Ottawa National Forest Silver Branch Plant Survey 3

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

To survey specified areas of the Ottawa National Forest for the presence of Regional Forester's Sensitive plants, State of Michigan listed plants, other plants of potential viability concern, priority non-native invasive plants, and plants of cultural significance.

• Survey a total of 350 stands (7,992 acres) at least once, with at least 105 stands (30%) and 2,398 acres (30%) surveyed a second time.

• Surveys to be conducted between May 15 and September 15, in 2026 and/or 2027, with at least 3 weeks between consecutive surveys in a stand.

• All surveys and paperwork must be completed by September 15, 2027, and submitted by October 15, 2027.

• Contractor to furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, supplies, and incidentals.

• Focus on "Silver Branch Vegetation Management Project" areas, including Silver River, and North and South Branches of the Paint River.

• Identify and record rare plants, invasive plants, and plants of cultural significance.

• All 350 stands must be visited at least once.

• At least 105 stands (30%) and 2,398 acres (30%) must be visited a second time.

• Surveys must occur between May 15 and September 15.

• At least 3 weeks must pass between consecutive surveys in a stand.

• All surveys completed by September 15, 2027.

• All results and paperwork submitted by October 15, 2027.

• Specific reporting requirements for rare plants (MNFI forms), invasive plants (Weed Reporting form), and cultural plants.

• Digital photos of rare plants and habitats required.

• Stand tracking and final reports must be submitted electronically.

• Surveys to occur between May 15 and September 15, in 2026 and/or 2027.

• All work to be completed by September 15, 2027.

• Location: Ottawa National Forest, in Houghton, Baraga, and Iron Counties, Michigan.

• Contractor employees must be able to identify specified plant species.

• Pre-field review required, including topographic maps, aerial photos, and relevant information.

• Access to survey stands may be difficult; follow designated routes.

• Controlled intuitive or meander survey basis.

• Record survey routes with a handheld GPS unit (NAD83 datum).

• Criteria for second survey include higher floral diversity, presence of rare plants, unusual habitats, rock features, early/late survey window, or lack of invasive earthworm impacts.

• If rare plant population located, record identity, number of individuals, location, area, and habitat characteristics.

• For specific rare species, complete Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) special plant survey forms.

• For invasive plants, use Ottawa National Forest Weed Reporting form or an Excel spreadsheet.

• For cultural plants, collect GPS points.

• Notify COR of high priority or new invader weed locations within 2 weeks.

• Prepare a comprehensive species list and a final report.

• Government-furnished property includes maps, flagging, and a tablet with Field Maps application.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document, "Attachment D_Silver Branch 3 Bundle Forms.pdf," contains several forms and data compilations related to plant surveys conducted on the Ottawa National Forest. It includes:

• 2026 List of Rare Plants for the Ottawa NF: A comprehensive list of Regional Forester Sensitive Species, State-listed species, and other species of potential viability concern.

• Contract Invasive Plant Priority List, Ottawa National Forest 2025: A list of invasive plants categorized by priority (High, New Invader/High, Medium, Watch).

• Ottawa National Forest Invasive Plant Reporting Form: A form for documenting new invasive plant sites.

• Ottawa National Forest Botany Program Protocol for Rare Plant Surveys: Guidance on survey methods, stand types, and reporting requirements.

• Silver Branch Plant Survey 3: Stand Tracker Example: An example spreadsheet for tracking survey data.

• Ottawa National Forest Plant Surveys Stand Tracker Instructions: Detailed guidance for using the Stand Tracker spreadsheet.

• Rare Plant List: Includes scientific and common names, Ottawa NF status, State status, and notes for each species.

• Invasive Plant Lists: Categorizes invasive species by priority and provides scientific names.

• Reporting Forms: Outlines required fields for reporting invasive plant sites and general survey data.

• Survey Protocols: Details field survey methods, stand type codes, and data collection requirements.

• Stand Tracker: Provides columns for Dist, Comp, Stand, Acres, EV Code, YOO, Dates, and Comments.

This document is crucial for bidders involved in ecological surveys, invasive species management, or botanical inventories on the Ottawa National Forest. It provides the specific lists of species to monitor (rare and invasive), the methodologies to be employed, and the required reporting formats. Understanding these requirements is essential for developing accurate proposals and successfully executing any related contracts.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is "Attachment E: Silver Branch Plant Survey 3, Special Plant Survey Form" from the Michigan Natural Features Inventory. It is a form designed to collect detailed information about plant surveys, likely for ecological or conservation purposes.

