Aerial Site Prep and Release for Tillamook, Forest Grove and Astoria Districts

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for aerial herbicide services in the Tillamook, Forest Grove, and Astoria districts, covering Clatsop, Tillamook, and Washington Counties. The procurement seeks 1-2 helicopters with turbine-driven engines, batch trucks, and qualified personnel to perform aerial herbicide application for timber harvested units in preparation for tree planting. Proposers must provide pilots with specific qualifications, including extensive flight hours and commercial applicator licenses, and demonstrate the ability to operate specified aircraft and spray equipment. The RFP requires detailed unit pricing for spring release, site preparation, and fall release projects across an estimated 6,000 acres. Proposals will be evaluated based on pass/fail performance requirements, with points assigned to desirable elements such as experience, approach, and key personnel qualifications. The proposal submission deadline is March 21, 2023, at 2:00 PM PT, with an anticipated contract award around March 28, 2023. The initial contract term is one year, with options to renew for up to six additional one-year terms.

The RFP includes a Certified Disadvantage Business Outreach Plan, encouraging participation from Oregon certified firms, minority/woman/veteran-owned, and emerging small businesses. Proposers must identify any certified firms they have worked with in the past two years and describe steps to solicit certified firms for subcontracting opportunities. The contract allows for COBID (Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity) participation, with proposers required to report subcontractor identities and subcontract values. While the exact award value is not explicitly stated, the Tab Sheet indicates a total bid price of $209,700.00 from the selected vendor, Western Helicopter Services Inc. The RFP does not specify a specific budget range but requires all travel, per diem, transportation, and other expenses to be included in the unit price. The agency reserves the right to award all, part, or none of the proposal items, and payment will only be made for inspected and certified acreage with acceptable work quality.