Forest Inventory & Analysis

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Resource Conservation & Forestry Division (SDDANR) is seeking a contractor to perform Forest Inventory & Analysis (FIA) surveys, funded by the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Northern Research Station. The project requires surveying 96 forest sample plots, including 55 Phase 2 plots, 5 Phase 2 Plus plots, 2 Phase 3 Soils plots, and 26 Quality Assurance Quality Control (QAQC) plots across South Dakota. Successful contractors must have a minimum of 2 years of FIA data collection experience, preferably in the Northern Research Station Region. Key deliverables include comprehensive plot surveys with specific data collection requirements and detailed reporting. The proposal submission deadline is February 22, 2023, with an anticipated award date of March 1, 2023, and a contract term of approximately 6 months. Evaluation criteria will focus on the contractor's relevant experience, personnel qualifications, equipment capabilities, and cost proposal, which must be submitted separately and itemized for different plot types and training sessions.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions on vendor types were explicitly mentioned in the procurement documents. The contract will be awarded to the most advantageous proposal, determined by a comprehensive review of technical capabilities and cost. While no incumbent vendors were identified, the RFP indicates that contractors must provide all necessary labor, materials, transportation, equipment, and incidentals to perform the work. The successful contractor must meet specific educational, experience, and certification requirements, with an option for contract extension. Although a precise budget range was not specified, the project involves surveying 96 forest sample plots and 26 QAQC plots, with data turnover deadlines of September 15, 2023 (for certain plot types) and October 13, 2023 (for remaining plots). The state will cover eligible travel expenses associated with training sessions, with no reimbursements provided for experienced FIA contractors attending virtual online training.