Mechanical Removal of Woody Vegetation, Huron Manistee NF

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the mulching requirements for the opportunity.

• Mulching Scope: The requirement is for a full mulch, also referred to as mastication. The trees are to be chipped or shredded on-site.
• Number of Passes: The number of passes required for mulching will depend on the capability of the equipment used.

This clarification provides specific details on the mulching process, which may influence equipment selection and bidding strategy.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0002) to the solicitation/modification of contract is effective 04/16/2026. It serves to provide "Amendment 0002 Questions and Answers" as an attached document. The Period of Performance has been updated to 11/01/2026 to 03/15/2027.

• The primary change is the addition of "Amendment 0002 Questions and Answers" to the solicitation documents.

• The Period of Performance has been modified.

• The amendment does not explicitly state an extension of the offer receipt deadline, but bidders should review the attached "Questions and Answers" for any impact on submission requirements or deadlines.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 0001 to the solicitation. It incorporates "Questions and Answers" related to the opportunity. The Period of Performance has been updated to 11/01/2026 to 03/15/2027.

• The "Questions and Answers" document is attached and referenced.

• Period of Performance dates have been modified.

• The amendment does not explicitly state if proposal deadlines are extended, but bidders should acknowledge receipt of this amendment. Failure to do so may result in offer rejection. Bidders desiring to change an offer already submitted should do so via letter or electronic communication referencing the solicitation and this amendment, received prior to the specified hour and date.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the solicitation.

• Inclement Weather: The Period of Performance (11/1/2026 - 3/15/2027) accounts for winter weather and snow. No special considerations will be given for inclement weather impacting project completion.
• Refuse Removal: The requirement to remove refuse applies to trash generated from the work (e.g., hydraulic oil containers) and does not include mulching residue.

No changes to requirements, due dates, or submission rules were indicated as a result of these clarifications.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for mechanical treatment to remove woody vegetation. The USDA Forest Service is seeking offers for this service.

• Mechanical treatment of woody vegetation.

• Specific areas for treatment include: Bluebird South Opening (39.7 acres), Chambers Opening (43 acres), and Wells Road Openings (64.5 acres).

• Anticipated contract type: Firm-fixed price.

• Period of Performance: November 1, 2026, to March 15, 2027.

• Delivery Date: March 15, 2027.

• Offer Due Date: May 6, 2026, by 5:00 PM CT.

• Submission Method: Email to shad.stoddard@usda.gov in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

• Questions Due: April 27, 2026, by 1:00 PM CST.

• Evaluation Criteria: Quotes will be evaluated based on Past Performance, Experience, Supplies, Tools, and Equipment, Key Employees, and Approach to the project. Award will be made to the highest technically rated offeror whose proposal is determined to be the most technically advantageous, provided the price is fair and reasonable and past performance is acceptable or neutral. Tradeoffs will not be conducted.

• NAICS Code: 115310 (Timber Tract and Seedling Tree Production).

• Size Standard: $11.5 million.

• The solicitation is set aside 100% for Small Business.

• Offerors must have an active entity registration in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Completed SF1449 and Attachment C Submission Package are required.

• The document incorporates numerous FAR clauses and AGAR provisions by reference, including those related to commercial products and services, small business concerns, labor standards, and DEI compliance.

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

The objective of this work is to remove encroaching woody vegetation from wildlife openings to maintain savannah-like conditions, crucial for multiple species.

• Treatment Area: 147.2 acres of wildlife openings.

• Vegetation Removal: Mechanical treatment using mastication or brush hogging to remove oak, aspen, and pine less than 4 inches in Diameter at Breast Height (DBH).

• Equipment: Heavy equipment with masticator, brushhog mower deck, or tree shear.

• Work Areas: Contractors are responsible for locating work areas based on provided information and attached location maps. Assistance will be provided if locations cannot be found.

• Road Usage: Open forest and county roads may be used for maneuvering equipment.

• Refuse Removal: Contractor is responsible for removing all refuse generated during work.

• Salvage: No salvage privileges are associated with this contract.

• Acceptable Work: Trees must be cut according to the prescription (oak, aspen, pine < 4" DBH removed).

