Roadside Brushing, Descanso Ranger District

The United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service is seeking a small business contractor to perform roadside brushing maintenance in the Descanso Ranger District of Cleveland National Forest. The project involves cutting vegetation along five roads totaling 31.61 miles in San Diego County, California, with work extending 10 feet from both road edges. Contractors must cut vegetation less than 4 inches in diameter to a maximum height of 6 inches and limb trees over 4 inches, while adhering to strict fire prevention guidelines outlined in the Fire Plan. The procurement will be awarded using a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) method, with technical proposals required to demonstrate past performance, work plan, key personnel qualifications, and performance schedule. Proposals are due by February 7, 2025, at 5:00 PM Pacific Time, with a specified period of performance of 90 calendar days after notice to proceed.

This contract is a total small business set-aside with a NAICS code of 237310 and a size standard of $45 million. Contractors must self-perform at least 25% of the work and provide performance and payment bonds equal to 100% of the contract price. The work will be performed in Alpine, California, with terrain ranging from flat to moderately steep and varying soil conditions. Contractors must comply with Service Contract Act wage determinations, which establish minimum hourly rates and fringe benefits for workers. The project involves both manual and mechanical brushing techniques, with specific restrictions on equipment use, particularly on cut/fill slopes and ditches. Pricing will be provided on a unit price basis, covering mobilization and roadway vegetation cutting services.