Sol_12444826Q0009.pdf

SEE ADDENDUMIS CHECKED

CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

FACILITYCODE

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

OFFEROR

ATLANTA GA 30309-2449

STE 876S

1720 PEACHTREE ST NW

USDA-FS CSA EAST 9

3444 CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

X

115310

SIZE STANDARD:

% FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED OR4448

REQUEST FOR

PROPOSAL

(RFP)

INVITATION

FOR BID (IFB)

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

REQUEST FOR

QUOTE (RFQ)

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY

CLASSIFICATION STANDARD

(NAICS):

SMALL BUSINESS

04/13/2026 1700 ET

03/17/2026

812-583-7530GAYLE GEIGER

(No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

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

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

12444826Q0009

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

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

1 26 OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

PETERSBURG WV 26847

2499 N FORK HIGHWAY

MONONGAHELA NFPOTOMAC RANGER DIST

USDA FOREST SERVICE

15. DELIVER TO

ATLANTA GA 30309-2449

STE 876S

1720 PEACHTREE ST NW

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$34

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

ISSUE DATE

DELIVERY FOR FREE ON BOARD

(FOB) DESTINATION UNLESS

BLOCK IS MARKED

11.

SEE SCHEDULEX

12. DISCOUNT TERMS THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED

ORDER UNDER THE DEFENSE

PRIORITIES AND ALLOCATIONS

SYSTEM - DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

(SDVOSB)

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

USDA-FS CSA EAST 9

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (WOSB)

ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (EDWOSB)

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

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. Quotations are being requested and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

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

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

X

XX

DATED

GAYLE A. GEIGER

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

31c. DATE SIGNED

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

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

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

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

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

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

AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Government Use Only)

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

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

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REFERENCE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

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

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

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

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

37. CHECK NUMBER

FINALPARTIAL

36. PAYMENT

FINALPARTIAL

35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

34. VOUCHER NUMBER33. SHIP NUMBER

COMPLETE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

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

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41c. DATE41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

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

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021) BACK

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

Solicitation number 12444826Q0009 is issued as a

Request for Quotation (RFQ) for Timber Stand

Improvement Removal.

This acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns. The applicable North American Industry

Classification Standard Code is 115310. The small business size standard is $34. This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

All responsible sources may submit a quotation which will be considered by the agency.

Questions shall be submitted via email to gayle.geiger@usda.gov are due no later than April

10, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time.

This will ensure enough time to respond before the solicitation period ends. Please include the solicitation name and number as the subject line of the email.

Vendors are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to attend the Site

Visit.

Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 10:00 am-1: 00 PM CST.

Delivery: 05/10/2027

Period of Performance: 05/11/2026 to 05/10/2027

Continued ...

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

26 2 of

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

3 26

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

12444826Q0009

Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials

(except for government-furnished property), supervision, transportation, equipment, supplies, and perform all work necessary for timber stand improvement removal in accordance with the specifications, provisions, and clauses of this solicitation and any resultant contract.

This work is involves the felling of trees to non-commercially thin dense timber stands to increase the growth of the remaining trees. All the cut trees will be left on site. This project will allow the remaining trees to grow faster and increase the wood value for timber production.

0001 Timber Stand Improvement Removal 131 AC

Monongahela National Forest:

Located near Circleville, WV

See attached Maps

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

Timber Stand Improvement Removal 12444826Q0009

Description -

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

Solicitation number 12444826Q0009 is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for Timber Stand Improvement Removal.

This acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns. The applicable North American Industry Classification Standard Code is 115310 The small business size standard is $34 This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. All responsible sources may submit a quotation which will be considered by the agency.

Statement of Requirement Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials (except for government-furnished property identified in

4.0 Government Furnished), supervision, transportation, equipment, supplies, and perform all work necessary for timber stand improvement removal in accordance with the specifications, provisions, and clauses of this solicitation and any resultant contract.

Schedule of Items -

Attachment 1:

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

INSERT VENDOR NAME HERE

Greenbrier Ranger District Monongahela National Forest

Mower Timber Stand Improvement Project

Item No. Description Qty Unit Unit Price Total Price

BASE YEAR FY 2024

1 Precommerial thinning 131 ACRE $0.00

Total Contract $0.00 Vendor: Only insert price in the Unit Price column.

