Crest Switchback DxP IRSC

The Cibola National Forest is soliciting Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) for fuels management services, including unit-level treatment, traffic control, and hazard tree removal. This combined synopsis/solicitation (12363N26Q4030) seeks proposals for commercial services, with a NAICS code of 115310 and a small business size standard of $34 Million. Offerors must submit separate technical and price proposals by February 23, 2026, valid for 60 days. The project aims to reduce hazardous fuel loading, improve forest health, and enhance scenic integrity, with work to be completed by either January 15, 2027, or September 30, 2027. Key personnel, detailed work plans, safety protocols, and a site visit on February 4, 2026, are part of the requirements. Proposals will be evaluated based on technical approach, relevant past performance, and benefit to the local community, with technical factors being significantly more important than cost.

The Cibola National Forest's Sandia Ranger District is initiating the Crest Switchback DxP Stewardship IRSC project, focusing on reducing hazardous fuel loads, improving forest health, and enhancing scenic integrity along the Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway (NM-536). The project includes unit-level mechanical forest thinning, debris removal and disposal, and machine piling of slash. Additionally, it mandates comprehensive traffic control measures, including a detailed traffic control plan, highway closures, and authorized user access. Hazard tree removal along NM-536 is also a key component. The contract outlines strict specifications for all work items, including acceptable quality levels, inspection procedures, and payment methods. Environmental compliance, safety protocols, and adherence to federal, state, and local regulations are paramount throughout the project.

This government file is a Contract Area Map for the CREST SWITCHBACK DxP STEWARDSHIP IRSC project within the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, Sandia Ranger District, specifically detailing Units 5, 6, and 7. The map, dated January 6, 2026, uses the NAD 1983 UTM Zone 13N coordinate system. It outlines various geographical and man-made features crucial for the project, including contract and unit boundaries (mandatory and optional), protected improvements, wilderness areas, recreation signs, gates, restrooms, guardrails, paved paths, powerlines, trails, fences, and ephemeral areas. The map also identifies restricted roads like NM-536 and existing roads to be kept open (e.g., Road 488). Appendices cover asphalt transitions. The project's cutting summary for Units 1-8 includes reserve trees and "Mpile" designations, while Unit 9 specifies "Chip" or "Lop" treatments. The document emphasizes that it is reproduced from USDA Forest Service geospatial information, with accuracy subject to variation, and warns against using GIS products for purposes other than their creation due to potential inaccuracies. The USDA Forest Service reserves the right to update or modify these products without notification.

Amendment 001 to Solicitation 12363N26Q4030 for the CREST SWITCHBACK DxP STEWARDSHIP IRSC in the Cibola National Forest, Sandia Rock Ranger District, revises several key aspects of the original solicitation. Effective February 9, 2026, this amendment updates the Call Order Document by adding Contract Area Map 5f (Unit 8- Topo) and revising page counts. Appendix A sees changes in mandatory items, including revised attachment numbers for the Traffic Control Plan and Permits (now referencing Attachments 6a and 6b), and updated language for Government Inspection Procedures regarding hazard tree removal. Additionally, C2.355# Designation by Prescription is modified to clarify the removal of dead/dying trees, and C6.32# – Protection of Reserve Trees now specifies liquidated damages for tree damage. Appendix C is replaced to include a new page 15 detailing T-813 specifications. Furthermore, CAM_Units 5,6,7_FINAL is replaced with a revised map, and Attachment 10 (Brown’s Transect Data) and Site Visit Q&A and Attendee list are added. All changes are marked in red font, and the offer due date of February 23, 2026, remains unchanged. This amendment ensures all terms and conditions, as modified, remain in full force and effect.

The "Crest Switchback DxP Stewardship IRSC Site Visit Q&A’s" document addresses critical questions regarding a federal stewardship contract for forest management. Key points include the Forest Service tracking fire restriction-related work pauses, with anticipated project completion on schedule despite potential delays. The document clarifies guidelines for residual coarse woody debris (CWD), specifying that machine piles do not count towards the 5-15 tons per acre target, and outlines conditions for piling Decay Class IV CWD. It details contractor responsibilities for NMDOT permitting, with the Forest Service having already communicated with NMDOT regarding road closures. Additionally, the document provides specifications for skid trail construction, hazard tree removal along NM-536, and the methodology for judging basal area variability. It also covers waiver requests for hammer branding, road maintenance on Kiwanis Road, and stump height flexibility in rocky areas, along with clarification on reserve tree protection and eligibility for 8A authority, which is not applicable to this full and open competition stewardship contract.

The document, Amendment 001 for the Crest Switchback DxP Stewardship IRSC in Cibola National Forest, outlines comprehensive road maintenance requirements for contractors. It details pre-haul, during-haul, and post-haul maintenance activities for specific roads (FR 488 and Kiwanis Cabin Road), specifying the application of T-Specifications. The contractor is responsible for all maintenance without compensation from the Forest Service. The document defines various road structure terms and provides detailed T-Specifications for critical maintenance tasks such as slide and slump repair (T-801), ditch cleaning (T-802), surface blading (T-803), surface repair (T-806), surface stabilization with water (T-807), minor drainage structures (T-809), miscellaneous structures (T-812), and treatment/disposal of hazard trees (T-813). These specifications cover material requirements, repair procedures, disposal guidelines, and safety protocols, ensuring roads remain safe and functional throughout the contract period.

