Ottawa NF Platypus Timber Mark and Cruise
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The USDA Forest Service is soliciting proposals for timber marking and cruising services in the Platypus timber sale area of the Ottawa National Forest, Michigan. This opportunity is restricted to Region 9 Timber Mark and Cruise BPA holders ONLY. The contract is for non-personal services, with proposals due by April 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM CT.
Scope of Work
This Request for Quotation (RFQ) is for the "Platypus Timber Sale Marking Contract - Final Acres," involving timber marking and volume estimation across approximately 375 acres of Northern Hardwoods & Aspen forest types. Key requirements include:
- Hardwood Single-Tree Selection (uneven-age): Approximately 374 acres (Payment Units 01-10), focusing on removing high-risk, defective, poor-form, or mature trees and maintaining size class structure.
- Clearcut/Removal Cut: Approximately 1 acre (Payment Unit 11), designating all live and/or dead trees meeting minimum specifications for removal, excluding reserve trees.
- Sample Tree Cruising Method (STR): Applicable to all payment units, involving measurement of a specified proportion of trees for removal and tallying remaining trees.
- Contractor must furnish all labor, materials, and supervision, adhering to the Ottawa National Forest's Timber Theft Prevention Plan (TTPP).
- Government will furnish tree marking paint (blue), R9 Timber Sale Cruise Tally Card & Instructions, and marking guides.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (BPA Call Order).
- Period of Performance: Upon award through November 30, 2026.
- Estimated Value: Approximately $80,000.00 (as mentioned in a related document).
- Set-Aside: None specified.
- Agency: USDA Forest Service, Stewardship Contracting Branch.
- Place of Performance: Watersmeet, MI 49969.
Submission & Evaluation
- Submission Deadline: April 3, 2026, by 11:00 AM CT.
- Submission Requirements: Complete Standard Form 18, the Schedule of Items, and provide a response to technical (non-price) evaluation criteria.
- Evaluation Criteria: Award will be based on the best value to the Government, considering technical factors (including Contract Time and Schedule) and price. Past Performance will also be evaluated.
Additional Notes
This opportunity is exclusively for Region 9 Timber Mark and Cruise BPA holders. The sale area is accessible from Watersmeet via US-2 and FR 7300. Contact Cynthia Horwitz at cynthia.horwitz@usda.gov for inquiries.