USDA Forest Service Plains Thompson Fall Ranger District Tree Planting
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 Tree Planting Services within the Plains Thompson Falls Ranger District of the Lolo National Forest, Montana. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity, issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) number 1284LM26Q0030. The contractor will be responsible for all aspects of tree handling and planting for approximately 414 acres. Questions are due by February 25, 2026, COB, and the response date is March 5, 2026.
Scope of Work
This contract requires tree planting services for approximately 414 acres of timber sale and post-fire reforestation units. The work involves planting specific tree species (western larch, ponderosa pine, western white pine, whitebark pine) in Spring 2026, with a contract period from April 1, 2026, to June 30, 2026. Tasks include tree handling, ordering, delivery, transport, and planting according to detailed specifications for hole preparation, root configuration, planting depth, and stem orientation. Quality control is critical, with a 93% quality standard required for full payment. The work areas may include snags and burned trees, requiring specific safety considerations. The government will furnish trees and planting inspection sheets.
Contract Details
- Opportunity Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ 1284LM26Q0030)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS: 115310 (Forestry and Logging), Size Standard: $11.5M
- Product Service Code: F005 (Forest Tree Planting Services)
- Place of Performance: Plains, MT (Lolo National Forest, Plains-Thompson Falls Ranger District)
- Award Intent: One award will be made.
- Key Requirements: Active SAM registration, compliance with Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA) and Farm Labor Contractor (FLC) requirements.
Submission & Evaluation
Quotes must include a technical proposal, a price proposal, and a completed Employment of Eligible Workers - Workforce Certification. Submissions are to be sent via email to joanne.meiers@usda.gov, with each component as a separate attachment (Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF). Award will be made to the quoter representing the best value to the Government. Evaluation is based on Price (fair and reasonable) and Technical Acceptability. The lowest-priced quote will be evaluated first for technical acceptability and past performance; if unacceptable, the next lowest-priced quote will be considered.
Key Dates & Contacts
- Questions Due: February 25, 2026, COB (5:00 PM Mountain Time)
- Response Date: March 5, 2026
- Primary Contact: JoAnne Meiers (joanne.meiers@usda.gov)
Important Attachments
- Attachment 1 Solicitation Terms and Conditions: Outlines submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and incorporated FAR/AGAR clauses.
- Attachment 2 Statement of Work: Details the objective, scope, performance standards, period, and place of performance.
- Attachment 3 Area Maps: Provides visual context for planting units.
- Attachment 4 Summary Information Chart: Details specific units, species, stock types, and quantities.
- Attachment 5 Wage Determination: Establishes minimum wage rates and fringe benefits for labor costs.
- Attachment 6 Experience Questionnaire: Required for bidders to provide qualifications and past performance information.