Buck wild stewardship project

The Bureau of Land Management is seeking a firm fixed-price commercial service contract for the Buck Wild Stewardship Project, which involves comprehensive forest health improvement services including understory removal, commercial thinning, and road maintenance work located 19 miles northeast of Bonner, Montana. The project encompasses understory removal across 263 acres and commercial thinning of approximately 10,430 total tons of sawlogs and non-saw timber, along with road work spanning approximately 30 miles across multiple roads including Gold Creek Road, Albert Road, and several other identified routes. The contract requires the contractor to perform forest stewardship activities, road maintenance including bridge running board replacement, erosion control, and adherence to specific wildlife protection protocols including bear-resistant food storage requirements. Electronic quotations are due by July 14, 2025 at 2:00 pm MDT, with evaluation based on two non-price factors - technical approach and relevant experience - which are significantly more important than price. A mandatory site visit was conducted on July 1, 2025, and questions and answers from this tour have been incorporated into the solicitation through Amendment No. 0001.

This solicitation is designated as a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry) with an $11.5 million size standard, and no current or incumbent contractors are identified in the documentation. The contract has a performance period of up to 39 months from July 21, 2025 to October 20, 2025, with a notable shutdown period from June 1 to July 15 for wildlife protection. The work involves removing an estimated 8,886 tons of sawlogs and non-saw material through commercial thinning operations, with specific requirements for maintaining forest health by targeting certain tree species for retention while managing slash and equipment operations. The contractor will be responsible for road maintenance activities including pre-haul blading, drainage maintenance, culvert clearing, and post-hauling grading across the extensive road network, with all work subject to approval by the Bureau of Land Management's Authorized Officer and Forest Officer oversight. Performance will take place in Montana on Bureau of Land Management administered lands, with the contractor required to comply with Forest Service road use agreements and specific environmental protection measures.