U.S. Forest Service’s Disaster Recovery Outreach Event Industry Days Preliminary Notice – March 24-26, 2026

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains questions and responses gathered from attendees of the 2026 Disaster Recovery Industry Days Outreach Event (March 24-26). It aims to clarify information related to disaster recovery efforts by the Forest Service.

• American Relief Act Funds: Lists national forests that received funding for disaster recovery efforts as of March 31, 2026. It notes that not all listed forests will necessarily complete work through contracting and that interested vendors should monitor SAM.gov for opportunities.
• Infrastructure Projects: Identifies states where infrastructure projects (road and bridge improvements) are expected to be contracted, also noting that not all projects will be contracted and vendors should monitor SAM.gov. It also anticipates a need for inspectors for QA/QC of construction work.
• Post-Fire Emergency Watershed Protection: Clarifies that this program is separate from American Relief Act disaster recovery efforts and focuses on near-term disaster response.
• Infrastructure Rehabilitation/Repair: Confirms that disaster recovery activities can include rehabilitation, repair, or new construction of infrastructure.
• Forecasting Tools: Directs vendors to the USDA Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization website for updates on the migration to a new forecasting tool.
• A-E IDIQ Contracts: States that active A-E IDIQ contracts and associated information can be found on SAM.gov.
• Contract Vehicles for Disaster Recovery: Forest Service will use existing contract vehicles (agency-specific, GSA-sponsored) and follow FAR for future solicitations.
• Site Visits: Site visits will be arranged as necessary for specific contract actions.
• Innovative Technologies: Companies can submit unsolicited proposals or engage through capabilities briefings and outreach events.
• Surveying Contracts: Forest Service regularly solicits surveying and lidar work, often using existing A&E BPAs. Vendors should monitor SAM.gov.
• El Yunque National Forest Bid Packet: Information can be found on SAM.gov by searching for "El Yunque" and selecting the appropriate forest.
• Small Business Set-Asides: Procurement strategy (set-aside or unrestricted) will be determined on a case-by-case basis per FAR and agency regulations.
• Hurricane Helene Funding: Funding must be obligated within 5 years of December 2024 and spent within 10 years. The Forest Service aims to spend funds quickly.
• Hurricane Helene Contracting: The Southern Region (R8) supports recovery, but individual national forests lead contracting. Pre-solicitation information is available on SAM.gov.
• Drone Usage: Drones are allowed for surveys and invasive species work if part of an existing contract, following FAR and agency regulations.
• GSA Schedule: Forest Service utilizes the GSA schedule for many services and supplies.
• Future Meetings: Vendors can submit capabilities statements and monitor SAM.gov. Meetings with the Small Business Team can be requested via email.
• Forestry Work in CO, WY, NM, UT: Monitor SAM.gov for solicitations and set up email notifications.
• BPA Contract Openings: Use relevant NAICS codes and set up saved searches/email notifications on SAM.gov.
• Ecosystem Restoration: Existing contract vehicles like the LMIR BPA will be used; future vehicles may be released for work not covered.
• Bid Evaluation: Evaluation factors (price, past performance, technical expertise) will be identified in each solicitation.
• Dam Inspection/Repair: Lists national forests receiving American Relief Act funding for dam repair needs.
• LMIR BPA Proposal Submission: Information and submission details are available on SAM.gov.
• Future Procurements: Opportunities will be posted on SAM.gov.
• Project Coordination: No single commercial tool is used; Forest Service uses internal planning processes and program management practices.
• Large vs. Small Business: Procurement strategy will be determined per FAR and agency regulations.
• BPA Participation: Vendors generally cannot join existing BPAs if they did not submit an offer during the original solicitation.
• Regional Program Management IDIQs: Decisions will be made through acquisition planning, market research, and regulations; monitor SAM.gov.
• Program/Project Management Support: Needs will be determined through program requirements and acquisition planning; communicated via SAM.gov.
• Southern Region Work: Disaster recovery efforts are not bundled into one contract; individual national forests lead contracting.
• Nationwide Project Management: Primarily managed at the national forest level.
• Common Contract Work: Four service areas (A&E, Construction, Environmental/Compliance, Inspection) represent themes; contracting will be a multitude of opportunities determined by individual national forests.
• Contract Types: Expect a mix of Single Award and Multiple Award contracts.
• Imminent Contracts: Solicitations are opening continuously; monitor SAM.gov.
• NEPA/Environmental Compliance: Contracts will depend on individual project needs; review solicitation scope.
• Top Challenges: Limited internal/external capacity, complex interdependent work sequences, and large-scale/geographically diffuse events.
• Construction/Engineering Parallelism: Depends on specific needs, project, and contract.