• Equipment Inspection: All equipment must be steam cleaned or high-pressure washed prior to arrival to remove invasive plant seeds. Compressed air cleaning is also acceptable. Equipment will be inspected upon arrival and subsequent returns if taken off-site.

• Contract Implementation Period: To be completed between November 1, 2026, and March 15, 2027.

• Specific Areas & Acres:

  • Bluebird South Opening: 39.7 acres
  • Chambers Opening: 43 acres
  • Wells Road Openings: 64.5 acres

• Equipment Cleaning: Mandatory cleaning to prevent the spread of invasive plant species.

• Government Furnished Property: None.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains maps and geographical data for several "openings" or areas of interest, likely related to land management or resource development. It provides visual representations of these areas, including their boundaries, acreage, and precise geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude).

• Bluebird South Opening: 39.7 acres, located at N44.48911 W-83.59184. This map shows roads (Pine River, Bissonette Rd), and proximity to Au Sable River Campsite.
• Chambers Opening: 43 acres, located at N44.43063 W-83.65222. This map shows proximity to River Road Nat Scenic Byway and Chambers Road.
• Wells Road Area: This section details multiple stands with their respective acreages and coordinates:
  • Stand 10: 21 acres, N44.42842 W-83.48889
  • Stand 37: 13.5 acres, N44.42304 W-83.49105
  • Stand 8: 10 acres, N44.42754 W-83.48348
  • Stand 30: 10 acres, N44.42383 W-83.48391
  • Stand 29: 10 acres, N44.41825 W-83.482
• Each map includes a scale bar, directional north arrow, and township/range indicators (e.g., T24N, R07E).

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the physical locations, sizes, and geographical context of the areas relevant to the opportunity. It aids in site assessment, logistical planning, and understanding the scope of any potential work related to these specific land parcels.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the Offer Submission Package, which must be completed and submitted by the contractor along with their offer. It serves to collect essential information about the offeror and their capabilities to ensure compliance with the solicitation's requirements.

• Offeror Information: Requires the Offeror's Name, SAM UEI, Email Address, and Point of Contact (Name and Phone).
• Experience and Capability Questionnaire: A detailed questionnaire covering:
  • Contractor's Name, Address & Telephone Number
  • Type of Business (Company, Corporation, Non-profit, Co-partner, Individual)
  • Years of experience in the line of work and as a prime/subcontractor.
  • List of projects completed in the last 3 years, including contract amount, type, completion date, and contact information.
  • List of concurrent contractual commitments.
  • History of failed or bond-completed work, with explanations if applicable.
  • Details on the organization available for the project, including employee numbers, payroll status, and specific supplies, tools, equipment, and facilities to be used.
  • Estimated rate of progress.
  • List of key employees to be assigned, their positions, and experience.
  • A narrative describing the anticipated approach to the project.
• Certification: A statement certifying the completeness and correctness of the provided information.

Bidders must complete and submit this package with their offer. The information provided herein will be used to evaluate the offeror's experience, capability, and approach to the project. Failure to complete this package accurately and thoroughly may impact the evaluation of the offer.

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, for contracts subject to the Service Contract Act (SCA). It specifies the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations in the Forestry and Logging industry within Michigan.

• Occupational Listing: Provides a list of specific job titles within Forestry and Logging (e.g., Brush/Precommercial Thinner, Choker Setter, Forestry Equipment Operator) along with their corresponding minimum hourly wage rates.
• Fringe Benefits: Details required fringe benefits, including Health & Welfare rates ($5.55/hour or $5.09/hour for EO 13706 contracts), vacation time (1 week after 1 year, 2 weeks after 3 years), and a minimum of eleven paid holidays per year.
• Uniform Allowance: Outlines requirements for providing uniforms and reimbursement for cleaning and maintenance if applicable.
• Executive Orders: Notes the applicability of Executive Order (EO) 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and EO 13658 (Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors), specifying minimum hourly rates for 2025.
• Conformance Process: Describes the procedure for requesting authorization of additional classifications and wage rates if a required occupation is not listed in the determination.

Bidders must use these wage rates and fringe benefits when preparing their proposals for contracts involving Forestry and Logging services in Michigan. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to non-compliance with the Service Contract Act. The document also outlines how to handle unlisted occupations through the conformance process.