Conifer Planting / Reforestation

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service is seeking competitive bids for conifer planting services across the Sierra and Sequoia National Forests through a pre-solicitation notice. The contract requires auger and hoedad planting of approximately 535,000 seedlings across multiple ranger districts, including high-elevation areas between 4,500-9,000 feet. Contractors must provide all necessary equipment, labor, transportation, and supervision for planting various conifer species such as ponderosa pine, Jeffrey pine, red fir, white fir, sugar pine, and Douglas fir in fire-impacted regions. The solicitation requires precise planting techniques with specific spacing requirements and quality control measures, with the government providing seedlings and shade cards. Interested contractors must submit quotes by February 26, 2025, at 1700 PST, with a performance period from March 10, 2025, through June 1, 2025, contingent on weather conditions.

The opportunity is set aside as a Competitive 8(a) small business contract under NAICS code 115310 with an $11.5 million size standard. The project encompasses approximately 1,436 acres across multiple fire-damaged areas including Cherry Gap, McKenzie Ridge, Sugarloaf/Packsaddle, Sequoia Crest, Eshom, McNally, and Needles Lookout Road. Planting zones will include units affected by the Rough, KNP, Castle, Windy, and McNally fires, with some experimental planting prescriptions involving individual, clump, and opening methods. The firm-fixed-price contract includes optional line items for manual release work, site preparation, and additional labor. Wage rates are established under the Service Contract Act, with minimum wages of $17.75 per hour and additional health and welfare benefits for workers.