The USDA Forest Service has released a contract area map for the CREST SWITCHBACK DxP STEWARDSHIP IRSC project within the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, Sandia Ranger District. Dated February 9, 2026, the map details Units 5, 6, and 7, operating under the NAD 1983 UTM Zone 13N coordinate system. It outlines various features crucial for the stewardship project, including mandatory and optional unit boundaries for DxP, protected improvements, wilderness areas, recreation signs, gates, restrooms, guardrails, paved paths, powerlines, trails, fences, and ephemeral areas. The map also specifies restricted access roads (NM-536) and existing roads to be kept open (e.g., 488-KO), along with asphalt transitions. A tree designation table for Units 1-8 indicates 'Reserve Trees' and 'Mpile' cutting summaries, with Unit 9 specified for 'Chip' or 'Lop' activities. The document emphasizes that USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender, and cautions that geospatial information accuracy may vary, advising against using GIS products for purposes other than their creation due to potential inaccuracies.

The document, Amendment 001 to the Crest Switchback DxP Stewardship IRSC, details

The "Crest Switchback DxP Stewardship IRSC" outlines timber removal specifications for the Cibola National Forest, Sandia Ranger District. The 40-page document details contract area, timber specifications (including included, substandard, and damaged timber), utilization standards, and designation methods (clearcutting, overstory/understory removal, individual trees, and by damage class). It also covers payment rates, cash deposits, and payment procedures. The contract specifies transportation facilities, operational controls like safety and spill prevention, logging conduct (felling, bucking, skidding), erosion control, and slash disposal. A significant portion addresses scaling services, accountability, and product identification. Division A provides specific conditions, including an estimated biomass volume of 4,769 tons (mandatory) and 2,295 tons (optional) from combined softwood and dead standing timber, stump height limits, and scaling instructions. The document also includes specific clauses for reserve trees, cutting unit boundaries, and handling of lost products, emphasizing adherence to Forest Service standards and environmental protection.

The document, Appendix C of the Crest Switchback DxP Stewardship IRSC for the Cibola National Forest, outlines comprehensive road maintenance requirements for contractors. It details pre-haul, during-haul, and post-haul maintenance for specific roads (FR 488 and Kiwanis Cabin Road), specifying the application of T-Specifications T-801, T-803, T-812, and T-813. The contractor is responsible for all maintenance without Forest Service compensation. The document defines key terms related to road structure and maintenance, such as 'Agreement,' 'Annual Road Maintenance Plan,' 'Roadbed,' 'Traveled Way,' 'Slide,' and 'Slump.' It then elaborates on each T-Specification: T-801 (Slide and Slump Repair), T-802 (Ditch Cleaning), T-803 (Surface Blading), T-806 (Surface Repair for potholes and soft areas), T-807 (Surface Stabilization using water), T-809 (Minor Drainage Structures), and T-812 (Miscellaneous Structures like cattleguards, gates, and signage). These specifications detail the procedures, materials, and requirements for maintaining roads to ensure safety, proper drainage, and prevent resource damage.

This document is a contract area map for the CREST SWITCHBACK DxP STEWARDSHIP IRSC project within the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, Sandia Ranger District. Dated January 6, 2026, it details geospatial information using the NAD 1983 UTM Zone 13N coordinate system. The map outlines various boundaries, including the Contract Area Boundary, Mandatory and Optional Unit Boundaries for DxP, and Marked Unit Boundaries. It also identifies protected improvements, wilderness areas, and specific landmarks like gates, restrooms, and guardrails. Infrastructure such as paved paths, powerlines, and trails are indicated, along with ephemeral features and restricted roads like NM-536. The map includes a Tree Designation Table with cutting summaries for Units 1-8 (Reserve Trees, "Mpile") and Unit 9 ("Chip" or "Lop"), crucial for stewardship activities. A project area overview map is provided, showing the location within the broader Sandia Mountain Wilderness. The USDA Forest Service notes that while this geospatial information is reproduced from their data, accuracy may vary, and they reserve the right to modify products without notification.

The document is a contract area map for the CREST SWITCHBACK DxP STEWARDSHIP IRSC project within the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, Sandia Ranger District. Dated January 6, 2026, the map details project units (1, 2, 3) and various boundaries including mandatory and optional DxP units, protected improvements, and wilderness areas. It identifies key features such as roads (NM-536, Kiwanis Meadow Rd), trails, powerlines, fences, gates, restrooms, and guardrails, along with specific areas like Rocky Point, Challenge, Crest House, and 10K. The map also includes a Tree Designation Table for cutting summaries across Units 1-9, specifying reserve trees and different cutting methods like "Mpile," "Chip," or "Lop." The coordinate system used is NAD 1983 UTM Zone 13N. The USDA Forest Service emphasizes that the geospatial information's accuracy may vary and reserves the right to update the GIS products.

