Chippewa National Forest RFSS Surveys - Plants

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for conducting surveys to delineate and identify Regional Forester Sensitive Species (RFSS) plants and noxious weeds within specified stands or portions of stands on the Chippewa National Forest. The results will support resource management and land management planning.

• Conduct surveys across various habitats within the Chippewa National Forest to inventory RFSS plants, watch-list species, and noxious weeds.

• Utilize electronic devices with GPS capabilities (NAD83 datum) for data collection, along with paint and flagging for site marking.

• Employ the Random Meander search method for surveys, aiming for an average intensity of 10 acres/hour/person, with adjustments based on stand conditions.

• Document all findings using the Plant Survey Form (Document A), including detailed habitat descriptions and verification points.

• For detected RFSS plants, record GPS points, take high-resolution photographs (minimum 8 megapixels) of the plant and habitat, and flag the site.

• Note and record GPS points for higher priority noxious weeds and "Watch List" species, providing descriptions of infestation extent and coverage.

• Visit all assigned verification points, marking them with specific flagging and paint.

• All surveys must be completed within specified seasonal timing, coordinated with the COR.

• GPS points must be recorded in UTMs (NAD83 datum).

• Photographs must meet minimum resolution and lighting requirements.

• Data and forms must be submitted legibly and completely.

• A final survey report must be submitted electronically within two weeks of contract completion.

• Government spot checks will be conducted for documentation and field verification.

• Not explicitly defined in this document, but surveys are to be conducted on the Chippewa National Forest.

• Contractor equipment requires pre-approval by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

• A pre-work conference is mandatory.

• All surveyors must have appropriate botanical education and experience.

• A local project manager must be assigned as the point of contact.

• Data collected is the property of the Forest Service; publication is prohibited without prior consent.

• Government-furnished items include site maps, survey report forms, and potentially GPS data and shapefiles.

• No plant specimens are to be taken from Forest grounds or trees.

• Payments for additional location identification of unknown RFSS locations are capped at $40 per location, not to exceed 20% of the total item price.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides area maps detailing the locations of rare plant surveys conducted in the Chippewa National Forest during 2026. It is intended to visually represent the areas where surveys were performed for both June and August plants.

• June Plants:
  • Item 1: 95 stands covering 1,368 acres.
  • Item 2: 35 stands covering 1,282 acres.
• August Plants:
  • Item 3: 40 stands covering 1,434 acres.
  • Item 4: 30 stands covering 815 acres.
  • Item 5: 34 stands covering 828 acres.
• The maps display various geographical features, including lakes, rivers, and roads, with specific survey areas highlighted and labeled.
• A disclaimer notes that the USFS is not responsible for geospatial inaccuracies and users must field-check locations.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the geographical scope and specific locations of the rare plant surveys. It helps in visualizing the areas of interest within the Chippewa National Forest, which may be relevant for understanding the context of any associated solicitations or work requirements related to these survey areas.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for commercial items for Chippewa National Forest RFSS Surveys – Plants. The intent is to delineate and survey specified stands or portions of stands for the presence of Regional Forester Sensitive Species (RFSS) plants and noxious weeds. The results will be used for resource management and land management planning on the Chippewa National Forest.

• Delineate and survey stands for RFSS plants and noxious weeds.

• Provide technical services for biological resource management.

• Deliver all items via digital copies.

• Anticipated award type: Firm Fixed Price Contract.

• The Government reserves the right to award multiple awards.

• Contractors are not required to submit pricing for all items.

• Offer due date: May 28, 2026, by 12:00 PM ET.

• Questions due date: May 20, 2026, by 12:00 PM ET.

• Proposals will be evaluated based on Knowledge & Experience, Past Performance, Progress Schedule and Quality Control Plan, and Price.

• Award will be made to the highest technically rated offeror whose proposal is fair and reasonable, and has acceptable or neutral past performance. Award will not necessarily be made to the lowest-priced offeror.

• This acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns.

• Applicable NAICS Code: 541620.

• Small business size standard: $25.5 million.

• This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• The solicitation number is 12443926Q0067.

• Anticipated start date: June 1, 2026.

• The solicitation incorporates numerous FAR clauses and provisions by reference.

• Several attachments are referenced, including the Performance Work Statement (PWS), Plant Survey Form, Proposal Evaluation Criteria, and various maps and tables.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "2025 - Plant Survey" form, designed to record detailed information about plant species found during a survey. It appears to be a standardized template for ecological assessments, likely related to environmental compliance or land management.

