PCT hand thinning and piling services

The State of Oregon, specifically the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and Malheur National Forest, is soliciting bids for pre-commercial thinning (PCT) hand thinning and piling services under the Good Neighbor Authority program. The procurement involves comprehensive forestry management across 547 acres in 17 units north of Mount Vernon, Oregon, with two bid options available. Option 1 requires unit pricing for hand thinning and hand piling on 547 acres, while Option 2 includes hand thinning on 547 acres, hand piling on 447 acres, and grapple piling on 100 acres. The primary objectives include reducing forest fuel loading, restoring forest density to historically resilient conditions, and selectively thinning conifers between 1 foot and 8.9 inches in diameter, prioritizing Western Larch, Ponderosa Pine, and Douglas Fir. Bidders must demonstrate a minimum of three years of experience performing similar services for at least three different firms, with at least one foreman possessing three years of experience including one year in fuels reduction and forestry supervision. Key submission deadlines include November 18, 2025, for questions and clarifications, with answers expected by November 21, 2025, and bid submissions due by November 25, 2025, at 2:00 PM Pacific Time. The contract is expected to be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, with work to be completed by October 31, 2027.

The procurement includes specific provisions for disadvantaged business enterprises, requiring bidders to complete a Certified Disadvantaged Business Outreach Plan. The plan covers five certification categories: Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Minority-Owned Business (MBE), Woman-Owned Business (WBE), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned (SDV), and Emerging Small Business (ESB). Bidders must outline strategies for soliciting Certified Firms and provide details on anticipated subcontracting opportunities. Contractors must comply with pay equity requirements and provide a current Pay Equity Certificate from the Department of Administrative Services. The contract will be awarded on a not-to-exceed basis with unit pricing per acre, and payment is contingent on work acceptance through periodic state inspections, with payment scales ranging from 100% for work at 90% accuracy or higher to potential non-payment for work under 75% accuracy. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, bidders must submit comprehensive documentation including references, insurance proof, and a responsibility inquiry. The total contract value will be determined by the unit pricing and actual acres treated, with flexibility for the agency to adjust quantities as needed.