Technical Data -

Technical data and supporting documentation associated with this solicitation are available through the following sources:

Solicitation Attachments The following documents are included as attachments to this solicitation and can be accessed via the “Attachments/Links” section of the posting.

1. Schedule of Items (SOI)

2. Statement of Work (SOW)

3. Maps

4. Wage Determination

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

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

☒ 52.204-13 System for Award Management—Maintenance (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.209-6 Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (Sep 2025) ☒ 52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Sep 2025) ☒ 52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Aside (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate I (Mar 2020).

☒ 52.222-3 Convict Labor (June 2003) ☒ 52.222-19 Child Labor—Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Nov 2025) ☒ 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

45-4029.00 - Logging Workers, All Other $25.00 plus Fringer Benefits

☒ 52.222-43 Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards -- Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (Aug 2018) ☒ 52.222-44 Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards -- Price Adjustment (May 2014) ☒ 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer— System for Award Management (Oct 2018)

Other Applicable Clauses

52.247-34 F.O.B. Destination (Jan 1991)

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 https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/45-4029.00

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)

Solicitation Information

Award Type It is anticipated that a firm-fixed price requirements contract shall be awarded as a result of this synopsis/solicitation. The total duration of this contract shall not exceed one (1) year.

The Government intends to make one award from this solicitation. Therefore, to be considered responsive, contractors must submit pricing for all items.

Evaluation-Commercial Items The provision at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.212-2 Evaluation of Commercial Items 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.

Price:

The offeror’s quotation will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.204, to determine if it is fair and reasonable.

Technical Acceptability:

Technical Acceptability will be evaluated to receive an overall rating of "acceptable" or "unacceptable." This will be based on the offeror's ability to provide a sound and compliant approach that meets all requirements and shows a thorough understanding of them. It is the contractor's responsibility to ensure their quotation clearly demonstrates their capability to meet these requirements. All offerors must provide the following minimum information and documentation with their quotations to be considered responsive and have their offers evaluated:

• Detailed explanation of the offeror’s ability to perform the required services. A simple statement of capabilities will not suffice. The offeror must address how they will accomplish the requirements of section 3.0, 7.0, and 10.0 of the PWS.

• Detailed explanation of any requirement listed in the PWS that cannot be successfully accomplished by the offeror. Offerors are advised that the USDA intends to award without discussions so any exceptions may cause the quotation to be found technically unacceptable.

• Provide resumes for proposed key personnel. The Project Manager is the only key personnel for the services being performed. The key personnel resume shall, at a minimum, demonstrate that the individual meets the educational and experience qualifications specified in the PWS. For all personnel proposed to be hired and/or permanently relocated, include a signed contingent letter by that person indicating willingness to be hired/relocated if the contract is awarded to the offeror.

• If the offeror is unable to obtain contingent letters from key personnel, the offeror shall submit a written statement to this effect and detail their efforts to obtain contingent letters. In lieu of contingent letters, the offeror can submit a staffing plan, which shall include proof of the Contractor’s demonstrated ability to handle personnel issues, hire and maintain a highly qualified staff to fill immediate requirements, and provide staff with all the necessary support and oversight. The staffing plan shall also include a recruitment and selection process for all staff under this project.

Past Performance:

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

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

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

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

Evaluation Method The Government will evaluate quotations based on the lowest price technically acceptable criteria.

Only the lowest priced offer will be evaluated for Technical Acceptability. Should the lowest priced offer not receive an acceptable technical or past performance rating, the process will continue in order of lowest priced offer until the lowest price, technically acceptable offer with acceptable or neutral past performance is identified.

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

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

(b) 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)

Delivery Information

F.o.b. destination, is requested as the F.O.B. point for all deliverables.

All offers will be considered F.O.B. Destination unless F.O.B. origin is specified AND estimated shipping costs are included.

The USDA requires delivery of all items by 05/10/2027. Early deliveries will not be accepted.

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

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

Period for acceptance of offers.

The Offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 90 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers.

Questions Questions shall be submitted via email to gayle.geiger@usda.gov are due no later than April 10, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time. This will ensure enough time to respond before the solicitation period ends. Please include the solicitation name and number as the subject line of the email.

