Long Horse NNIS at Hoosier National Forest

The USDA Forest Service is seeking contractors to provide herbicide treatment services for non-native invasive species control at the Hoosier National Forest's Long Horse area in Crawford County, Indiana. The project involves applying EPA-approved herbicides using foliar and cut stump techniques to target woody and herbaceous invasive plant species including multiflora rose, autumn olive, bush honeysuckle, garlic mustard, and lesser celandine across approximately 74.5 acres. Contractors must possess Indiana commercial pesticide applicator certifications, demonstrate GPS navigation capabilities, maintain detailed treatment logs, and achieve a minimum 90% kill rate for target species while keeping non-target plant mortality below 5%. The Forest Service will evaluate proposals based on four equally weighted criteria: past performance, experience, method to accomplish work, and price, using a best-value approach. Proposals are due by October 3, 2025, at 11:00 AM Eastern via email submission to the contracting officer.

This solicitation is designated as a 100% small business set-aside with a size standard of $11.5 million, targeting businesses classified under NAICS code 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry). The contract structure includes a base line item covering 23.5 acres and six optional contract line items ranging from 5 to 15.5 acres each, totaling the full 74.5-acre scope. The performance period extends from October 15, 2025, through January 31, 2026, with work to be conducted in the Tell City Ranger District of Hoosier National Forest near Bedford, Indiana. No incumbent contractor information was provided in the solicitation materials, and specific contract values were not disclosed beyond the small business size standard threshold. The project aims to increase tree regeneration and reduce hazardous fuels following timber harvest operations in the designated forest areas.