2026 TFD fuels shrub grow and plant

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Idaho Region is soliciting quotations for the growth and hand planting of native shrub seedlings for fuel treatment purposes across four project locations in Idaho. The contract requires bidders to grow 335,000 Wyoming Big Sagebrush plants and 20,000 Antelope Bitterbrush plants to specification, followed by hand planting these seedlings across approximately 6,247 total acres at four designated sites (Dog Creek Unit 4, Hot Springs 2, Lower Red Rock Flat, and South Wedge). Key contract requirements include growing seedlings to precise specifications (5-10 inches above-ground height with properly developed root systems in tapered cone containers), completing growing operations by September 30, 2026, delivering seedlings by October 17, 2026, and completing hand planting operations within seven calendar days of initiation at each location. Evaluation will be based on Technical Capability (work plans, quality control, safety protocols, crew experience, and equipment specifications), Prior Relevant Experience and Past Performance (key personnel resumes and project references), and Price (reasonableness of bid). Quotations are due by April 10, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, submitted via email to charles_dodson@ios.doi.gov, and the government reserves the right to make a single award based on best value rather than lowest price.

This solicitation is set aside for small businesses under NAICS code 115310 (Forestry Support Services), with no identified incumbent contractors. The performance period runs from April 15, 2026 through October 24, 2026, with growing operations occurring April 15 through September 30, 2026 and planting operations occurring October 1-24, 2026. All quotes must be submitted on an "all or none" basis, requiring bidders to provide pricing for all four line items (growing sagebrush, growing bitterbrush, planting sagebrush, and planting bitterbrush). The contract incorporates prevailing wage requirements per federal wage determination No. 2015-5515 (Revision 27) for specified Idaho counties, with mandatory fringe benefits of $5.55 per hour. The work will be performed at four BLM-managed locations in the Jarbidge, Shoshone, and Burley Field Offices across Idaho, and contractors must comply with numerous federal requirements including the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act, OSHA safety standards, and environmental compliance obligations.