Roan Hazard Tree Debris Removal IRSC

The United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Region 8 Southern Region, is soliciting a contract for hazard tree debris removal in response to damage from Hurricane Helene on Roan Mountain. The project aims to remove hazardous fuel along Toll House Gap to Roan Gardens Parking Area, with objectives including maintaining defensible space for firefighting, reducing fuel loads, and protecting the public from potential catastrophic wildfires. The contract will involve cutting and removing approximately 25 acres of debris within 500 feet of roads and trails, with an estimated 555 tons of green biomass to be transported. Offerors will be evaluated based on technical approach, past performance, and benefit to the local community, with proposals due by May 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET. Contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and comply with federal regulations related to workforce protection and environmental conservation.

The solicitation is open to small businesses with a size standard of $34 million under NAICS code 115310 for Fuels Management Services, and there is no specific set-aside designation. The performance period runs from award through July 31, 2025, with the work to be completed in the Mars Hill, NC area within the Pisgah National Forest's Appalachian Ranger District. The contract includes specific timber removal specifications, with estimated quantities of 255 tons of sawtimber, 250 tons of pulpwood, and 50 tons of biomass. Wage determinations have been established, with hourly rates ranging from $11.38 to $19.58 for various forestry-related occupational classifications. The Forest Service will allow contractor camping in the parking lot from the Notice to Proceed Date until June 13th, and contractors must adhere to strict guidelines for cutting, scaling, and transporting timber while minimizing environmental impact.