QUOTATION

PACKAGE

bajohnson03 Highlight bajohnson03 Highlight bajohnson03 Highlight

iii) Relevant Past Performance: Provide a list of current/completed tree thinning and hand piling contracts awarded to your company over the last three (3) calendar years (2023, 2024, 2025)

Organize in this order:

Contract No. and Project Title;

Period of Performance (Start & Finish Dates);

Final Contract Amount;

Brief Description of the Scope of Services; and Government or Private Contact Information (name, phone, and email).

Note #1: Do not include projects outside of the 2023, 2024, 2025 range. This will cause your quotation package to be excluded from consideration.

iv) Key Personnel

Designated Representative: Your company must provide one (1) designated representative that understands and speaks fluent English. Submit:

Name(s) of Designated Representative(s) that will be assigned to support this contract; and

A statement from your company that this individual can understand and speak fluent English.

Number of years’ experience performing as a designated representative on government or private LFR contracts.

Crew Inspector: Your company must provide one (1) foreman per work crew. The foreman is responsible for ensuring contract specifications are met on the ground and the contractor’s Quality Control Plan (QCP) is effectively managed. Submit:

Name(s) of Crew Inspector(s) that will be assigned to support this contract; and

Number of years’ experience performing as a crew inspector on USDA Forest Service LFR contracts.

Note: Do not submit management or employee résumés. This will cause your quotation package to be excluded from consideration.

v) Quality Control Plan (QCP): Refer to Attachment.

Submit your company’s QCP that outlines how all quality control functions will be performed to ensure your company will successfully manage quality control during all project phases.

vi) Washington State Farm Labor License and U.S. Department of Labor Farm

Contractor Certificate of Registration:

Submit legible and active copies of your company’s Farm Labor License and your Farm Contractor Certificate of Registration.

RFQ No 1240BD26Q0006 Walker TnT Thin and Hand Pile Page 7 of 48

GPE: System for Award Management Colville National Forest Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) bajohnson03 Highlight bajohnson03 Highlight bajohnson03 Highlight bajohnson03 Highlight

vii) Representations and Certifications: This is a non-submission requirement. The CO—during quotation package evaluation—will review your company’s SAM representations and certifications. The intent of this review is to identify potential risks based on completed provisions by your company, debt subject to offset, or an active felony conviction. Sample provisions for review:

FAR 52.204-26 Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services- Representation;

FAR 52.209-2 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations-Representation;

FAR 52.209-5 Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters;

FAR 52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax

Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law;

FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representation and Certifications – Commercial

Products and Commercial Services;

etc.

Note: Do not submit your company’s Representations and Certifications as this will cause your quotation package to be excluded from consideration.

Quotation Package Structure

Vital Instruction #1: Do not submit documents not requested by the CO. For example, cover letters, capability statements, résumés, CPARS / evaluations, letters of recommendation, etc.

This will cause your quotation package to be excluded from consideration.

Vital Instruction #2: Prepare and submit your quotation package in the order of the evaluation factors above and as one (1) Adobe (.pdf) attachment to your submission e-mail. Do not submit multiple attachments in your e-mail, i.e. MS Word, MS Excel, multiple .pdf documents, etc.

Submission of multiple attachments is administratively burdensome for the CO and the evaluation team. Submission of multiple attachments will cause your quotation package to be non-responsive and it will be excluded from consideration.

52.212-2 Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services.

(AUG 2025)(DEVIATION)

(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:

SF-1449, Amendments (if any), and Schedule of Items;

Experience;

Relevant Past Performance;

Key Personnel;

Quality Control Plan; and Washington State Farm Labor License and U.S. Dept. of Labor Farm Contractor Certificate of Registration.

RFQ No 1240BD26Q0006 Walker TnT Thin and Hand Pile Page 8 of 48

(b) Base and Optional Items. The Government will evaluate the total price for all base and optional options. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the optional items pricing is significantly unbalanced. The evaluation of optional items does not obligate the Government to award the optional items when the base items are awarded. Competition is the primary means for determining fair and reasonable pricing.

