PNW Alaska On-Grid Plots - Wrangell Ketchikan

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "Forest Inventory and Analysis Field Guide, Volume I: Field Data Collection Procedures for Phase 2 Plots, in Alaska, Version 9.5". It provides detailed procedures, codes, standards, and definitions for conducting forest inventories in Alaska.

• Organization of the Manual: Structured for field personnel, with chapters corresponding to specific functions in plot measurement and data recording.
• Core vs. Regional Procedures: Core FIA procedures are included, with regional adjustments noted in italics. Regional data item names are followed by the specific inventory (e.g., PACI, AFSL, PFSL, INTAK, COSTALAK) or PNW.
• Data Item Display: Examples show how data items are displayed based on source (Core or regional), with NIMS codes for Core items and regional codes for regional items.
• Plot Design: Describes the standard four-subplot design with microplots, including layout and dimensions.
• Safety: Emphasizes safety as the number one priority, with detailed subsections on safety in the woods, around helicopters, and on the road.
• Plot Establishment and Referencing: Details procedures for locating and establishing new plots, and for monumenting and referencing plot centers and subplots.
• Condition Class Delineation: Provides extensive guidance on identifying and delineating condition classes based on various attributes like forest type, stand size, regeneration status, and tree density.
• Data Collection: Outlines procedures for collecting plot-level data, GPS coordinates, down woody materials, duff and litter depth, vegetation structure, species composition, and invasive plants.
• Appendices: Includes appendices for reference information such as state and county codes, slope correction tables, metric equivalents, forest type codes, FIA tree species codes, damage codes, ownership procedures, and equipment checklists.

This document is crucial for any bidder involved in forestry or environmental assessment projects within Alaska that require adherence to FIA standards. It details the precise methodologies, data collection protocols, and coding standards that must be followed. Understanding this manual is essential for accurate data collection, reporting, and compliance with the Forest Inventory and Analysis program's requirements. It provides the foundational knowledge for any field work related to forest inventory in Alaska.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Wage Determination issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, under the Service Contract Act. It specifies the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations in a specific geographic area.

• Wage Determination Number: 2015-5685, Revision No.: 27
• Date of Last Revision: 12/03/2025
• Geographic Area: Alaska Boroughs of Haines, Juneau, Ketchikan Gateway, Prince of Wales, Sitka, Skagway-Yakutat, Wrangell-Peters.
• Occupational Listings: Includes detailed lists of occupation codes, titles, and corresponding minimum hourly wage rates.
• Fringe Benefits: Specifies Health & Welfare benefits ($5.55/hour or $222.00/week) and Paid Sick Leave (EO 13706: $5.09/hour or $203.60/week). It also outlines Vacation (2-4 weeks based on service) and a list of twelve paid holidays.
• Executive Orders: Notes applicability of Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (minimum wage rate adjustments).
• Footnotes: Includes specific guidance for Computer Employees (exempt vs. non-exempt) and Air Traffic Controllers/Weather Observers (night pay, Sunday pay).
• Hazardous Pay Differential: Details 8% and 4% differentials for work involving ordnance, explosives, and incendiary materials.
• Uniform Allowance: Outlines requirements for furnishing and maintaining uniforms, including reimbursement for cleaning ($3.35/week).
• Conformance Process: Explains the procedure for requesting additional classifications and wage rates not listed in the determination using Form SF-1444.

This wage determination is critical for any bidder on a contract that falls under the Service Contract Act within the specified geographic area. It establishes the minimum labor costs (wages and benefits) that must be factored into proposals. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages and benefits meet or exceed these requirements to be compliant. Failure to adhere to these rates can lead to contract violations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 9 - Exhibit G - Scoring Weights.xlsx," outlines the weighting percentages assigned to various categories for the evaluation of proposals or bids related to this opportunity. Bidders should use this information to understand how different aspects of their submission will be assessed.

