Thunderstruck Crown Touch Release Project

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
RFQ No.: 12443926Q0113
Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
Office: Clinch Ranger District, George Washington & Jefferson National Forests
Title: Thunderstruck Crown Touch Release (CTR) Project – Timber Stand Improvement (TSI)
Set‑Aside: Total Small Business
NAICS: 115310 – Support Activities for Forestry
PSC: F014 – Tree Thinning Services
Estimated Value: Under $75,000.00

1. Description

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services prepared in accordance with the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) streamlined Parts 12/13 procedures and supplemented by USDA and Forest Service acquisition policy.

The USDA Forest Service requires Timber Stand Improvement (Crop Tree Release) on approximately 100–224 acres (final acreage to be determined) located on the Clinch Ranger District, George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, Scott County, VA. Contractors shall provide all labor, equipment, supervision, tools, and incidentals to perform four‑sided crown‑touch release treatments according to the technical specifications in attached SF 18 package.

No site visit is scheduled; however, offerors may coordinate access with the COR (see contact section).

2. Period of Performance

08/17/2026 – 12/31/2026

3. Applicable Documents

All work shall comply with the Statement of Work (SOW), supplied maps, and all listed attachments included with this solicitation.

4. Evaluation Criteria (Descending Order of Importance)

Successful previous completion of Silvicultural / Timber Stand Improvement work on the George Washington & Jefferson NFs.

Knowledge of and familiarity with Southern Appalachian tree species.

Previous COR evaluations of contractor performance.

Contractor rating database information.

Price.
Note: If necessary, the Forest Service may reduce acreage to award to the highest‑rated offeror rather than accept a lower‑priced, lower‑rated quote.

Award will be made using Best Value Tradeoff consistent with RFO FAR Parts 8–13.

5. Instructions to Offerors

Submit quotation on SF‑18 package.

Quotes shall include:
• DUNS/UEI
• SAM registration confirmation
• Technical capability narrative addressing evaluation criteria
• Past performance contacts
• Price per acre and total evaluated price
• Acknowledgment of all attachments

Quotes Due: 06/24/2026, 1700 CT
Submit to: David Easter, Contracting Officer (email listed in SF‑18)

6. Key Technical Requirements (Summary)

• Contractor performs crown‑touch crop tree release to achieve “free‑to‑grow” rating of 4.
• Trees to be released and trees not to be cut are specified by species group.
• Hazard ribbon required for unsafe‑to‑fell trees.
• All slash removed from road prisms; no piling/windrowing.
• Work inspected by COR with acceptance based on meeting crop tree release thresholds.
• Final acreage determined by FS Two Trails mapping July–August 2026.

7. Applicable FAR / AGAR Clauses

(Aligned with the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) structure and USDA Forest Service requirements)

RFO‑Aligned FAR Clauses 

FAR 12.301 – Solicitation provisions/contract clauses for commercial products/services (RFO‑aligned)

FAR 13.004 – Legal effect of quotations

FAR 13.106‑2 – Evaluation of quotations (best value)

FAR 52.212‑1 – Instructions to Offerors

FAR 52.212‑2 – Evaluation—Commercial Products and Services

FAR 52.212‑3 – Reps & Certs

FAR 52.212‑4 – Contract Terms

FAR 52.212‑5 – Required Terms/Statutes

FAR 52.222‑41 – Service Contract Labor Standards (per SF‑18 referencing SCA WD 2015‑4339)

FAR 52.222‑55; 52.222‑62 – Labor requirements

FAR 52.232‑33 – Payment by EFT

USDA / AGAR Clauses

AGAR Part 401 – AGAR system, maintenance, definitions

AGAR Part 413 – Simplified Acquisition Procedures 

AGAR 452.208‑70 – Printing

AGAR 452.236‑73 – Archaeological resources protection 

AGAR 452.237‑75 – Working Hours

AGAR 452.246‑70 – Inspection and Acceptance

8. Points of Contact

Contracting Officer:
David Easter
USDA Forest Service
Phone: 651‑649‑5236

COR: Christopher Jackson
GTM: Royce Bedbury