PNW Alaska On-Grid Plots - Prince of Wales

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "Forest Inventory and Analysis Field Guide, Volume I: Field Data Collection Procedures for Phase 2 Plots, in Alaska, Version 9.5". It provides detailed procedures, codes, standards, and definitions for field personnel conducting forest inventories in Alaska.

• Organization of the Manual: Structured for field personnel, with chapters corresponding to specific functions in plot location, measurement, and data recording.
• Core Data: Incorporates procedures from the Forest Inventory and Analysis National Core Field Guide, Version 9.5.
• Regional Adjustments: Notes regional procedures in italic font within underlined text or shaded tables.
• Data Item Display: Examples show how data items are displayed based on source (CORE or regional), with NIMS codes for Core items and regional codes for regional items.
• Plot Design: Details the four-subplot design (1/24 acre each) with microplots (1/300 acre each) and specific layout and referencing procedures.
• Safety: Emphasizes safety as the number one priority, with detailed subsections on safety in the woods, around helicopters, and on the road.
• Plot Establishment: Outlines procedures for establishing new plots and dealing with established plot issues like difficulty finding plots or incorrectly installed plots.
• Data Collection: Covers plot-level data, condition class determination, tree and sapling data, down woody materials, vegetation profile, invasive plants, GPS coordinates, and soil data.
• Appendices: Includes appendices for reference information, damage codes, ownership procedures, site index equations, tree coding guides, plot forms, and a glossary.

This document is crucial for any bidder involved in forest inventory, land management, or ecological assessment projects in Alaska. It outlines the standardized methodology, data collection protocols, and specific requirements for field data collection, ensuring consistency and accuracy. Understanding these procedures is essential for accurate proposal development and successful execution of related contracts.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for commercial items to procure services for locating, remeasuring, and/or installing Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) fixed radius sample plots in the Alaska Prince of Wales area. The services include providing digital delivery of data and related work. The contractor will furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, operating supplies, and incidentals, except for Government Furnished Equipment.

• Locating, remeasuring, and/or installing FIA fixed radius sample plots.

• Providing digital delivery of data.

• Work to be performed in accordance with the Field Instructions for the most recent Alaska Annual Inventory.

• Certification plots will be selected by the Government and accessible by foot within 50 miles of Anchorage.

• Anticipated Period of Performance: April 1, 2026 – September 1, 2026.

• Contract type is anticipated to be firm-fixed price.

• The Government reserves the right to make multiple awards for different line items if it's in the best interest of the Government, but intends to make one award.

• Offers must be submitted electronically via email to anthony.salas@usda.gov no later than March 13th, 2026, at 11:00 AM (MT).

• Emails should contain 3 separate attachments: Technical Capability (PDF), Past Performance (PDF), and Price (PDF).

• Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government.

• Evaluation will be based on Technical Factor(s) (Available Resources, Ability, Key Personnel), Past Performance, and Price.

• Price is the primary evaluation factor for determining award.

• Questions concerning the solicitation must be submitted electronically to anthony.salas@usda.gov no later than March 6th, 2026, at 11:00 AM (MT).

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

• The applicable North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) Code is 115310.

• The small business size standard is $11.5 million.

• This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• See "Attachment 1 - Solicitation Terms and Conditions" for applicable clauses, instructions, and evaluation criteria.

• A list of 10 attachments is provided, including Solicitation Terms and Conditions, Performance Work Statement, Non-Disclosure Agreement, and various Exhibits.

• The full text of provisions and clauses may be accessed electronically at www.acquisition.gov.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a map displaying the vicinity and locations of contract plots for the Forest Inventory & Analysis Coastal Alaska - Field Season 2026 on Prince of Wales Island. It serves to visually represent the geographical distribution of the plots relevant to the contract.

• The map shows numerous numbered points representing individual contract plots.
• A zoomed-out inset map indicates the general location of Prince of Wales Island within Alaska.
• A scale bar is provided for estimating distances in miles.
• Contact information for Dan Irvine (daniel.r.irvine@usda.gov) is included for further inquiries.
• A disclaimer states the map is "Not for navigational use" and plot locations are approximate.

This map is crucial for potential bidders to understand the geographical scope and operational areas for the field season. It helps in assessing logistical challenges, travel requirements, and the spatial extent of the work associated with the opportunity.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Wage Determination issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, under the Service Contract Act. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations in specific geographic areas. This document is crucial for contractors to understand labor cost requirements when bidding on or performing federal service contracts.

• Wage Determination Number: 2015-5685, Revision No.: 27
• Date of Last Revision: 12/03/2025
• Geographic Area: Alaska Boroughs of Haines, Juneau, Ketchikan Gateway, Prince of Wales, Sitka, Skagway-Yakutat, Wrangell-Peters.
• Occupational Listings: Includes a comprehensive list of occupations with corresponding minimum hourly wage rates.
• Fringe Benefits: Details required health and welfare benefits, vacation time, and paid holidays.
• Executive Orders: References Executive Orders 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (Minimum Wage) and their applicability.
• Conformance Process: Outlines the procedure for establishing wage rates for unlisted classifications.