• Tally Items: 20%
• Tree & Snag Attributes: 20%
• Condition Class: 10%
• Subplot Attributes: 7.5%
• Downed Woody Materials: 7.5%
• Vegetation Profile: 7.5%
• Boundary References: 5%
• Site Index: 5%
• Plot Locations: 5%
• Plot Attributes: 3.75%
• Seedling Data: 3.75%
• Invasive Plants: 2.5%
• Plot Packet: 2.5%

This exhibit is critical for bidders as it directly informs the strategic development of their proposals. Understanding these scoring weights allows vendors to prioritize their efforts and resources, focusing on areas that carry the most significant impact on the overall evaluation. Bidders should ensure their proposals comprehensively address and demonstrate strengths in the higher-weighted categories to maximize their competitive advantage.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an "Electronic Plot Folder Inspection Form - Forested Plots" used for quality control and data verification during forest inventory data collection. It serves as a checklist for field crews and reviewers to ensure plot data is accurate, complete, and consistent with established protocols.

• Date, Plot, QA: Fields for recording inspection details.
• Items to be corrected / Notes to QA: Sections for documenting specific issues found and actions taken or required.
• Plot Card: Verifies legibility, correct completion per instructions, presence of sketch maps, and consistency between header information and digital data.
• Plot Data: Checks for discrepancies between narrative, digital data, and maps; ensures plot access descriptions and narratives follow protocol.
• GPS Data: Verifies collection of GPS coordinates for forest land classes and explanations for any omissions.
• Site Tree Data: Ensures correct selection and documentation of site trees, including explanations for 'questionable' or missing site trees, and notes on topography and growth.
• Condition Data: Verifies age trees, stand size class, regeneration status, and density data, with notes explaining any changes.
• Boundary Data: Checks for correct recording of boundary changes and verification of condition areas.
• Veg Data: Ensures correct species codes and descriptions.
• Tree Data: Verifies reconcile codes, diameter checks, damage codes, and consistency of tree notes with recorded data.
• Plot Printout: Reviews notes for clarity and support of data, and checks validations for errors.
• Ownership: Confirms owner records in MIDAS and correct identification of the owner at plot center.

While this form is an internal quality control document, its existence and the detailed checks it outlines indicate the rigor and specific data requirements of forest inventory projects. Bidders involved in such projects should understand that detailed, accurate, and protocol-adherent data collection is expected, and that forms like this are used to ensure that quality. It highlights the importance of precise data management and adherence to established field guides and protocols in any related contract work.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, the "2026 Coastal Alaska Plot Edit Sheet," is a form used by field crews to record and verify data collected during plot edits for forest inventory. It serves as a checklist and data entry guide to ensure accuracy and consistency in data collection.

• Plot Card Information: Details on filling out the plot card, including header information, travel times, and plot diagrams.
• Plot Folder & Data Print Out: Instructions for checking errors and warnings in the plot data, making edits in MIDAS Mobile, and preparing files for Quality Assurance (QA) review.
• Plot Data Fields: Specific guidance on recording various data points such as Crew Type, Transportation, Topo Position, Distance to Improved Road, and Water on Plot.
• Site Tree Data: Instructions for collecting and verifying site index, questionable site trees, and site tree notes.
• Condition Class Data: Guidance on defining Reserved Status, Owner Group, Forest Type, Stand Size, Stand Age, Physiographic Class, Fuel Model, Disturbance and Treatment, and Cover Class.
• Data Edits: Sections for correcting errors related to plot mapping, condition status, unlisted trees, seedling data, vegetation species, and structure data.
• Boundary Data: Procedures for verifying and updating boundary mapping.
• Subsection for Entirely Nonforest Plots: Specific edits for plots coded as PLOT STATUS = 2.
• Subsection for Nonsampled Plots: Additional edits for plots coded as PLOT STATUS = 3.

While this document is primarily an internal data collection form for the government's inventory process, it provides insight into the detailed data points and verification steps involved in forest inventory. Understanding these processes can indirectly inform bidders about the rigor and methodology behind the data used in forest management and planning, which may be relevant for opportunities involving forest resources or data collection.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the hardware, software, and data processing procedures required for the opportunity. It specifies the equipment and software the contractor must provide or use, and details the procedures for data collection, processing, and submission.

