Fire Break Creation Tamarac NWR, Rochert MN

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking a small business contractor to create a fire break at the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge in Rochert, Minnesota. The project involves mechanical treatment and harvest of approximately 0.46 miles (2.24 acres) of abandoned logging roads with mixed northern hardwood stands. Contractors will be required to remove trees and vegetation within a 40-foot wide corridor, cutting trees with a diameter of 3 inches or greater and masticating woody material less than 3 inches. The evaluation criteria will equally consider technical experience, past performance, delivery timeframe, and price, with technical and past performance being significantly more important than price. Proposals are due by March 21, 2025, and vendors must provide documentation of three similar completed projects, relevant certifications, and references.

The solicitation is set aside as an unrestricted small business opportunity under NAICS code 115310 with a size standard of $34M. The period of performance is from April 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, with a work stoppage period between May 30 and August 15, 2025. Contractors must use equipment such as feller bunchers, skidders, and excavators to create a fuel break with up to 15-foot overhead clearance. The project will be executed as a firm fixed-price contract, with the government anticipating award based on initial submissions. Key project location is at the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge in Rochert, Minnesota, with the primary objective of reducing wildfire spread and improving emergency access. A pre-bid site visit is highly encouraged, and interested contractors can contact Wayne Brininger at 218-849-9870 to schedule an inspection of the project site.