Land Management Integrated Resources (LMIR) National BPA

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

This document outlines the requirements for pre-commercial tree thinning and stand improvement activities within the Missoula Ranger District of the Lolo National Forest. The primary goals are to reduce tree density, mitigate fuels hazard, improve overall stand health, and promote the growth of selected leave trees.

• Tree Selection: Thinning involves cutting undesirable or excess trees to provide space for leave trees to grow, thereby reducing insect and disease risks and improving forest health.

• Location: Work is to be performed in specific areas within the Lolo National Forest in Montana, near Tyler Creek.

• Boundaries: Contract units are marked with pink vinyl ribbon and georeferenced maps will be provided. Work is restricted to Forest Service boundaries.

• Access: Contractors will access units via forest roads and are responsible for clearing any obstructing trees. Access to locked gates will be provided with a combination lock and permit. Vehicle access behind locked gates is prohibited during Montana's big game hunting season (generally starting October 15th).

• Slash Treatment: Slash material must be piled according to specific size and location requirements, and piles must be covered with water-repellant sheeting. Slash must be removed from buffer zones around roads, unit boundaries, etc.

• Production Rate: Minimum production rate of 3 acres/day per person.

• Leave Trees: Specific criteria for selecting desirable leave trees (e.g., species priority, crown class, health) and undesirable trees to be cut.

• Stump Height: Trees must be completely severed, with stump height not exceeding 6 inches (or 4 inches over natural obstacles).

• Non-Performance: Cutting non-designated trees or failing to cut designated trees will be considered non-performance, potentially leading to forfeiture of payment and assessment of damages.

• Contract Time: Work begins after receipt of a Notice to Proceed. Contract time starts on the date specified if hand-delivered, the third day after certified mail issuance, or when work commences, whichever is sooner.

• Seasonal Restrictions: Cutting is permitted only from July 15th to October 15th for specific units (960 and 932).

• Delivery Schedule:

  • Mandatory Units (613a, 613b, 610, 612, 932, and 960): Estimated Begin Date July 15, 2026; Completion Date October 15, 2026 (107 acres).
  • Optional Units (940, 941): Estimated Begin Date July 15, 2026; Completion Date October 15, 2026 (137 acres).

• Pre-Award Site Visit: Not hosted; contractors are responsible for assessing site conditions.

• Contractor Representative: A designated representative with full authority and English proficiency is required.

• Food Storage Order: Compliance with Northern Region Food Storage Order R1-2023-02 is mandatory.

• Camping: May be allowed with prior written approval from the District Ranger, subject to terms and campsite restoration.

• Fire Control: Strict adherence to fire prevention and suppression requirements, including fire tools, extinguishers, spark arresters, and a prepared fire plan. Hoot Owl restrictions may be imposed.

• Weed Free Practices: Equipment, vehicles, and trailers must be free of noxious weeds and presented for inspection.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Contractor must provide and ensure use of appropriate PPE, including eye, face, head, foot, and hearing protection, and chain saw chaps.

• Safety Plan: A written Safety Plan addressing site hazards, PPE, emergency procedures, and medical facilities is required.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Exhibit 3: Thinning Inspection Plot Form and Detailed Instructions," serves as a standardized form and guide for conducting and documenting inspections of tree thinning services. It provides a structured method for evaluating the quality of thinning work performed.

• Inspection Plot Form: A table for recording data on individual trees within a plot, including species, evaluation codes (satisfactory, surplus, non-stocked, improperly cut, other deficiencies), and measurements like diameter at breast height (DBH) and height.
• Detailed Instructions: Step-by-step guidance on how to locate plots, examine trees, record data, and calculate thinning quality.
• Tree Evaluation Codes: A comprehensive list of codes used to categorize trees and deficiencies (e.g., satisfactory leave trees, non-stocked areas, improperly cut trees, excess trees, other deficiencies).
• Calculations: Formulas for determining thinning quality percentage and calculating tree densities per acre.