The form includes sections for:

• Element Identification: Scientific/common name, EO Rank, EOID, EO #.
• Verification: Photo/slide taken, specimen collected, identification problems.
• Survey Information: Date, time, surveyors, revisit needs.
• Locational Information: Survey site name, managed area name, quadcode, directions, GPS data, latitude, longitude, feature information (conceptual feature type, source feature).
• Ownership Information: Landowner type and contact.
• Population Data: Abundance (ramets, genets), population distribution.
• Phenology: Stage of plant development (in leaf, in bud, etc.).
• Condition: Evidence of reproduction, disease/predation, animal pollinators.
• Landscape Description and Setting: Surrounding landforms, natural communities, human impacts.
• Habitat Description: Specific habitat or microhabitat details.
• Topography: Aspect, slope, light, position, moisture, elevation.
• Associated Species: Overstory/tree, understory, and ground cover species with percentage cover.
• Threats and Disturbances: Current and potential threats, invasive species.
• Management and Protection: Management, monitoring, and protection needs.
• Map: Mandatory section for attaching a map or sketch showing the location of the observation.

This form is a data collection tool. Bidders responding to an opportunity that requires ecological surveys, environmental impact assessments, or land management services may need to use or understand this form to report findings or fulfill contract requirements. It outlines the specific data points and details expected in such surveys.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment F, "Silver Branch Plant Survey 3," which contains the Service Contract Act (SCA) Wage Determination No. 1981-0136, Revision No. 74. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations employed under SCA-covered contracts within the state of Michigan, specifically for the "Forestry and Logging" category.

• Applicable Area: State of Michigan, listing all counties.
• Occupational Codes and Titles: Lists specific job titles within Forestry and Logging (e.g., Brush/Precommercial Thinner, Choker Setter, Forestry Equipment Operator, General Forestry Laborer).
• Wage Rates: Specifies the minimum hourly wage for each listed occupation.
• Fringe Benefits: Details required health and welfare benefits, including rates for regular hours and specific rates related to Executive Order 13706.
• Executive Orders: Notes the applicability of Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (Establishing a Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors), outlining their requirements and how they interact with the wage determination.
• Uniform Allowance: Specifies requirements for providing and maintaining uniforms, including reimbursement rates for cleaning.
• Conformance Process: Outlines the procedure for classifying and determining wages for occupations not explicitly listed in the wage determination.

This document is crucial for bidders responding to solicitations that fall under the Service Contract Act for forestry and logging services in Michigan. It dictates the minimum labor costs that must be factored into proposals, including wages and mandatory fringe benefits. Bidders must ensure their proposed labor rates meet or exceed these requirements to be compliant. The document also provides guidance on handling unlisted job classifications through the conformance process.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment G_Service Contract Act WD 2015-4871 REV 32 042926.pdf", is a Service Contract Act Wage Determination for the state of Michigan. It provides the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations that may be employed under a government contract.

• Geographic Area: Specifies the counties in Michigan covered by this wage determination.
• Occupational Listings: Details numerous job classifications with corresponding minimum hourly wage rates and footnotes.
• Fringe Benefits: Outlines required fringe benefits, including Health & Welfare rates and paid time off (Vacation, Holidays).
• Executive Orders: References Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (Minimum Wage), detailing their applicability and requirements.
• Conformance Process: Explains the procedure for establishing wage rates for occupations not listed in the determination.

Bidders must use this document to determine the minimum wages and benefits they are legally required to provide to service employees working on the contract. Failure to comply can result in contract violations. This information is crucial for accurate cost estimation and proposal development.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Experience Questionnaire required as part of Solicitation # 12443926Q0069, Attachment H, for the Silver Branch Plant Survey 3. It is designed to gather information about a potential bidder's experience and qualifications.

• Contractor Information: Name, address, telephone, email, and type of business.
• Experience: Years of experience in the line of work and as a prime contractor/subcontractor.
• Relevant Projects: Details of up to three most relevant projects performed within the last three years, including contractor name, award amount, contact information for references, date completed, and description of work performed.
• Current Commitments: Information on current contract commitments.
• Organizational Information: Minimum and maximum number of employees, whether employees are on payroll, and available equipment.
• Principal Individuals' Experience: Experience of key personnel, including years of experience and type of work.
• Failure to Complete Work: Confirmation of whether the firm has ever failed to complete an awarded work.
• Remarks: A section for additional comments.
• Certification: A statement by the contractor certifying the accuracy of the information provided and authorizing references to release information.

Bidders must complete and return this questionnaire by COB 22 MAY 2026 @ 1200 CT via email to Christopher Hamilton (christopher.j.hamilton@usda.gov). This document is crucial for the government to assess the bidder's capability and experience to perform the required work for the Silver Branch Plant Survey 3 opportunity.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for the "Silver Branch Plant Survey Contract 3." The purpose is to survey specified areas of the Ottawa National Forest for the presence of Regional Forester's Sensitive plants, State of Michigan listed plants, other plants of potential viability concern, priority non-native invasive plants, and plants of cultural significance.

• Conduct botany surveys in designated compartments within the Ottawa National Forest.

• Identify and document the presence of specific plant categories (Regional Forester's Sensitive, State of Michigan listed, potential viability concern, priority non-native invasive, and cultural significance).

• Deliver results and completed paperwork.

• Specific compartments and number of stands are detailed in the Schedule of Items (Attachment A).

• Anticipated contract type: Firm-fixed-price requirements contract.

• Period of Performance: One (1) base year, estimated start date June 1, 2026, to September 15, 2026, for surveys, with final paperwork due October 15, 2027. The total contract duration shall not exceed one (1) year.