(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)

(Continued)

RFQ No 1240BD26Q0006 Walker TnT Thin and Hand Pile Page 9 of 48

FAR Provisions Incorporated by Reference:

52.203-11 Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions

(SEP 2024)

52.203-18 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation (JAN 2017) 52.204-7 System for Award Management (AUG 2025)(DEVIATION) 52.209-2, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations-Representation (SEP 2025)

(DEVIATION)

52.209-5 Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters (SEP 2025)(DEVIATION) 52.233-2 Service of Protest (SEP 2025)(DEVIATION) 52.237-1 Site Visit (APR 1984) 52.240-90 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications. (AUG 2025)

(DEVIATION)

FAR Provisions Incorporated by Full Text:

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):

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR): https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far (FAR Provisions are located in FAR Part 52 at https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52)

Department of Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR): https://www.acquisition.gov/agar (AGAR Provisions are located in AGAR Part 452 at https://www.acquisition.gov/agar/part-452-solicitation-provisions-and-contract-clauses)

Deviations to provisions may be viewed at:

https://www.dm.usda.gov/procurement/policy/FARClassDeviations.htm

(End of Provision)

52.252-5 Authorized Deviations in Provisions (NOV 2020)

(a) The use in this solicitation of any Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR Chapter 1) provision with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of "(DEVIATION)" after the date of the provision.

(b) The use in this solicitation of any Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR Chapter 4) provision with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of "(DEVIATION)" after the name of the regulation.

(End of Provision)

RFQ No 1240BD26Q0006 Walker TnT Thin and Hand Pile Page 10 of 48

The following FAR contract clauses apply to this acquisition:

52.203-3 Gratuities (APR 1984) 52.203-6 Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government. (JUN 2020) 52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (NOV 2023) 52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance (AUG 2025)(DEVIATION) 52.204-19 Incorporation by Reference of Representations and Certifications (DEC 2014) 52.209-6 Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (JAN 2025) 52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (SEP 2025)(DEVIATION) 52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law (SEP 2025)(DEVIATION) 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services. (AUG

2025)(DEVIATION)

52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2020) 52.219-8 Utilization of Small Business Concerns (JAN 2025) 52.219-14 Limitations on Subcontracting (OCT 2022) 52.219-28 Postaward Small Business Program Rerepresentation. (OCT 2025)(DEVIATION) 52.222-3 Convict Labor (OCT 2025)(DEVIATION) 52.222-35 Equal Opportunity for Veterans (JUN 2020) 52.222-36 Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 2020) 52.222-37 Employment Reports on Veterans (JUN 2020) 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) 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons (OCT 2025) (DEVIATION) 52.222-54 Employment Eligibility Verification (JAN 2025) 52.222-55 Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (OCT

2025)(DEVIATION)

52.222-62 Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2022) 52.226-8 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (MAY 2024) 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (MAR 2023) 52.233-3 Protest After Award (SEP 2025)(DEVIATION) 52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (SEP 2025)(DEVIATION) AGAR 452.204-70 Modification for Contract Closeout (JUN 2024)(DEVIATION)

FAR Clauses Incorporated by Full Text:

52.216-1 Type of Contract (OCT 2025)(DEVIATION) The Government contemplates award of a firm-fixed-price (FFP), stand-alone contract resulting from this solicitation.

(End of clause)

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998) This contract 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 a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR): https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far (FAR Clauses are located in FAR Part 52 at https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52)

RFQ No 1240BD26Q0006 Walker TnT Thin and Hand Pile Page 11 of 48

Department of Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR): https://www.acquisition.gov/agar (AGAR Clauses are located in AGAR Part 452 at https://www.acquisition.gov/agar/part-452-solicitation-provisions-and-contract-clauses)

Deviations to clauses may be viewed at:

https://www.dm.usda.gov/procurement/policy/FARClassDeviations.htm

(End of Clause)

52.252-6 Authorized Deviations in Clauses (NOV 2020)

(a) The use in this solicitation or contract of any Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR Chapter 1) clause with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of "(DEVIATION)" after the date of the clause.

