USDA Forest Service Superior Ranger District Planting and Netting

The USDA Forest Service is soliciting quotations for flexible tree netting maintenance and tree planting services on lands administered by the Lolo National Forest, Superior Ranger District, through Request for Quotation 1284LM26Q0011. The netting maintenance work will occur at the Second Creek Timber Sale beginning in fall 2026, while planting services will take place at the Green Breen Timber Sale in spring 2027. Contractors must demonstrate technical capability to meet all requirements, maintain acceptable past performance ratings, and provide fair and reasonable pricing to be considered for award. Award will be made to the quoter representing best value based on three evaluation criteria: pricing, technical acceptability, and past performance using a three-tier rating system. Quotations must be submitted by February 9, 2026, with questions regarding the solicitation due to joanne.meiers@usda.gov no later than February 2, 2026, close of business.

This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside with a small business size standard of $11.5 million, and no incumbent or current contractor is identified in the solicitation materials. The contract encompasses approximately 177 acres of netting maintenance and 183 acres of planting work across nine planting zones, with an estimated 46,100 trees to be planted at specified spacing requirements. The contract period runs from September 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with netting work commencing in fall 2026 and planting work beginning in spring 2027, contingent on weather conditions. Contractors must maintain crews of no more than 10-14 workers (excluding foremen and inspectors) and comply with Service Contract Act wage rates, including a minimum of $14.29 per hour plus $5.09 fringe benefits for tree planters. The work will be performed in Superior, Montana 59872, with award anticipated as a firm-fixed-price purchase order for a single contractor.