Superior National Forest Rare Plant Survey
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 quotations for a 2026 Botany Rare Plant Survey within the Superior National Forest in St. Louis and Lake Counties, MN. This Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity seeks qualified contractors to identify and document Regional Forester Sensitive Species (RFSS) plants and specific noxious weeds across approximately 1,632 acres. Quotations are due by May 20, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
The contractor will perform botanical surveys for RFSS plants in designated areas of the Superior National Forest. Key deliverables include:
- Surveying approximately 1,632 acres.
- Identifying and documenting rare vascular and non-vascular RFSS plants.
- Documenting occurrences of noxious weeds: common buckthorn, leafy spurge, purple loosestrife, and garlic mustard.
- Submitting a final digital report by November 30, 2026, summarizing findings, including rare plant and noxious weed occurrences, and native plant communities.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Quotation (RFQ) leading to a Firm Fixed Price Contract.
- Period of Performance: May 25, 2026, to November 30, 2026.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside.
- NAICS: 541620 (Environmental Consulting Services), with a $25.5 million size standard.
- Questions Due: May 15, 2026, 12:00 PM ET.
- Quotations Due: May 20, 2026, 12:00 PM ET.
- Published: May 5, 2026.
Evaluation
Award will be made to the highest technically rated offeror whose proposal is fair and reasonable, and has acceptable or neutral past performance. Tradeoffs will not be conducted. Evaluation criteria, in descending order of importance, are:
- Botanical qualifications and vascular plant experience.
- Lichen experience.
- Past Performance.
- Quality Control.
- Technical Approach.
- Price.
Additional Notes
The government intends to make one award. Incentive payments are available for locating new, unknown RFSS plant populations. Government-furnished items include maps, aerial photos, rare plant occurrence information, and ArcMap layers. Service Contract Labor Standards may apply, with wage determinations for St. Louis and Lake Counties, MN provided.