International Institute of Tropical Forestry (IITF) Technical Support Services
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, through its International Institute of Tropical Forestry (IITF), is soliciting proposals for Technical Support Services to enhance forest health monitoring and stakeholder engagement in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside for a Firm Fixed Price contract. The primary goal is to increase forest monitoring and provide technical support to the Forest Health and Protection (FHP) Program staff and various stakeholders. Proposals are due May 18, 2026, at 1300 ET.
Scope of Work
The contractor will work under the guidance of FHP staff to support statutory requirements under the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 and the Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003. Key objectives include:
- Forest Monitoring Support: Coordinating, executing, and reporting on field monitoring efforts; assisting with field and desk record keeping; conducting desk research; and reporting on forest health trends in the U.S. Caribbean region.
- Develop Forest Health Goals & Understand Local Needs: Assessing training needs, conducting stakeholder meetings, developing questionnaires, performing literature reviews, developing a Forest Health Training Curriculum, and organizing/delivering two technical workshops.
- Sustain Working Relationships: Supporting an annual hybrid symposium, developing a report on symposium information, and holding quarterly stakeholder meetings.
Technical Expertise: Requires knowledge of Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands flora, fauna, ecosystems, protected forests, and ecosystem services. Personnel must be able to walk on irregular terrain carrying up to 25lb of equipment in hot/humid conditions.
Key Personnel: A Master's degree-level "Forest Health Program and Training Specialist" is required, with experience in relevant fields, conducting interviews, building surveys, developing curriculums, and facilitating meetings in English and Spanish.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price
- Period of Performance: A Base Year (12 months after award) with two 12-month option years.
- Place of Performance: Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- NAICS Code: 541690 (Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services), with a size standard of $19 million.
Submission & Evaluation
- Submission: Proposals must be submitted in four distinct volumes:
- Technical Approach (maximum 10 pages)
- Key Personnel (maximum 3 pages)
- Past Performance (maximum 3 pages)
- Price
- Evaluation: Quotations will be evaluated using comparative evaluation procedures (FAR 13.106-2) based on Technical Capability, Key Personnel, Past Performance, and Price. Award may be made to other than the lowest-priced quotation if technical advantages provide the most advantageous value to the Government.
- Offer Due Date: May 18, 2026, at 1300 ET.
Additional Notes
Government Furnished Equipment (laptop, mouse, keyboard, peripherals) will be provided, and access to government vehicles may be available. The Service Contract Act applies, and a wage determination for Puerto Rico is included. The primary contact is DAVID WATSON at DAVID.L.WATSON@USDA.GOV or 480-204-9319.