Hazard Tree Removal Fullerton Lake Recreation Area

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This memorandum provides formal clarification regarding the tree removal project and responds to inquiries submitted by prospective offerors on April 29 and 30, 2026.

• Project Scope & Site Layout: The project area includes approximately 72 standing dead hazard trees (snags), 8 standing live hazard trees, 167 stumps for grinding, and 300 downed logs across 65 acres. Standing hazard trees and stumps are marked with red paint. Downed logs are not marked but are estimated to be a minimum of 12 inches in diameter and 16 feet in length.
• Procurement Status: This is a new requirement, not a recompete.
• Underbrush Clearing: Underbrush clearing will be performed by the Forest Service and is not part of this contract. This clearing may not be completed prior to the start of the tree removal work.
• Site Visit: Offerors may conduct unescorted site visits at their convenience. A formal walkthrough is available from May 11th - 13th. The primary onsite Point of Contact (POC) is Chance Salter at 318-810-1540.

This document clarifies key aspects of the project scope, confirms it's a new requirement, and explicitly states that underbrush clearing is not included in the contract. It also provides details for site visits and a POC.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Request for Quote (RFQ) for commercial items. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (USDA-FS) is seeking quotes for services related to a campground.

While specific services are not detailed in this RFQ document, it references a "schedule of supplies/services" which would contain the detailed requirements. It also mentions a "Period of Performance" from 06/01/2026 to 08/31/2026.

• The document is a solicitation for commercial items.

• The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 115310, with a size standard of $34.

• The Period of Performance is from June 1, 2026, to August 31, 2026.

• Offer Due Date: May 22, 2026, at 1300 ET.

• Questions Due Date: May 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM Central Time.

• Questions should be submitted via email to tobi.shumaker@usda.gov. Please include the solicitation name and number in the email subject line.

• The solicitation number is 12443926Q0053-0001.

This acquisition is designated as "UNRESTRICTED" and does not appear to have a specific set-aside.

• Site Visits: Offerors may conduct unescorted site visits. For formal walkthroughs (May 11th - 13th) or additional onsite information, contact Chance Salter at 318-810-1540.
• The document indicates that FAR clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-3, and 52.212-5 are incorporated by reference and are attached.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for Hazard Tree Removal services at the Fullerton Lake Recreation Area. The primary objective is to identify, fell, remove, and dispose of approximately sixty-five (65) acres of designated hazard trees to mitigate overhead and ground-level hazards, restoring safe public access and administrative functionality following storm damage.

• Provide all labor, equipment, specialized supervision, transportation, and incidentals for hazard tree removal.

• Services to be performed within approximately sixty-five (65) acres of the Fullerton Lake Recreation Area.

• Detailed technical approach required to demonstrate understanding and capability.

• Award is anticipated as a firm fixed price purchase order.

• The Government intends to make one award.

• Period of Performance: 60 Days After Notice to Proceed, from 05/20/2026 to 07/31/2026.

• Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days from the offer due date.

• Offer Due Date: May 15th, 2026, 1300 ET.

• Offers must be submitted to Tobi Shumaker at tobi.shumaker@usda.gov.

• Evaluation will be based on the lowest price technically acceptable criteria.

• Evaluation factors include Price, Technical Acceptability, and Past Performance.

• Technical Acceptability will be rated "acceptable" or "unacceptable."

• Past Performance will be evaluated using an "Acceptable," "Neutral," or "Unacceptable" rating system.

• Questions are due no later than May 9th, 2026, at 1:00 PM Pacific Central Time.

• NAICS Code: 115310

• The acquisition is UNRESTRICTED.

• This solicitation incorporates FAR and AGAR clauses by reference. Full text is available upon request or electronically.

• Key attachments include: Statement of Work, WD 1980-0614 R74, and Performance Relevancy Questionnaire.

• Offerors must complete and sign SF1449, provide a Technical Approach, and Attachment 5 – Performance Relevancy Questionnaire to be considered responsive.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Wage Determination (WD 1980-0614, Revision 74) issued by the U.S. Department of Labor for service contracts in Louisiana Statewide. It specifies the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations involved in forestry, land management, public use area cleaning, and timber inventory services.