(b) The use in this solicitation or contract of any Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR Chapter 4) clause with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of "(DEVIATION)" after the name of the regulation.

(End of Clause)

(Continued)

RFQ No 1240BD26Q0006 Walker TnT Thin and Hand Pile Page 12 of 48

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 (CO) 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 CO.

2. Escalation: If the CO 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, CO, 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 CO 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 CO 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 CO, brian.johnson3@usda.gov.

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.

RFQ No 1240BD26Q0006 Walker TnT Thin and Hand Pile Page 13 of 48

Date, time, and place for receipt of offer and point of contact:

Date Time Method of Submission

Refer to SAM Refer to SAM Quotation packages shall be submitted electronically via e-mail to the below CO only; do not send to the COR.

Government Points of Contact:

Title POC

Contracting Officer brian.johnson3@usda.gov / (509) 423-2223

Fuels Technician / COR julius.jacobsen@usda.gov / (509) 775-7452

Attachments List: The following attachments are made a part of this solicitation and any resultant contract:

Attachment Number

Description Page

Count

1 Performance Work Statement (PWS) 16

2 Performance Requirements Chart 4

3a Project Maps, Vicinity 3

3b Project Maps, Tnt Unit Maps 44-558 4

3c Project Maps, Walker Unit Maps 25-156A 12

3d Project Maps, Walker Unit Maps 601-619 14

4 Quality Control Plan (QCP) / Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) 3

5 Labor Intensive Service Contract (LISC) Requirements 6

6 Wage Determination (Forestry Industry, Statewide) 4

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Attachment 1 – Performance Work Statement (PWS)

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

AGAR 452.211-4 Attachments to Statement of Work/Specifications (FEB 1988)

The attachments to this Statement of Work/Specifications listed in the Contract Exhibits and Attachment Section are hereby made part of this solicitation and any resultant contract.

Scope of Contract

This firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract requires tree thinning and hand piling services for silvicultural purposes to increase tree health, vigor, and and to help create conditions that will lower the intensity of potential wildfires.

Areas will be treated by hand thinning, hand piling, lopping, and scattering of slash as described in this PWS and as detailed in attached unit maps.

Tree thinning will be accomplished by cutting less desirable tree species and retaining those that exhibit good growth characteristics such as vigorous growth, no signs of disease, and good position in the canopy. The technical specifications contained in the performance standards were developed based on site-specific stand conditions.

Some units will require hand piling of contractor-created thinning slash to mitigate fuel loadings and potential fire control and intensity along or near roads, fences, property boundaries, select trees or other improvements.

The contractor must, considering the given resource objectives, develop a plan of operation to accomplish these objectives and organize and direct all the equipment and personnel needed to fully accomplish the work. The Contractor must furnish all technical expertise, labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, operating supplies and incidentals except those items, if any, listed as Government-Furnished property, necessary to complete the work requirements. The contractor is required to develop a Quality Control Plan (QCP) for government review and approval (refer to Attachments section).

The quoter is advised to visit the work sites to determine average cut trees per acre prior to submitting its priced Schedule of Items. Determination of the range of trees to be cut per acre is the responsibility of the contractor. The offeror is responsible for determining the amount of work.

Location and Description

1. The location of the treatment units, access to the areas, size of each unit, and other information pertinent to this contract are contained in the Schedule of Items, Attachments, and resultant contract.

2. Boundaries – All unit boundaries are marked with orange and black striped flagging and orange tags unless otherwise noted on the Performance Requirements Chart (see attachments).

Virtual boundaries are listed on Performance Requirements Chart and the project maps.