52.203-18 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation (Jan 2017) 52.209-2 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations - Representation (Sep 2025)

52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law (Sep 2025) 52.240-90 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications (Nov 2025)

The following provisions are applicable if checked:

☒ 52.204-7 System for Award Management—Registration (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) to 52.204-7 ☒ 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)

Other Applicable FAR Provisions

52.237-1 Site Visits (Apr 1984)

Vendors are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to attend the Site Visit.

Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 10:00 am-1: 00 PM CST.

Monongahela National Forest - Greenbrier Ranger District Office Bartow, WV

AGAR Provisions

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

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

(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

Attachment 2: Statement of Work (SOW)

US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Performance Work Statement

Mower Timber Stand Improvement Project Greenbrier Ranger District

Monongahela National Forest

Contents Project General Information

1.0 Scope of Work

2.0 Background

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

4.0 Government Furnished

5.0 Site Visit

6.0 Location and Description

7.0 Deliverables / Schedule

8.0 Travel

9.0 Post Award Conference

10.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

11.0 Security Requirements

12.0 Data Rights

13.0 Section 508 – Electronic and Information Technology Standards Attachment .................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

Project Mower Timber Stand Improvement Project

General Information

1.0 Scope of Work

Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials (except for government-furnished property identified in

4.0 Government Furnished), supervision, transportation, equipment, supplies, and perform all work necessary for timber stand improvement removal in accordance with the specifications, provisions, and clauses of this solicitation and any resultant contract.

This work involves the felling of trees to pre-commercial thinning (PCT) thin dense timber stands to increase the growth of the remaining trees.

All the cut trees will be left on site.

This project will allow the remaining trees to grow faster and increase the wood value for timber production.

2.0 Background

Location is Monongahela National Forest - Greenbrier Ranger District Office 7409 Staunton Parkersburg Turnpike, Bartow, WV 24920

The units are located near the town of Bartow, WV, on the Monongahela National Forest. See attached maps.

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

Technical Specifications

• Crop Tree Thinning Guidelines o Within areas of pure or nearly pure red spruce the trees will be thinned to a spacing of

10 to 12 feet between crop trees.

• Felling shall consist of completely severing the main stem.

• Leave all hardwoods except beech and striped maple.

• Choose crop trees with no forks and healthy looking crowns

Operations

• Cut slash shall be removed from trails and roads.

o The Contractor shall exercise care and caution in all operations to prevent damage to all trees left untreated.

o Any trash resulting from the Contractor's operations must be removed from the area and properly disposed of.

o The Contractor shall repair and replace, without any additional cost to the Government, any erosion control devices, such as water bars and dips, that were damaged or destroyed during the operation of this contract. The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining roads used to access the project areas and for repairing any damage resulting from the operation of this contract.

o The Contractor shall not block any roads, trails, or any other improvements in the area during the performance of this contract. The Contractor shall not in any way hinder the progress of any other Forest Service activities contract in these areas.

Salvage

• The restricted removal of salvageable materials shall be permitted on a case by case basis and at the discretion of the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

Work area

• Once work has begun on a unit it shall be completed before moving to another unit unless permission is granted to proceed in a different manner by the Contracting Officer (CO). The Contractor will notify the CO before beginning any work.

Archeological sites

• Discovery of any previously unidentified archeological site will result in immediate suspension of work in that area. The CO shall be informed of the site location immediately.

Boundaries

• Boundaries of all areas are delineated by pink paint on the border trees.

Term of the Contract

• The Contractor will have one year from the award of the contract to complete the work.

Method of Measurement The acreage of the project areas was estimated by Global Positioning System equipment. The acreages are determined to be correct for the purposes of this contract.

• Payment for the grapevine removal units will be based upon the samples taken by the Inspector. For full payment the work must be satisfactory on 90% of the vines in each of the areas are severed.

o Payment may be reduced if work is less than 90% satisfactory in any category.

o The actual percent below 90% will be deducted from the bid price.

Deficiencies will be additive.

• Payment for the crop tree release units will be based upon the samples taken by the Inspector. For full payment the work must be satisfactory on 90% of the sample trees taken in each of the following categories:

1. Crop tree spacing

2. Proper felling techniques

Payment may be reduced if work is less than 90% satisfactory in any category.

The actual percent below 90% will be deducted from the bid price. Deficiencies will be additive.