Bidders performing tree thinning services will need to understand this form and its associated instructions to ensure their work meets the inspection criteria. It outlines the specific metrics and standards by which the quality and adherence to the contract's thinning prescription will be evaluated. Familiarity with these inspection requirements is crucial for successful proposal development and contract execution.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a map titled "D3 Tendoy Thinning Overview". It visually represents the geographical area associated with the "Tendoy Thinning" project, indicating locations of thinning activities, interstates, state highways, other main roads, and townships. The map includes topographical features and labels for various geographical points and bodies of water.

This map provides a visual overview of the project area for the D3 Tendoy Thinning. Bidders can use this to understand the geographic scope and context of the thinning project, including its location relative to existing infrastructure and terrain. This information is crucial for assessing the logistical challenges and operational environment if this map is an attachment to a solicitation or SOW/PWS.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an example of a completed Thinning Inspection Plot Form used to evaluate the quality of tree thinning work performed under a contract. It details the methodology and criteria for assessing whether the thinning meets contract specifications.

• Plot Information: Includes contract details, inspector information, and plot-specific data such as species, tree evaluation (satisfactory, surplus, non-stocked), and deficiencies (improper selection, excess, incorrect cuts).
• Thinning Quality Calculation: Provides formulas and calculations for determining the overall quality percentage based on various deficiency categories and acceptable leave trees.
• Deficiency Categories: Details specific types of deficiencies, including "Cat. A" (improper selection/leave trees), "Cat. B" (excess trees/incorrectly left trees), and "Cat. C" (incorrectly cut trees).
• Interpretations: Explains the observations made on each plot, detailing why certain trees were classified as satisfactory, surplus, or deficient, and how these classifications relate to contract specifications.

This form serves as an example of how the government will inspect and evaluate the contractor's performance in fulfilling thinning requirements. Bidders can use this to understand:

• The specific metrics and standards used to measure the success of the thinning operation.
• The types of deficiencies that can lead to quality deductions.
• The acceptable ranges for leave trees, non-stocked points, and various deficiency categories.
• The calculation method for overall thinning quality, which directly impacts payment. Understanding this inspection form is crucial for bidders to accurately estimate costs, plan their operations to meet quality standards, and avoid potential deductions.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a topographic map titled "D3 Tendoy Thinning Topo". It serves as a visual aid for understanding the terrain and geographical features relevant to the Tendoy Thinning Units. It is intended to depict physical features as they generally appear on the ground.

• Tendoy Thinning Units: Outlines are provided for "Exclusion" (red), "Mandatory" (red), and "Optional" (blue) thinning areas.
• Forest Service System Roads: Indicates the presence of roads within the Forest Service system.
• Contours: Displays contour lines at 200ft intervals and 40ft intervals, with a 40ft scale bar.
• Topographic Data: Shows elevation lines, water features (creeks, lakes), and labeled unit numbers (e.g., 960, 932, 612, 610, 613a, 613b, 941, 940).
• Location Map: A smaller inset map shows the general location within the Lolo National Forest (NF), Missoula.
• Date: The map was dated 4/2/2026.

This map is crucial for bidders to understand the geographical context of the Tendoy Thinning Units. It provides essential information on the topography, including elevation, slopes, and the location of mandatory, optional, and exclusion areas for thinning operations. Bidders can use this map to assess the physical challenges and characteristics of the work areas, which will inform their planning, resource allocation, and proposal development. It also indicates the location of Forest Service roads, which may be relevant for access and logistics.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a map illustrating "D3 Tendoy Thinning Imagery" and delineating "Tendoy Thinning Units." It serves as a visual aid for understanding the scope and location of thinning activities.

• Tendoy Thinning Units: Clearly marked areas designated as "Exclusion" (red outline), "Mandatory" (blue outline), and "Optional" (no outline).
• Forest Service System Roads: Depicted by gray lines, indicating access routes.
• Unit Identifiers: Numerical labels (e.g., 960, 932, 612, 610, 941, 940) are assigned to specific thinning units.
• Imagery Date: The map is dated 4/2/2026.
• Geographic Context: Includes a small inset map showing the location relative to Missoula and the Lolo National Forest.
• Disclaimer: A note indicates the map is for depicting physical features and not for determining legal boundaries, ownership, or access restrictions. It advises users to check with appropriate government offices and exercise caution.

