Sierra National Forest (SNF5) Coyote Fuels Reduction and Site Preparation.

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service seeks fuels reduction and site preparation work on the Tamarack Ridge area of the Sierra National Forest, with proposals due October 16, 2026. This procurement is a Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS 115310 with a $34 million size standard.

Place of performance is Prather, California. The contractor must fell standing dead trees (leaving four snags per acre greater than 20 inches DBH), thin surviving conifer saplings to 20-by-20-foot spacing (or 18-by-18 for trees under 16 inches DBH), and treat slash, brush, and remnant Creek Fire right-of-way material across base units 32, 36, 102, and 7 (386.5 acres) and optional units 2–6, 15–16, 30, and 38 (1,010 additional acres). Optional work includes 65 days of biological monitoring by qualified Yosemite Toad specialists in occupied habitat units. The contract period is 365 days from authorization to proceed (October 16, 2026 through October 16, 2027), on a firm-fixed-price basis paid by acre.

Work must comply with Forest Service fire restrictions and equipment requirements, including spark arresters on all internal combustion engines, fire tools, water tank trucks with minimum 300-gallon capacity, and fire supervisors and patrolpersons at specified Project Activity Levels. Operations in Yosemite Toad habitat units (2, 3, 5, 6, 38, 102) require pre-authorized monitors meeting federal ESA permitting standards. Limited Operating Periods restrict mechanical work: March 1–August 15 for Spotted Owl, and March 1–June 30 for Fisher. Work cannot occur during or 48 hours after precipitation exceeding 0.01 inches unless authorized. Wage rates apply Fresno County determination 2015-5609, with foresters at $51.36 per hour plus fringe benefits. Questions are due October 6, 2026 at 3:00 PM Pacific Time to Chris Kane at christopher.kane2@usda.gov. Evaluation uses a tradeoff process weighing Technical Approach to Performing the Work, Responsibility (go/no-go), Experience & Past Performance, and Price equally, with non-price factors combined equal in importance to price. No bid, performance, or payment bonds are required. Offers must remain firm for 90 calendar days. The Government expects to make award without discussions but reserves the right to conduct discussions if necessary.