ContractSolicitationTotal Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
Ottawa National Forest Silver Branch Plant Survey 3
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE• 12443926Q0069
Response Deadline
May 22, 2026
2 days left
Days Remaining
2
Until deadline
Set-Aside
Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
Notice Type
Solicitation
Contract Opportunity Analysis
The USDA Forest Service is seeking a small-business contractor to perform the Silver Branch Plant Survey 3 for Ottawa National Forest, a procurement to survey for Regional Forester’s Sensitive plants, Michigan-listed plants, invasive plants, plants of potential viability concern, and plants of cultural significance. The work covers 350 stands across about 7,992 acres in Ottawa National Forest in Michigan and includes field surveys, GPS route recording, species documentation, and related reporting deliverables. The contract is a firm-fixed-price requirements effort evaluated under lowest-price technically acceptable criteria, with technical approach, price, and past performance considered; surveys must be conducted between May 15 and September 15 with at least three weeks between repeat visits to the same stand, and at least one visit is required to all stands with a second visit to at least 105 stands. All survey work must be completed by September 15, 2027, and the final results and paperwork are due by October 15, 2027. Questions are due by May 14, 2026 at 12:00 PM Central Time, and quotes and the completed experience questionnaire are due by May 22, 2026 at 12:00 PM Central Time by email to christopher.j.hamilton@usda.gov.
Classification Codes
NAICS Code
541620
Environmental Consulting Services
PSC Code
F018
NATURAL RESOURCES/CONSERVATION- OTHER FOREST/RANGE IMPROVEMENTS (NON-CONSTRUCTION)
Solicitation Documents
QUESTIONS FOR SOLICITATION 12443926Q0069 Ottawa National Forest Silver Branch Plant Survey 3.pdf
PDF•113 KB•May 20, 2026
AI Summary
The document addresses questions regarding Solicitation 12443926Q0069 for the Ottawa National Forest Silver Branch Plant Survey 3, a new contract action. Key clarifications include the period of performance, extended to October 15, 2027, with surveys occurring between May 15 and September 15 in 2026 and/or 2027. The project requires at least one visit to all 350 stands (7,992 acres) and a second visit to at least 105 stands (30%), totaling at least 2,398 acres. Three target species lists are provided: rare plants, invasive plants, and culturally significant plants, totaling 162, 38, and 36 species respectively. Survey methods involve pedestrian/meander surveys, with increased effort suggested for areas with higher rare plant potential. Contractors should anticipate off-road foot access and wetland crossings, with government keys available for gates. Deliverables are preferred as one submission for the entire project, if awarded to a single contractor. While no specific
Sol_12443926Q0069_7May26.pdf
PDF•599 KB•May 20, 2026
AI Summary
The USDA Forest Service is issuing Request for Quotation (RFQ) number 12443926Q0069 for the Silver Branch Plant Survey Contract 3. This acquisition is a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 541620 with a size standard of $19 million. The purpose is to survey specified areas of the Ottawa National Forest for sensitive, listed, non-native invasive, and culturally significant plants. The contract is a firm-fixed-price requirement for a one-year base period, with an estimated performance from June 1, 2026, to September 15, 2027. Offers are due by May 22, 2026, and will be evaluated based on the lowest price technically acceptable criteria, considering technical approach, price, and past performance. The solicitation includes various FAR and AGAR clauses, emphasizing anti-discrimination, DEI compliance, and restrictions on supplier terms.
12443926Q0069_C04_CSS_Commerical Products and Services_Revised 22 Apr 2026.pdf
PDF•375 KB•May 20, 2026
AI Summary
The U.S. Forest Service issued Solicitation Number 12443926Q0069, a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for the Silver Branch Plant Survey Contract 3. This contract is set aside for small businesses and aims to survey specific areas of the Ottawa National Forest for sensitive, listed, and invasive plant species, as well as plants of cultural significance across 7,991.7 acres. The contract is a firm-fixed price requirements contract for a one-year base period with no options. Quotes are due by May 22, 2026, and will be evaluated based on the lowest price technically acceptable, considering technical approach, price, and past performance. The solicitation includes various FAR and AGAR clauses, notably those regarding anti-discrimination, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) compliance, and unenforceability of certain supplier terms. Delivery of all items is required by September 15, 2026. The USDA Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests offers an internal dispute resolution process.
Attachment A_Schedule of Items Silver Branch Plant Survey 3.pdf
PDF•212 KB•May 20, 2026
AI Summary
The USDA Forest Service is seeking botanist contractors for the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan to conduct rare plant surveys across 350 stands totaling 7,992 acres in Ontonagon, Houghton, and Iron Counties. The project, scheduled for 2026 and 2027, requires botanists to survey diverse forest types, including mesic northern, early successional, and late successional stands, with common wetland inclusions. All 350 stands must be visited once, and at least 105 stands (30%, 2,398 acres) require a second survey. Surveys must occur between May 15 and September 15, with at least three weeks between consecutive visits to the same stand, and all work completed by September 15, 2027. Results and paperwork are due by October 15, 2027. Contractors will follow the Ottawa National Forest Botany Program Protocol and will be provided with detailed maps. The project is divided into three bid items based on geography, and quotes may be qualified to specify minimum or maximum accepted items, or an "all or none" basis.
