Red Spruce Tree Stand Exams Cherokee National Forest
ID: 1135426Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OFFOREST SERVICECHEROKEE NATIONAL FORESTCLEVELAND, TN, 37320, USA

NAICS

Support Activities for Forestry (115310)

PSC

NATURAL RESOURCES/CONSERVATION- OTHER FOREST/RANGE IMPROVEMENTS (NON-CONSTRUCTION) (F018)

Set Aside

Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) (SBA)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Agriculture, specifically the Forest Service, is seeking qualified contractors to conduct Red Spruce Tree Stand Exams across approximately 4,441 acres in the Cherokee National Forest, located in Cleveland, Tennessee. The project requires vendors to be proficient in Southern Appalachian tree identification and to implement the US Forest Service's Common Stand Exam protocols using designated software. This initiative is crucial for assessing forest health and managing natural resources effectively, ensuring compliance with ecological preservation standards. Interested parties should contact Jonathan Lewis at jonathan.lewis2@usda.gov or call 659-214-9618 for further details, with the contract performance period set from February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Cherokee National Forest FY24 Red Spruce Stand Exams RFP outlines a contract for performing stand exams over approximately 4,441 acres within designated U.S. Forest Service lands. The contractor is tasked with establishing 888 plots and collecting stand-level plot inventory data using specific Forest Service protocols. The performance period is set from February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026, with a requirement to maintain a daily progress rate of 10 plots per workday. Contractors must ensure data collection adheres to guidelines and standards, such as using specialized measurement tools and data recording systems, including Exams software. The project area includes remote locations, requiring suitable accessibility considerations and adherence to wilderness area regulations. Pre-work site visits are strongly encouraged to allow contractors to familiarize themselves with the environment. Quality assurance processes are integrated into the contract for validating data accuracy and compliance, with specific performance standards necessary for acceptance and payment. The overarching goal is to characterize the current forest conditions, informing future vegetation management projects and maintaining regulatory adherence throughout the execution of the contract.
    The USDA's request for proposals (RFP) concerning the Cherokee National Forest focuses on Red Spruce Stand Exams for Fiscal Year 2024. The evaluation methodology prioritizes technical factors over cost, emphasizing three key criteria for vendor selection. First, past performance must demonstrate relevant experience in similar projects, requiring detailed contract information and references. Second, a vendor's capability to accurately identify Southern Appalachian hardwood and softwood tree species in both growing and dormant seasons is necessary, supported by relevant experience. Lastly, understanding and implementing the US Forest Service's Common Stand Exam (CSE) protocols and software is essential. Each factor must meet minimum ratings: Past Performance requires a confidence rating of at least 'Somewhat Relevant', while species identification and CSE protocol capability require a 'High Confidence' rating. Definitions for technical and past performance confidence ratings clarify the government’s expectations regarding vendor capabilities. Overall, this RFP outlines critical evaluation factors to ensure effective participation in forestry examinations, reflecting government initiatives to maintain and assess forest health through qualified contractors.
    The document outlines a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the FY24 Red Spruce Stand Exams in the Cherokee National Forest, located in Cleveland, Tennessee. It indicates a firm fixed price contract with a specified period of performance from February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026. The anticipated delivery date is not applicable to this project, as it falls under service-related work. The pricing structure includes payments for quantities, with specific items listed under the schedule, such as plots indicated in monetary amounts and various units of measure. This proposal reflects the federal government's efforts to assess and manage forest resources appropriately, ensuring ecological sustainability and effective project management for the designated period.
    The document outlines a Request for Proposal (RFP) from the USDA Forest Service for conducting Common Stand Exams in the Cherokee National Forest, covering approximately 4,441 acres. The contractor will perform tree identification and data collection using specified software and protocols. Key responsibilities include determining plot locations, collecting stand inventory data, and maintaining accuracy while adhering to the Forest Service standards. The work is set to occur between February 1, 2025, and January 31, 2026, requiring a minimum of 3 plots per stand and effective reporting to the Forest Service. Accessibility concerns are noted, with potential challenges due to weather and terrain. Contractors must provide necessary equipment, submit detailed work plans, and follow strict data collection protocols including GPS requirements for plot marking. Quality assurance measures will be conducted to ensure compliance and accuracy in data, with provisions for re-work if standards are not met. The detailed guidelines emphasize both environmental stewardship and adherence to regulatory requirements, positioning the project as an integral part of sustainable forest management practices in federal land management operations.
