Pike Fall Planting Project

The USDA Forest Service is soliciting tree planting services for the FY 2025 Pike Spring Planting project, requiring the planting of approximately 509 acres with container stock at 134 trees per acre in the Hayman burn area of Pike National Forest. The project involves planting approximately 67,000 seedlings consisting of 85% ponderosa pine and 15% Douglas fir using 1-0 plugs with a minimum 8' x 8' spacing and average 18' x 18' spacing. All trees must be planted in shaded microsites utilizing logs, stumps, or standing dead trees for shade, with contractors required to provide all labor, equipment including covered trailers for seedling transport, supervision, and supplies except those designated as government-furnished. The work will be performed using the hoedad planting method with specific requirements for hole preparation, root placement, and tree protection. Proposal responses are due by June 25, 2025, with the performance period scheduled from July 15th to August 30th, 2025.

This contract opportunity is set aside exclusively for small businesses under the Total Small Business designation, with an estimated total contract value of $9.5 million based on per-acre pricing. The work will be performed in the South Platte Ranger District of Pike National Forest, specifically in Jefferson County, Colorado, near Colorado Springs. The project encompasses planting 67,000 total seedlings across 509 acres within a 46-day performance window during the optimal summer planting season. Contractors must demonstrate capability to handle the logistical requirements of transporting and planting large quantities of containerized seedlings while adhering to strict environmental and spacing specifications. The solicitation falls under NAICS code 115310 for Support Activities for Forestry and PSC code F005 for Natural Resources/Conservation Forest Tree Planting services.