USDA-Forest Service Region 9 Marking and Cruising BPA Call. Otter Timber Marking/Cruising on Ottawa National Forest

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "Timber Theft Prevention Plan" for the Ottawa National Forest (ONF). It outlines the procedures and responsibilities for preventing, detecting, and investigating timber theft and other related violations within the forest.

• Objectives: To deter timber theft, improve detection and apprehension, and prosecute violators.
• Operating Procedures: Details on organization, staffing, cross-training, timber sale preparation (including marking and paint application standards), timber sale administration, and regulatory inspections.
• Law Enforcement Actions: Procedures for general coordination, crime scene protection, and issuance of violation notices.
• Suspension and Debarment: Policy and exceptions for suspending or debarring individuals or entities involved in violations.
• Prevention: Strategies including theft prevention plots and sale area layout.
• Accountability: Procedures for program review, audits, and ensuring contract administration consistency.
• Appendices: Timber trespass guidelines and procedures, including matrices for determining intent (unintentional, negligent, willful) and methods for calculating damages.

While this document is an internal Forest Service plan, understanding its contents can provide insight into the Forest Service's operational procedures, enforcement priorities, and the importance placed on preventing timber theft and ensuring contract compliance. This awareness can help potential bidders understand the regulatory environment and the seriousness with which timber sale activities are monitored and managed.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for "Otter Marking and Cruising" services on the Ottawa National Forest. The government is procuring marking and cruising services for approximately 556 acres within a single Sale Area, utilizing the Sample Tree Cruising Method (STR).

• Marking and cruising of approximately 556 acres.

• Application of the Sample Tree Cruising Method (STR).

• GPS locations of all sample trees to be provided in a digital format usable by Forest Service personnel.

• Reconciliation of all paint (empty and full cans) within 10 business days of issuance.

• Adherence to the Ottawa National Forest's Timber Theft Prevention plan (TTPP).

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Contract Term Date: November 30, 2026.

• Estimated Start Work Date: Upon Award of Contract.

• Work may occur in summer and/or winter months.

• Quotations are due by Close of Business on April 17, 2026.

• Submission requires a completed Standard Form 18, the Schedule of Items, and a response to technical evaluation criteria.

• Evaluation will be based on Past Performance and Price.

• Award will be made to the Quoter whose response represents the best value to the Government, considering both technical and price factors.

• The document does not explicitly state a small business set-aside. It is rated as a "4" for small business participation.

• This is a Request for Information, and submitted quotations are not offers.

• The government reserves the right to reject any or all quotes.

• Several attachments are referenced, including Statement of Work, Map, Section C, TTPP, and Wage Determination.

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

This document outlines the specifications and work statement for the "Otter (Final Acres)" timber sale, involving timber marking and volume estimation across approximately 556 acres.

• Timber Marking & Cruising: The project involves marking and estimating timber volume in Northern Hardwoods & Aspen forest types.

• Payment Units: The work is divided into Payment Units 01-14, covering approximately 556 acres.

• Hardwood Single-Tree Selection (Uneven-Age): For Payment Units 01-14 and 06-13 (approx. 517 acres), the objective is to remove high-risk, defective, poor form, or mature trees to maintain or develop optimum growing stock. Marking instructions will guide tree selection.

• Clearcut/Removal Cut: For Payment Units 05 & 14 (approx. 39 acres), all LIVE and/or DEAD trees meeting minimum specifications are to be removed, except for designated RESERVE TREES, LEAVE TREES, or trees within PROTECTED AREAS. Trees designated for removal will be marked with a distinct paint spot.

• Sample Tree Cruising Method (STR): This method applies to all Payment Units. A specified proportion of trees will be measured, and the remaining trees for removal will be tallied as count trees. Every tree for removal must be visited and marked.

• The document is dated 3/3/2026.

• Access directions are provided from Watersmeet, MI, via US-2 W and M-64 N.

• Road R.O.W. Units: USFS has not yet marked these units; contractors should mark/cruise up to existing road clearing edges.

• Tree Marking Paint (TMP): Government-furnished TMP will be issued by appointment at the Watersmeet Ranger District Office. BLUE paint is designated for this sale.

• Leave Trees: USFS will mark all Leave Trees.

• Gap Locations: The contractor must supply all gap locations on a map and coordinate with the Contracting Officer Representative.

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

This document outlines the "CRUISE DESIGN & MARKING INSTRUCTIONS" for the "OTTER T.S. – Final ACRES" timber sale, detailing the methods and standards for harvesting timber.