• Quotations are due by May 22, 2026, 1200 PM Central Time, submitted via email to christopher.j.hamilton@usda.gov.

• Failure to propose pricing for all individual line items may result in exclusion.

• Evaluation will be based on the lowest price technically acceptable criteria.

• Technical evaluation will consider the offeror's ability to provide a sound and compliant approach, including crew qualifications, experience (especially with upper Midwest flora and botany surveys), and capacity to meet the SOW.

• Past performance will also be evaluated.

• Questions are due by May 14, 2026, 1200 PM Central Time.

• This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• Applicable NAICS Code: 541620 (Environmental Consulting Services).

• Small business size standard: $19 Million.

• This announcement constitutes the solicitation; a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

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

• Numerous FAR and AGAR clauses and provisions are incorporated by reference and/or included.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for the Silver Branch Plant Survey Contract 3. The purpose is to survey specified areas of the Ottawa National Forest to identify Regional Forester's Sensitive plants, State of Michigan listed plants, other plants of potential viability concern, priority non-native invasive plants, and plants of cultural significance.

• Survey specified areas of the Ottawa National Forest.

• Identify and report on various plant types as detailed in the Statement of Work (Attachment B).

• The schedule of items outlines specific compartments and total acres to be surveyed.

• Anticipated contract type: Firm-fixed price requirements contract.

• Period of performance: One (1) base year with no options. Total duration not to exceed one (1) year.

• Quotations are requested and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

• Evaluation will be based on the lowest price technically acceptable criteria.

• Technical approach will be evaluated based on the offeror's ability to provide a sound and compliant approach, including:

  • Qualifications and experience of the crew and subcontractors (flora knowledge, survey experience, rare plant location).
  • Capacity to accomplish the project within the required timeframe, including identification of any unaccomplishable requirements, key personnel, and resources.

• Past performance will also be evaluated.

• Pricing must be submitted for all individual line items in the Schedule of Items.

• Delivery is F.O.B. destination by 09/15/2026; early deliveries are accepted.

• This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• The applicable North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) Code is 541620.

• The small business size standard is $19 M.

• Questions due: May 14, 2026, 1200 PM Central Time.

• Quotes due: May 22, 2026, 1200 PM Central Time.

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

• Various FAR and AGAR clauses and provisions are incorporated by reference.

• Attachments include Schedule of Items, Statement of Work, Maps, Forms, and Wage Determinations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment A_Schedule of Items Silver Branch Plant Survey 3," outlines the specific items and requirements for botanist contractors to survey rare plants on the Ottawa National Forest in 2026 and 2027. It details the scope of work, including the number of stands and total acreage to be surveyed, and provides a structure for bidders to submit their pricing.

• Total Stands: 350 stands covering 7,992 acres.
• Survey Years: 2026 and 2027.
• Bid Items: The work is divided into three bid items based on geography.
• Stand Requirements: All 350 stands must be visited once. At least 105 stands (30%), totaling at least 2,398 acres (30%), must be visited a second time. The contractor selects which stands for the second visit.
• Survey Period: Surveys must occur between May 15 and September 15, with at least 3 weeks between consecutive surveys in a stand.
• Completion Deadline: All surveys must be completed by September 15, 2027. Results and paperwork due by October 15, 2027.
• Methodology: Surveys will follow the Ottawa National Forest Botany Program Protocol (controlled intuitive or meander basis).
• Maps: Initial maps are provided for bidding; additional detailed maps will be provided to the selected contractor.
• Pricing Table: Details three bid items with corresponding compartments, number of stands, total acres, and a space for the bid price.
• Quote Qualifications: Space for bidders to add qualifications regarding the number of bid items they will accept or if they are submitting on an "all or none" basis.
• Contractor Information: Fields for Printed Name, Title, Signature, Date, Unique Entity Number, and Taxpayer ID Number.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the scope of the rare plant survey project, the geographic distribution of the work, the required survey methodology, and the specific pricing structure. Bidders must use this attachment to prepare their quotes, including any necessary qualifications, and to provide their contact and identification information. The details on stand numbers, acreage, and bid items directly inform the pricing strategy and the potential contract award.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment C_Silver Branch Contract 3 Maps.pdf", contains maps related to Silver Branch Plant Survey 3 Compartments over an Ottawa National Forest Map. It serves as a visual aid for understanding the locations and boundaries of survey compartments within the specified forest area.

• Maps illustrating the location of Silver Branch Plant Survey 3 Compartments and Survey Stands.
• Identification of various geographical features including roads, rivers, lakes, and national forest land.
• Legend detailing symbols for "Rare Plant", "Priority NNIP SB3" species, roads, streams, compartments, stands, and land types.
• Specific compartment maps with numbered survey stands and vegetation codes.

This attachment is crucial for bidders to visually identify and understand the geographical scope and specific areas of interest for the Silver Branch Plant Survey Contract 3. It provides the necessary spatial context for understanding the survey areas, potential vegetation types, and logistical considerations within the Ottawa National Forest.