MARKET INDEX PRICES FOR USE IN FOREST MANAGEMENT

The USDA Forest Service is seeking a firm-fixed-price requirements contract for the purchase of market index price data to ensure fair and transparent valuation of stumpage for timber sales west of the 100th meridian. The contractor will be responsible for developing an index log and generating quarterly composite index prices in dollars per thousand board feet for seven species groups. Key technical requirements include ensuring indices are representative of Western sawmill production with a sampling error of no more than 5 percent at a 95 percent confidence level, based on at least 50 percent of the lumber volume produced for each species group between January 2027 and December 2028. The period of performance consists of a 12-month base period from November 1, 2026, to October 31, 2027, with four subsequent one-year option periods and a potential six-month extension. Award will be based on best value, with technical capability, approach, and past performance weighted more heavily than price. Deliverables include a final index log update methodology due by January 1, 2027, and quarterly index prices starting on the same date. All electronic submissions must be Section 508 compliant and submitted via the US Treasury Invoice Processing Platform for payment. Proposals must be submitted in separate technical and price volumes by November 2, 2026.