• Payment Units: The sale is divided into multiple payment units (P.U. #), totaling 557 acres, including 1 acre for Right-of-Way (R.O.W.).

• Cruising Methods: Primarily "Sample Tree (STR)" for selective harvesting and "100% Count" for clearcut areas. Payment Unit 15 (R.O.W.) will be marked and cruised by the USFS.

• Marking: Merchantable trees designated for removal require specific paint marks at DBH and stump marks, with variations for different payment units and species.

• Species Designation: Specific species are designated for retention (e.g., Oak, Elm, Cedar, Hemlock, White Pine, Paper Birch, Yellow Birch) or removal, with detailed instructions for marking leave trees (LTs).

• Minimum Tree and Piece Utilization Standards: Specifies minimum DBH, length, and Diameter Inside Bark (DIB) for sawlogs and pulpwood, along with net scale percentages.

• Tree Count: Accurate tree counts by payment unit and sample group are required.

• Regeneration: Post-harvest treatments include stocking surveys to ensure adequate regeneration (3200 seedlings per acre).

• The document details cruise design and marking instructions, with specific dates for preparation and approval (e.g., Cruise Design Prepared: 02/18/2026, Approved: 03/03/2026).

• The location is implied to be within the Ottawa National Forest, based on associated documents.

• Paint: Government-furnished tree marking paint (TMP) will be used, designated as BLUE.

• USFS Involvement: USFS personnel will mark Payment Unit 15 (R.O.W.).

• Environmental Considerations: Mentions of potential archaeological sites, stick nests, and reserve snags/den trees, requiring consultation with relevant specialists.

• Harvest Restrictions: Harvesting in certain aspen stands is restricted to the dormant season (December 15 - March 15).

• Retained Species: Emphasis on retaining specific species like hemlock, white pine, red pine, elm, paper birch, and oak, unless necessary for operations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Payment Unit & Vicinity Map - Final Acres" for Otter # 21030. It serves as a visual aid to delineate specific land parcels (Payment Units) and their acreage, likely for a contract or sale related to land management or timber. Bidders may use this map to understand the geographic scope and size of the areas involved in the opportunity.

• Payment Units (PU): Numbered parcels (01-15) with associated acreage. Some units are designated as CTM (likely Cubic Timber Measurement), C.C. (likely Cord/Cords), or R.O.W/USFS (Right-of-Way/US Forest Service).
• Sale Acres: Total acreage for the sale (01-15) is 557 acres.
• Contract Acres: Total acreage for the contract (01-14) is 556 acres.
• Map Features: Includes roads, water bodies, section lines, and specific markers for "Monumented Corner," "New Construction," "Decommission," "No Maintenance," "Reconstruction," and "Regular Maintenance."
• Geographic Context: Displays coordinates (46N 42W) and a scale (1:15,840).

This map is crucial for bidders to visually assess the physical locations and sizes of the areas pertinent to the opportunity. It helps in understanding the scale of work, potential logistical considerations, and the specific boundaries of the contract or sale areas. The acreage breakdown by Payment Unit provides detail on the distribution of the land involved.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "REGISTER OF WAGE DETERMINATIONS UNDER THE SERVICE CONTRACT ACT" for the state of Michigan, specifically for "Forestry and Logging" occupations. It provides the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for employees working under contracts subject to the Service Contract Act (SCA) in this region.

• Wage Determination Number: 1981-0136, Revision No.: 73
• Date of Last Revision: 12/03/2025
• Occupational Listing: Includes specific occupation codes and titles (e.g., Brush/Precommercial Thinner, Choker Setter, Forestry Equipment Operator) with their corresponding minimum hourly wage rates.
• Fringe Benefits: Details required fringe benefits, including Health & Welfare rates and paid holidays.
• Executive Orders: References Executive Order 13706 (Establishing Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors) and Executive Order 13658 (Minimum Wage). It outlines how these EOs apply to SCA-covered contracts and the minimum wage requirements.
• Uniform Allowance: Specifies requirements for uniform provision and maintenance reimbursement.
• Conformance Process: Outlines the procedure for requesting authorization of additional classifications and wage rates if an occupation is not listed in the determination.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the labor costs associated with performing services in Michigan under the Service Contract Act. It establishes the minimum wages and benefits that must be paid to employees, directly impacting the cost proposal and overall bid competitiveness. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages and benefits meet or exceed these requirements.