Conecuh National Forest - Mulching Project
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 USDA Forest Service is soliciting quotations for a Mulching Project on the Conecuh National Forest in Andalusia, Alabama. This is a service contract for vegetation reduction, specifically mulching, grinding, masticating, or chipping. The opportunity is a Total Small Business Set-Aside with a NAICS code of 115310 (Forestry, $12 million size standard). Quotations are due by May 7, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
The primary objective is to restore and maintain longleaf pine forests and associated ecosystems by removing interfering vegetation, reducing fuel loads, and decreasing wildfire threats. The scope includes mechanically treating shrubs, brush, saplings, and trees less than 12 inches in Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), as well as other marked trees within specified project areas in Covington County, Alabama. Residues may be left onsite, and stumps must be reduced to no greater than 4 inches tall. Contractors must minimize damage to longleaf pine trees, with penalties for damage exceeding 10%.
Contract Details
- Type: Request for Quotation (RFQ), anticipated Firm-Fixed Price service contract.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- NAICS: 115310, size standard $12 million.
- Period of Performance: Work can begin as soon as June 1, 2026, and must be completed by September 30, 2026. Work must commence within 10 calendar days of Notice to Proceed and be completed within 60 calendar days.
- Place of Performance: Conecuh Ranger District, Conecuh National Forest, Andalusia, Covington County, Alabama.
Key Requirements
- Provide vegetation reduction services as detailed in the Statement of Work (Attachment 2).
- Specific items and estimated quantities are outlined in the Schedule of Items (Attachment 1).
- Contractor must provide all personnel and equipment, including a minimum 110 horsepower machine with a drum-type mulching head.
- Compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and Alabama Best Management Practices for Forestry is required.
- Offerors are urged to inspect the site; no formal site visit will be conducted.
- Wage Determination WD 2002-0147 (Attachment 4) for forestry services in Alabama Statewide applies.
Submission & Evaluation
- Offerors must submit pricing for all items to be considered responsive.
- Evaluation factors for award are: Technical (proposed equipment), Past Performance, and Price.
- Technical Capability and Past Performance combined are more important than Price.
- Proposed equipment will be evaluated on age, type, and quantity.
- Past Performance will be assessed as Acceptable or Neutral.
- Award will be made to the highest technically rated offeror, provided the price is fair and reasonable and past performance is acceptable or neutral. Tradeoffs will not be conducted.
- Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days from the receipt of offers.
Key Deadlines & Points of Contact
- Questions Due: April 24, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
- Quotations Due: May 7, 2026, at 3:59 AM Eastern Time.
- Primary Contact: Shannon Wrobel (shannon.wrobel@usda.gov).
- Secondary Contact: Laniece Nixon (laniece.nixon@usda.gov).
- Include the solicitation name and number in the subject line of all email correspondence.