Marcell Experimental Forest Research and Operations Support

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service is seeking a contractor to provide research and operational support services for the Marcell Experimental Forest (MEF) in northern Minnesota. The contractor will support long-term hydrological and meteorological monitoring and scientific research programs through maintenance of grounds and infrastructure, operation of specialized scientific instruments including strip chart recorders and precipitation gauges, and consultation on troubleshooting unique equipment and operations. Qualified contractors must possess skills in equipment operation, maintenance, carpentry, and knowledge of specific measurement techniques and hydrological instruments used at the facility. The work involves both operational tasks for facility maintenance and research-related activities requiring specialized technical knowledge of the MEF's unique monitoring systems. Proposals are due by August 31, 2025, and the Forest Service highly encourages potential bidders to conduct a site visit prior to submitting their offers.

This procurement is designated as a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry) with a size standard of $11.5 million. The contract will span three years from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028, structured as a base year plus two option years. Each contract year requires approximately 460 hours of work to be performed at dispersed outdoor sites within 10 miles of the Marcell Research Center. The place of performance is Bovey, Minnesota 55709, where contractors will work at various remote monitoring locations throughout the experimental forest. No incumbent contractor or specific award values are identified in the solicitation materials, though the multi-year structure suggests a substantial ongoing commitment to maintaining the forest's research infrastructure and data collection capabilities.