Request for Information (RFI) – Region 8 Oil & Gas Leasing Availability Contract

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Region (Region 8), is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to gather contractor capability and capacity data for potential award of an Oil and Gas Leasing Availability Contract, with RFI responses due by September 16, 2026. This is market research and planning only; the RFI does not obligate the Government to award a contract.

The anticipated scope involves NEPA-driven environmental analysis and documentation supporting oil and gas leasing decisions across an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 acres in Region 8. Deliverables include preparation of Categorical Exclusions (CEs) or Environmental Assessments (EAs), as directed, along with supporting analyses covering Purpose and Need, Alternatives Development, Affected Environment Documentation, Environmental Consequences Analysis, Required Consultations (ESA Section 7, NHPA Section 106, Tribal coordination, SHPO/THPO engagement), Climate Analysis with lifecycle GHG emissions quantification, Public Involvement Support, and Administrative Record Development.

Contractor personnel must demonstrate experience with NEPA, ESA Section 7, NHPA Section 106, hydrology, wildlife biology, air quality analysis, climate/GHG analysis, socioeconomic and Environmental Justice analysis, GIS, and interdisciplinary environmental documentation. Key personnel required include NEPA Lead, ESA Specialist, Hydrologist, Wildlife Biologist, Air Quality Analyst, Climate Analyst, Cultural Resource Specialist, Socioeconomic Analyst, GIS Specialist, and Technical Writer. Respondents should submit capability statements, past performance examples relevant to environmental analysis and oil and gas leasing, estimated timeframes and capacity, and optional non-binding pricing insights on CE versus EA deliverables. All work products become property of the U.S. Government, and electronic deliverables must comply with Section 508 accessibility requirements. Submit responses to Winston Buchanan, Contract Specialist, at Winston.Buchanan@usda.gov.