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 Duluth, MN. This Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ) seeks to identify and document rare vascular and non-vascular plants, as well as specific noxious weeds, across approximately 1,632 acres. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Quotations are due May 20, 2026.
Scope of Work
The contractor will perform botanical surveys for Regional Forester Sensitive Species (RFSS) Plants in designated areas of the Superior National Forest, specifically in St. Louis and Lake Counties, MN. Key tasks include:
- Identifying and documenting occurrences of rare vascular and non-vascular plants on the RFSS plant list.
- Documenting occurrences of specific noxious weeds: common buckthorn, leafy spurge, purple loosestrife, and garlic mustard.
- Surveying approximately 1,632 acres across multiple project areas.
- Delivering a digital final report by November 30, 2026, summarizing survey results, including rare plant and noxious weed findings, and a listing of native plant communities.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ)
- Anticipated Award Type: Firm Fixed Price Contract
- Period of Performance: May 25, 2026, to November 30, 2026
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside
- NAICS Code: 541620 (Environmental Consulting Services)
- Small Business Size Standard: $25.5 million
- Quotations Due: May 20, 2026, 12:00 PM ET
- Questions Due: May 15, 2026, 12:00 PM ET
- Published Date: May 7, 2026
Evaluation Criteria
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. Government-furnished items include maps, aerial photos, rare plant occurrence information, and ArcMap layers. Incentive payments are available for locating new, unknown RFSS plant populations. Service Contract Labor Standards may apply, with Wage Determinations for St. Louis and Lake Counties, MN included.