F--CATO - FY26 HAZARD TREE PKG 1

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for cyclic tree maintenance services at Catoctin Mountain Park (CATO) in Thurmont, MD. The objective is to ensure the safety and health of park trees and surrounding areas.

The contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, materials, tools, and equipment for various tree services, including felling, removal, flattening, stump grinding, and pruning. Services are to be performed parkwide in designated areas. Key tasks include:

• Base Tasks:
  • Removal of 49 trees (Base 1)
  • Pruning of 254 trees (Base 2)
  • Flattening of 20 trees (Base 3)
  • Removal of 40 trees along roads and park facilities (Base 4)
  • Pruning of 160 trees along roads and park facilities (Base 5)
  • Flattening of 55 trees along roads and park facilities (Base 6)
  • Emergency Tree Services (hourly rate, 40-hour NTE) (Base 7)
• Subject to Availability of Funds (SAF) Options:
  • SAF Option 1, 2: Emergency Tree Services (hourly rate, 40-hour NTE each)
  • SAF Option 3: Wood/debris chipping (24-hour NTE)
  • SAF Option 4: Processing existing logs into firewood
  • SAF Option 5: Removal of 11 trees along Rt. 77
  • SAF Option 6: Pruning of 18 trees along Rt. 77
  • SAF Option 7: Flattening of 19 trees along Rt. 77

All work must comply with ANSI Z-133, ANSI A300 standards, and ISA Best Management Practices (BMPs). Specific requirements include stump grinding depth, limb clearance over roadways, and debris disposal. Emergency services require a 24-48 hour response time.

• Period of Performance: Tasks 2.1-2.3 due April 25, 2026. Tasks 2.4-2.13 due 365 days after Notice to Proceed (NTP). Task 2.14 due April 20, 2026. Work hours are Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM - 7:30 PM ET, excluding Federal Holidays.

• Place of Performance: Parkwide at Catoctin Mountain Park, Thurmont, MD. Equipment and logs are staged at the "Ballfield."

• Traffic Control: ATSSA-certified flaggers are required for work on specific roads (Rt. 77, Park Central Road, etc.), except when roads are closed.

• Certifications: Current ISA Certified Arborist must be on-site. ATSSA-certified flaggers required. Crane operator certification needed if a crane is used.

• Environmental: Strict protocols for preventing soil compaction, protecting vegetation, and managing spills. Equipment must be washed to prevent invasive species.

• Safety: Compliance with ANSI Z133, OSHA, and all Federal, State, and local safety laws is mandatory. Proper PPE is required.

• Reporting: Daily crew location reports and weekly work completion reports are required. A detailed work/treatment log is needed for payment requests.

• Key Personnel: Resumes for key personnel and past performance questionnaires are required.

• Equipment: Specific equipment ownership (bucket truck, aerial lift, chipper, log truck) must be demonstrated before award. Plans for acquiring a crane must be provided.

Amendment / Modification

• This amendment releases the updated Performance Work Statement (PWS) and the Q&A received after the site visit.

• The due date for responses has been extended to February 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

• Updated Performance Work Statement (PWS)

• Questions & Answers (Q&A)

• Proposal submission deadline extended to February 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

• The project involves FY26 cyclic hazard tree mitigation, including removing, pruning, and flattening trees.

• This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ).

• The contract type will be Firm-Fixed Price.

• There are nine attachments; Attachment 9 is not incorporated into the solicitation due to format limitations and must be requested directly from the contract specialist, Richard Burns (richard_burnes@nps.gov).

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to questions raised by potential bidders following a site visit for the CATO Tree package opportunity.

• Firewood Processing: The government does not have an estimated number of cords for retained firewood. All logs in the pile are to be split, with only those deemed un-splittable (due to knots/twists, confirmed by COR) to be removed from the park.
• Powerlines: Powerlines will not be dropped ahead of tree work. Bidders should be aware of potential powerlines in the park's interior.
• Merchantable Timber: The park requires all hickories and oaks to be cut to 20' length, regardless of sweep or end diameter, which differs from typical forestry standards.
• Roadside Chipping: The roadside chipping requirements will be altered; bidders should refer to a separate track-changed document for details.
• Government Shutdown: The National Park Service (NPS) has full funding for the remaining FY26 period, and no shutdown is anticipated. Funds will be fully obligated upon award, preventing payment issues if work is completed.
• Pruning vs. Removal: Bidders must price strictly for pruning as specified. Tree removals in lieu of pruning are not permitted unless explicitly stated in the solicitation and authorized by a written modification from the Contracting Officer. No price negotiations will occur for work outside the firm-fixed-price scope.

