2025-2026 Urban Forest Inventory and Analysis (UFIA) Data Collection

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is soliciting proposals for the 2025-2026 Urban Forest Inventory and Analysis (UFIA) Data Collection project, targeting on-the-ground data collection in census-designated areas across Washington State. The procurement is a Request for Qualifications and Quotations (RFQQ) designed to secure a contractor to collect data on 111 statewide plots, with 52 plots planned for the 2025 field season and 59 plots for 2026, primarily located on private properties. Successful bidders must have field crews with at least one member possessing one year of Urban FIA or National Forest Inventory data collection experience between 2020-2024, and must be certified to complete USDA Forest Service Urban FIA training. Key required skills include aerial photo interpretation, orienteering, tree identification, forest measurement techniques, and basic computer skills. The proposal evaluation will include scored components such as project team structure, staff qualifications, schedule, knowledge and experience, and references, with the proposal due by April 8, 2025, at 11:59 PM local time and the contract period running from May 2, 2025, to October 15, 2026.

The total budget for this project will not exceed $230,000, with bidders required to submit detailed cost proposals covering staff time, travel, transportation, supplies, equipment, and insurance. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned, the solicitation indicates potential additional points for veteran-owned or small businesses. The project involves partnering with the U.S. Forest Service and requires electronic data transmission to the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station. Contractors will be responsible for obtaining landowner access permissions and following specific field guides and protocols. The DNR reserves the right to add additional plots by mutual agreement, suggesting flexibility in the final contract scope. Interested firms should carefully review the comprehensive requirements outlined in the solicitation document to ensure they can meet the technical and logistical demands of this urban forest inventory data collection project.