Crop Tree Release

The USDA Forest Service is soliciting quotations for crop tree release services under Solicitation Number 12443926Q0011, a Request for Quotation designated as a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Crop tree release involves the selective removal of competing trees to promote the growth of desirable species such as oak, sugar maple, shortleaf pine, hickory, and black gum in immature forest stands. The acquisition is classified under NAICS code 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry) with a small business size standard of $11.5 million. Key contract requirements include completion of all work by April 15, 2026, adherence to technical specifications requiring hand tool and chainsaw work only, protection of designated leave tree species, and achievement of a 95 percent success rate in crop tree release operations. Evaluation criteria are weighted heavily toward the ability to follow existing Statement of Work specifications, with secondary consideration given to ability to meet the deadline, prior contract performance on the Eastern Divide Ranger District, knowledge of Southern Appalachian tree species, and cost. Questions regarding the solicitation were due by February 16, 2026, and quotations must be submitted by March 2, 2026, at 1700 CST, following an amendment that extended the original February 25, 2026 deadline.

The contract is a Total Small Business Set-Aside with no identified incumbent contractor. The work encompasses two line items totaling 7,760 trees across approximately 368 acres distributed across eight geographic areas within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests' Eastern Divide Ranger District in Craig and Giles counties, Virginia. Item 01 requires treatment of 3,680 smaller diameter trees (1-4 inches diameter at breast height) across 150 acres in 15-18 year old stands, while Item 02 involves 4,080 larger diameter trees (3-8 inches diameter at breast height) across 218 acres in 31-42 year old stands. Bidders must quote on both line items with unit pricing per tree, though individual items may be awarded to separate contractors based on capacity and pricing considerations. Services will be performed at the NRV Ranger District in Blacksburg, Virginia, with a performance period of February 25 through April 15, 2026, and contractors must comply with applicable Service Contract Act wage determinations for Giles and Craig counties.