Sierra NF High Sierra & Bass Lake Reforestation

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service is procuring auger planting services for reforestation on the Sierra National Forest, specifically targeting the High Sierra Ranger District and Bass Lake Ranger District. The project requires contractors to plant approximately 310,000 conifer seedlings in the High Sierra Ranger District and 83,500 seedlings in the Bass Lake Ranger District across multiple elevation bands ranging from 3,800 to 7,500 feet. Key contract requirements include providing all necessary equipment and labor (augers, hoedads, scrapers, planting bags, crew transportation, and water), planting with specified spacing requirements (18 feet by 18 feet in High Sierra; 12x12 to 18x18 feet in Bass Lake), and meeting 90 percent quality standards for full payment. The government will evaluate proposals based on four factors: Technical Approach to Performing the Work, Responsibility, Experience and Past Performance, and Price, using a comparative evaluation methodology with adjectival ratings. The deadline for submitting questions is March 17, 2026, proposals are due by 5:00 PM PDT on March 20, 2026, with award notification projected on or before April 1, 2026.

This solicitation is a Total Small Business Set-aside under NAICS 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry) with no identified incumbent contractors. While specific award values are not disclosed, the contract components include pricing for approximately 393,500 total seedlings on a per-unit basis plus 16 hours of walk-in rate labor at prevailing wage rates (Tree Planter wage of $12.17 per hour plus fringe benefits). The anticipated period of performance is 45 calendar days, commencing April 3 through May 18, 2026, weather-dependent, with work to be performed in Prather, California (Sierra National Forest). Payment structure is contingent upon quality inspections, with contractors receiving full payment for 90 percent or higher acceptability, reduced payment for 80-89 percent acceptability, and no payment for work below 80 percent acceptance standards. Final payment will be made within 30 calendar days after approved final inspection, and contractors must submit a completed Contract Release form before receiving final payment.