2027 LaCroix Ranger District IRSCs
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. Forest Service is conducting a Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) to identify qualified timber operators and fuels contractors for hazardous fuels reduction treatments through timber harvest on the LaCroix Ranger District of the Superior National Forest, Minnesota. The agency seeks capability statements and questionnaire responses for four project areas totaling approximately 2,103 acres and 16,790 MBF of timber. Responses are due by June 1, 2026, at 08:00 A.M. PDT.
Scope of Work
The anticipated scope includes:
- Timber Removal: Harvest approximately 16.8 MMBF of low-value timber via clearcut, shelterwood, and/or commercial thinning across 2,100 acres in four project locations (Can Crusher, Finkus, Pac Man, Wild).
- Infrastructure: Temporary road construction and obliteration.
- Fuels Management: Slash piling and covering.
- Service Work (may include): Pre-commercial thinning, timber stand improvement, forest system road improvements, manual/mechanical fireline construction, fuel break establishment/maintenance, hazardous fuel reduction (balsam fir, small diameter sub-merchantable species, dead standing/down, brush, limbs, logging slash), mastication/mulching/crushing, chipping, slashing, manual/mechanical cut and pile (including covering), and removal of non-merchantable (biomass) material.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) for market research and planning purposes.
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage).
- Place of Performance: LaCroix Ranger District, Superior National Forest, Cook, MN (55723).
- Period of Performance: Work to be completed by May 2031 if awarded.
- Solicitation Anticipated: No later than spring 2027.
- Response Due: June 1, 2026, 08:00 A.M. PDT.
- Published: May 8, 2026.
Requested Information
Respondents must submit a Capability Statement including company information (UEI, POC, socio-economic status), registered NAICS codes, relevant experience (timber harvest in northern Minnesota, crushing/slashing, temporary road construction/maintenance), experience with stand improvement and hazardous fuel reduction, safety program details, and equipment lists. A Project Questionnaire also requires responses on interest in project areas, timeline feasibility, potential challenges, anticipated benefits, experience with Designation by Prescription, proposed pricing structure, and suggestions for project improvement.
Open House
An in-person and virtual informational open house is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Central Time. The in-person meeting will be at the LaCroix Ranger District office, 320 N Hwy 53, Cook, MN 55723. Virtual attendance is available via Microsoft Teams or phone. RSVP for in-person attendance by May 19, 2026, at 5:00 P.M. Central to lori.karau@usda.gov.
Additional Notes
This RFI is for market research only and does not constitute a solicitation. The attached PDF document, "2027 LaCroix RD Planned IRSCs.pdf," provides a map detailing the planned Integrated Resource Service Contracts (IRSCs) and various treatment areas (e.g., Can Crusher, Finkus, Pac Man, Wild) with specific treatment types like thinning, CCR, and shelterwood, offering crucial visual context for potential bidders.