Buck Helene Fuels Reduction IRSC
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Forest Service conducted a Sources Sought (RFI) titled "Buck Helene Fuels Reduction IRSC" for hazardous fuels reduction on steep and rugged terrain within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) of Western North Carolina, following Hurricane Helene. This RFI is now closed, and an update was posted on April 2, 2026, sharing a list of vendors who responded. The original RFI sought capability statements for market research purposes.
Scope of Work (Anticipated for Future Solicitation)
The anticipated scope of work for future hazardous fuels reduction efforts includes:
- Manual felling and preparation of damaged timber and small roundwood for helicopter yarding.
- Helicopter yarding and ground transportation of over 300,000 tons of timber.
- Planning and site preparation for helicopter landings and processing and sort yards for transportation.
- Maintaining tractor trailer accessibility for loading timber from deck areas.
- Restoration of deck areas after operations have concluded.
- Aerial seeding of landslides.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (Request for Information - RFI)
- Anticipated Period of Performance: Late Spring/Early Summer 2026, estimated not to exceed two operational seasons.
- Set-Aside: None specified.
- Original Response Due: March 30, 2026 (RFI is now closed).
- Published/Updated: April 2, 2026 (Update sharing RFI respondents).
Purpose & Requested Information (Original RFI)
The RFI was issued for market research to identify qualified vendors. It requested capability statements detailing:
- Company information (UEI, address, POC, socio-economic status).
- Relevant experience in hazardous fuel reduction, helicopter yarding, steep slope timber operations, and Wildland Urban Interface operations.
- Safety program details and crew qualifications.
- Equipment lists and mobilization capabilities.
- Past performance references.
Additional Notes
This RFI was for market research and planning purposes only and did not constitute a solicitation. The current posting is an update providing a list of vendors who responded to the RFI. Inclusion on this list does not imply eligibility for award, nor does exclusion preclude future consideration. No new submissions are being accepted.