Non-Native Invasive Species (NNIS) Mastication – NRV Ranger District

Other / Unclassified

This document outlines the USDA Forest Service's policy on professional conduct, specifically a zero-tolerance approach to harassment. It details expectations for offerors and contractors regarding professional and respectful communications with contracting personnel. The document references applicable USDA policy and the Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) system, as well as the FAR and the USDA Contracting Desk Book.

This document is relevant to bidders as it establishes a critical conduct standard. It informs potential offerors that harassment will not be tolerated and can lead to serious consequences, including removal from vendor lists and exclusion from future opportunities. It also clarifies that the acquisition will be conducted under FAR Part 12 for Commercial Products and Commercial Services, supplemented by USDA policy and AGAR, and highlights the applicability of the FAR and AGAR to this acquisition.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation for commercial services, specifically the mechanical mastication of Non-Native Invasive Species (NNIS) on approximately 25 acres. The work is for the USDA Forest Service, George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, Eastern Divide Ranger District.

• Mechanical mastication of herbicide-treated vegetation and removal of woody NNIS down to ground level (≤2").

• Distribution of masticated material evenly, with no windrowing.

• Specific cutting requirements include Pine < 12" DBH, Hardwood < 8" DBH (unless ORANGE-banded), and all woody shrubs & NNIS.

• Protection of streams, roads, trails, ditches, and fences.

• Removal of contractor-generated trash/debris.

• Maintenance of access road prisms free of slash.

• Acceptance standard: ≥95% of designated vegetation treated per specifications, and 100% treatment attempt across the entire unit.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) per accepted acre.

• Estimated Magnitude: Below SAT (Simplified Acquisition Threshold).

• Period of Performance: April 1, 2026 – October 1, 2026.

• Quotes Due: March 19, 2026, 1700 CST.

• Submission Method: Email to david.easter@usda.gov.

• Quote Validity: 90 days.

• Questions Due: March 14, 2026 (via email).

• Evaluation Factors (Descending Importance):

  1. Successful previous contract completion on the GWJNF for similar NNIS mastication.
  2. COR reference checks.
  3. Contractor performance database checks (CPARS, internal records).
  4. Total evaluated price (FFP per accepted acre).

• Award will be made to the offeror with the Highest Confidence Rating whose total evaluated price is fair and reasonable. Lowest price is not automatically selected.

• Set-Aside: Total Small Business.

• NAICS Code: 115310 – Support Activities for Forestry.

• PSC Code: F006 – Forestry Services.

• A non-mandatory site visit is encouraged. Offerors are urged to inspect work sites.

• Attachment A includes the Schedule of Items & Statement of Work (SOW), technical specifications, maps, and unit acreages.

• Attachment B: Maps (Avenza geo-referenced boundaries, vicinity maps).

• Attachment C: DN & FONSI (Environmental Decision Basis).

• Attachment D: Experience Questionnaire.

• Attachment E: Evaluation Criteria (Confidence Rating Method).

• Invoices submitted unit-by-unit upon COR acceptance.

• Payment based on accepted acres only.

• Remeasurement rules apply if >15% variance.

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

To perform NNIS (Non-Native Invasive Species) mastication of herbicide-treated openings on the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, Eastern Divide Ranger District.

• Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, equipment, tools, transportation, and supervision.

• The work involves cutting and masticating specific types of trees and vegetation within designated areas.

• Specific trees to cut include Pine species less than 12" DBH and hardwood trees less than 8" DBH without an orange band. Woody shrubs and vegetation are also to be cut.

• Dead trees and woody vegetation are to be cut and masticated.

• ORANGE-banded trees are to be left as leave trees.

• Avoid skinning of residual trees designated in ORANGE.

• Mastication of NNIS along the boundary of treatment units is required.

• Trees are to be cut and masticated flush to the ground (not exceeding 2 inches).

• Masticated material shall be left on site and spread evenly; no windrowing.

• Access roads and trails must be kept free of logs, slash, and debris.

• Final cleanup of all trash, rubbish, and debris is required.

• Areas are considered satisfactorily treated if at least 95% of the designated vegetation or unit area has been treated.

• 100% of the treatment unit area must show an attempt at mastication.

• Contractor must prevent pollution of lakes and streams.

• Any damaged roads or trails must be promptly repaired.

• Contract implementation period: April 1, 2026 to October 1, 2026.

• Locations: George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, Eastern Divide Ranger District, Craig County, Virginia and Monroe County, West Virginia.

• Specific contract areas include Patterson Road, Binocular Patch, Little Cuba-Rolands Run road, and Lick Branch, totaling approximately 25 acres.

• Contractor must have previous knowledge/experience in these services and possess necessary equipment.

• Experience Questionnaire (Attachment E) is required.

• Site visit is encouraged; details to be determined. Contact Mark Miller for information.

• Gates will be open and Avenza maps will be available during the pre-bid period for inspection.

• Protection of trees not to be treated is required.

• Upon discovery of archeological/historical materials, work must cease and the COR notified.

