Mechanical site preparation superior NF

The United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service is seeking a contractor to perform mechanical site preparation services for the Laurentian Ranger District of the Superior National Forest in Minnesota. The solicitation (12444625Q0028) requires comprehensive site preparation work including rock raking, mechanical scarification, slash piling, and fuel reduction across designated forest areas. Contractors must use equipment with at least 200 flywheel horsepower and implement careful resource protection measures, with work to be completed between June 1 and October 31, 2025. The evaluation will equally weight technical and past performance against pricing, with proposals due by May 1, 2025 at 5:00 PM CT. Submission requirements include a technical proposal detailing past performance, technical capability, work dates, safety operating plan, and key personnel, along with a price proposal using the provided Schedule of Items.

The solicitation is set aside for small businesses, with potential preferences for HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, and Women-Owned Small Business concerns. The project scope covers approximately 1,500 acres, specifically 200 acres for rock raking and 11 acres for compacting and crushing fuels, located near Aurora, Minnesota. The work will focus on preparing forest areas for future planting or seeding, with specific attention to crushing woody materials under 5 inches in diameter and creating scattered slash piles. Contractors must have an active System for Award Management (SAM) registration and comply with federal labor regulations, including specific wage determinations with hourly rates ranging from $13.59 to $27.30. The contract will be awarded to a single bidder, with the performance location situated in Duluth, MN 55808, and a total contract period of approximately five months.