LOOKOUT SERVICES ON THE UMATILLA NATIONAL FOREST

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation for "LOOKOUT SERVICES ON THE UMATILLA NATIONAL FOREST." It serves as the sole solicitation, and proposals are requested directly. The acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns.

• Provide lookout services to detect and report smokes or fires within and adjacent to the Umatilla National Forest.

• Maintain a daily log of events and provide a written summary of events at the end of each contract year.

• Monitor radio traffic, relay radio messages, plot and report fire start locations, provide fire behavior reports, and report weather conditions.

• Maintain a primary and back-up lookout for 7-day-a-week coverage.

• Respond to fire/smoke sightings within 10 minutes, notifying dispatch with azimuth and estimated distance.

• Notify dispatch of approaching storms.

• Maintain proficiency in using a Fire Finder to accurately locate fires.

• Keep the lookout site clean and tidy.

• Contract Type: One base year with two one-year option years.

• Period of Performance: Approximately July 1, 2026, to October 15, 2028 (subject to weather and fire conditions). Each year begins with a task order. A minimum of 60 days per season is guaranteed.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but pricing is required for all items.

• Submission: Proposals are requested directly via this solicitation. A separate solicitation will not be issued.

• Evaluation: Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose offer is most advantageous to the Government, considering price and other factors. Past performance and price will be evaluated. Award will be made to the highest technically rated offeror, provided the price is fair and reasonable and past performance is acceptable or neutral. Tradeoffs will not be conducted.

• Key Deadlines: Questions are due by April 28th, 2026, 12:00 PM Pacific Time.

• This acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns.

• Applicable NAICS Code: 115310 (Forestry and Logging Support Activities).

• Small Business Size Standard: $11.5M.

• The lookout location is Oregon Butte Lookout in the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, Pomeroy, Washington.

• Access to the site is via foot or pack string.

• Government will provide certain facilities and equipment (living quarters, fire finder, radio communications, etc.).

• Contractor is responsible for providing lookouts, bedding, fuel, transportation, and cleaning supplies.

• Specific FAR and AGAR clauses are incorporated by reference and apply to this solicitation.

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

This document outlines the fire protection and suppression requirements for contractors operating within the USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region. It details measures to prevent and control fires during specific periods and under various conditions.

• Fire Period and Closed Season: Specific fire prevention measures are effective from April 1 to October 31 annually, with potential adjustments by the Forest Service.

• Fire Plan: Contractors must prepare and submit a fire plan in cooperation with the Contracting Officer before starting operations.

• Compliance: Contractors must certify compliance with fire protection and suppression requirements before and during operations.

• Substitute Measures: The Contracting Officer may authorize substitute measures or waive requirements during periods of low fire danger.

• Emergency Measures: The Forest Service may require shutdowns or other emergency measures during fire emergencies.

• Fire Control: Contractors must independently and cooperatively take action to prevent and suppress fires. They must make personnel and equipment available to the Forest Service for fighting fires not caused by their operations.

• State Forest Laws: Contractors must comply with all applicable State Fire Laws.

• Fire Precautions: Specific measures include restrictions on smoking and open fires, requirements for fire extinguishers and equipment on vehicles and power saws, and the use of spark arresters and mufflers on internal combustion engines.

• Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL): Operations must adhere to IFPLs, which dictate restrictions on activities like power saws, cable yarding, blasting, and welding based on fire danger. These levels can change based on the National Fire Danger Rating System.

• Fire Tools: Contractors must furnish specific fire-fighting tools (axes, hoes, shovels) in a readily accessible, marked fire tool box.

• Fire Security: During "I" level IFPL or higher, a designated person must perform fire security services, including monitoring and reporting fires.

• Blasting: Specific precautions are required for blasting operations when IFPL is "II" or greater, including the presence of a fire security person and restrictions on fuses and explosive cords.

• The fire prevention measures are generally effective from April 1 to October 31 annually.

• Operations are conducted within the USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region.

• Equipment: Specific fire extinguishers (UL rated 5 BC), shovels (size "0" or larger), axes/Pulaskis (32-inch handle), and adze eye hoes are required.

• Personnel: Operators of power saws must have a pressurized chemical fire extinguisher. A designated person is required for fire security when IFPL is "I" or higher.

• Reporting: Contractors must obtain daily predicted Industrial Fire Precaution Levels from the appropriate Ranger District headquarters.

• Waivers: Written waivers for specific activities may be granted by the Contracting Officer, considering site-specific factors and reduced risk.

• The IFPL system may not apply on lands protected by ODF east of the summit of the Cascades.

• Hauling precautions are governed by the woods loading site's precaution level when transiting multiple areas.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination (WD 1977-0079, Revision 81) applicable to contracts for Forestry and Logging Services in Oregon.

It outlines specific wage rates and fringe benefits for various occupations, including:

• Brush/Precommercial Thinner
• Choker Setter
• Faller/Bucker
• Forestry Equipment Operator
• Tree Planter

It also details required benefits such as Health & Welfare, paid vacation, and eleven paid holidays. The document includes provisions for uniform allowances and the process for requesting authorization of additional classifications and wage rates (Conformance Process) using Standard Form 1444.

This wage determination is crucial for bidders on federal contracts involving forestry and logging services in Oregon. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits that must be paid to employees performing work under such contracts, directly impacting labor costs and proposal pricing. Bidders must ensure their offers comply with these mandated rates and benefits.