Buck Helene Fuels Reduction IRSC
Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted
This opportunity was awarded. See the award notice from , or the latest solicitation from .
- Solicitation number
- 12363N26R4009
- Agency
-
Forest Service
Department of Agriculture
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 113310 Logging
- Place of performance
- Asheville, North Carolina, United States
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The U.S. Forest Service, under the Department of Agriculture, issued this Request for Information (RFI) to identify qualified vendors capable of conducting hazardous fuels reduction on steep and rugged terrain within the Wildland Urban Interface of Western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. The procurement seeks vendors with expertise in manual timber felling and preparation, helicopter yarding operations, ground transportation of timber, and aerial seeding of landslides. Qualified respondents must demonstrate relevant experience in hazardous fuel reduction, helicopter yarding, steep slope timber operations, and WUI work, along with comprehensive safety programs and crew qualifications. The government emphasized that this RFI is solely for market research and planning purposes and does not constitute a binding solicitation or obligation to reimburse vendors for response costs. The original RFI response deadline was March 30, 2026, with an updated deadline of April 30, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. for submission to matthew.daigle@usda.gov.
This procurement carries no set-aside designation and has identified 12 potential vendors through SAM.gov records, including companies such as Backroads Forestry, High Lonesome Timber, Columbia Basin Helicopters, and Superior Helicopter, though inclusion on this list does not imply eligibility for award or preference. The project involves the transportation and processing of over 300,000 tons of timber across various Western North Carolina locations impacted by Tropical Storm Helene, with an anticipated start date in late spring or early summer 2026. The period of performance is estimated not to exceed two operational seasons and will depend on weather conditions, site access, and coordination requirements. Responses should include company information, UEI and socioeconomic status, equipment lists, mobilization capabilities, and past performance references. No specific award value or budget range was disclosed in this pre-solicitation notice.
Notice text
2 versions
Update #2 · Latest ·
4/2/2026 Update:
Sharing vendors that responded to this RFI
1. Background & Purpose
Following Hurricane Helene, the U.S. Forest Service seeks capability statements from qualified vendors able to conduct hazardous fuels reduction on steep and rugged terrain within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) of Western North Carolina. Due to urgent and compelling needs to implement hazardous fuels reduction work, this RFI will remain open for six (6) calendar days.
2. Anticipated Scope of Work
- Manual felling and preparation of damaged timber and small roundwood for helicopter yarding.
- Helicopter yarding and ground transportation of over 300,000 tons of timber.
- Planning and site preparation for helicopter landings and processing and sort yards for transportation.
- Maintaining tractor trailer accessibility for loading timber from deck areas.
- Restoration of deck areas after operations have concluded.
- Aerial seeding of landslides.
3. Place of Performance
Various locations in Western North Carolina impacted by Tropical Storm Helene.
4. Period of Performance
Anticipated start date: Late Spring/Early Summer 2026. Period of performance is estimated not exceed two operational seasons and will depend on weather, access, and coordination.
5. Requested Capability Statement Content
- Company information (UEI, address, POC, socio-economic status).
- Relevant experience, especially hazardous fuel reduction, helicopter yarding, steep slope timber operations and Wildland Urban Interface operations.
- Safety program details and crew qualifications.
- Equipment lists and mobilization capabilities.
- Past performance references.
Update #1 ·
This Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) is issued solely for market research and planning purposes. It does not constitute a solicitation or a promise to issue a solicitation in the future. The Government will not reimburse accompanying costs.
1. Background & Purpose
Following Hurricane Helene, the U.S. Forest Service seeks capability statements from qualified vendors able to conduct hazardous fuels reduction on steep and rugged terrain within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) of Western North Carolina. Due to urgent and compelling needs to implement hazardous fuels reduction work, this RFI will remain open for six (6) calendar days.
2. Anticipated Scope of Work
- Manual felling and preparation of damaged timber and small roundwood for helicopter yarding.
- Helicopter yarding and ground transportation of over 300,000 tons of timber.
- Planning and site preparation for helicopter landings and processing and sort yards for transportation.
- Maintaining tractor trailer accessibility for loading timber from deck areas.
- Restoration of deck areas after operations have concluded.
- Aerial seeding of landslides.
3. Place of Performance
Various locations in Western North Carolina impacted by Tropical Storm Helene.
4. Period of Performance
Anticipated start date: Late Spring/Early Summer 2026. Period of performance is estimated not exceed two operational seasons and will depend on weather, access, and coordination.
5. Requested Capability Statement Content
- Company information (UEI, address, POC, socio-economic status).
- Relevant experience, especially hazardous fuel reduction, helicopter yarding, steep slope timber operations and Wildland Urban Interface operations.
- Safety program details and crew qualifications.
- Equipment lists and mobilization capabilities.
- Past performance references.
6. Response Instructions & Due Date
Responses should be submitted electronically to: matthew.daigle@usda.gov. All responses are due no later than 08:00A.M. on 4/30/2026. Late submissions may not be considered.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| BHFR RFI Respondents.pdf |
Notice history
| Notice | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Buck Helene Fuels Reduction IRSC | Award Notice | |
| Buck Helene Fuels Reduction IRSC | Solicitation | |
| This notice | Pre-Solicitation |
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