Hand Cut/Pile Trees, Las Vegas NWR, Las Vegas, NM

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is soliciting quotes for hand-cutting and piling of juniper and pinon trees at the Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico. The project requires hand crews using chainsaws to remove trees less than 12" in diameter within 70 feet of Pagosa Creek's rim, covering approximately 30 acres of vegetation management. Contractors must create 8x8 foot slash piles in open spaces at least 25 feet from remaining trees, with no heavy equipment permitted and access limited to 2-track roads, UTVs, or foot access. The government will evaluate proposals primarily on technical experience and past performance, with price being a secondary consideration. Quotes are due by 5:00 pm Eastern Time on May 2, 2025, and must be submitted in two volumes: a technical proposal detailing equipment, certifications, and project experience, and a separate price proposal.

This contract is set aside exclusively for small businesses under NAICS code 115310 with a $34 million size standard. The period of performance is from May 15, 2025, to December 31, 2025, with the full project to be completed by the final date. Contractors must have an active SAM registration and be prepared to submit invoices through the Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform. The project will be awarded as a firm-fixed-price contract, with labor rates governed by the Department of Labor's Wage Determination No. 1969-0115, which establishes hourly rates ranging from $13.27 to $25.88 for various forestry-related positions. Successful bidders will work directly with Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge staff and must adhere to strict fire prevention and suppression protocols during the vegetation management work.