Sierra NF High Sierra & Bass Lake Reforestation

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to vendor questions regarding RFQ 127EAS26Q0017.

• Georeferenced Maps: PDF attachments are provided in their only available format via SAM.gov. Adobe Acrobat is recommended for viewing.
• Data Table for High Sierra Units: No separate data table is provided for the High Sierra units (HSRD) as specifications are consistent across units and detailed in the SOW.
• HSRD Planting Specifications:
  • Spacing: 18ft by 18ft, resulting in 135 planting spots per acre.
  • Seedlings per spot: Two seedlings per spot, totaling 270 planted trees per acre (actual field conditions may result in fewer).
  • Spacing Variation: Average spacing may vary up to 25% in any direction to find a suitable spot, but the number of seedlings per acre will not be materially increased or decreased.
  • Seedling Type: Each spot will be planted with two seedlings of the same species. Species mixtures will be directed by the government representative.
  • Multiple Species Planting: If multiple species are planted, each spot will contain only one species. If only one of a species remains, a second tree of a different species will be planted.

This document clarifies the format of provided maps and confirms that the SOW contains all necessary specifications for planting, including for the High Sierra units, without requiring a separate data table.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a fillable Schedule of Items (SOI) for the Sierra National Forest (NF) High Sierra & Bass Lake Reforestation opportunity. Bidders are instructed to carefully read its contents before preparing their quote.

• ITEM NO. 0001: Sierra NF High Sierra & Bass Lake Reforestation
  • Component 1: Seedlings - High Sierra Ranger District Reforestation (Quantity: 310,000 Each)
  • Component 2: Seedlings - Bass Lake Ranger District Reforestation (Quantity: 83,500 Each)
  • Component 3: Walk-in Rate (Quantity: 16 Hours)
• Fields for Vendor Name, SAM UEI #, Business Email, Business Phone, and Authorized Signatory (Name & Title).
• Signature and Date fields.

This form requires bidders to provide their pricing for the specified reforestation components (seedlings and labor hours). Submission of a signed SOI represents the offeror's commitment to the data provided. Bidders are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all values, including auto-calculated cells, as the government is not liable for pricing errors. The award will be made to a single offeror.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a map illustrating the proposed planting areas for the "2026 Tree Planting" project in the Bass Lake Ranger District. It serves as a visual aid for potential bidders to understand the geographical scope and location of the work.

• Project Title: 2026 Tree Planting, Bass Lake Ranger District.
• Map Units: Outlined areas labeled '18' and '19', and a general area labeled 'Buffin Meadow'.
• Geographic Features: Includes contour lines, perennial/intermittent streams, ephemeral streams, and roads.
• Scale: Provided as 1:7,780 with a mileage bar.
• Notes: Indicates that contract maps are estimated shapes and unit boundaries will be defined on-site. It also mentions that interplanting work areas will be near one another.

This map is crucial for bidders to visualize the terrain and specific locations where tree planting is to occur. It helps in assessing the logistical challenges, potential resource needs, and overall feasibility of undertaking the project. Bidders should use this map in conjunction with other solicitation documents to prepare accurate proposals.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items for reforestation services in the High Sierra Ranger District and Bass Lake Ranger District, Sierra National Forest. The work involves auger planting conifer trees across multiple elevation bands during the spring months.

• Reforestation services including auger planting of conifer trees.

• Specific details on requirements are found in Section B and Attachments listed in Section D.

• Project locations are detailed in Sections B and D.

• Anticipated award type: Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order.

• One award is anticipated.

• Period of Performance (Projected): Notice to Proceed + 45 Days (Start: April 3, 2026; End: May 18, 2026).

• Submission Deadline: April 20, 2026, 1700 PDT.

• Submission Method: Electronically via email to matthew.killian@usda.gov.

• Questions Due: March 17, 2026, 1700 PDT.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government, based on the following factors:

  • Technical Approach to Performing the Work
  • Responsibility (FAR 9.104-1)
  • Experience & Past Performance (Offerors must complete Attachment 5 - Experience Questionnaire)
  • Price (evaluated for reasonableness per FAR 12.204 and 13.106-3(a))

• A comparative evaluation methodology will be used.

• Total Small Business Set-aside.

• NAICS Code: 115310 - Support Activities for Forestry.

• Small Business Size Standard: $11.5M.

• All offerors must have an ACTIVE registration in SAM.gov.

• No formal site visit will be held; self-guided visits are encouraged.

• Offerors must use the provided Excel spreadsheet (Attachment 6 - Fillable SOI) for pricing.

• The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2025-06.

• Key attachments include Statement of Work, Maps, Wage Determination, Schedule of Items, and Experience Questionnaire.

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

This Statement of Work outlines the requirements for tree planting services in the Sierra National Forest, specifically within the High Sierra Ranger District and the Bass Lake Ranger District of California.

• Procure auger planting services for approximately 310,000 seedlings in the High Sierra Ranger District and 83,500 seedlings in the Bass Lake Ranger District.

• Planting will occur in areas ranging from 3,800 to 7,500 feet elevation.

• Specific tree species will be planted based on elevation and site conditions, including Ponderosa pine, sugar pine, Douglas fir, Jeffery pine, white fir, and red fir.

• Both bare root and containerized seedlings will be used.

• "Shade cards" may be required for certain species to provide shade, and these will be provided by the government.

• Planting sites are generally located near Big Creek, between Shaver and Huntington Lakes.

• Specific work areas include units impacted by the Creek Fire (2020) and French Fire Recovery, Creek Fire Recovery-Incline and Doghouse, and Buffin project areas.

• Seedlings must be planted to meet specific spacing requirements (e.g., 18ft x 18ft in High Sierra, varying in Bass Lake).