The document is a contract area map for the CREST SWITCHBACK DxP STEWARDSHIP IRSC project within the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, specifically the Sandia Ranger District. It details Units 3, 4, 5, and 6, providing a scale of 1:2,500. The map outlines various features crucial for the project, including contract area boundaries, unit boundaries (mandatory and optional), protected improvements, wilderness areas, and recreational signs. It also identifies infrastructure such as gates, restrooms, guardrails, paved paths, powerlines, fences, existing roads, culverts, and asphalt transitions. The map indicates restricted access on NM-536 and includes a tree designation table for cutting summaries across Units 1-8, with specific instructions for

This government file, a "CONTRACT AREA MAP," details the "CREST SWITCHBACK DxP STEWARDSHIP IRSC" project within the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, Sandia Ranger District, specifically Unit 8. The map, dated January 6, 2026, uses the NAD 1983 UTM Zone 13N coordinate system. It outlines various contract area boundaries (mandatory and optional), unit boundaries, protected improvements, and existing infrastructure such as roads (NM-536 restricted, Kiwanis Meadow Road to keep open), trails, recreation signs, gates, restrooms, guardrails, paved paths, fences, ephemeral areas, asphalt transitions, and culverts. The project also references a "Tree Designation Table B2.3" and a "Cutting Summary" for Units 1-8 ("Reserve Trees," "Mpile") and Unit 9 ("Chip" or "Lop"). The document emphasizes that the USDA Forest Service provides geospatial information with varying accuracy and reserves the right to modify products without notification, serving as a critical guide for the stewardship project's operational and logistical planning.

The document is a contract area map for the CREST SWITCHBACK DxP STEWARDSHIP IRSC project within the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, specifically the Sandia Ranger District. Dated January 6, 2026, the map details various boundaries, including Contract Area Boundary, Mandatory and Optional Unit Boundaries for DxP, and Marked Unit Boundaries for DxP. It also identifies protected improvements, wilderness areas, and features such as recreation signs, gates, restrooms, guardrails, paved paths, trails, and fences. Additionally, the map shows ephemeral features, restricted roads (NM-536), existing roads to be kept open, asphalt transitions, and culverts. Key features like Kiwanis Meadow Road and various segments of Crest Spur and La Luz trails are highlighted. The map includes a Tree Designation Table for Units 1-8 and Unit 9, outlining cutting summaries for reserve trees, “Mpile,” “Chip,” or “Lop.” The coordinate system is NAD 1983 UTM Zone 13N, with a Transverse Mercator projection and North American 1983 datum. The map contains a disclaimer regarding the accuracy of geospatial information and the right of the USDA Forest Service to update or modify GIS products.

The Crest Switchback DxP Stewardship IRSC in Cibola National Forest outlines comprehensive traffic control procedures for logging and maintenance operations. It details strict standards for signs, including shape, color, substrate, size, legend, placement, visibility, and orientation, all compliant with FHWA MUTCD and Forest Service EM 7100-15. The document specifies requirements for sign supports, differentiating between permanent posts and temporary/portable supports. It lists various signs to be used and provides Type 3 Barricade specifications for road closures. Furthermore, it details qualifications and signaling procedures for flaggers using STOP/SLOW paddles or flags. Two closure scenarios are defined based on proximity to NM-536, with specific sign placements for each. Finally, a document checklist for a Roadway Work Permit with NMDOT is included, requiring items like a Traffic Control Plan, Flagger Certifications, and Certificate of Liability Insurance.

The document outlines two Traffic Control Plans (TCP Index #069141 and #069142) for logging operations and road work on Sandia Crest Scenic Highway, NM-536, and surrounding roads in Sandia Crest, New Mexico. The plans detail signage requirements, including adjustments for curves, side roads, and driveways, the need for double-indicated advanced warning signs, and covering existing speed limit signs if reduced. Both plans specify a posted speed limit of 25 MPH and include a work zone. TCP #069141 focuses on road work and closures, while TCP #069142 details logging operations, including log trucks entering the road and an equipment staging area with a helipad access requirement. Both documents emphasize field adjustments for signs and channelization devices and adhere to a

The United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southwestern Region (R03), specifically the Cibola National Forest, Sandia District, has issued two detailed engineering drawings:

The document is a cruise report for the "Crest Switchback DxP Stewardship IRSC" timber sale (Cruise #26004, Sale #26004), certified by Kenneth Born on December 12, 2025. It details the designation and cruising of timber according to FSH 2409.12, Timber Cruising Handbook, with records on file at the Sandia RD District Ranger Office in Tijeras, NM. The report includes biomass and volume equation tables for various species (PCF, PES, NCF, NES, PDF, NWF, BCF, CF) and outlines strata, cutting units, and payment units across a total sale area of 120.00 acres. Cutting methods include

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