Umpqua NF, North Zone FY26 Winter Tree Planting

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ 1240BE26Q0008) for commercial services related to the Umpqua National Forest, North Zone FY 26 Winter Tree Planting project. It is a total small business set-aside with NAICS code 115310 and a $11.5 million size standard. The contract requires hand tree planting and related work, including labor, equipment, and supervision. The period of performance is January 20, 2025, to February 26, 2026 (33 days). Offers are due by January 8, 2026, at 2:00 PM PST via email to paula.winningham@usda.gov. Evaluation factors include Past Performance, Experience, Quality Control, Work Plan and Crew Management, and Price. Offerors must submit licensing, pricing via Attachment 1, and a written response to non-price evaluation criteria. The USDA Ombudsman Program is available for protest resolution.

The Umpqua National Forest – North Umpqua Ranger District issued Solicitation # 1240BE26Q0008 for FY26 Winter Planting services. Quotes are due by January 8, 2026, 2 p.m. PST. The solicitation includes line items for tree planting in post-fire and brushed units, stake row installation, and animal browse protection. A conditional item for additional tree planting is included, with the final quantity dependent on seedling availability and government discretion. Contractors must provide MSPA licensing, Oregon BOLI license, and H2B Temp Employment certificate (if applicable) with their quote. All unit prices and totals must be exact. The estimated quantity of seedlings is 110,280 for post-fire units and 54,500 for brushed units, with an additional 60,000 conditional seedlings.

Attachment 2 details the Umpqua National Forest's FY26 NZ Winter Tree Planting project, outlining a comprehensive schedule across five line items. Line Item 0001 targets 590 acres with 110,280 trees, primarily at 196 trees per acre with 15x15 spacing, but also including units with 170 and 222 trees per acre. Line Item 0002 covers 320 acres, planting 54,500 trees at varying densities, including inter-planting. Line Item 0003 specifies the installation of 12 stake rows, each with 25 trees. Line Item 0004 involves the deployment of 10,000 Vexar tubes for select THPL and PSME seedlings in “LB” units. Line Item 0005 is a conditional item for planting an additional 20,000 optional seedlings in Area A or C, either at higher densities within existing units or in adjacent units, with the final quantity and inclusion at the government's discretion.

The Umpqua National Forest FY26 North Zone Winter Tree Planting contract outlines requirements for hand tree planting and related work, including furnishing labor, equipment, and supervision. The project focuses on the North Umpqua Ranger District, with varying road conditions and potential access issues due to winter weather. The contractor is responsible for providing a Quality Control Plan (QCP) and adhering to strict quality standards for seedling care, planting spot preparation, tree placement, and firming. Performance is evaluated through inspections, with payment deductions for quality below 90% and rejection for quality below 80%. The government provides seedlings and other supplies, while the contractor furnishes tools and transportation, including insulated seedling carriers. Safety hazards like tree falling, driving on forest roads, and working in burned areas are highlighted. The contract details specific tasks, quality standards, acceptable quality levels (AQLs), and monitoring methods for all planting operations.

The provided attachments detail instructions and visual aids for planting inspections and the proper technique for planting bareroot trees. Specifically, Attachment 4 outlines the "Planting Inspection Instructions," while Attachment 5 presents a "Planting Inspection Sheet," likely used for recording observations during inspections. Attachment 6 focuses on "Root Orientation," offering guidance on the correct positioning of roots during planting. Finally, Attachment 8 provides instructions for "Planting the Bareroot Tree." These documents collectively serve as a comprehensive guide for ensuring proper tree planting practices, emphasizing inspection procedures and correct root handling, which are critical for the successful establishment of trees.

This government file, Wage Determination No.: 1977-0079, outlines the required wage rates and fringe benefits for employees engaged in Forestry and Logging Services across Oregon Statewide under the Service Contract Act. Key occupations listed include Brush/Precommercial Thinner, Faller/Bucker, and Forestry Equipment Operator, each with specific hourly rates. The document details fringe benefits such as Health & Welfare ($5.55/hour or $5.09/hour for EO 13706 contracts), vacation (2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 10 years), and eleven paid holidays. It also addresses Executive Orders 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (Minimum Wage), outlining contractor obligations. Additionally, the file provides guidelines for uniform allowances and the conformance process for classifying unlisted occupations using Standard Form 1444, ensuring fair compensation and compliance with federal regulations for service contracts.

The USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region, outlines comprehensive fire protection and suppression measures for contractors operating on National Forest land. These regulations, effective annually from April 1 to October 31 (subject to change), mandate a detailed fire plan, specific equipment, and adherence to Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPLs). Contractors must provide a tank truck with a minimum 300-gallon capacity and appropriate hose and pump, and ensure two-way communication to report fires within 15 minutes. Required tools include various fire extinguishers, shovels, axes, and spark arresters on internal combustion engines. A designated fire security person is mandatory at IFPL I or higher, responsible for fire watch and initial suppression. Blasting operations have additional security requirements. The document emphasizes compliance with state fire laws and allows for substitute measures or waivers during low fire danger, while also permitting emergency shutdowns during hazardous conditions.

The USDA Forest Service, Umpqua National Forest, has prepared a series of maps for its FY2026 Winter Planting program in the North Zone, specifically detailing operations across Areas A, B, and C within the North Umpqua Ranger District. These maps identify specific planting units, their acreage, and prescribed planting spacing (e.g., 14x14, 15x15, 16x16, or inter-planting). Key planting units include Chaos1408, Chaos889, Chaos893, Chaos894, Chaos905, Jack1381KV, Jack1396KV, Jack29, Jack30, LB856, LB858, LB859, LB860, LB861, LB862, LB863, LB867, Archie2211, Archie2225, Archie2237, Archie2239, Archie2267, Archie2278, Fallburnt010, FallCreek001, PlantingUnit19, and PlantingUnit21. The maps also delineate National Forest administrative boundaries, adjacent National Forests, ranger districts, and various road classes and hydrographic features, such as perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral streams. Each map includes a disclaimer regarding the approximate nature and potential for updates of the GIS data. The overall purpose is to outline the scope and specific locations for the upcoming winter planting activities.