For example:

CONTRACT SAMPLE %

CATEGORY BASE % ACCEPTABLE % DEDUCTION

Crop Tree Spacing 90 89 1 Felling Techniques 90 80 10 Total Deduction = 11% Payment = Bid Price X (100% - Total Deduction) Payment = Bid Price X 89%

• Payment will made under this contract after a representative of the USDA-FOREST SERVICE has inspected the project areas, approved the work performed and accepted the areas as complete.

• Partial payment for an area may be made if

1) the Contractor requests such payment,

2) the area meets the guidelines as described above, and

3) two or more units have been completed. If no partial payments are requested then the payment will be made in one lump sum after the final inspection and approval as described above.

4.0 Government Furnished

None

5.0 Site Visit

PRE-QUOTE SHOWING:

A Pre-quote project showing will be held Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 10:00 am-1: 00 PM CST.

beginning at the Monongahela National Forest - Greenbrier Ranger District Office, 7409 Staunton Parkersburg Turnpike, Bartow, WV 24920

Interested parties are urged and expected to inspect the site where services are to be performed regarding the general and local conditions that may affect the cost of the contract performance. In no event shall failure to inspect the site constitute grounds for a claim after contract award.

For more information, please contact Jeff Kochenderfer (jeffrey.kochenderfer@usda.gov ) at 304-257-4488, ext. 7117.

Project Location:

The meeting will begin at the Monongahela National Forest - Greenbrier Ranger District Office 7409 Staunton Parkersburg Turnpike, Bartow, WV 24920.

SERVICE CONTRACT ACT WAGE RATES APPLY:

Wage Determination WD 1981-1254 (Rev. 70) dated Dec 03, 2025, is provided at the end of this solicitation and should be considered when you complete your quotation.

6.0 Location and Description

5. From the Bartow office turn north on State Rt. 92/250, travel 13.0 miles to the top of Cheat Mt., then turning left onto FR 227 and following it for 2 miles, unit 8 lays along the road. Travel another two mile down FR 227 and unit 7 is to the left of the road. Drive one mile past unit 7 and turn left onto FR 227C, travel approximately 0.5 miles out FR 227C to an old woods road, units 4, 5, and 6 are out this road. Travel another 0.7 miles down FR 227 and turn left onto another woods road, units 1, 2, and 3 lay back this road.

7.0 Deliverables / Schedule

The contractor will have 365 days to complete the work from receipt of the Notice to Proceed.

In the event work is performed unsatisfactorily, the contractor will be requested to correct the deficiencies.

If the work remains deficient or if the contractor fails to perform any duties specified in the statement of work, the Contracting Officer may have the work accomplished by other means and deduct the cost thereof from the payment .

8.0 Travel

N/A

9.0 Post Award Conference

A post award conference with successful bidder is required. It will be scheduled after the date of contract award and prior to beginning work on the contract. The conference will be held at:

Monongahela National Forest - Greenbrier Ranger District Office 7409 Staunton Parkersburg Turnpike, Bartow, WV 24920.

10.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

All key personnel shall report to and perform all work from the location near the town of Circleville WV, on the Monongahela National Forest. See maps. No remote or telework is authorized.

The Contractor shall manage the total work effort associated with the pre-commercial thinning (PCT) services required herein to assure fully adequate and timely completion of these services.

Included in this function will be a full range of management duties including, but not limited to, planning, scheduling, and quality control.

The Contractor shall provide an adequate staff of personnel with the necessary management expertise to assure the performance of the work in accordance with sound and efficient management practices.

The Contractor shall maintain an adequate workforce to complete work in accordance with the time and quality standards specified herein.

The contractor shall be responsible for maintaining satisfactory standards of employee competency, conduct, appearance and integrity.

1. The Contractor's supervisory personnel in charge of work under this contract shall be available at all times to receive and implement orders or special instructions from the Contracting Officer concerning matters which affect the operation, protection and/or security of assigned areas.

2. The Contractor shall arrange for continuous supervisory observation and evaluation of all work force personnel and take appropriate corrective measures for all indications of inadequacies noted in the course of performance of assigned services and duties.