This document provides clarifications and context that may influence how vendors prepare for and respond to future solicitations. It highlights the importance of monitoring SAM.gov for opportunities and understanding the Forest Service's contracting processes and priorities.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a presentation from a breakout session titled "Planning, Compliance, and Surveys" held by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. It covers two main topics: Lands, Minerals, & Uses (LMU) and Heritage Surveys.

For LMU, the session addresses the need for land survey contractors due to unprecedented disaster impacts from Hurricanes Helene & Milton, emphasizing the importance of reestablishing boundary lines for restoration and public access. It highlights the critical role of survey contractors in supporting Forest Service operations, protecting public land title, and ensuring legal compliance. The presentation details the scale of impact, the mission-critical nature of surveying, capacity gaps (shortage of licensed surveyors and Forest Service limitations), expected contractor tasks (including retracement, monumentation, title research, geodetic control, and data preparation), and contracting pathways (project-specific, Survey IDIQs). It also outlines why working with the LMU team offers multi-year recovery mission opportunities and collaboration with federal experts.

For Heritage Surveys, the session focuses on National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) compliance, particularly Section 106, which directs agencies to consider the effects of actions on historic properties. It notes that the Forest Service often relies on contractors for inventories to identify historic properties. Basic requirements for employees include meeting SOI standards, holding relevant graduate degrees, obtaining permits for archaeological investigations, and possessing necessary tools and talent. The Forest Service is increasingly relying on contractors for drafting MOAs, performing condition assessments, and National Register evaluations. Training and experience in incident environments are also beneficial. Contracting vehicles mentioned include Land Management Integrated Resource Blanket Purchase Agreements, BPAs for historic preservation, GSA-eBuy, and IDIQs.

This document provides insight into potential future contracting opportunities with the Forest Service related to land surveying, boundary retracement, and heritage surveys, particularly in the context of disaster recovery and land management. It outlines the scope of work, required qualifications, and contracting methods, which can help potential bidders understand the agency's needs and prepare their responses to future solicitations.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a presentation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, titled "Land Management Breakout Session." It outlines various land management activities and related contracting opportunities. The session covers:

• Salvage Harvest & Hazard Tree Removal: Includes cutting, limbing, yarding, skidding, decking, and hauling logs. Contracting methods include Traditional Timber Sales, Stewardship Contracts and Agreements, and Service Contracts. Stewardship Contracting allows trading timber value for services.
• Seed/Cone Collection & Nurseries: Involves sowing seed, transplanting, thinning, weeding, and packaging seedlings. Work is specialized and time-sensitive. The LMIR BPA is a new tool for streamlining this process.
• Reforestation & Stand Improvement: Covers site preparation (mechanical, manual, chemical), tree planting, and tree release. Standard service contracts, BPAs, and IDIQs are used. Post-disaster recovery reforestation is noted as more challenging.
• Vegetation Reestablishment: Includes traversing difficult terrain, planting, spreading seed (including hydroseeding), erosion control, and predator control. Vehicles include IDIQ and BPA. Restoration success is linked to invasive species management and native plant materials.
• Invasive Species & Noxious Weed Eradication: Involves seed collection, grow out, herbicide application, and manual/mechanical removal. Work can be done via truck spraying, on foot, or using boats, horses, ATVs/UTVs in remote areas. NEPA requirements and species variability influence treatment methods.
• Range Infrastructure Rebuilding: Includes clearing trees/brush, removing damaged infrastructure, installing fence material, digging post holes, and installing water troughs. Vehicles include IDIQ, MATOC, and BPA. Terrain is often steep and rugged.
• Stream and Watershed Restoration: Encompasses culvert/bridge replacements, road relocation, stream/floodplain rehabilitation, riparian planting, fencing, weed management, and monitoring. Partner organizations may manage projects. State and federal permits are often required. Construction is timed around low flow periods and aquatic life restrictions.

This presentation provides potential bidders with an overview of the types of land management services the Forest Service procures. It details the scope of work, common contracting vehicles (e.g., Service Contracts, BPAs, IDIQs), and specific considerations for each activity. It also includes information on how to receive notifications for certain contract types (e.g., contacting local Forest Service offices for timber sales, registering in SAM.gov for service contracts). The Q&A section clarifies that questions pertaining to active procurements are not allowed in the breakout session, but general contract-related questions can be emailed to sm.fs.smallbusiness@usda.gov, and solicitation-specific questions should go to the listed point of contact on the solicitation.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a presentation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, titled "Recreation and Trails Breakout Session." It outlines various aspects of trail contract work, including construction, maintenance, condition assessments, surveys, and trail bridge work. It also details other contracting opportunities such as NEPA preparation and project management. The presentation discusses contracting vehicles, critical information for bidders (like NAICS codes and research tools), and unique agency considerations for trail work. Finally, it highlights upcoming opportunities related to disaster recovery (Hurricane Helene, wildfire recovery) and other weather events.