• No government-furnished property or labor is anticipated, except as identified in the "Government Furnished Property Clause."

Decision Notice / Finding of No Significant Impact

This document details the U.S. Forest Service's decision to implement a Forest-Wide Non-Native Invasive Plant (NNIP) Control program across the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. The program aims to protect native biological diversity, enhance the effectiveness of NNIP control, and improve program safety and cost efficiency. It addresses infestations on approximately 1.8 million acres.

• Selected Alternative: Alternative 1, which integrates manual, mechanical, chemical (herbicide), and cultural methods for NNIP control.

• Treatment Areas: Includes Threatened, Endangered or Sensitive Plant habitat, Special Biological Areas/Rare Communities, Research Natural Areas, hot spots of NNIP infestation, new infestations, designated and recommended Wilderness, roadsides, parking areas, trails, trailheads, riparian areas, wildlife openings, and other disturbed areas.

• Methods: Includes hand-pulling, cutting, digging, girdling, mowing, use of fire, mulch, plastic sheeting, spot treatments with propane weed torches, and chemical (herbicide) applications. Aerial herbicide application is prohibited.

• Herbicides: Specific herbicides such as Clopyralid, Dicamba, Fosamine ammonium, Glyphosate, Hexazinone, Imazapic, Imazapyr, Metsulfuron methyl, and Triclopyr may be used, applied according to manufacturer's label directions and under certified applicator supervision.

• Scale: Approximately 1,600 acres of manual/cultural/mechanical treatments and up to 12,000 acres of herbicide application per year are anticipated over a ten-year period.

• Period of Performance: Estimated to occur over a ten-year period, beginning in Spring 2011.

• Amendments: This decision includes non-significant amendments to the 1993 George Washington National Forest Revised Land and Resource Management Plan and the 2004 Jefferson National Forest Revised Land and Resource Management Plan.

This document is a decision notice and finding of no significant impact, not a solicitation. It does not contain submission or evaluation criteria for proposals.

Not applicable, as this is a government decision document, not a procurement solicitation.

• The decision is based on an Environmental Assessment (EA) that evaluated alternatives and impacts.
• Mitigation measures and plan standards outlined in the EA are part of the decision.
• The project is determined to have no significant impact on the human environment.
• The decision is subject to administrative appeal within 45 days of publication in the Roanoke Times.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains maps related to "Openings with NNIS" and "Wildlife Openings" in the Little Cuba and Lick Branch areas, as well as "FY25 NNIS Treatment Area: Binocular Patch Area", "FY23 NNIS Treatment Area: Patterson", and "Patterson Rd NNIS Unit". These maps likely provide geographical context, delineate treatment areas, and indicate road status and ownership relevant to potential bidders for related opportunities.

• Geographic Areas: Identifies specific locations such as Little Cuba, Lick Branch, Binocular Patch Area, and Patterson.
• NNIS Openings/Treatment Areas: Highlights areas designated for Non-Native Invasive Species (NNIS) treatment or existing openings.
• Road Information: Details road status (e.g., Open Year-Around, Closed Year Round, Private) and types (e.g., Forest Hwy, Public Road).
• Ownership: Indicates land ownership, including National Forest, Private, Department of Defense, and National Park Service.
• Acreage: Provides rounded acreage for specific openings or treatment units.
• Topographic Data: Includes contour lines to show elevation and terrain.

These maps are crucial for bidders to understand the physical scope and location of potential work. They provide essential details on the terrain, access routes (roads), and land ownership, which are critical for planning, site assessment, and proposal development. Bidders can use this information to gauge the complexity of the work, identify logistical challenges, and ensure their proposals accurately reflect the on-the-ground conditions.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an "Experience Questionnaire" (Attachment 4) intended for contractors who have not sold to the USDA Forest Service in the past 18 months. It is designed to gather information to assess a contractor's experience and capability to perform a project.

• Contractor Information: Name, address, telephone, email.
• Type of Business: Options include Company, Corporation, Co-Partner, Individual, Non-profit.
• Experience: Years of experience in the line of work and as a prime contractor/subcontractor.
• Past Projects (Last 3 Years): Details on completed projects including contract number, award amount, contact information, and completion percentage.
• Current Contract Commitments: Details on ongoing contracts including contract number, award amount, contact information, and completion percentage.
• Past Performance: Questions regarding failure to complete work or work completed by performance bond, with space for explanation.
• Organization Information: Number of employees, payroll status, available equipment, and estimated rate of progress.
• Principal Individuals' Experience: Details on key personnel including name, position, years of experience, and type of work.
• Responsibility Determination: Information for credit and banking references, including company name, address, point of contact, telephone number, and type of work.
• Remarks: A section for additional comments.
• Certification: A statement by the contractor certifying the accuracy of the information provided.

Bidders must complete this questionnaire accurately and thoroughly. The information provided will be used by the Forest Service to determine the apparent successful offeror's responsibility and capability to perform the contract. Failure to provide complete and correct information may impact a bidder's chances of being awarded the contract.