11.0 Security Requirements

N/A

12.0 Data Rights

N/A

13.0 Section 508 – Electronic and Information Technology Standards N/A

Attachment 3: Maps

Attachment 4: Wage Determination

"REGISTER OF WAGE DETERMINATIONS UNDER | U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

THE SERVICE CONTRACT ACT | EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

ADMINISTRATION

By direction of the Secretary of Labor | WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION

| WASHINGTON D.C. 20210

| Wage Determination No.: 1981-1254 Daniel W. Simms Division of | Revision No.: 71 Director Wage Determinations| Date Of Last Revision: 12/03/2025

State: West Virginia Area: West Virginia Statewide **Fringe Benefits Required Follow the Occupational Listing**

Employed on contracts for forestry, land management, timber inventory, cultural resource inventory and related services.

OCCUPATION CODE - TITLE FOOTNOTE RATE

08010 - Brush/Precommercial Thinner 17.18 08040 - Choker Setter 10.75 08070 - Faller/Bucker 10.75 08100 - Fire Lookout 16.74 08130 - Forestry Equipment Operator 11.96 08160 - Forestry/Logging Heavy Equipment Operator 13.49 08190 - Forestry Technician 13.49 08250 - General Forestry Laborer 10.75 08280 - Nursery Specialist 23.18 08310 - Slash Piler/Burner 16.74 08340 - Tree Climber 18.73 08370 - Tree Planter 13.67 08400 - Tree Planter, Mechanical 13.67

Note: Executive Order (EO) 13706, Establishing Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors, applies to all contracts subject to the Service Contract Act for which the contract is awarded (and any solicitation was issued) on or after January 1, 2017. If this contract is covered by the EO, the contractor must provide employees with 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours they work, up to 56 hours of paid sick leave each year. Employees must be permitted to use paid sick leave for their own illness, injury or other health-related needs, including preventive care; to assist a family member (or person who is like family to the employee) who is ill, injured, or has other health-related needs, including preventive care; or for reasons resulting from, or to assist a family member (or person who is like family to the employee) who is the victim of, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Additional information on contractor requirements and worker protections under the EO is available at www.dol.gov/whd/govcontracts.

Note: Executive Order 13658 generally applies to contracts subject to the Service Contract Act that were awarded on or between January 1, 2015 and January 29, 2022, and that have not been renewed or extended on or after January 30, 2022. If a contract is subject to Executive Order 13658, the contractor must pay all covered workers at least $13.30 per hour (or the applicable wage rate listed on this wage determination, if it is higher) for all hours spent performing on the contract in 2025.

The applicable Executive Order minimum wage rate will be adjusted annually. Additional information on contractor requirements and worker protections under Executive Order 13658 is available at www.dol.gov/whd/govcontracts.

ALL OCCUPATIONS LISTED ABOVE RECEIVE THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS:

HEALTH & WELFARE: $5.55 per hour, up to 40 hours per week, or $222.00 per week or $962.00 per month

HEALTH & WELFARE EO 13706: $5.09 per hour, up to 40 hours per week, or $203.60 per week, or $882.27 per month*

*This rate is to be used only when compensating employees for performance on an SCA-covered contract also covered by EO 13706, Establishing Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors. A contractor may not receive credit toward its SCA obligations for any paid sick leave provided pursuant to EO 13706.

VACATION: 1 week paid vacation after 1 year of service with a contractor or successor; and 2 weeks after 2 years. Length of service includes the whole span of continuous service with the present contractor or successor, wherever employed and with the predecessor contractors in the performance of similar work at the same Federal facility. (Reg. 29 CFR 4.173)

HOLIDAYS: A minimum of ten paid holidays per year: New Year's Day, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. (A contractor may substitute for any of the named holidays another day off with pay in accordance with a plan communicated to the employees involved.) (See 29 CFR 4.174)

** UNIFORM ALLOWANCE **

If employees are required to wear uniforms in the performance of this contract (either by the terms of the Government contract, by the employer, by the state or local law, etc.), the cost of furnishing such uniforms and maintaining (by laundering or dry cleaning) such uniforms is an expense that may not be borne by an employee where such cost reduces the hourly rate below that required by the wage determination. The Department of Labor will accept payment in accordance with the following standards as compliance:

The contractor or subcontractor is required to furnish all employees with an adequate number of uniforms without cost or to reimburse employees for the actual cost of the uniforms. In addition, where uniform cleaning and maintenance is made the responsibility of the employee, all contractors and subcontractors subject to this wage determination shall (in the absence of a bona fide collective bargaining agreement providing for a different amount, or the furnishing of contrary affirmative proof as to the actual cost), reimburse all employees for such cleaning and maintenance at a rate of $3.35 per week (or $.67 cents per day). However, in those instances where the uniforms furnished are made of ""wash and wear"" materials, may be routinely washed and dried with other personal garments, and do not require any special treatment such as dry cleaning, daily washing, or commercial laundering in order to meet the cleanliness or appearance standards set by the terms of the Government contract, by the contractor, by law, or by the nature of the work, there is no requirement that employees be reimbursed for uniform maintenance costs.

** NOTES APPLYING TO THIS WAGE DETERMINATION **

Under the policy and guidance contained in All Agency Memorandum No. 159, the Wage and Hour Division does not recognize, for section 4(c) purposes, prospective wage rates and fringe benefit provisions that are effective only upon such contingencies as ""approval of Wage and Hour, issuance of a wage determination, incorporation of the wage determination in the contract, adjusting the contract price, etc."" (The relevant CBA section) in the collective bargaining agreement between (the parties) contains contingency language that Wage and Hour does not recognize as reflecting ""arm's length negotiation"" under section 4(c) of the Act and 29 C.F.R. 5.11(a) of the regulations.

This wage determination therefore reflects the actual CBA wage rates and fringe benefits paid under the predecessor contract.

** SERVICE CONTRACT ACT DIRECTORY OF OCCUPATIONS **

The duties of employees under job titles listed are those described in the ""Service Contract Act Directory of Occupations"", Fifth Edition (Revision 1), dated September 2015, unless otherwise indicated.

REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION OF ADDITIONAL CLASSIFICATION AND WAGE RATE

Standard Form 1444 (SF-1444)

Conformance Process:

The contracting officer shall require that any class of service employee which is not listed herein and which is to be employed under the contract (i.e., the work to be performed is not performed by any classification listed in the wage determination), be classified by the contractor so as to provide a reasonable relationship (i.e., appropriate level of skill comparison) between such unlisted classifications and the classifications listed in the wage determination. Such conformed classes of employees shall be paid the monetary wages and furnished the fringe benefits as are determined (See

29 CFR 4.6(b)(2)(i)). Such conforming procedures shall be initiated by the contractor prior to the performance of contract work by such unlisted class(es) of employees (See 29 CFR 4.6(b)(2)(ii)).

The Wage and Hour Division shall make a final determination of conformed classification, wage rate, and/or fringe benefits which shall be retroactive to the commencement date of the contract (See 29 CFR 4.6(b)(2)(iv)(C)(vi)). When multiple wage determinations are included in a contract, a separate SF-1444 should be prepared for each wage determination to which a class(es) is to be conformed.

The process for preparing a conformance request is as follows:

1) When preparing the bid, the contractor identifies the need for a conformed occupation(s) and computes a proposed rate(s).

2) After contract award, the contractor prepares a written report listing in order the proposed classification title(s), a Federal grade equivalency (FGE) for each proposed classification(s), job description(s), and rationale for proposed wage rate(s), including information regarding the agreement or disagreement of the authorized representative of the employees involved, or where there is no authorized representative, the employees themselves. This report should be submitted to the contracting officer no later than 30 days after such unlisted class(es) of employees performs any contract work.

3) The contracting officer reviews the proposed action and promptly submits a report of the action, together with the agency's recommendations and pertinent information including the position of the contractor and the employees, to the Wage and Hour Division, U.S. Department of Labor, for review (See 29 CFR 4.6(b)(2)(ii)).

4) Within 30 days of receipt, the Wage and Hour Division approves, modifies, or disapproves the action via transmittal to the agency contracting officer, or notifies the contracting officer that additional time will be required to process the request.

5) The contracting officer transmits the Wage and Hour decision to the contractor.

6) The contractor informs the affected employees.

Information required by the Regulations must be submitted on SF-1444 or bond paper.

When preparing a conformance request, the ""Service Contract Act Directory of Occupations"" (the Directory) should be used to compare job definitions to ensure that duties requested are not performed by a classification already listed in the wage determination.