Non-Commercial Thin/Sectioning - Deer Thin Sectioning #2 - Wallowa Whitman National Forest
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. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service is seeking proposals for Non-Commercial Thin/Sectioning Services in the Deer Thin Sectioning #2 project units of the Wallowa Whitman National Forest, Oregon. This Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity aims to reduce hazardous fuels across approximately 737 acres. Proposals are due by June 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM MT.
Project Overview & Scope
This requirement is for non-commercial thinning and hand pile services to alter the continuity of the fuel bed in open Ponderosa Pine stands. The primary objectives include reducing woody debris and hazardous ladder fuels, creating slash pockets for future prescribed fire application, enhancing firefighter safety, improving wildfire suppression success, minimizing damage to natural resources, and reducing risks to adjacent private property.
The scope of work covers approximately 737 acres across units S5, S7, S8, S10, S10A, and S11 within the Whitman Ranger District. Key tasks involve:
- Thinning & Removal: Selective felling of specific tree species (e.g., White-Fir, Grand-Fir, Lodgepole Pine, Englemann Spruce up to 9.0" DBH, all Junipers, diseased/damaged/suppressed priority species, mistletoe-infected trees, standing dead trees) while retaining Western White Pine, Western Larch, Ponderosa Pine, and Douglas-Fir.
- Felling Specifications: Trees cut into 8-10 foot sections, felled away from water features, with lowest live limbs severed from stumps.
- Clearing: Specific clearing requirements around Ponderosa Pine and Aspen.
- Site Management: Protection and immediate repair of fences, adherence to stump height limits (max 3"), and clearing along system roads.
- Performance Standards: General unit spacing of at least 20 feet between remaining trees, increasing to 30 feet within 150 feet of private land. Slash must be suitable for prescribed burning.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Anticipated Firm-Fixed Priced contract (Non-Personnel Services).
- Period of Performance: June 15, 2026 – November 30, 2026.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- NAICS Code: 115310 (Forestry and Logging), with a size standard of $34 million.
- Place of Performance: Wallowa Whitman National Forest, Whitman Ranger District, Oregon.
Submission & Evaluation
- Proposal Due Date: June 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM MT.
- Submission Method: Electronically via email to anthony.salas@usda.gov.
- Required Attachments: Technical Capability (PDF), Past Performance (PDF), and Price (PDF).
- Evaluation Criteria: Best value determination based on Technical Approach, Price, and Past Performance. Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days.
- Questions: Due by May 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM MT. Answers will be posted on SAM.gov by May 29, 2026, at 11:00 AM MT.
Special Requirements & Notes
Bidders must comply with Service Contract Act Wage Determination No. 1977-0079, Revision No. 82, which specifies minimum wage rates, fringe benefits, paid sick leave, vacation, holidays, and uniform allowances for Forestry and Logging Services in Oregon. A Contractor Work Plan and Property Plan are required within 14 days of award, and Key Personnel contact information within 7 days. No site visit is scheduled; bidders are encouraged to conduct their own research.