Insecticide and fungicide application at the Bigfork Tree Improvement Area (TIA) on the Flathead National Forest.

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

This SOW outlines the requirements for pesticide application services at the Bigfork TIA (Timber Island Area) on the Flathead National Forest, which is used for growing conifer trees for Region 1 seed procurement. The objective is to protect these trees from insects and fungi.

• Application of various classes of chemicals for foliar application, systemic injection, or soil drench, based on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) observations and funding.

• Contractor is responsible for furnishing all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, supplies, and incidentals necessary for safe and correct application of chemicals.

• The government will estimate blocks and/or number of trees to be sprayed, based on environmental factors.

• Contractor must use washed and weed-free equipment, with hoses capable of reaching at least 300 feet from the spray tank.

• A self-agitating hydraulic power sprayer is required, capable of providing sufficient pressure to reach at least 20 feet in height.

• All procedures must comply with Federal, State, and local pesticide application requirements.

• Contractor must have a readily available spill cleanup kit on-site.

• Key contract personnel must provide documentation of all necessary certifications, licenses, and permits.

• All procedures must meet Federal, State, and local requirements for pesticide applications.

• Contractor is responsible for personal protective equipment as stated on chemical labels and material safety data sheets.

• Government will conduct quality assurance inspections, including visual surveys and observations, to verify compliance with technical specifications.

• Unsatisfactory or unacceptable work will require rework at no additional cost to the Government.

• The Bigfork TIA is located at 191 Ramsfield Road, Bigfork, Montana, covering approximately 88 acres.

• Timing for application depends on insect activity, potentially starting as early as March.

• Contractor must be ready to spray within 72 hours of the COR determining application is needed.

• All contractual requirements are expected to be completed by November 30th.

• Contractor must coordinate with the designated COR prior to initial application.

• Contractor must arrive on-site with washed and weed-free equipment.

• A spill response plan must be prepared and submitted as part of the quote.

• In case of a chemical spill, the Kalispell Interagency Dispatch Center must be notified immediately.

• Contractor must prevent damage to resources and existing facilities.

• Government will provide all chemicals and spray mix additives.

• Water is available at the TIA and Swan Lake Ranger Station; contractor shall test water pH.

• Mixing and loading of chemicals must be done in areas where accidental spills will not contaminate water sources.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Wage Determination issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations under the Service Contract Act for a specific geographic area.

• Area: Montana Counties of Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, Ravalli, Sanders.
• Occupational Listings: Provides a comprehensive list of occupations with corresponding "OCCUPATION CODE - TITLE" and "RATE".
• Fringe Benefits: Indicates that fringe benefits are required and follow the occupational listing.
• Executive Orders: Notes applicability of Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (Minimum Wage).
• General Benefits: Lists Health & Welfare benefits ($5.55/hour or $222.00/week), Vacation (2-4 weeks based on service), and Holidays (11 paid holidays).
• Footnotes: Details specific conditions for Computer Employees (exemptions and conformance process) and includes differentials for Night Pay & Sunday Pay, and Hazardous Pay.

This wage determination is crucial for any bidder responding to a solicitation that requires services within the specified Montana counties and is subject to the Service Contract Act. Bidders must ensure their proposed labor costs and wage rates comply with these minimums to be considered compliant. It directly impacts the cost of labor for the contract and must be factored into proposal pricing.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items to secure services for insecticide and fungicide application at the Bigfork Tree Improvement Area (TIA) on the Flathead National Forest. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; no separate written solicitation will be issued.

• Foliar application of insecticides and fungicides for various tree types (Western larch, Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir) across different blocks and areas.

• Services include pest control agents and disinfectants.

• Application timing is dependent on insect activity, with contractors needing to be ready within 72 hours of COR determination. Service calls are expected between March 1 and November 30 annually.

• Anticipated award is a firm-fixed price requirements contract.

• Contract structure includes one (1) one-year base period and four (4) one-year option periods, for a total duration not exceeding five (5) years.

• Quotations are requested by 04/20/2026 at 1900 ED.

• All quotes must be good for 60 days.

• Evaluation will be based on the lowest price technically acceptable criteria.

• Evaluation factors include: Price, Contractors Submitted Quality Control Plan, Past Performance in Government Contracting, and Experience in insecticide and fungicide application.

• Offerors must submit pricing for all items to be considered responsive.

• Minimum required documentation includes: Detailed explanation of ability to perform, Quality Control Plan, Experience Questionnaire, and Past Performance documentation (limit 3 pages).

• This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• Applicable NAICS Code: 115310, with a small business size standard of $11.5 M.

• Attachment 1: 1284LM26Q0049

• Attachment 2: SOW_PesticideApplication

• Attachment 3: WD 2015-5401 Rev 27 Dated 03 Dec 2025

• Attachment 4: Experience Questionnaire

• Questions should be submitted via email to Sarah.Cotton@usda.gov.

• The government may provide chemicals and spray mix additives.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Experience Questionnaire intended for bidders to provide information about their company's resources and personnel relevant to the opportunity.

• Employees and Equipment: Bidders must specify the minimum and maximum number of employees available, whether employees are regularly on their payroll, and list available equipment.
• Rate of Progress: An estimate of the minimum and maximum rate of progress (e.g., acres/man/day) is required.
• Principal Individuals' Experience: Bidders need to list the names, present positions, years of experience, and the magnitude and type of work for principal individuals who will be directly involved in the contract.
• Remarks: Space is provided for additional information to help evaluate the bidder's ability to successfully complete the project.
• Certification: A section for the certifying official's name, title, signature, and date, attesting to the completeness and correctness of the information provided.

This questionnaire is crucial for bidders to demonstrate their capacity and qualifications. Completing it accurately and thoroughly will be essential for the government's evaluation of the bidder's ability to perform the contract requirements.