This wage determination directly impacts the labor costs associated with any federal service contract in the specified geographic area. Bidders must use these rates to accurately calculate their proposed pricing, ensuring compliance with federal labor laws. Failure to adhere to these wage and benefit requirements can lead to contract violations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 9 - Exhibit G - Scoring Weights.xlsx", outlines the weighting percentages assigned to various categories for the evaluation of proposals related to this opportunity. It serves as a guide for bidders to understand how different aspects of their submission will be assessed.

• Tally Items: 20%
• Tree & Snag Attributes: 20%
• Condition Class: 10%
• Subplot Attributes: 7.5%
• Downed Woody Materials: 7.5%
• Vegetation Profile: 7.5%
• Boundary References: 5%
• Site Index: 5%
• Plot Locations: 5%
• Plot Attributes: 3.75%
• Seedling Data: 3.75%
• Invasive Plants: 2.5%
• Plot Packet: 2.5%

Bidders should carefully review these scoring weights to prioritize their efforts in proposal development. Understanding the relative importance of each category will help in allocating resources and focusing on the areas that carry the most weight in the evaluation process, thereby increasing the likelihood of a successful bid.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "Electronic Plot Folder Inspection Form - Forested Plots." It serves as a checklist for quality assurance and data verification during forest inventory data collection for the Coastal Alaska Inventory project. It guides inspectors in ensuring plot data is accurate, complete, and consistent with established protocols.

• Date, Plot ID, QA ID: Fields for identifying the inspection and the specific plot.
• Items to be corrected / Notes to QA: Sections for recording specific issues found during inspection and for QA personnel to provide feedback or instructions.
• Checklist Sections: Detailed checks covering:
  • Plot Card: Legibility, completeness, presence of sketch maps, header information accuracy.
  • Plot Data: Verification of narrative and access description fields, checking for discrepancies between narrative, digital data, and maps.
  • GPS Data: Accuracy of coordinates, explanation of any GPS warnings or mislocations.
  • Site Tree Data: Adherence to selection criteria, notes for non-used or questionable site trees, and explanations for missing site trees.
  • Condition Data: Consistency of stand characteristics, regeneration status, and density; accuracy of land condition status changes.
  • Boundary Data: Verification of boundary changes and correct coding.
  • Veg Data: Accuracy of species codes and descriptions.
  • Tree Data: Reconciliation of tree codes, diameter checks, damage codes, and tree notes; consistency of mortality year with disturbance/treatment year.
  • Plot Printout: Clarity and support for data, explanations for anomalies, and validation checks.
  • Ownership: Verification of ownership records in MIDAS.

While this is an internal quality control form, it highlights the rigorous data standards and verification processes employed in the project. Bidders involved in related forestry or environmental data collection projects may find it useful to understand the level of detail and accuracy expected in such inventories. It indirectly informs potential bidders about the quality of data underpinning the opportunity.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "2026 Coastal Alaska Plot Edit Sheet," is a form used by field crews to record data and make edits during plot data collection for the Coastal Alaska Inventory. It serves as a checklist and guide for ensuring data accuracy and completeness.

• Plot Card Information: Details on filling out the plot card, including header information, travel times, and plot diagrams.
• Plot Folder & Plot Data Print Out: Instructions for checking errors and warnings, making edits in MIDAS Mobile, and preparing files for Quality Assurance (QA) review.
• Plot Data Fields: Specific guidance on recording various data points such as Crew Type, Transportation, Topo Position, Distance to Improved Road, and Plot Access Description.
• Site Tree Data: Instructions for recording Site Index, Questionable Site Tree flags, and Site Tree Notes.
• Condition Class Data: Guidance on Reserved Status, Owner Group, Forest Type, Stand Size, Stand Age, Physiographic Class, Fuel Model, Disturbance and Treatment, and Cover Class.
• Data Edits: Sections covering map errors, subplot data, boundary data, unlisted trees, seedling data, vegetation species and structure, invasive species, and tree data.
• Nonforest and Nonsampled Plots: Specific instructions for plots that are entirely nonforest or nonsampled but have the possibility of becoming forest land.

While this document is primarily an internal field data collection form, it provides insight into the detailed data collection and verification processes used in the Coastal Alaska Inventory. Understanding these processes can help bidders appreciate the rigor of the data underlying any related opportunities and may highlight specific data points or requirements that are critical to the inventory's success. It details the types of information collected about forest conditions, which could be relevant for understanding the scope of future work or the data management aspects of a contract.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the specific hardware, software, and data processing procedures required for the Mobile Integrated Data Acquisition System (MIDAS) used for FIA Data Collection. It details the equipment and software the contractor must provide or use, as well as the procedures for data processing and submission.

