FY26 WEST DOLORES RIM MASTICATION

Other / Unclassified

This document is a U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination (No. 1976-1351, Revision No. 79) applicable to service contracts in Colorado. It outlines the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations involved in forestry, land management, cleaning of public use areas, and timber inventory services.

This wage determination establishes the minimum labor costs that must be factored into bids for contracts falling under its scope. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages and benefits meet or exceed these requirements for the listed occupations to be compliant. Key information includes:

• Applicable Area: All Colorado counties.
• Covered Services: Forestry, land management, cleaning of public use areas, and timber inventory services.
• Occupational Listings: Specific minimum hourly rates for roles such as Brush/Precommercial Thinner, Choker Setter, Faller/Bucker, Forestry Equipment Operator, Forestry Technician, Tree Planter, and others.
• Fringe Benefits: Mandatory health and welfare benefits ($5.55/hour or $5.09/hour if EO 13706 applies) and provisions for vacation (2-4 weeks based on service length) and paid holidays (11 per year).
• Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave): Contractors must provide 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 56 hours annually.
• Executive Order 13658 (Minimum Wage): Applies to contracts awarded between Jan 1, 2015, and Jan 29, 2022, requiring a minimum wage of $13.65/hour or the wage determination rate, whichever is higher.
• Uniform Allowance: Details requirements for providing and maintaining uniforms.
• Conformance Process: Outlines the procedure for classifying and determining wages for occupations not explicitly listed in the determination.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines clauses and provisions incorporated by reference and in full text for a solicitation. It details various Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Department of the Interior Acquisition Regulation (DIAR) clauses that are either required or have deviations. Bidders should pay close attention to these clauses as they define the terms and conditions of the contract.

• 52.203-19: Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements.

• 52.204-10: Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards.

• 52.204-13: System for Award Management Maintenance (Deviation).

• 52.204-14: Service Contract Reporting Requirements (Deviation).

• 52.219-6: Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (Deviation) - Applicable if the project is set aside.

• 52.219-28: Post-Award Small Business Program Representation (Deviation).

• 52.222-3: Convict Labor (Deviation).

• 52.222-35: Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Deviation).

• 52.222-36: Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Deviation).

• 52.222-37: Employment Reports on Veterans (Deviation).

• 52.222-41: Service Contract Labor Standards (Deviation) - Applicable if SCLS applies to mastication labor.

• 52.222-42: Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires.

• 52.222-50: Combating Trafficking in Persons (Deviation).

• 52.222-54: Employment Eligibility Verification (Deviation).

• 52.222-90: Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors.

• 52.208-90: Government Supply Sources (Deviation).

• 52.252-6: Authorized Deviations in Clauses.

• 1452.201-70: Authorities and Delegations - Clarifies the authority of the Contracting Officer and the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), including limitations on COR actions.

• 1452.204-70: Release of Claims - Requires a Release of Claims form (DI-137) prior to final payment.

• DOI-AAAP-0028: Electronic Invoicing and Payment Requirements - Mandates electronic invoice submission through the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).

• 52.252-1: Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference - Alerts offerors to provisions that may require completion and submission.

• 52.203-18: Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation.

• 52.204-7: System for Award Management (Deviation).

• 52.252-5: Authorized Deviations in Provisions.

• Bidders must review all referenced clauses and provisions, as they form a critical part of the contract. Full text for FAR clauses can be accessed at acquisition.gov/far, and for DIAR clauses at acquisition.gov/diar.

• Pay attention to clauses with "(DEVIATION)" as they indicate modifications to standard FAR/DIAR text.

• Ensure compliance with electronic invoicing requirements via IPP.

• Understand the limitations of authority for the COR as outlined in 1452.201-70.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the evaluation factors and basis for award for the West Dolores Mastication Project. The government is procuring mastication and mechanized fuels reduction services. The award will be made on a Low Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) basis, meaning the lowest-priced offeror determined to be technically acceptable will receive the award.

• Technical acceptability is a pass/fail requirement.

• Offerors must demonstrate the ability to meet all minimum requirements of the West Dolores Mastication Project Statement of Work (SOW).