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3. Accessibility

a. The project areas may be reached by forest roads that are accessible by standard pickup (with snow tires and chains, if needed) during normal operating seasons (June 1 through October 31) unless otherwise noted in the Attachments section, Performance Requirements Chart. The Forest Service assumes no obligation to plow snow or to do special maintenance to keep roads open.

b. No vehicle will be permitted to operate off system roads without approval by the

District Ranger / COR.

c. No vehicle shall by-pass any officially blocked road (barriers, locked gates, posted signs, rock/log/dirt, etc.) without approval by the COR. The contractor is required to place its own combination lock on gates that are to remain closed during contract operations and shown on the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM), Colville National Forest, as being closed.

d. Use of motorized equipment, other than hand-held equipment, such as power saws, brush cutters, etc. will not be permitted off designated roads in the project area without approval of the COR or as hereinafter provided.

e. Off-Highway Vehicle Use (OHV) including—but not limited to—4-wheelers, 6-wheelers and motorcycles, will need an authorization from the District Ranger when use is on roads closed as annotated in the MVUM. Coordinate all authorizations through the COR.

f. A camping permit to occupy the jobsite by contractor personnel, if requested, will be issued under this contract after approval by the District Ranger. Coordinate the Camping Permit request with the COR.

g. The areas located near the United States-Canada border are under constant monitoring by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Border Patrol). Work activities in these areas my attract investigations by the Border Patrol. When any areas are within three (3) miles of the border—where you will be working—the USDA Forest Service encourages you to stop at the U.S. Border Patrol’s Colville Station to inform them that you are working adjacent to the border.

Salvageable Material

No salvage material is offered under the terms of this contract.

Technical Definitions

Activity Slash: Any vegetation that was cut from recent logging operations.

Aspen Clone: An aspen in a group of 3 or more live aspen trees greater than 5 inches DBH that are within 20 feet of each other.

Average Spacing: The average distance between all leave trees necessary to provide the desired number of leave trees per acre.

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Bucking: Cutting thinning slash left in place into lengths as indicated by technical specifications and project maps.

Brush: Vegetation consisting of shrub species with single or multi-stems originating at or near ground level not normally reaching more than 20 feet in height. Examples include, but are not limited to, serviceberry, vine maple, thimbleberry, bitterbrush, snowberry, alder, ninebark, willow, water/paper birch, and ceanothus. Note: Alder, birch, willow and vine maple may be in brush or hardwood tree form.

Clump: Three (3) or more trees with touching or near touching crowns.

Conifers: Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, western larch, Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir, western red cedar, western hemlock, white pine, pacific yew and grand fir.

Crooked Trees: Trees with a sharp crook on the main bole which is less than 13 feet from the ground and offset more than three inches from the longitudinal axis.

Cultured Superior Tree: Tree that has had the vegetation and trees cut and cleared in a circular area surrounding the Superior Tree.

Damage: Includes any defect or deformity of a tree resulting from agents such as wind, snow, animals, insects, disease, and equipment, and evidenced by such things as dead or broken tops or trunks, crooks, deep scars, abnormal swelling of the bole, or conks.

Deficient Trees: Those trees cut which should have been left to maintain average spacing requirements; or trees not selected according to the technical specification requirements; or trees that are excessively damaged by the thinning operation.

DBH (Diameter Breast Height): Diameter of the trunk measured at a point 4-1/2 feet above the ground level on the uphill side of the tree.

Diseased Trees: include but are not limited to the following:

a) Mistletoe-infected trees.

b) Trees with one or more visible infections on the live crown or stem.

c) Trees with off-color foliage.

d) Trees infected with root rot.

e) Trees otherwise exhibiting a generally unhealthy appearance.

Excess Tree: A tree left uncut by the Contractor that is designated within technical specifications to be cut and any cull tree not cut or girdled or any tree unsatisfactory pruned, as required in the technical specifications.

Forked Tree: Tree with one or more forks in the live crown.

Girdling: A cut through the bark and cambium tissue completely encircling the tree trunk for the purpose of killing the tree.

Hang-up Tree: Any cut tree suspended more than two feet above the ground.

Hardwoods: Aspen, birch, and cottonwood.

