USDA-Forest Service Region 9 Marking and Cruising BPA Call. Otter Timber Marking/Cruising on Ottawa National Forest

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service published this Special Notice on April 3, 2026, regarding a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for timber marking and cruising services on the Otter timber sale area within the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan. This opportunity is restricted exclusively to existing USFS Region 9 Timber Mark and Cruise Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) holders and is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside. The non-personal services contract calls for contractors to provide marking and cruising work across approximately 556 acres of timber sale units. Quotations are due by April 17, 2026, at 4:00 PM Central Time and must be submitted via email to the specified Forest Service contact. Award will be made based on best value considerations, including technical merit (contract time and schedule feasibility) and price reasonableness.

The primary objective is to secure qualified timber marking and cruising services for two distinct work categories: Single-Tree Selection marking and cruising across approximately 517 acres and 100% count marking and cruising of approximately 39 acres designated for clearcut removal. Contractors must furnish all labor, materials, equipment, tools, and supervision, with the government providing only tree marking paint, cruise tally cards, and marking guides. Key requirements include GPS documentation of all sample trees by payment unit, paint reconciliation within 10 business days of issuance, and strict compliance with the Ottawa National Forest Timber Theft Prevention Plan, which mandates detailed theft prevention protocols, cross-training between timber management and law enforcement personnel, and comprehensive documentation procedures. Quoters must submit pricing per acre for each line item on the provided schedule, and the contract term concludes on November 30, 2026. Prevailing wage determination requirements for Michigan forestry occupations apply, with rates established by the U.S. Department of Labor ranging from $16.01 to $29.19 per hour depending on the occupation classification.