This map is crucial for bidders to visually identify the specific areas where thinning operations are to be performed, distinguishing between mandatory, optional, and excluded zones. It helps in understanding the geographical scope and potential logistical considerations for the opportunity.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a map illustrating the "D3 Tendoy Thinning Access" area, specifically detailing "Tendoy Thinning Units" designated as "Mandatory" (outlined in red) and "Optional" (outlined in blue). It also shows "Lolo Roads Data," including "Forest Service System Roads" and "Private Roads." This map is intended to provide visual guidance on the geographical areas and road networks relevant to the Tendoy thinning project.

• Thinning Units: Clearly delineated areas marked with red (Mandatory) and blue (Optional) outlines, with numerical identifiers (e.g., 960, 932, 610, 612, 613a, 613b, 941, 940).
• Road Data: Includes Forest Service System Roads and Private Roads, with some identified by number (e.g., 63151, 1192, 17822).
• Topographical Information: Contour lines indicating elevation.
• Legend: Explains the meaning of different line types and colors for units and roads.
• Scale and Date: Provides a map scale (0.15 / 0.3 Mi) and the date of the map (4/2/2026).
• Disclaimer: Important notes from the USDA Forest Service regarding the map's intended use, emphasizing it is for general physical features and not for determining legal boundaries, ownership, or access restrictions. It advises users to obtain permission for private lands and check with government offices for public land restrictions.

This map is crucial for bidders to understand the physical scope and location of the Tendoy thinning project. It visually defines the areas where thinning activities are mandatory or optional, and it illustrates the road infrastructure available for access. Bidders should use this map to assess the terrain, identify access points, and plan logistics for the proposed work. The disclaimer highlights the need for bidders to conduct their own due diligence regarding land access and restrictions.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Exhibit 5: Handpile Inspection Form," is a form to be used by contractors and government inspectors to assess the quality of handpiles created as part of a silvicultural or thinning service. It outlines the criteria and methodology for inspecting these piles.

• Inspection Columns: The form includes columns for Plot #, Pile Number, Size (a), Density (b), Location (c), and Paper (d) Placement/Size. Each column is rated as either 0 (unacceptable) or 1 (acceptable).
• Rating Specs: Detailed criteria are provided for each inspection category:
  • Size: Piles should be no smaller than 6'x6'x6' and no larger than the maximum specified in the silvicultural summary prescription. All required material within 50' of the pile must be included.
  • Density: Piles must be compact, with material placed parallel, including a mix of fine fuels and larger fuels (3+" diameter). The exterior should be trimmed so no pieces extend more than 2' beyond the majority of the material.
  • Location: Piles should be outside the dripline of residual trees or in areas that avoid damage to them. Material should be arranged perpendicular to the slope to prevent rolling.
  • Paper Placement/Size: Paper must be within the top 1/3rd of the pile, covering 3/4 of the pile's diameter or 4'x4' (whichever is larger). Heavy slash should secure the paper. Approved water-resistant burnable paper (Kraft #80) is required.
• Calculation: A formula is provided to calculate a percentage score based on the total number of acceptable ratings across columns (a), (b), (c), and (d) out of the total number of piles inspected.

Bidders involved in silvicultural services, particularly those involving handpile creation, must understand these inspection criteria. This form dictates the quality standards for handpile construction and will be used to evaluate the contractor's performance. Familiarity with these requirements is crucial for accurate bidding and successful contract execution.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Wage Determination (WD) issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, under the Service Contract Act. It specifies the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations within the Forestry Industry for Montana Statewide. The document is Revision 82, dated December 3, 2025, for Wage Determination No. 1976-1342.