These clarifications address specific bidder concerns regarding scope, deliverables, and contract execution, potentially impacting how proposals are priced and how work will be performed. Bidders should review these answers carefully to ensure their proposals align with the clarified requirements.

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

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for cyclic tree maintenance services within Catoctin Mountain Park (CATO) in Thurmont, MD, for Fiscal Year 2026.

The contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, materials, tools, equipment, and transportation necessary to perform a range of arboreal services, including felling, removing, flattening, stump grinding, and pruning of trees. Services must adhere to ANSI Z-133, ANSI A300 standards, and ISA's Best Management Practices (BMPs).

Key tasks include:

• Base Tasks:

  • BASE 1-3: Removal, pruning, and flattening of trees in specific park areas (Round Meadow, Brown Cemetery, Misty Mount, Greentop, Owens Creek Campground, Poplar Grove, Visitor Center Area, Chestnut Picnic Area). Due April 25, 2026.
  • BASE 4-6: Removal, pruning, and flattening of trees along park roads, near the cell tower, park headquarters, and Owens Creek Picnic Area. Due 365 days after Notice to Proceed (NTP).
  • BASE 7: Emergency Tree Services on an as-needed basis (up to 40 hours).

• Subject to Availability of Funds (SAF) Options:

  • SAF OPTION 1-3: Additional emergency tree services (up to 40 hours each).
  • SAF OPTION 3: Chipping logs and branches along park roads (excluding Rt. 77) for up to 24 hours.
  • SAF OPTION 4: Processing specific piled logs into firewood and placing it in a shelter. Due April 20, 2026.
  • OPTION 5-7: Removal, pruning, and flattening of trees along Rt. 77, requiring Maryland State Highway lane closure permits.

• All tree care operations must comply with current ANSI A300 standards and ISA BMPs.

• Stumps must be cut flush with grade (not exceeding three inches above grade).

• Wood debris management (chipping, scattering, or piling) is specified per task.

• Emergency tree services must be available within 24 hours of notice.

• Parkwide operations in Catoctin Mountain Park, Thurmont, MD.

• Period of Performance varies by task, with specific deadlines for base tasks and options extending up to 365 days after NTP.

• Contractor must provide ATSSA certified flaggers for work on specified roads.

• Equipment must be washed to prevent the introduction of noxious weeds and seeds.

• Adherence to strict safety protocols (ANSI Z133, OSHA) is mandatory.

• An ISA Certified Arborist must be present on-site during all services.

• Key personnel qualifications and past performance references are required.

• Contractor is responsible for all permits, licenses, and certifications.

• Staging of materials and equipment is restricted to the designated "Ballfield" area.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Request for Quote (RFQ) is for landscaping services, specifically arborist services for trimming, pruning, stump removal, and similar work for landscaping maintenance at Catoctin Mountain Park (CATO). The National Park Service (NPS) intends to award a single task order for this requirement. The project aims to mitigate hazardous trees that pose a risk to visitors, staff, and property, and to prevent damage to park infrastructure.

• Cyclic tree maintenance including felling, removing, flattening, stump grinding, and pruning.

• Services must be performed in accordance with ANSI Z-133 and ANSI A300 standards and ISA's best management practices (BMPs).

• Mitigation of hazardous trees.

• Woody debris removal.

• Specific tasks include removing, pruning, and flattening trees, as detailed in the CLINs.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price Task Order.

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated as a single duration, but individual CLINs have specific delivery dates and periods of performance ranging from 2026 to 2027.

• Estimated Value: Not stated.

• Submission Deadline: Quotes must be received no later than 5:00 PM EST, Friday, February 13, 2026.

• Submission Method: Digital submission via email to richard_burns@nps.gov.

• Evaluation Criteria: Best Value basis considering price and other factors (tradeoffs). Technical Capability and Past Performance are considered more important than Price, but Price is a determining factor.

• Quotes must be submitted in three separate volumes: Volume I - Technical Capability, Volume II - Past Performance, and Volume III - Price.

• A site visit is mandatory for interested parties on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 9:00 AM EST at Catoctin Mountain Park Headquarters.