• Occupational Listing: Provides a list of specific job titles (e.g., Brush/Precommercial Thinner, Forestry Equipment Operator, Tree Planter) with corresponding minimum hourly wage rates.
• Fringe Benefits: Details required fringe benefits, including Health & Welfare ($5.55/hour or $5.09/hour under EO 13706) and Paid Sick Leave (1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 56 hours annually).
• Vacation: Specifies 2 weeks paid vacation after 1 year of service and 3 weeks after 10 years.
• Holidays: Lists 11 paid holidays per year.
• Uniform Allowance: Outlines requirements for furnishing or reimbursing uniform costs and maintenance ($3.35 per week for cleaning/maintenance if not "wash and wear").
• Executive Orders: References Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (minimum wage adjustments).
• Conformance Process: Details the procedure for contractors to request additional classifications and wage rates if an occupation is not listed in the determination.

This wage determination is critical for bidders responding to solicitations that fall under the Service Contract Act for the specified services and geographic area. Bidders must incorporate these minimum wage rates and fringe benefits into their cost proposals to ensure compliance. Failure to adhere to these requirements can lead to non-compliance and impact bid competitiveness. The document also outlines the process for handling unlisted occupations, which bidders must follow if applicable.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Exhibit B: Performance Relevancy Questionnaire. It is designed to gather information from potential offerors regarding their experience and qualifications relevant to the solicitation. Bidders are instructed to complete this form and return it with their Quote/Proposal.

• Contractor Information: Name, address, and telephone number.
• Solicitation Reference: Field to reference the Solicitation Number.
• Experience Questions: Questions regarding years of experience as a prime contractor, subcontractor, and whether the offeror is the prime contractor.
• Personnel Information: For non-prime contractors, details on personnel performing the service.
• Part 1 - Past/Current Projects: A table to list up to 5 similar projects completed within the last 3 years, including contract amount, type of project, date completed, and contact information for project references.
• Concurrent Commitments: A table to list current contractual commitments, including contract number, dollar amount, government agency, percentage completed, and completion date.
• Past Performance Questions: Questions about failure to complete work and work completed under a performance bond, with a request for details if applicable.
• Part 2 - Specialized Experience: Instructions to describe specific elements of work performed, subcontractor involvement, unique technical areas, and a point of contact for the government agency.
• Certification: A statement certifying the accuracy of the provided information and authorization for the Forest Service to verify capabilities.

This questionnaire is crucial for bidders to demonstrate their past performance and specialized experience. Completing it accurately and thoroughly will help the government assess the bidder's capability to successfully perform the work outlined in the solicitation. The information provided will be a key factor in the evaluation of the offeror's relevancy and overall proposal.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To identify, fell, remove, and dispose of designated hazard trees within approximately 65 acres of the Fullerton Lake Recreation Area to eliminate hazardous conditions and ensure safe public access.

• Felling and removal of downed dead trees, standing dead trees, and structurally compromised live trees.

• Limbing, bucking, and site cleanup.

• Hauling and disposal of woody debris to a designated gravel pit approximately 8.5 miles from the site.

• Stump grinding within the campground footprint to be flush with grade (not to exceed 2 inches above ground surface).

• Mitigation of hazard trees within developed recreation footprints including campgrounds, parking areas, road corridors, trails, and day-use areas.

• Work to be completed within 60 calendar days from Notice to Proceed (NTP).

• Location: Fullerton Lake Recreation Area, Calcasieu Ranger District, Kisatchie National Forest, near state route LA-399.

• All designated hazard trees must be removed or mitigated.

• No hazard trees should remain within striking distance of developed infrastructure or use areas.

• The recreation site must be left in a clean, safe, and usable condition.

• No avoidable damage to roads, campsites, utilities, or other improvements.

• Contractor shall comply with applicable OSHA standards and Forest Service Manuals.

• Contractor shall ensure all personnel are trained and qualified, utilize appropriate PPE, establish safe work zones, conduct daily Job Hazard Analyses, and protect the public and property.

• Operations shall minimize disturbance to soil, water, and residual vegetation.

• Contractor shall prevent and control spills of fuel, oil, or hazardous materials.

• Site conditions include no potable water, no toilet facilities, and no electrical power available.

• Work may occur in areas open to the public; temporary closures or traffic control may be required.

• Payment will be made as a single lump sum for completion of all work, including labor, equipment, supervision, felling, limbing, processing, hauling, disposal, stump grinding, site cleanup, and incidentals.