• The solicitation will utilize FAR Part 12 (Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services) and FAR Part 13 (Simplified Acquisition Procedures).

• Factor 1: Relevant Project Experience (Acceptable/Unacceptable)

  • Offerors must submit a minimum of three (3) relevant projects completed or ongoing within the last five (5) years, performed as a Prime Contractor or Subcontractor.
  • Relevant projects include mastication, mechanical fuels reduction, vegetation management, forestry operations, brush removal, or similar heavy-equipment land treatment services.
  • Each project submission must include: Project name, Period of performance, Description of work performed (scope, acreage, methods, location), Customer/owner name, Customer point of contact, and Total contract value.
  • Evaluation Standard: Projects must demonstrate experience of similar size, scope, and complexity to the West Dolores requirements.

• Factor 2: Technical Capability (Acceptable/Unacceptable)

  • Offerors must provide a Technical Capability Narrative (max 5 pages).
  • The narrative must address: understanding of the SOW, terrain, vegetation, and objectives; proposed technical approach (means, methods, equipment); organizational structure, staffing, and management approach; safety plan, risk management, operator qualifications, and equipment safety; and ability to meet the period of performance, including equipment availability and contingency resources.
  • Evaluation Standard: The narrative must clearly demonstrate capability, equipment, and technical approach for successful performance.

• Factor 3: Price (Award Determination)

  • Price will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness, not for a technical rating.
  • Price analysis methods may include comparison of competitive quotations, evaluation of historical pricing, independent government estimates, and market research.

• Not explicitly stated in this document.

• Award will be made to the lowest-priced Offeror whose proposal is rated Acceptable under all technical factors.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Request for Quote (RFQ) issued by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Colorado, for the West Dolores Rim Mastication Project. The project involves performing mechanical mastication services on approximately 132 acres of treatment area.

• Mechanical mastication services.

• Treatment area of approximately 132 acres.

• Services to be performed in accordance with the attached Statement of Work (SOW) and supporting documentation.

• Contract Type: Not explicitly stated, but implied to be a firm-fixed-price contract based on the RFQ format.

• Period of Performance: August 15, 2026, to November 30, 2026.

• Estimated Value: Not stated.

• Submission Instructions: Offerors must complete the Price Proposal Schedule. Questions regarding the solicitation must be submitted in writing to the Contract Specialist by the deadline stated in the RFQ. A pre-award site visit is scheduled for June 16, 2026.

• Evaluation Criteria: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) basis.

• Key Deadlines: Offer due date is June 26, 2026, at 1700 MDT. Pre-award site visit is June 16, 2026.

• This requirement is a total small-business set-aside.

• The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 115310, with a size standard of $11.5 million.

• Contact information for the Contract Specialist (Fredy Velasquez) and Contracting Officer (Linda Neely) is provided.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a map titled "West Dolores Rim 2026 Mastication" prepared by the Bureau of Land Management, Tres Rios Field Office, dated 5/7/2026. It displays land management agencies, roads, and geographical features in the Colorado region, specifically highlighting areas designated for "FY26 Summit Point Mastication" and "Surface Management Agency (CO) Transparent - No Private".

This map is relevant to potential bidders as it visually defines the geographic area and potentially the scope of work for the "West Dolores Rim 2026 Mastication" opportunity. It shows the location of the proposed mastication project, identifies different land ownership and management entities within the area, and indicates various transportation routes. This information is crucial for bidders to understand the operational environment, potential access challenges, and the specific locations where services will be required.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a map titled "West Dolores Rim 2026 Mastication" prepared by the Bureau of Land Management, Tres Rios Field Office, Colorado. It displays a specific area outlined in black, identified as "FY26 Summit Point Mastication," within a larger landscape. The map includes topographical features, roads (labeled with designations like J7, H1, K8), and land cover classifications indicated by various colors. A legend provides a key to these classifications, including "Bureau of Land Management," "National Grasslands," "US Forest Service," and different types of roads and vegetation. A smaller inset map shows the general location within Colorado, referencing Dolores County and San Miguel County.

This map is relevant to potential bidders as it visually defines the geographic area for the "West Dolores Rim 2026 Mastication" project. Bidders can use this map to understand the specific location, terrain, and existing infrastructure (roads) relevant to the proposed mastication work. The land cover information may also provide insights into the types of vegetation and environmental conditions present in the project area, which could impact planning and execution of services.