• Survey Information: Includes fields for surveyor(s), affiliation, date, time, and survey type (random meander or directed).
• Point Placement Data: Columns for Point ID, Easting, Northing, Tree Species, Tree DBH, and flags for Ring, Error, and GPS coordinates.
• Habitat Description: Fields for typical species and habitats, including UTM coordinates.
• Specific Questions: Addresses pine stand suitability and the presence of earthworms and noxious weeds.
• Species Lists: Sections for "Target Species," "Non-target Species," and "Other Species - Unlisted," with columns for scientific name, common name, and RFSS (Rare, Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive Species) status.
• Watch List Species: A dedicated section to record detected watch list species with their location and description.
• Noxious Weed Detections: A table to record the presence, coverage, and description of infestations for noxious weeds.
• Notes Section: A space for additional observations, unique habitats, or weed infestation details.

This form is crucial for bidders who may need to conduct or provide environmental surveys as part of their contract. It outlines the specific data collection requirements, species of interest (including protected or invasive ones), and the format for reporting findings. Understanding this form is essential for accurately estimating the scope of work, preparing proposals that address environmental considerations, and ensuring compliance with reporting standards if awarded the contract.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the Proposal Evaluation Criteria for the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) acquisition. It details how proposals will be assessed to determine the most advantageous offer for the Government.

• Evaluation Methodology: Award will be made to the technically acceptable proposal with the most advantageous technical/cost relationship. Cost is secondary to technical capability, but trade-offs may be made. Awards may be made without further negotiation, and multiple awards are possible.
• Evaluation Factors (in descending order of importance):
  1. Knowledge/Experience: Assesses bidder's and employees' expertise in plant taxonomy, habitat identification, identifying key habitats for plant occurrences in Lake States forest communities, and experience with rare, endangered, threatened, and special concern plant species in Northern Minnesota. Experience with orienteering, GPS, aerial photographs, and forest conditions is also evaluated. A BS degree in botany or a related field is desirable. Resumes with at least three references are required.
  2. Past Performance: Evaluates the execution of contracts in sensitive plant surveys or inventory of sensitive plants.
  3. Progress Schedule and Quality Control Plan: Requires a written schedule for work completion and a Quality Control Plan demonstrating the ability to meet professional standards, including field execution and data management.
  4. Cost/Price: This factor will be considered alongside technical evaluations.
• Adjective Ranking System: An adjectival ranking system (Outstanding, Excellent, Good, Fair, Unsatisfactory) will be applied to each evaluation factor to assess quality. This ranking, along with Cost/Price, will determine the best-value determination for the government.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "Contract Item Habitat Summary," provides a detailed breakdown of habitat types, stands, and acreage for different contract items. It appears to be an attachment or supporting document for a larger contract or solicitation.

The summary is organized into five "Items" (Item 1 through Item 5), each corresponding to a specific period or set of activities:

• Item 1 (June 1-21): Details habitat types including Aspen, Lowland Conifers, Upland Hardwoods, Black Ash, Pine, and White Spruce, with a total of 95 stands and 1368 acres.
• Item 2: Focuses on Aspen, Lowland Conifers, Upland Hardwoods, and Black Ash types, totaling 35 stands and 1,282 acres.
• Item 3: Lists Aspen, Upland Hardwoods, and Black Ash types, totaling 40 stands and 1,434 acres.
• Item 4 (August 7-31): Includes Aspen, Upland Hardwoods, and Pine types, totaling 30 stands and 815 acres.
• Item 5: Covers Aspen, Lowland Conifers, Upland Hardwoods, Black Ash, and Openland types, totaling 34 stands and 828 acres.

Each item provides a breakdown of the number of stands and the total acreage for each habitat type within that item.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the specific environmental conditions and land areas associated with different contract items. It provides quantitative data on habitat types and acreage, which may be relevant for planning, resource allocation, and understanding the scope of work for any related services, such as land management, environmental assessment, or conservation efforts.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a map (Map 117) of the Chippewa National Forest, specifically detailing the "2013 Stand Recon Bid Item 1" area. It serves as a visual aid for understanding the geographical context of the opportunity.