• Planting quality must be at least 90% acceptable for payment.

• Progress must meet a minimum acceptable rate, with potential termination for failure to meet quality or progress standards.

• Deductions will be made for wasted trees at a rate of $15.00 per tree.

• Anticipated Start Date: Early April 2026 (projection, dependent on contract award).

• Contract Time: NTP +45 calendar days.

• Planting season is generally March to May, dependent on weather and snowpack.

• Work may be performed at any time during the contract period, subject to weather and fire plan restrictions.

• Contractors must provide all equipment, supplies, transportation, and labor, except for government-furnished seedlings and shade cards.

• Specific care and handling procedures for seedlings must be followed to prevent damage.

• Contractors must protect known archaeological, historic, and prehistoric sites.

• Equipment used must be cleaned before entering the project area to prevent the spread of noxious weeds.

• A Spill Prevention and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan may be required if oil storage exceeds 1,320 gallons.

• The Contractor must have a person on-site fully conversant in English.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains maps illustrating areas designated for "2026 Tree Planting" within the Bass Lake Ranger District. These maps are intended to visually define the specific units or zones where tree planting activities are planned.

• Topographic Maps: Detailed contour lines, elevation markers, and terrain features.
• Designated Planting Units: Outlined areas with specific unit numbers (e.g., 517-004, 517-FBKNEHO, 513-001, 517-080, 517-074, 517-066, 517-065, 523-022, 523-044, 522-081, 522-077).
• Geographic Features: Identification of roads, perennial/intermittent streams, and ephemeral streams.
• Legend: Explains the symbols used for powerlines, streams, roads, and the "FY26_Planting" areas.
• Scale and North Arrow: Provides scale bars and directional indicators for spatial reference.
• Contract Notes: Includes disclaimers that contract maps are estimated shapes and unit boundaries will be defined on-site.

These maps are crucial for potential bidders to understand the geographical scope and specific locations of the tree planting work. They provide essential visual information for assessing the terrain, accessibility, and potential challenges associated with each planting unit, aiding in bid preparation and resource planning.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a map providing geographical information for the "2026 Tree Planting" opportunity in the Bass Lake Ranger District. It outlines the specific areas designated for planting and related features.

• Geographic Area: The map covers a specific region within the Bass Lake Ranger District, indicated by latitude and longitude lines (24 E, 7 S).
• Designated Planting Area: A highlighted area labeled "520-0046" and "28" denotes the primary location for the "FY26_Planting" activity.
• Topographical Features: Includes contour lines representing elevation, streams (perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral), roads, and powerlines.
• Scale and Legend: Provides a map scale (1:13,354) and a legend to interpret the various symbols and lines used.
• Notes: Mentions that contract maps are estimated shapes and unit boundaries will be defined on-site. It also notes that interplanting work areas will be near one another.

This map is crucial for bidders to understand the physical location, terrain, and specific boundaries of the tree planting work. It helps in assessing the scope, potential challenges, and logistical requirements for the opportunity.

Wage Determination

This document establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits for various occupations employed on service contracts for forestry, land management, and the cleaning of public use areas and timber inventory services within California Statewide.

• Brush/Precommercial Thinner: $19.88

• Choker Setter: $20.90

• Faller/Bucker: $43.23

• Fire Lookout: $19.88

• Forestry/Logging Heavy Equipment Operator: $23.58

• Forestry Technician: $22.12

• Forestry Truck Driver: $23.92

• General Forestry Laborer: $19.49

• Nursery Specialist: $27.59

• Slash Piler/Burner: $19.88

• Tree Climber: $22.34

• Tree Planter: $17.71

• Tree Planter, Mechanical: $17.71

• Health & Welfare: $5.55 per hour (up to 40 hours/week) or $222.00/week.

• Paid Sick Leave (EO 13706): 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 56 hours annually, for contracts covered by EO 13706.

• Vacation: 2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 5 years, 4 weeks after 15 years of service with contractor/successor.

• Holidays: Minimum of eleven paid holidays per year.

Contractors must furnish uniforms or reimburse employees for the cost of uniforms and maintenance ($3.35/week or $.67/day), unless uniforms are "wash and wear" and do not require special cleaning.

Provides instructions for contractors to request authorization for additional classifications and wage rates not listed in this determination using Standard Form 1444 (SF-1444), requiring a reasonable relationship to listed classifications and rates. This process must be initiated before contract work begins for unlisted classes.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Experience Questionnaire intended for potential bidders to provide information about their firm's qualifications and past performance. It is used by the USDA Forest Service to assess a contractor's capability to perform the work contemplated by the solicitation.

• Contractor Information: Name, address, telephone number.
• Business Type: Contractor to indicate if they are a Company, Co-partnership, Corporation, Individual, or Non-profit Organization.
• Experience: Questions regarding years of experience in the line of work and as a prime/sub-contractor.
• Past Projects: A section to list projects completed within the last three years, including contract amount, type of project, date completed, and owner/contact information.
• Current Commitments: A section to list concurrent contractual commitments.
• Performance History: Questions regarding past failures to complete work or work completed by performance bond.
• Organization and Work Availability: Details on minimum/maximum employees, payroll status, available equipment, and estimated progress rates.
• Key Personnel Experience: Information on the experience of principal individuals.
• Equipment: A detailed list of owned or rented equipment, including maintenance and cleaning plans.
• Quality Assurance: Description of contractor self-inspection procedures.
• Certification: A statement certifying the completeness and correctness of the provided information.

Bidders must complete this questionnaire accurately and thoroughly. The information provided will be used by the government to evaluate the bidder's experience, capacity, and overall capability to successfully perform the contract requirements. Failure to provide complete and satisfactory information may impact the evaluation of the proposal.