    The document outlines the plot requirements for various projects in different districts, specifically focusing on three regions: Tellico, Unaka, and Watauga. Each district is listed with a unique Comp-Stand number and the number of plots needed for specific projects. For example, Tellico requires a total of 20 plots for Comp-Stand #0079-14 and varying numbers for subsequent listings, while Unaka and Watauga contain similar numerical data reflecting their respective requirements. The detailed enumeration of required plots is significant for potential contractors and stakeholders interested in federal grants and local RFPs. This file aids in resource allocation and provides guidance on the specific needs of each district for project proposals, aligning with federal compliance and project planning standards, making it imperative for both local and state-level project execution.
    The document outlines various designations and features within the Cherokee National Forest, specifically regarding the Spruce Common Stand Exams. It includes details about trails such as the Appalachian Trail and specific areas labeled with identifiers like 1A for Designated Wilderness and 4K for Roan Mountain. The visual representation indicates the layout of roads and trails, as well as notable ecological features, including rare plant communities. The focus is on environmental management and assessment within this region of the forest, highlighting both the natural and recreational significance of these areas. This information is crucial for the planning and implementation of federal grants and RFPs related to land management and conservation efforts.
    The document outlines the Cherokee National Forest's Spruce Common Stand Exams, specifically regarding the Appalachian Trail area. It includes designations for various trails and identifies specific compartments within the forest, such as designated wilderness areas and rare plant communities. Notable references include key trails (e.g., Roan Mountain), compartments, and geographical markers represented in the provided data. The purpose of this file is to support federal and state RFPs and grants related to natural resource management and conservation efforts. It emphasizes the importance of ecological assessments in designated wilderness and rare plant communities, which are crucial for environmental monitoring and preservation activities. This document serves as a tool for professionals and stakeholders involved in forest management, facilitating understanding of the region's ecological designations and potential project areas for grants and proposals.
    The document outlines a federal initiative concerning the management and examination of designated areas within the Cherokee National Forest, specifically focusing on the Spruce Common Stand Exams related to the Appalachian Trail and various trails within the region. It provides a visual representation of the area's topography, indicating the different slopes (0-15%, 15-30%, 30-45%, and >45%) and highlighting significant designations such as wilderness areas and rare plant communities. Key trails and roads are identified within the provided legend, including Appalachian Trail, Hack Line, and various trail classifications (e.g., 335, 291). The purpose of this initiative is to assess and manage forest stands effectively while considering ecological preservation and compliance with regulatory standards. The identification of unique natural resources and restrictions is crucial for ongoing conservation and possible grant-seeking efforts, guiding future federal, state, or local funding opportunities for environmental management projects. Overall, this file serves as a foundation for both environmental analysis and potential Request for Proposals (RFPs) related to forest management and ecological study within the specified geographic area.
    The document focuses on the Cherrokee National Forest’s project involving the Spruce Common Stand Exams within the context of the Appalachian Trail area. It outlines specific designations such as wilderness areas and rare plant communities to guide management and conservation efforts. Key features include compartment-stand evaluations and geographical indicators reflected on a map, providing insights into trail and road designations. The information is essential for ensuring ecological integrity and compliance with environmental standards associated with federal projects and grants. This initiative aligns with broader conservation goals and federal funding requirements, highlighting the importance of maintaining protected areas and ecological assessments. Overall, the document serves as a foundation for proposals and funding applications related to forest management and preservation initiatives.
