Baker city Watershed (BCW) - Non-Commercial Thinning and Grapple Pile #2 - Wallowa Whitman National Forest

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service seeks non-commercial thinning and grapple pile services over approximately 377 base acres across nine project units in the Baker City Watershed of the Whitman Ranger District, Wallowa Whitman National Forest, with quotations due June 2, 2026 at 11:00 AM (MT). This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS code 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry), with a small business size standard of $34 million.

Place of performance is Oregon, specifically the nine designated units (BCW 17, 22F, 324A, 326, 328, 628, 628A, 644, and 667A) in the Baker City Watershed. The contract period runs from June 15, 2026 through November 30, 2026, as amended. The contractor must furnish all labor, supervision, equipment, transportation (except government-furnished items), and associated materials. Thinning must maintain minimum 30-foot spacing between remaining trees and a maximum cut diameter of 10.0 inches (except juniper, which has no limit). Grapple piles must meet compacted parallel configuration standards with heights of 5–15 feet and diameters not exceeding 20 feet. Equipment must not exceed 7.5 pounds per square inch ground pressure, achieve 35 percent slope capability, and maintain a 20-foot minimum arm reach. No mechanical equipment or piles are permitted within 50 feet of streams, seeps, springs, or private property. An acceptable quality level of 95 percent applies. Questions are due May 26, 2026 at 11:00 AM (MT). Award will be made firm-fixed-price to the highest technically rated offeror provided price is fair and reasonable and past performance is acceptable or neutral. Technical evaluation criteria include mechanical feasibility, equipment ground pressure and slope capability, and demonstrated understanding of thinning, slash treatments, hand piling, brushing, safety, and quality control. Pricing must be held firm for 90 calendar days from receipt. Wage determination for General Forestry Laborer (08250) is $16.13 per hour plus fringe benefits per the Service Contract Labor Standards wage determination.