Marcell Experimental Forest Research and Operations Support

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service is seeking research and operational support services for the Marcell Experimental Forest in northern Minnesota through this pre-solicitation notice. The contractor will provide labor to support long-term hydrological and meteorological monitoring, with work consisting of approximately 87% operational tasks (grounds and infrastructure maintenance, road maintenance, tree removal, brush clearing) and 13% technical consultation and specialized measurements including soil moisture monitoring using neutron probe techniques. Key requirements include specialized skills across multiple job categories such as equipment operation, landscaping, sawyer work, and carpentry, along with knowledge of specific hydrological and meteorological instruments and ability to troubleshoot complex measurement systems. The contractor must comply with strict research protocols and complete mandatory annual training courses while working primarily at dispersed outdoor sites within 10 miles of the Marcell Research Center. A site visit is tentatively planned for the week of August 18, 2025, by appointment only, with the exact dates and times to be announced through an amendment or the formal solicitation.

This opportunity is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside under NAICS code 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry). The contract structure includes a base year plus two option years, with each year requiring approximately 460 hours of support services. The period of performance spans from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028, with work to be performed at 43122 Wilderness Trail in Bovey, Minnesota. Invoicing will be conducted at 15-minute intervals, and the contractor will typically work independently during normal business hours with potential for after-hours and weekend work subject to prior consent from Forest Service personnel. The documents do not identify any current incumbents or specific budget ranges for this procurement.