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Healthy Tree: A tree of good form and vigor which shows no physical damage or suppression, extends vertical from the ground and has a minimum of 30 percent live crown.

Horizontal Plane: Acreage measured as though the terrain were level, with no adjustment for changes in slope.

Incidental Work: Any work required as a result of thinning, such as but not limited to bucking, pullback, scattering, girdling, fence repairs, etc.

Ladder Fuels Reduction: A thinning treatment in an area where a full multi-storied stand exists, with the primary aim of removing the conduit for fire to move from the forest floor to the canopy.

Leave Strip: An area within a thinned unit in which no cutting shall be done to create a fuels break and/or wildlife screen.

Leave Tree: Any tree that is selected or required to be left standing as provided in the specifications.

Live Stream Channel: Stream channel with water in it, or a channel which shows evidence of washing.

Lopping and/or Scattering: Cutting limbs from trunks of cut trees, bucking, and moving and rearranging of slash concentrations to reduce the fuel bed height as specified.

Low Vigor Tree: A tree of poor form, which has less than 30 percent live crown ratio, a height – to-diameter ratio over 80 (tall, skinny trees), is chlorotic, fading or otherwise unhealthy crown, and/ or Dwarf mistletoe infection centers.

Manual Release: The cutting of vegetation within a specified radius around a suppressed leave tree.

Minor Damage: Crooks in the trunk which are offset less than three inches from the long axis and within 13 feet of the ground, no forks, broken or scarred top or bark damage extending more than 1/4 the circumference of the tree.

Open Road: System roads that are shown as “open” on attached maps.

Piling: Gathering and stacking of thinning/whipfelled slash and activity slash by hand methods into piles constructed and located as indicated by technical specification and project maps.

Pull Back: Pulling thinning slash by hand methods back into thinned unit and dispersing as indicated by technical specifications and project maps.

Riparian Zone: The area approximately within 100 feet from the edges of all perennial streams, lakes and other bodies of water.

Road Prism: The area between the outside edges of the fill slope and the cut slope.

Slash: Any vegetation that was cut by the Contractor.

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Spacing: The horizontal distance from the trunk of one leave tree to the trunk of the next nearest leave tree [measured from the middle (not the outside) of the base of each tree].

Thinning: The cutting of live trees that are greater than 1 foot high and less than 6 inches DBH for lodgepole pine and less than 7 inches DBH for all other tree species, to a designated spacing.

Untreated Area (aka Skips): Areas that are excluded from treatments due to sensitive soils, mule deer hiding cover, wetland/ riparian areas, threatened and endangered plants, desirable snags or species, or other reasons.

Virtual Boundary: A unit boundary that is shown on the map but is not demarcated on the ground. The contractor must use mapping applications in order to locate these boundaries in the unit.

Wildlife Tree: Two green conifer trees per acre that are eight inches or larger DBH and three snags per acre which are retained to meet wildlife needs.

Whipfalling: The cutting of live or dead harvest damaged trees or non-desirable trees of poor form that are greater than 1foot tall and less than 7 inches DBH.

Government-Furnished Property (GFP) and Access

The Government will provide the following GFP and access to the contractor for use in the performance of this contract. This property shall be used and maintained by the contractor in accordance with the provisions of the “Government Property” FAR clause contained elsewhere in the contract.

Item Description Where, When, How

Project Maps Maps of unit areas with access roads.

See Attachments.

Access Roads

Access roads are accessible by 2-wheel drive vehicles during normal operating season. The Contractor is responsible for cleaning down trees from access roads. Once it snows, 4-wheel drive may be required.

Road authorization to travel roads closed with earthen berms using an

ATV may be provided at post award meeting.

Access Behind Locked Gates

Some areas are behind forest road closures (locked gates).

The Government may provide access through locked gates unless walk-ins are required.

Lock provided by the Contractor.

Thinning/Plot Inspection Forms

Form necessary to inspect the contract.

Provided at Post Award Conference.