    This document outlines details regarding the management and examination of designated areas within the Cherokee National Forest, particularly focusing on the Spruce Common Stand Exams for the Carvers' West area. It emphasizes the importance of evaluating various land compartments, including designated wilderness areas and rare plant communities. The specified areas include the Appalachian Trail and other trails and roads within the jurisdiction. The document provides a visual legend indicating the types of designations and areas involved, highlighting the significance of ecological surveys and assessments in maintaining the integrity of these natural resources. This summary indicates the federal initiative to assess, conserve, and monitor the health of the forest ecosystems while also detailing the foundational elements that aid in identifying critical conservation areas and guiding restoration efforts in compliance with federal regulations.
    The document outlines a series of identifiers related to the Cherokee National Forest, specifically regarding the Spruce Common Stand Exams, a project focusing on environmental assessment and protection. The content includes a map legend that denotes various trails, roads, and area designations, such as "Designated Wilderness" and "Rare Plant Community." The identifiers (e.g., 0328-2, 0329-5) likely reference specific locations or aspects of the project. The document emphasizes the ecological features of the Appalachian Trail and the topographical details highlighted by the slope gradients (0-15%, 15-30%, 30-45%, >45%). The initiative underscores the importance of maintaining environmental integrity in the area, pointing to key features that are pivotal for biodiversity and conservation efforts. Overall, the file serves as an informational resource relevant to federal and state RFPs and grants focused on environmental management and preservation initiatives, ensuring adherence to legislative requirements and promoting sustainable land use practices in the Cherokee National Forest.
    The document outlines various elements concerning designated trails and compartment-stand exams within the Cherokee National Forest, specifically the Spruce Common Stand Exams in the Unaka Mountain area. It lists relevant trails (e.g., Rattlesnake Ridge Trail, Limestone Cove Trail) and compartment identifiers (e.g., 230, 4344). The document includes area designations highlighting designated wilderness, rare plant communities, and management zone classifications. Notably, it provides spatial context through a foot-based legend depicting the layout of roads, trails, and specific areas within the forest. The purpose appears to align with facilitating federal and state RFPs and grants by demarcating environmental management concerns, areas of ecological significance, and potential project sites for conservation or development plans. This information is essential for stakeholders engaging in project proposals or environmental assessments, emphasizing the importance of informed land management practices. The document ultimately serves as a foundational reference for compliance and planning regarding ecological oversight in forest areas.
    The document primarily focuses on various designations related to trails and ecological assessments within the Cherokee National Forest's Spruce Common Stand Exams specifically in the Unaka Mountain region. It lists a series of codes and names corresponding to different trails, including Rattlesnake Ridge Trail and Limestone Cove Trail, along with their associated slope percentage classifications. The various classifications range from 0-15% slope to steeper areas, allowing for a detailed understanding of terrain types within the forest. Additionally, certain areas are designated as wilderness, rare plant communities, or specific management units, indicating a framework for ecological conservation and land use planning. The presence of federal and state RFPs illustrates the urgency for funding and resources to support these assessments and potential projects in the area, signifying the government's commitment to maintaining natural resources while considering recreational and ecological factors. Overall, the document serves as a reference point for trail management and ecological evaluations critical for future development and conservation efforts.
    The document outlines various trail designations and areas within the Cherokee National Forest, particularly focusing on the Spruce Common Stand Exams in the Unaka Mountain region. It includes a list of reference numbers associated with federal requests for proposals (RFPs) and related grants, as well as a mapping legend illustrating the area’s road and trail classifications, including designated wilderness and rare plant communities. The trails specified include Rattlesnake Ridge Trail and Limestone Cove Trail, alongside slope percentage categories that provide insight into the topography of the land. This file serves as a reference for environmental planning and management, offering crucial data for government agencies and stakeholders involved in land use and conservation initiatives related to the National Forest. Its purpose is to aid in regulatory compliance and facilitate potential funding opportunities through grants and RFPs for ecological assessments and development within the designated areas.
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