This presentation provides valuable insight into the types of trail-related contract work the Forest Service anticipates, the methods they use for assessments and project management, and the contracting vehicles they employ. It highlights specific requirements such as equipment size limitations and seasonal restrictions. The information on upcoming disaster recovery projects and general trail maintenance needs can help potential bidders identify relevant opportunities and prepare their bids accordingly. It also directs bidders on how to ask questions and where to find relevant procurement information.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a presentation providing an overview of the Forest Service's Disaster Recovery Industry Days and the American Relief Act (ARA). It outlines the purpose of the event, the Forest Service's mission and structure, and details the ARA's objectives, funding, and timeline.

This presentation is relevant to potential bidders as it:

• Explains the agency's goals and requirements for ARA implementation.
• Details the types of projects funded by the ARA, including capital improvement and maintenance (bridges, roads, trails, facilities, dams), National Forest System recovery (hazard tree removal, reforestation, stream restoration), state, private, and tribal forestry efforts, operations (facility repair, IT needs), and forest & rangeland research.
• Outlines procurement opportunities in areas such as Construction, Architecture & Engineering, Recreation & Trails, Land Management, and Planning, Compliance, & Surveys.
• Describes typical contract types (IDVs, BPAs, Stand Alone Contracts, Purchase Orders) and categories (Commercial/Non-Commercial Items/Services).
• Provides information on breakout sessions focused on specific procurement areas and instructions for submitting questions, including a general contract-related question email address and guidance for solicitation-specific inquiries.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a presentation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, titled "Construction, Architecture, and Engineering Breakout Session." It outlines common contract work, typical contract vehicles, and critical information for contractors. The presentation details various types of work performed by the Forest Service, including:

• A&E Services: Facility assessments, infrastructure design, construction scheduling, cost estimating, and design support.
• Construction: Road repair, building rehabilitation, water/wastewater systems, bridges, dams, and recreation site repairs.
• Environmental & Compliance: NEPA support, cultural and biological resource surveys.
• Construction Inspection Services: Onsite monitoring of post-award contract administration.

It also describes common disaster recovery work, typical contract vehicles such as IDIQs, BPAs, Task Orders, and Full and Open Solicitations. The document provides insights into the Forest Service's unique operational environment, including its public service focus, remote work nature, and variety of infrastructure.

This presentation provides potential bidders with a comprehensive overview of the types of projects and services the Forest Service procures within the construction, architecture, and engineering sectors. It clarifies the scope of work, common contract vehicles used, and critical factors for contractors to consider, such as seasonal implementation and government budget cycles. Understanding these aspects can help vendors assess their capabilities and align their offerings with the Forest Service's needs, particularly for disaster recovery and ongoing maintenance programs. The document also details various road and trail maintenance levels and types of bridges, which can inform bidders about specific project requirements.

Other / Unclassified

This document is the agenda for a three-day "Disaster Recovery Outreach Event Industry Days" hosted by the USDA Forest Service in March 2026. The event includes overview presentations, breakout sessions focused on specific areas, and a nationwide matchmaking event.

This agenda provides potential bidders with insight into upcoming outreach events and potential contracting opportunities related to disaster recovery. It outlines the topics to be covered, including agency overviews, the American Relief Act, contracting processes, and specific areas like Construction, Architecture, and Engineering, Recreation & Trails, Land Management, and Planning, Compliance, and Surveys. The "Question Intake" sessions and "Nationwide Matchmaking Event" suggest opportunities for vendors to engage directly with the agency and learn about their needs.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a preliminary notice for the U.S. Forest Service's Disaster Recovery Outreach Event, scheduled for March 24-26, 2026. The event is designed to connect federal contractors with contracting opportunities arising from Congressional disaster supplemental funding from the American Relief Act (2025). The Forest Service is seeking to restore infrastructure and natural resources impacted by recent disasters, including Hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as other events from 2022-2024, and forest health initiatives.

This notice outlines potential areas of work for contractors, including:

• Capital Improvement & Maintenance: Repair and reconstruction of critical infrastructure such as bridges and roads, and restoration of administrative and recreation facilities.
• National Forest System Restoration: Large-scale ecosystem recovery, including hazardous tree removal, invasive species eradication, range infrastructure rebuilding, vegetation and stream restoration, cultural resource protection, and timber salvage.
• State, Private & Tribal Forestry: Forest health protection, fire prevention, spruce budworm management, and assistance to private landowners.
• Research & Assessment: Support for long-term recovery through reestablishing research projects, forest inventory, and economic impact analysis.

The document also lists relevant NAICS codes for these opportunities and provides next steps for contractors, including registering for a market research form, verifying SAM.gov registration, reviewing capabilities, and monitoring forecasts. It also details the virtual information session format and emphasizes that attendance is not required to submit future proposals.