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Contractor-Furnished Critical Items and Services

a. The Contractor must furnish everything required to perform this Performance Work Statement. The Contractor must furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, supplies and incidentals except those specifically listed as Government-furnished property.

Examples of supplies include the following, but are not limited to:

1. Chainsaws (with spark arrester properly installed and maintained) and brush cutters;

2. Red Biodegradable flagging (plot locations);

3. Indelible ink markers for writing on biodegradable flagging;

4. Azimuth Compass;

5. Logger’s tape;

6. Pruning Shear or Loppers;

7. Hand tools such as shovels and Pulaskis;

8. Personal Protective Equipment;

9. GPS to use for layout of untreated patches; and

10. Waterproof paper/plastic to cover piles.

b. The contractor must provide tools, transportation, and sufficient workforce to complete the contract in the specified time. The contractor must also have, at all times during contract performance, a Designated Representative that understands and speaks fluent English.

c. The Contractor must provide a Quality Control Plan (QCP) in its quotation package as described in the QCP attachment. The QCP must demonstrate how the Contractor will assure quality meets the requirements and specifications of the contract. It must describe how quality will be monitored to assure 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 quality while work is in progress, tree care, and other associated tasks, and using an unbiased sample of work and determining actual quality percentage.

d. Each contractor-provided inspector must have at least one (1) year of experience who are adequately trained performing line item work.

e. Contractor shall always have a copy of the contract at the work site.

f. All contractor rubbish, materials, temporary structures and equipment must be removed from the work area prior to moving to the next unit. The contractor must leave the area in a clean condition that is satisfactory to the COR.

g. Contractor shall provide one (1) foreman per crew. The foreman is responsible for ensuring contract specifications are met on the ground and the contractor’s QCP is effectively being managed.

h. Work shall be performed in an organized systematic manner. Crewmembers shall not be scattered within or between units except as necessitated by on-the-ground conditions and only when authorized by the COR.

Labor Intensive Service Contracts (LISC) Requirements

The Contractor must apply with the Labor-Intensive Service Requirements (see Attachments).

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Contractor Required Submittals

The following is a general summary of the required submittals. Other submittals may be required as specified elsewhere in this contract.

Submittal Title Submittal Timeline

WA State Farm Labor License w/Quotation Package

U.S. Dept. of Labor Farm Contractor Cert. of Registration (MSPA) w/Quotation Package

Schedule of Work At Pre-Work Meeting

Safety Plan At Pre-Work Meeting

Quality Control Plan (Include Type of GPS Equipment planned for use) w/Quotation Package

Housing Plan (if applicable) At Pre-Work Meeting

Fire Plan At Pre-Work Meeting

Performance Requirements Summary

The following describes the major items in the contract with the incentives and deductions for the work described.

Work Statement

Performance Standard Government Method of Assessment

Incentives and Deductions for Meeting the Standard

Leave and Cut Tree Selection

Selecting the best trees in each competitive grouping which will produce the required number of leave trees per acre and in accordance with Performance Requirement or Detail Information Sheets.

May review Contractor’s record of inspection system and sampling results and perform periodic on site monitoring of operations and random plots.

The Contractor’s quality will be reflected in the performance evaluation either as positive or negative incentive.

If Contractor achieves 90% (Government inspection of thinning) or greater quality, the Contractor will receive full unit price as incentive.

If excess trees are left, the unit shall be reworked.

If uncorrectable problems occur, payment will be reduced as discussed in payment clause.

If Contractor does not achieve at least 90% quality, the Government may require rework and/or deductions as per specifications and adverse performance evaluation.

Stump height and low live

All trees other than leave trees shall be cut below the lowest live limb. Trees shall be

Review Contractor’s record of

Same as above.

Rework to correct deficiencies.

RFQ No 1240BD26Q0006 Walker TnT Thin and Hand Pile Page 21 of 48 limbs completely severed from the stump. Stump height shall not exceed 6 inches above ground level (unless otherwise specified) or 4 inches above natural obstacles. Cut trees shall be felled away from unit boundaries, roads, etc. Tree stumps must be cut perpendicular to the long axis of the stem (flat).

inspection system and sampling results, and perform periodic on site monitoring of operations and random plots.

