Trust Lands 2026 Panel Plot Data Collection

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is seeking bids for a Panel Plot Data Collection project spanning Flathead, Lake, and Lincoln Counties. The procurement involves a fixed radius plot timber cruise consisting of 65 total plots across state-owned forestlands, with specific breakdowns of 9 plots in Flathead County, 8 plots in Lake County, and 48 plots in Lincoln County. Each plot will feature two fixed radius diameters (1/10 acre and 1/100 acre) measured from the plot center, with data collection required between May 1, 2026, and October 31, 2026. The solicitation opened on December 5, 2025, at 9:00 AM MST, with bid submissions due by January 2, 2026, at 9:00 AM MST. Bidders can submit proposals for individual county lots or the entire project, with pricing requested on a per-plot basis. The procurement is structured as an all-or-none award, meaning contractors can bid on specific county segments or the complete project. Bidders must comply with Montana Prevailing Wage Requirements and be prepared to submit debarment certification.

The solicitation does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Contractors will need to provide comprehensive plot data collection services, including detailed documentation such as plot specifications, location maps, unit-specific plot appendices, forest fire regulations, and bear safety information. Communication regarding the procurement should exclusively occur through the designated procurement officer, Shauna Simpson, via email at Shauna.Simpson@mt.gov or by phone at 406-444-6724. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly outlined, the project involves 65 total plots across three counties, suggesting a moderate-scale contract. The payment terms are established as Net 30, with no percentage discount offered for early payment. Bidders are warned that unauthorized contact with state staff outside the prescribed communication channels may result in disqualification from the procurement process.