• Portable Data Recorder (PDR): Must support the Mobile Integrated Data Acquisition System (MIDAS). If the contractor provides their own, it must meet specific technical support and storage criteria (Trimble Ranger 7, Juniper Systems Allegro MX/Allegro 2, or Juniper Systems Allegro CE/CX). Software upgrades will be provided via the MIDAS website.
• Personal Computer/Laptop: Must have Windows 10, Java Version 8 Update 121 or later, Microsoft Office 2013, and Adobe Reader 2019 or later. MIDAS installation and updates will be distributed via the MIDAS website.
• Submeter GNSS: The Government will provide JAVAD TRIUMPH-2 (L2+GLONASS) units. If the contractor provides their own, they must be JAVAD TRIUMPH-2 (L2+GLONASS).
• Data Processing & Submission Procedures: Details the use of MIDAS software for data entry, editing, and submission. Includes procedures for handling software updates, downloading raw GNSS files, editing plots using MIDAS Mobile or Control Panel, and packaging data for submission via MIDAS Web.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the technical requirements for data collection and processing. It specifies the exact hardware and software that must be used or provided, and outlines the workflow for submitting data. Failure to comply with these procedures could impact proposal evaluation and contract performance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a map displaying the vicinity of contract plots for Forest Inventory & Analysis in Coastal Alaska, specifically for the Wrangell-Ketchikan area during the Field Season 2026. It serves as a visual aid to understand the geographical distribution of these plots.

• The map shows numerous numbered plot locations across the Wrangell-Ketchikan region.
• An inset map provides a broader context of the area within Alaska.
• A scale bar is included, indicating distances in miles.
• Contact information for Dan Irvine (daniel.r.irvine@usda.gov) is provided for further information.

This map is relevant for bidders by visually indicating the operational areas for the contract. It helps potential vendors understand the geographic scope and potential logistical considerations for conducting field work in the specified region. The plot locations are approximate and not for navigational use.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 4 - Exhibit B - Public Plot List Wrangell-Ketchikan for Contract 2026.xlsx", provides a detailed list of public plots relevant to the contract. It appears to be a data compilation for forest inventory or management purposes.

The spreadsheet contains the following columns:

• COUNTYCD: County code.
• PUBLIC_PLOT_NBR: Unique identifier for each public plot.
• LAT_FIADB, LON_FIADB: Geographic coordinates.
• INVYR: Inventory year.
• PC_OWNCD: Plot center ownership code.
• PREV_MEASYEAR: Year of previous measurement.
• COND_COUNT_PREV: Count of conditions from previous measurement.
• CONDITION_STATUS_LIST_PREV: Status list of conditions from previous measurement.
• FOREST_TYPE_PREV: Forest type from previous measurement.
• SLOPE_PREV: Slope data from previous measurement.
• STAND_SIZE_CLASS_PREV: Stand size class from previous measurement.
• PREVIOUS_PLOT_ACCESS: Description of previous plot access.
• PLOT_REVIEW_NOTES: Notes related to plot review.

This attachment provides specific data points for public plots, likely related to the geographic areas or resources involved in the contract. Bidders should review this list to understand the scope of work, potential site conditions, and the specific plots that may be subject to inventory, assessment, or management activities under the contract. The data may inform logistical planning, site assessments, and the overall understanding of the contract's operational context.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Nondisclosure Agreement (NDA) required for accessing confidential information related to the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Program of the USDA Forest Service. It outlines the conditions under which proprietary information, including confidential plot locations and ownership data, can be disclosed to and used by the Recipient.