• This acquisition is a 100% set-aside for small business under NAICS Code 561730.

• The solicitation includes nine attachments, with Attachment 9 requiring direct contact with the contract specialist for access.

• Optional CLINs (120, 130, 140) related to trees along Route 77 have quantities subject to change.

• The government reserves the right to make no award.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides photographic evidence of logs designated for firewood production and details the designated wood piling area. It serves to visually inform potential bidders about the raw materials and staging location for the Catoctin Mountain Park - FY25 Hazard Tree Contract.

• Log Photos: Images depict all logs to be processed into firewood. One photo is taken looking north, showing the entire log pile. Another photo is taken from the opposite side, looking south.
• Piling Area: A shed is identified as the location where the wood is to be piled. The document clarifies that equipment currently in front of the wood pile is not for contractor use and will be moved.

This attachment visually clarifies the scope of work related to firewood production, specifically the quantity and type of logs involved, and the designated area for log piling. This information is crucial for bidders to accurately assess the volume of material, potential logistical challenges, and the space available for operations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the required labor categories, minimum years of experience, and specific certifications or licenses for personnel to be employed on this project. It distinguishes between 'Key Personnel' (required on staff before award) and 'Other Personnel' (qualifications must be met by those performing the duties, but not necessarily on staff before award).

• Senior Manager/Professional Consultant: Requires 5 years of experience and ISA Certified Arborist or Maryland Licensed Tree Expert.
• Certified Arborist, On-Site Supervisor: Requires 5 years of experience and ISA Certified Arborist.
• Climbing Arborist, Skilled Laborer: Requires 3 years of experience.
• Skilled Laborer [Landscape/Grounds/Tree]: Requires 3 years of experience.
• Basic Laborer: No minimum years of experience specified.
• Equipment Operator (Loader/Skid Steer/Track Lift): Requires 3 years of experience.
• Equipment Operator (Crane Operator): Requires 3 years of experience and Certified Crane Operator.
• Flagger: Requires 1 year of experience and American Traffic Safety Services Association Certification.
• Sawyer: Requires 1 year of experience.
• All personnel must adhere to ISA and ANSI standards, including ANSI Z133 Safety Standards, ANSI A300, and ANSI A300 Best Management Practices where applicable.

Bidders must ensure their proposed staffing plan meets or exceeds these qualifications for all personnel to be assigned to this contract. This includes verifying that key personnel are already on staff prior to award and that all other personnel possess the necessary experience and certifications for their assigned roles. Failure to meet these requirements may impact proposal evaluation and contract award.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Questionnaire intended for use by evaluators to assess the performance of a consultant on a previous project. It serves as a tool to gather feedback on the consultant's quality of performance, technical capabilities, and management approach.

• Section 1: Contract Identification Information: Collects details about the project, including consultant name, project type, period of performance, initial and final costs, and a description of the scope of work performed.
• Evaluator Information: Gathers contact details for the individual completing the questionnaire.
• Section 2: Quality of Consultant Performance: Utilizes a rating scale (Outstanding, Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Unacceptable, Neutral) to evaluate specific performance characteristics across Technical Performance (e.g., ability to meet technical requirements, schedule, quality of data) and Management Approach (e.g., effectiveness of management, cooperation, problem resolution, workforce management, subcontractor management).

While this questionnaire is completed by the government after a contract is awarded, bidders should be aware that past performance is often a significant evaluation factor in source selection. Understanding the criteria and rating scales used in this questionnaire can help bidders prepare their own past performance references and proposals to effectively demonstrate their capabilities and successful project execution.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains maps detailing the locations of trees identified for treatment within Catoctin Mountain Park as part of the FY26 Hazard Tree Contract. The maps indicate specific areas and individual trees requiring pruning, removal, or flattening.

• Map Areas: The document is divided into maps of various park locations, including:
  • Catoctin Mountain Park (Overall)
  • Quirauk School Road
  • Poplar Grove
  • Foxville Deerfield Road North & South
  • Owens Creek Campground & Picnic Area
  • Park Central Road (multiple sections)
  • Chestnut Picnic Area
  • Greentop
  • Hog Rock Parking Lot
  • Visitor Center Area
  • Round Meadow
  • Rt 77 East & West
  • Headquarters
• Tree Status Indicators: Each map uses color-coded symbols to denote the required action for each tree:
  • Green circles: Prune
  • Red circles: Remove
  • Red crosses: Remove - Wildlife snag
  • Yellow circles: Flatten
• Tree Identification: Many trees are marked with unique numerical identifiers for specific tracking.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the scope and location of the hazard tree work. It provides the precise geographical data needed to assess the effort involved in pruning, removing, or flattening trees across the park, which directly impacts bidding strategy, resource allocation, and cost estimation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "REGISTER OF WAGE DETERMINATIONS UNDER THE SERVICE CONTRACT ACT" issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. It provides the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations when performing contract work subject to the Service Contract Act in the specified area (Maryland Counties of Frederick, Montgomery).

