Elk Creek IRSC RMRP Stewardship Call Order

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region is soliciting proposals for the Elk Creek Integrated Resource Service Contract (IRSC), a comprehensive forest health and fuels reduction stewardship contract covering four project areas named Atlantis, Diamond, Jade, and Pearl in the Black Hills National Forest. This procurement is restricted to companies previously approved under the Rocky Mountain Restoration Project (RMRP) Stewardship Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA), seeking contractors to perform commercial timber harvesting operations totaling approximately 31,181 CCF across 18,988 acres, including both ground-based and steep slope logging using winch assist methods. The contract includes mandatory road reconstruction work estimated between $250,000-$500,000 and optional noxious weed treatments across 2,368 acres over five years. Evaluation will be based on technical approach (most important factor), past performance, and local community benefit, with these technical factors combined being approximately equal to cost/price considerations. Proposals are due September 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM, with an effective award date of August 7, 2025.

This procurement uses no set-aside designation but encourages small business participation under NAICS code 115310 with a size standard of $34 million. The government may award up to two vendors as BPA call orders, with completion dates varying from June 30, 2029 to September 30, 2030 depending on the project area. Performance will take place in Spearfish, South Dakota, spanning multiple townships across Lawrence and Meade Counties within the Black Hills National Forest. The contract requires performance and payment bonds for construction work exceeding $150,000 and a 20% bid guarantee for reconstruction activities, with payment structured through both appropriated funds and stewardship credits under the stewardship contracting authority. Large businesses must submit small business subcontracting plans, and all contractors must demonstrate capability to handle complex forestry operations including timber harvesting, road maintenance across approximately 15.5-20+ miles of forest roads per project area, and compliance with extensive environmental protection measures.