• Map Title: Map 117, Chippewa National Forest
• Project/Item: 2013 Stand Recon, Bid Item 1
• Geographic Features: Includes Johnson Lake and Vermillion Lake, roads, survey stands, forest stands, and ownership boundaries.
• Data Points: Displays various numbered locations and stand identifiers (e.g., 3-0245, 3-0236).
• Legend: Explains symbols for V Points, Survey Stand, Roads, Locations, Forest Stands, Ownership, and PLSS.
• Scale: 1:7920, 8 Inches = 1 Mile.
• Data Source: CNF-Stand Recon MISTeam Data, DB 20121203.

This map provides essential spatial information for bidders to understand the location and characteristics of the area relevant to the "2013 Stand Recon Bid Item 1" opportunity. It helps in visualizing the scope of work, potential site conditions, and the general environment of the project area.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "Attach 007_Watch List of Plants.pdf", appears to be a list of species designated as "Watch List Species" for the Chippewa National Forest and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. It is likely an informational attachment relevant to environmental considerations or ecological surveys associated with opportunities in this region.

The document is organized into sections for Arthropods, Birds, Fungi, Fish, Non-vascular Plants, Mammals, and Vascular Plants. Each entry includes a code, scientific name, common name, Forest Service (FS) Status, and Tribal Status.

Bidders interested in opportunities within the Chippewa National Forest or the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe's jurisdiction should review this document to understand potential environmental sensitivities or protected species that may be relevant to the scope of work, environmental impact assessments, or compliance requirements of the opportunity. It helps in assessing the ecological context of the project area.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "TES Plant Element Occurrence Form" for the Chippewa National Forest, last revised in February 2025. It is used to record detailed information about plant element occurrences, likely for ecological surveys or inventory purposes.

• General Information: Date, time, scientific name, record source, examiner details, ownership, and locational uncertainty (GPS error).
• Element Occurrence Data: Plant count type (genets/ramets), count (actual/estimate), phenology (vegetative, seedling/juvenile, flower/bud, fruit/dispersed), viability, and identification certainty.
• Population Comments: Observations on distribution, vigor, density, phenology, and dispersal.
• Soil Characteristics and Light Conditions: Substrate type, soil moisture, and light levels (full sun, partial shade, full shade).
• Habitat Quality and Management: Habitat description, condition (prime, good, marginal, gone, imperiled), and associated species.
• Specimen Information: Details on voucher collection, photo specimens, unique IDs, collectors, and specimen repository.
• Secondary Locations: UTM coordinates for secondary locations.

This form is a data collection tool. Bidders may need to use this form or a similar one if the opportunity involves ecological surveys, plant inventories, or environmental impact assessments within the Chippewa National Forest. Understanding the data points collected can help in preparing proposals that address specific ecological survey requirements.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document contains two separate Service Contract Act (SCA) wage determinations for the state of Minnesota:

• Wage Determination No. 2015-4955, Revision No. 31 (effective May 13, 2026) applies to the Minnesota counties of Becker, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Kittson, Lake of The Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Otter Tail, Pennington, Red Lake, Roseau, Wadena, and Wilkin.
• Wage Determination No. 2015-4959, Revision No. 29 (effective May 13, 2026) applies to the Minnesota counties of Aitkin, Cook, Itasca, Kanabec, Koochiching, Lake, and Pine.

These documents list various occupations and their corresponding minimum hourly wage rates and fringe benefits required for service contracts in the specified geographic areas. They also include details on:

• Health & Welfare Benefits: $5.55 per hour (or $222.00 per week / $962.00 per month).
• Paid Sick Leave (EO 13706): $5.09 per hour (or $203.60 per week / $882.27 per month), applicable under specific conditions.
• Vacation: Accrues based on years of service (2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 5 years, 4 weeks after 15 years).
• Holidays: A minimum of twelve paid holidays per year.
• Hazardous Pay Differential: An 8% differential for high-hazard work and a 4% differential for low-hazard work involving ordnance or explosives.
• Uniform Allowance: Details on contractor responsibilities for providing and maintaining uniforms.
• Conformance Process: Procedures for establishing wage rates for unlisted occupations.

These wage determinations are critical for any bidder proposing to provide services covered by the Service Contract Act in the specified Minnesota counties. Bidders must ensure their proposed labor costs and wage rates meet or exceed these minimums to be compliant. Failure to adhere to these wage determinations can result in non-compliance and potential penalties.