• Lists numerous occupational codes and titles.
• Specifies the minimum hourly wage rate for each occupation.
• Indicates that fringe benefits are required and follow the occupational listing.
• Includes notes on Executive Orders 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (minimum wage adjustments).
• Details provisions for vacation, holidays, hazardous pay differentials, and uniform allowances.
• Outlines the conformance process for additional classifications and wage rates.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the labor costs associated with performing the contract. It establishes the minimum wages and benefits that must be paid to employees working on the contract, directly impacting the bidder's cost proposal and overall competitiveness. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages meet or exceed these minimums.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a pricing schedule (Attachment 7) detailing various tree service tasks, including removal, pruning, and flattening, across different park areas and roads. It also outlines requirements for emergency tree services and wood chipping.

Base Tasks (Delivery Date: April 25, 2026):

• BASE 1: Remove 49 trees in specific campground and picnic areas.
• BASE 2: Prune 254 trees in specific campground and picnic areas.
• BASE 3: Flatten 20 trees in specific campground and picnic areas.

Base Tasks (Delivery Date: 365 days after Notice to Proceed):

• BASE 4: Remove 40 trees along park roads and headquarters areas.
• BASE 5: Prune 160 trees along park roads and headquarters areas.
• BASE 6: Flatten 55 trees along park roads and headquarters areas.

Option Tasks:

• BASE 7 / OPTION 1-3: Emergency Tree Services (All-inclusive hourly rate, NTE 40 hours). Services must be available within 24 hours of notice.
• OPTION 3 (CLIN 100): Chip logs and branches along roads (excluding Rt 77). NTE 24 hours. Specific requirements for chipping and scattering debris near roadways.
• OPTION 4 (CLIN 110): Process piled logs into firewood (specific piles identified in Attachment 4). Firewood size: 16-18" long, 8" diameter. Requires specific equipment and soil protection measures.
• OPTION CLIN 120: Remove 11 trees along Rt. 77. Requires Maryland State Highway lane closure permit.
• OPTION CLIN 130: Prune 18 trees along Rt. 77. Requires Maryland State Highway lane closure permit.
• OPTION CLIN 140: Flatten 19 trees along Rt. 77. Requires Maryland State Highway lane closure permit. Four trees require leaving a wildlife stub.

Note: Quantities are subject to change.

This pricing schedule provides a detailed breakdown of the specific tree services required, including quantities, locations, and delivery timelines for both base and optional tasks. Bidders must use this information to prepare their proposals, understanding the scope of work, potential for emergency services, and specific requirements for tasks like chipping and firewood processing. The inclusion of option CLINs for Rt. 77 highlights potential for additional work, with specific permit requirements noted.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet containing a detailed inventory of trees, their conditions, and recommended treatments. It serves as an attachment to an opportunity, likely related to arboricultural services, landscaping, or grounds maintenance.

The spreadsheet includes columns for:

• Tree Tag Number
• Common Name (species)
• Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)
• Recommended Treatment (Prune, Remove, Flatten)
• Location (e.g., Round Meadow, Brown Cemetery, Owens Creek Campground, Greentop, Misty Mount, Visitor Center Area, Park Central Road)
• Tree Condition (e.g., Fair, Good, Poor, Dead)
• Specific issues observed (e.g., Dead branches, Lean, Decay, Co-dominant stems, Uneven crown)
• Consequence, Failure Impact, Failure Probability, Impact, Risk Rating
• Target areas (e.g., Walking path, Play area, Parking, Building, Street, Picnic table)
• Pruning goals and methods

This data is crucial for bidders to understand the scope of work required for tree maintenance. It provides specific details on the number, type, condition, and location of trees needing attention, enabling accurate bidding for services such as pruning, removal, or other treatments. The risk ratings and target areas highlight potential hazards and priorities.