• Defines "Proprietary Information" to include data, know-how, formulas, processes, designs, sketches, photographs, plans, drawings, specifications, samples, reports, customer lists, price lists, studies, findings, inventions, or ideas.
• Specifies that individual sample site location data is confidential and prohibits unauthorized copying, distribution, or publication.
• States that confidential data will be used for "collection, statistical, analytical and research purposes" and to enhance the FIA Program.
• Prohibits dissemination of owner-specific data to persons other than the owner or those directly associated with the project.
• Requires secure storage of confidential data on password-protected computers with restricted network access.
• Outlines conditions for exclusion from confidentiality (e.g., prior possession, public availability).
• Specifies the agreement's effective period (one year from signature) and the duration of confidentiality obligations (five years from expiration).

Bidders may be required to sign this NDA if the opportunity involves access to or handling of sensitive, confidential, or proprietary data managed by the USDA Forest Service's FIA Program. Understanding these terms is crucial for compliance and for assessing the scope of data handling responsibilities.

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

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service (USFS) Alaska Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Field Data Collection project. The objective is to conduct annual data acquisition for inventory and monitoring of Alaska's forests.

• Locate, remeasure, and/or install Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) fixed radius sample plots on National Forest and other lands.

• Provide digital delivery of collected data.

• Work must be performed in accordance with the latest Field Instructions for the Alaska Annual Inventory.

• The contractor will furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, operating supplies, and incidentals, except for Government Furnished Equipment.

• The project is divided into two units: Coastal Alaska and Interior Alaska.

• Plots must be measured in the ground location of previously installed FIA plots.

• Data must be collected and edited using Government-supplied software (MIDAS) on appropriate Portable Data Recorders (PDRs).

• All plots must be submitted within 14 calendar days after field completion.

• Plots must meet specific quality criteria, with inspection results determining payment. A minimum of 90% quality is required for full payment; less than 90% may require rework.

• Period of Performance: April 1 through September 1.

• All field work must be complete and submitted at least 30 days prior to the end of the period of performance.

• Work will be located within the state of Alaska.

• Contractor must ensure all employees are trained and properly equipped for working in remote conditions and aware of natural hazards.

• Crews must minimize the spread of exotic and invasive species.

• A mandatory crew orientation training session is required prior to certification and field work.

• A maximum of three (3) Crew Leaders will be certified by the Government, with potential for additional certifications upon request.

• Crew Leaders must meet specific education and experience requirements.

• Contractor must use Government-furnished equipment and software, including MIDAS.

• Security requirements include signing a Non-Disclosure (Confidentiality) Agreement to protect plot location confidentiality.

• All data collected must be returned to the Government prior to contract expiration.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for locating, remeasuring, and/or installing Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) fixed radius sample plots in the Alaska Wrangell-Ketchikan area. The work includes providing digital delivery of data and related work in accordance with the Field Instructions for the Alaska Annual Inventory. The contractor will furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, operating supplies, and incidentals, except for Government Furnished Equipment.

• Locating, remeasuring, and/or installing FIA fixed radius sample plots.

• Digital delivery of data.

• Work to be performed in accordance with Field Instructions for the Alaska Annual Inventory.

• Specific items include "Certification Plots" and "Plots."

• Anticipated Period of Performance: April 1, 2026 – September 1, 2026.

• Contract type is anticipated to be a firm-fixed price contract.

• The government reserves the right to make multiple awards for different line items if it results in best value.

• Offers are due by March 13th, 2026, at 11:00 AM (MT) and must be submitted electronically via email to anthony.salas@usda.gov.

• Offers must contain 3 separate attachments: Technical Capability (PDF), Past Performance (PDF), and Price (PDF).

• Evaluation will be based on Technical Factors (Available Resources, Ability, Key Personnel), Past Performance, and Price.

• Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government.

• Questions concerning the solicitation are due by March 6th, 2026, at 11:00 AM (MT).

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

• It is a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• All responsible sources may submit a quotation.

• The full text of provisions and clauses may be accessed electronically at www.acquisition.gov.

• Attachment 1 - Solicitation Terms and Conditions contains applicable clauses, instructions, and evaluation criteria.

• Attachment 2 - Performance Work Statement details qualification requirements.