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

To improve habitat for big game by opening up the canopy on 132 acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land on the West Dolores Rim near Egnar, Colorado, during Fiscal Year 2026.

• Remove 50% of live pinyon and juniper in equal proportions.

• Remove 50% of shrubs greater than 36 inches in height.

• Masticate all down and standing dead pinyon and juniper (excluding burn-scarred standing dead trees).

• Shred vegetation so that 60% of the mulch material is less than 4 inches in diameter and 12 inches long.

• Distribute 80% of mulch and slash on the ground surface at a depth less than 6 inches (up to 20% may be 6-8 inches deep).

• Minimize soil disturbance to less than 10% of the treatment area.

• Transport all equipment to and from work sites.

• Mulch material size: 60% less than 4 inches in diameter and 12 inches long.

• Slash depth: 80% less than 6 inches (max 20% between 6-8 inches).

• Stubble height: Less than 8 inches above ground.

• Soil disturbance: Less than 10% exposed mineral soil.

• Protected trees: Less than 5% of "leave" trees with damage.

• Acceptable Quality Level (AQL): Minimum 85% Work Quality Percentage (WQP).

• Contract Period: August 15, 2026, to November 30, 2026.

• Location: Approximately 2 miles east of Egnar, Colorado.

• Contractor must provide an Operations/Treatment Plan and Schedule, and a Safety Plan.

• Equipment must be capable of working on slopes up to 30 percent.

• Strict adherence to fire prevention measures, including specific equipment requirements (fire extinguishers, shovels, axes, spark arresters) and operational restrictions during high fire danger.

• Compliance with regulations regarding noxious weeds, hazardous materials, and the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act.

• Protection of survey markers, monuments, and sensitive areas.

• Road maintenance to repair any damage caused by the contractor.

• A pre-bid site tour is scheduled for June 16, 2026.

• Award will be based on a best value determination, with experience and past performance weighted more heavily than price.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the West Dolores Rim Mastication Project. The government intends to award a single contract for this project.

• The core requirements are detailed in the Statement of Work (SOW), which is attached.

• Offerors must demonstrate the ability to meet all minimum requirements of the SOW.

• The contract will be awarded on a Low Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) basis.

• Award will be made to the lowest-priced responsible Offeror whose quote is determined technically acceptable.

• Key Dates:

  • Site Visit: June 16, 2026 (Time TBD)
  • Questions Due: June 21, 2026 (Close of Business)
  • Responses to Questions Posted: On or about June 23, 2026
  • Quotes Due: June 26, 2026, 1700 MDT

• Submission:

  • Submit questions to fredy_velasquez@ios.doi.gov by the deadline.
  • Quoters must be actively registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Evaluation Factors:

  • Technical Acceptability (Pass/Fail): Evaluated on a pass/fail basis. Offerors must clearly demonstrate the ability to meet all minimum SOW requirements.
    • Factor 1: Relevant Project Experience (Acceptable/Unacceptable): Minimum of three (3) relevant projects completed in the past five years as Prime Contractor or Subcontractor. Each submission requires project name, period of performance, description of work, customer name, customer contact, and total contract value.
    • Factor 2: Technical Capability (Acceptable/Unacceptable): A technical capability narrative (max five pages) demonstrating understanding of SOW, proposed approach, organization/staffing, safety/risk management, and ability to meet performance period.
  • Price (Award Determination): Will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness. Price analysis may include competitive quotations, historical pricing, and market research.

• Award Basis: Award will be made to the responsible Offeror whose quote is technically acceptable and lowest-priced.

• No specific set-aside is mentioned. Small business assistance is available through https://www.apexaccelerators.us/.

• Combined attachments include: Statement of Work (SOW), Maps, Clause and Provisions, and Wage Determination 1976-1351 Colorado State.

• Only the four lowest-priced quotes will proceed to technical evaluation.

• The government reserves the right to make award without discussions.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the basis for award for a purchase order, utilizing a comparative evaluation process under FAR Part 12 for the acquisition of commercial products and services. The government intends to award to the responsible quoter whose submission is most advantageous, considering price and evaluation factors.