Attachment B_Statement Of Work Silver Branch 3.pdf
PDF•718 KB•May 20, 2026
AI Summary
The “Silver Branch Plant Survey 3” contract seeks a contractor to conduct comprehensive plant surveys across 350 stands (7,992 acres) within the Ottawa National Forest in Houghton, Baraga, and Iron Counties. The surveys, to be completed between May 15 and September 15, 2026, and/or 2027, aim to identify Regional Forester’s Sensitive plants, State of Michigan listed plants, plants of viability concern, non-native invasive plants, and plants of cultural significance. At least 105 stands (30%) totaling 2,398 acres (30%) require a second visit. The contractor must identify specific plant species, select survey areas based on habitat, and record GPS routes. Detailed reporting is required for rare plants, invasive species, and plants of cultural concern, including data forms, vouchers, and high-resolution photographs. All survey data and the final report must be submitted by October 15, 2027. The project, named after local landmarks like the Silver River and Paint River branches, follows previous surveys in 2023 and 2024.
Attachment C_Silver Branch Contract 3 Maps.pdf
PDF•8894 KB•May 20, 2026
AI Summary
The provided government file, dated April 4 and April 14, 2026, details the "Silver Branch Plant Survey 3" and "Silver Branch Plant Survey Contract 3." This document appears to be part of a federal government RFP or grant, focusing on plant surveys within the Ottawa National Forest. It includes maps illustrating compartment locations and survey stands, labeled with stand numbers and existing vegetation codes. The maps cover various compartments, including 9, 21, 22, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 52, 53, 57, 63, 64, 66, 67, 68, 69, 71, 72, 73, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 93, 95, 115, 116, 117, 118, and 119. These maps delineate key geographical features such as towns (Watton, Sidnaw, Kenton, Covington), main roads (e.g., Ponozzo Road, Lake Thirteen Road, Old M28, Golden Glow Road, Gibbs City Road, Milltown Road, Seppi Road), paved roads, large rivers, lakes, and National Forest land. The overall purpose is to provide detailed geographical information and survey stand assignments for the Silver Branch Plant Survey Contract 3.
Attachment E_MNFI Special_Plant_Form.pdf
PDF•498 KB•May 20, 2026
AI Summary
The Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) provides a
Attachment F_Service Contract Act WD 1981-0136 REV 74 042926.pdf
PDF•96 KB•May 20, 2026
AI Summary
This government file is a wage determination under the Service Contract Act for Forestry and Logging occupations in 76 Michigan counties, effective April 11, 2026 (Revision No.: 74). It lists specific hourly wage rates for various roles, from Brush/Precommercial Thinner ($19.53) to Forestry/Logging Heavy Equipment Operator ($29.19). The document also details fringe benefits, including health and welfare payments ($5.55/hour or $5.09/hour for EO 13706-covered contracts), vacation (1 week after 1 year, 2 weeks after 3 years), and eleven paid holidays. It incorporates Executive Order 13706 for paid sick leave and Executive Order 13658 for a minimum wage of $13.30 per hour. Additionally, it outlines requirements for uniform allowances and the conformance process for classifying unlisted occupations and determining their wage rates, referencing the Service Contract Act Directory of Occupations and Standard Form 1444.
Attachment G_Service Contract Act WD 2015-4871 REV 32 042926.pdf
PDF•225 KB•May 20, 2026
AI Summary
This document is a wage determination under the Service Contract Act for Michigan, specifically covering Alger, Baraga, Chippewa, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Luce, Mackinac, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon, and Schoolcraft counties. It lists hourly wage rates for numerous administrative, automotive, food service, maintenance, health, information technology, and other occupations. The determination also details fringe benefits, including health & welfare contributions, paid vacation (2 weeks after 1 year, 3 after 5, 4 after 15), and eleven paid holidays. Special provisions include night and Sunday pay for air traffic controllers and weather observers, hazardous pay differentials for work with ordnance, and uniform allowance guidelines. The document outlines the conformance process for unlisted occupations, requiring contractors to propose classifications and rates for approval by the Wage and Hour Division.
Attachment H_Experience Questionaire.pdf
PDF•394 KB•May 20, 2026
AI Summary
The document is an Experience Questionnaire (Solicitation # 12443926Q0069, Attachment H Silver Branch Plant Survey 3) for potential contractors. It requests detailed information about a contractor's business, including its name, address, type of business, and years of experience as both a prime and subcontractor. The questionnaire asks for a list of up to three relevant projects completed within the last three years, current contract commitments, and whether the firm has ever failed to complete awarded work. It also seeks organizational details such as the minimum and maximum number of employees, confirmation of employees on payroll, and available equipment. Additionally, the form requires information on the experience of principal individuals within the business and includes a certification section for the applicant to attest to the completeness and correctness of the provided information. The completed questionnaire must be returned via email by May 22, 2026, at 1200 CT.
Attachment D_Silver Branch 3 Bundle Forms.pdf
PDF•2064 KB•May 20, 2026
AI Summary
The Ottawa National Forest's 2026 Rare Plant and Invasive Plant lists outline protocols for surveys and reporting of both rare and culturally significant plants, as well as invasive species. The document details optimum search times for rare plants, specific recording methods for culturally significant plants, and reporting requirements for invasive species, categorized by priority levels. It includes a comprehensive list of rare plants, an invasive plant priority list, and an invasive plant reporting form with detailed field definitions. The protocol also specifies guidelines for final reports, plant collections, and field survey procedures to ensure accurate documentation and conservation efforts within the forest.
Related Contract Opportunities
Project Timeline
postedOriginal Solicitation PostedMay 7, 2026
amendedLatest Amendment· Description UpdatedMay 20, 2026
deadlineResponse DeadlineMay 22, 2026
expiryArchive DateMay 23, 2026
Agency Information
Department
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Sub-Tier
FOREST SERVICE
Office
USDA-FS, CSA EAST 1
Point of Contact
Place of Performance
Ironwood, Michigan, UNITED STATES