Buck Helene Fuels Reduction IRSC
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, under the Department of Agriculture, has issued a Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) for hazardous fuels reduction services in Western North Carolina. This market research aims to identify qualified vendors capable of performing work on steep and rugged terrain within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) following Hurricane Helene. Responses are due by 08:00 AM on April 30, 2026.
Purpose & Background
This RFI is issued solely for market research and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. The Government will not reimburse accompanying costs. The Forest Service seeks to address urgent and compelling needs for hazardous fuels reduction in areas impacted by Tropical Storm Helene.
Anticipated Scope of Work
- Manual felling and preparation of damaged timber and small roundwood for helicopter yarding.
- Helicopter yarding and ground transportation of over 300,000 tons of timber.
- Planning and site preparation for helicopter landings, processing, and sort yards.
- Maintaining tractor trailer accessibility for loading timber from deck areas.
- Restoration of deck areas after operations have concluded.
- Aerial seeding of landslides.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- Place of Performance: Various locations in Western North Carolina.
- Period of Performance: Anticipated Late Spring/Early Summer 2026, estimated not to exceed two operational seasons.
- Response Due: April 30, 2026, 08:00 AM EDT.
- Published: March 24, 2026.
Requested Capability Statement Content
Interested vendors should submit capability statements including:
- Company information (UEI, address, Point of Contact, socio-economic status).
- Relevant experience in hazardous fuel reduction, helicopter yarding, steep slope timber operations, and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) operations.
- Safety program details and crew qualifications.
- Equipment lists and mobilization capabilities.
- Past performance references.
Response Instructions
Responses must be submitted electronically to matthew.daigle@usda.gov by the stated deadline. Late submissions may not be considered.