Performance evaluation will reflect either a positive or negative rating.

Slash treatments including bucking, lopping and scattering

Treatment varies by Item.

Slash shall be lop and scattered if no other slash treatment is specified.

Review Contractor’s record of inspection system and sampling results, and perform periodic on site monitoring of operations and random plots.

Rework to correct deficiencies.

Performance evaluation will reflect either a positive or negative rating.

Whipfalling

Units require the cutting of live or dead harvest damaed trees or non-desirable trees of poor form that are greater than 1 foot tall and less than 7 inches

DBH.

Review Contractor’s record of inspection system and sampling results, and perform periodic on site monitoring of operations and random plots.

Rework to correct deficiences.

In addition to above, the Contractor shall thin trees.

Contractor shall:

- Hang-ups – thinning slash shall be place down or near ground surface.

- Pull Back – all thinning slash must be pulled back 15 ft from Forest Boundary and mapped road edges.

- If an improvement such as a fence, trough or sign is damaged, Contractor shall repair it.

-Contractor shall exercise

COR will review Contractor’s records of inspection system and sampling result and periodic onsite inspections.

Same as above. Rework to correct deficiencies.

RFQ No 1240BD26Q0006 Walker TnT Thin and Hand Pile Page 22 of 48 extreme care to prevent damage to facilities including roads, erosion dips, barriers and drainages etc.

All trees felled outside of unit boundary are to be pulled back within unit boundary.

Hand Piling - Whole Unit

Hand pile all slash. Piled material shall be placed in a uniform direction and compacted down to limit air pockets. Handpiles must be located at least 6 feet from leave trees and at least 15 feet from Forest boundaries and county roads. Handpiles must be (W x H) 6 ft x 6 ft in size with waterproof paper in the top 1/3 of pile with material placed on top to prevent loss of paper due to wind.

Review Contractor’s record of inspection system and sampling results, and perform periodic on site monitoring of operations.

Rework to correct deficiencies.

Hand Piling - Roadside

Hand pile 50 or 150 feet (specified by unit) from road’s edge of contract identified roads.

Review Contractor’s record of inspection system and sampling results, and perform periodic on site monitoring of operations.

Rework to correct deficiencies.

Quality Control

Contractor maintains good quality control on all aspects of operations. Actions not consistent with contract specifications are corrected per Contractor’s QCP.

COR randomly observe operations.

The Quality Control provided by the Contractor will be reflected in the performance evaluation either positive or negative. If the Contractor fails to meet standards, work may be suspended or Terminated for Cause for failure to take corrective action immediately and result in adverse performance evaluation.

Contractor’s Plot Inspection

Contractor’s plot inspection are +/- 5% of Government’s quality. Inspection are completed to meet timeframes.

COR randomly observe Contractor inspection.

Review Contractor inspection sheets periodically.

Contractor’s ability to meet the standard will be reflected in the performance evaluation either positive or negative. When Contractor’s plot inspections meet standards, no deduction. If quality does not meet standard, pay deduction per Payment, Incentives and Deduction clause and/or additional costs to the Government will be assessed.

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Work Plan, Schedule and Communica tion

Work meets schedule as per the accepted work plan.

Contractor keeps COR advised of where they can be reached by phone at all times of contract performance.

Contractor informs COR of crew location or when moving operations from unit to unit

COR conduct periodic monitoring.

Contractor’s ability to maintain the work schedule and complete work on schedule will be reflected in the performance evaluation as either positive or negative incentive.

Contractor’s work not completed on schedule is subject to default and may result in termination for cause including assessment of reprocurement costs and result in adverse performance evaluation.

Orders and delivery

Contractor shall complete a final inspection report and order final inspections as soon as possible after all treatments in a unit have been completed.

Gate keys and permits shall be returned at the completion of gated/closed road units.

Government…