Crop Tree Release
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 USDA Forest Service is seeking quotations for Crop Tree Release services on the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, Eastern Divide Ranger District in Craig & Giles counties, Virginia. This Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity requires contractors to fell designated competing trees to promote the growth of desirable species across approximately 368 acres in 23 stands. Quotations are due by February 22, 2026, at 23:59 ET.
Scope of Work
The contractor will furnish all labor, materials, equipment, tools, transportation, supervision, and supplies to perform crop tree release. This involves felling designated trees using power chainsaws or axes. The work is divided into two bid items:
- Bid Item #1: Smaller Diameter stands (15-18 years old), targeting 3,680 trees in 150 acres, with an average diameter at breast height (DBH) of 1-4 inches (max 8 inches).
- Bid Item #2: Larger Diameter stands (31-42 years old), targeting 4,080 trees in 218 acres, with an average DBH of 3-8 inches (max 12 inches). Trees to be cut are marked with wide ORANGE-painted bands. Performance standards require releasing 15 to 25 trees per acre, ensuring crop trees have a 'free to grow' rating of 4, and removing competing trees less than 5 feet from the crop tree crown. Felled trees must be left scattered, and all trails/roads kept clear of debris. Specific trees like Dogwood, Eastern Hemlock, and American Chestnut must not be cut. Work must be completed by April 15, 2026.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation, Request for Quotation (RFQ)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS: 115310, Support Activity Forestry (Size Standard: $11.5M)
- Period of Performance: February 23, 2026, to April 15, 2026.
- Questions Due: February 16, 2026, 23:59 ET
- Quotations Due: February 22, 2026, 23:59 ET
Submission & Evaluation
Offers must be submitted via email to david.easter@usda.gov with "12443926Q0011 Post-harvest Mech Site Prep" in the subject line. Submissions require three separate attachments: a Relevant Experience Proposal, a Past Performance Proposal, and a Price Proposal. Evaluation criteria, weighted heavily, include:
- Ability to follow specifications for post-harvest mechanical site prep contracts.
- Ability to complete work by April 15, 2026.
- Successful previous contract completion on the Eastern Divide Ranger District and other Ranger Districts.
- Knowledge of local tree species in the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
- Previous COR rating of contractor's work.
- Cost to complete the work. Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government using a comparative evaluation methodology.
Key Requirements & Attachments
Bidders are urged to conduct a site inspection. An Experience Questionnaire (Attachment 9) is required to assess capability. Wage Determinations (Attch 3 & 4) for Giles, Pulaski, and Craig counties are provided and must be adhered to for labor costs. Multiple maps (e.g., Hog Rock, Flat Top, Big Mountain) detail specific unit locations, acreage, tree counts, and access routes.
Contact Information
- Primary: Mark D. Miller, mark.d.miller@usda.gov, (540) 239-3520
- Secondary/Submission: David Easter, david.easter@usda.gov