• Portable Data Recorder (PDR): Requirements for supporting MIDAS, including options for government-provided or contractor-furnished equipment with specific technical support and storage criteria. Software upgrades will be provided via the MIDAS website.
• Personal Computer/Laptop: Specifications include Windows 10, Java Version 8 Update 121+, Microsoft Office 2013, and Adobe Reader 2019+. Installation and updates for MIDAS software will be managed through the MIDAS website.
• Submeter GNSS: The government will provide JAVAD TRIUMPH-2 (L2+GLONASS) units. Contractors may furnish their own, but they must be the same model. No other high-precision GNSS units are acceptable.
• Data Processing & Submission: Procedures involve using government-provided MIDAS software for data entry and editing, resolving errors/warnings, downloading historical data and EPF files, and uploading completed plots via the MIDAS website. Software updates are to be received through the MIDAS website. Specific instructions are provided for handling .jps files from GNSS units and using MIDAS Mobile or Control Panel for plot editing. Final data packaging and submission are done via MIDAS Plot Packager and MIDAS Web.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the technical requirements and operational procedures for data collection and submission. It specifies the exact hardware and software that must be used or provided, directly impacting resource allocation, procurement decisions, and the technical approach for any vendor bidding on this opportunity. Failure to comply with these specifications could lead to non-compliance or disqualification.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 4 - Exhibit B - Public Plot List Prince of Wales for Contract 2026.xlsx", is an Excel spreadsheet containing detailed information about public plots relevant to Contract 2026. It serves as an exhibit providing specific data points for each plot.

The spreadsheet includes the following columns for each plot:

• COUNTYCD
• PUBLIC_PLOT_NBR
• LAT_FIADB
• LON_FIADB
• INVYR (Inventory Year)
• PREV_MEASYEAR (Previous Measurement Year)
• COND_COUNT_PREV
• CONDITION_STATUS_LIST_PREV
• FOREST_TYPE_PREV
• SLOPE_PREV
• STAND_SIZE_CLASS_PREV
• PREVIOUS_PLOT_ACCESS
• PLOT_REVIEW_NOTES

Each row represents a specific plot with its associated geographical coordinates, inventory data, condition status, forest type, slope, stand size, access method, and review notes. The data indicates recent inventory years (2023-2024) and previous measurement years (2012-2013).

This exhibit provides critical data for potential bidders to understand the physical characteristics and conditions of the areas associated with Contract 2026. The plot data, including location, forest type, slope, access, and review notes, can inform bidders about the nature of the work, potential challenges (e.g., terrain, access difficulties), and the current state of the environment. This information is essential for developing accurate proposals, estimating resources, and assessing the feasibility of performing work in these specific locations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Nondisclosure Agreement (NDA) required for access to confidential information related to the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Program of the USDA Forest Service. It outlines the conditions under which proprietary information, including sensitive but unclassified data, can be disclosed to a recipient employee.

• Defines "Proprietary Information" to include data, know-how, formulas, processes, designs, sketches, photographs, plans, drawings, specifications, samples, reports, customer lists, price lists, studies, findings, inventions, or ideas.
• Specifies that individual sample site location data is confidential and prohibits its unauthorized distribution or publication.
• Outlines permitted uses of confidential data: "collection, statistical, analytical and research purposes" and other purposes that enhance the FIA Program.
• Prohibits dissemination of owner-specific data to individuals not directly associated with the project.
• Mandates secure storage of confidential data on password-protected computers with restricted network access.
• States the agreement is effective for one (1) year from the date of final signature, but confidentiality obligations extend for five (5) years from the agreement's expiration.
• Details conditions under which confidential information is excluded from confidentiality (e.g., prior possession, public availability, independent development).

Bidders may be required to sign this NDA if the opportunity involves access to or handling of confidential FIA Program data, particularly concerning plot locations, ownership data, or non-public mill data. Understanding these terms is crucial for compliance and for assessing the scope of data handling responsibilities associated with the opportunity.

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

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for the Alaska Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Field Data Collection project. The objective is to conduct annual data acquisition for inventory and monitoring of Alaska's forests.

• Locate, remeasure, and/or install Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) fixed radius sample plots on National Forest and other lands.

• Provide digital delivery of collected data.

• Perform related work in accordance with the latest Field Instructions for the Alaska Annual Inventory.

• The contractor will furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, operating supplies, and incidentals, except for Government Furnished Equipment.

• Plots must be measured in accordance with the "Field Instructions" and using Government-supplied software (MIDAS).

• Data must be submitted within 14 calendar days of field completion.

• Plots must meet specific quality criteria, with a minimum of 90% quality for satisfactory payment.

• Inspection of plots will be conducted by the Government.

• Period of Performance: April 1 through September 1.

• Field work must be completed and submitted at least 30 days prior to the end of the period of performance.

• Location: State of Alaska.

• Contractor must furnish crews responsible for locating, measuring, and maintaining plots.

• Contractor must provide necessary hardware and software, except for Government Furnished Property.

• A mandatory crew orientation training session is required.

• Crew Leaders must be certified by the Government.

• Security requirements include signing a Non-Disclosure (Confidentiality) Agreement.

• Data collected must be returned to the Government prior to contract expiration and protected in accordance with confidentiality agreements.

• Section 508 compliance is noted as 'NA'.