Quotes will be evaluated based on the following factors:

• Technical Capability: Demonstrated ability to meet Statement of Work requirements. A technical narrative (max 5 pages) must address:

  • Understanding of project requirements, scope, location, and schedule.
  • Approach to organizing, staffing, and managing the contract.
  • Understanding of safety, sustainability, energy efficiency, and risk management.
  • Experience and approach to managing permitting processes.
  • A schedule for work completion within the Period of Performance.

• Relevant Experience: Quoters must provide at least two similar projects completed or ongoing within the past five years. Each project description must include project name, start/end dates, description of services/size/location, owner name/contact, and total dollar value. The relevance and quality of experience will be evaluated.

• Price: The total evaluated price will be assessed for reasonableness and overall value, considered alongside non-price factors.

• The award will be a purchase order.

• The acquisition is conducted under FAR Part 12.

• Evaluation Process: A comparative evaluation will be used, directly comparing quotes to determine the best overall value. There will be no formal scoring or adjectival ratings.

• Professional Judgment: The government will rely on professional judgment to assess technical advantages or favorable terms that may justify a higher price.

• Price Consideration: A price analysis may be conducted first. The lowest-priced quote might be awarded if it provides the best value.

• Best-Value Determination: The government reserves the right to select a quote that is not the lowest priced if it offers superior value based on evaluation factors.

• Award Decision: An integrated assessment of all factors will be made using comparative evaluation to select the best value quote.

Not specified in this document.

• This document focuses solely on the evaluation and award process. It references a Statement of Work (SOW) which is not included here.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services to perform mechanical mastication of pinyon and juniper vegetation on BLM lands along the West Dolores Rim near Egnar, Colorado. The objective is to meet hazardous-fuels-reduction and habitat-improvement goals. Approximately 132 acres will be treated through selective vegetation removal, consistent with the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

• Selective removal of pinyon and juniper vegetation on approximately 132 acres.

• Work must be consistent with the provided Performance Work Statement (PWS).

• This is a Request for Quotes (RFQ) under Solicitation Number 140L3726Q0076.

• The resulting purchase order will be a firm-fixed-price contract.

• Applicable provisions and clauses are those in effect through the most recent Federal Acquisition Circular.

• Quotes must be submitted by June 26, 2026, 1700 MDT.

• The award will be made to the lowest-priced, technically acceptable, and responsible offeror.

• Evaluation factors are detailed in the "B08 Evaluation Factors and Basis for Award West Dolores Co Mastication" attachment.

• Required quote components include:

  • Signed SF1449.
  • Completed Price Proposal Schedule.
  • Included reps and certs (Section E, 52.213-3).
  • Signed SF 30 acknowledging all amendments, if applicable.

• Technical questions are due by June 21, 2026.

• Technical answers will be provided on or about June 23, 2026.

• This acquisition is a 100% Small Business Set-Aside.

• NAICS code is 115310 – Support Activities for Forestry, with a small-business size standard of $11.5M.

• This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; a written solicitation will not be issued.

• The RFQ is available on SAM.gov.

• Georeferenced maps are available upon request from fredy_velasquez@ios.doi.gov.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

• Assistance for small businesses is available through APEX Accelerators (formerly PTAP).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Section D, the Price Proposal Schedule for Solicitation No. 140L3726Q0076, issued by the Tres Rios Field Office for West Dolores Colorado Mastication services. It requires bidders to provide pricing for the services.

• Item Description: Mechanically mow and shred designated vegetation (mastication).
• Estimated Quantity: 132
• Unit of Measure: AC (Acre)
• Fields for Unit Price and Total cost.
• Performance Period: August 15, 2026 - November 30, 2026
• Estimated Start Work Date: August 15, 2026
• Set Aside: This requirement is set aside for small business concerns.
• Fields for Business Name, UEI Number, Phone Number, Email, Contact Name, Signature, and Date.

Bidders must complete this schedule to provide their pricing for the mastication services. This document is critical for proposal submission and will be used to evaluate the cost component of the bid. The set-aside for small businesses is a key eligibility factor.