This document is crucial for any bidder responding to a solicitation that requires services within the Forestry Industry in Montana. It establishes the minimum labor standards that must be met, including:

• Occupational Wage Rates: Lists specific minimum hourly rates for various forestry occupations (e.g., Brush/Precommercial Thinner, Forestry Equipment Operator, Tree Planter).
• Fringe Benefits: Details required fringe benefits, including Health & Welfare rates and paid holidays (11 per year).
• Paid Sick Leave: References Executive Order (EO) 13706, which mandates paid sick leave for federal contractors, and EO 13658, establishing a minimum wage for federal contractors.
• Uniform Allowance: Outlines requirements and reimbursement standards for uniform provision and maintenance.
• Conformance Process: Explains the procedure for requesting additional classifications and wage rates if a required occupation is not listed in the determination.

Bidders must ensure their proposed labor costs align with these minimum wage and benefit requirements to be compliant.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, an Excel spreadsheet named 'Exhibit 6 PCTStandSummaryInformationChart_FINAL.xlsx', provides detailed silvicultural stand summary information and prescription requirements for various units. It serves as a reference for bidders to understand the specific conditions and treatment expectations for different areas within the opportunity.

Stand Information:

• Sub-item Numbers (e.g., 1.1, 2.1)
• Unit Names (e.g., 932, 613a)
• Acres per unit
• Average Stems per Acre
• Estimated Average Height (feet)
• Species Composition

Prescription Requirements:

• Species Preference (in order of priority)
• Average Leave Tree Spacing
• Estimated Average Stems Cut/Acre
• Diameter Limit for cutting
• Handpiling requirements (whole unit or specific areas)
• Estimated Piles/Acre
• Pile Dimensions (Diameter and Minimum Height)
• Access information

Prescription Summary (All Units):

• Avg. Leave Tree Spacing: 15 feet x 15 feet
• Minimum tree height to thin: 1 foot
• Maximum tree diameter (at DBH) to thin: 8.0 inches
• Maximum stump height: 6 inches above ground (or 4 inches above obstacles)
• Small Tree maximum height: 2 feet
• Tolerance for Category C deficiencies (trees smaller than specified but taller than minimum height) is 25 TPA.
• Slash pull back requirements from roads, slopes, culverts, and trails.
• Piling specifications: location, size, material bucking, and covering.

This attachment is crucial for bidders to understand the specific silvicultural treatments required, including the types of trees to cut and leave, spacing, and the detailed requirements for handpiling and slash management. It directly informs the scope of work, resource allocation, and potential costs associated with fulfilling the contract requirements for each unit.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a "Land Management Integrated Resources BPA Call" issued by the Forest Service. It solicits pricing for precommercial thinning and hand piling services to reduce tree density and improve growing conditions. The services are to be performed on the Lolo National Forest, Missoula Ranger District.

• Precommercial Thinning: Services include thinning units identified by specific codes (e.g., Unit 610, Unit 612) and optional units.

• Hand Piling: Services include hand piling of debris in specified units and optional units.

• Quality Control: Contractors must provide a Quality Control Plan (QCP) and maintain an inspection system. Performance standards require at least 90% quality for thinning and hand piling. Specific calculations for determining thinning and hand piling quality are provided.

• Inspection: Government inspection procedures are detailed, including compliance inspections and re-examinations.

• Period of Performance: From Date of Award through October 15, 2026.

• Contract Type: This is a BPA Call Order, which may be single or multi-award. Clauses and provisions in the base BPA apply, but BPA Call Order clauses take precedence.

• Submission Deadline: 25 May 2026 at 1700 MST.

• Evaluation Criteria: Lowest price technically acceptable. Evaluation will be based on:

  • Price
  • Contractors submitted Quality Control Plan
  • Past Performance in Government Contracting
  • Experience in pre-commercial tree thinning and stand improvement activities.

• Technical Acceptability: Rated "acceptable" or "unacceptable" based on the offeror's ability to meet requirements and demonstrate understanding.

• The solicitation is open to current BPA Award Holders.

• Set-aside is "Small Business x Unrestricted."

• Numerous attachments are provided, including the Statement of Work, maps, inspection forms, and wage determinations.

• The document incorporates several FAR class deviations related to Executive Orders and removes certain AGAR clauses.