Ottawa National Forest - Wolf Mountain Botany Survey

The contract for the Ottawa National Forest Wolf Mountain Botany Survey is a small business set-aside procurement issued by the USDA Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, with solicitation number 12444626Q0001. It seeks qualified contractors to conduct comprehensive botanical surveys across 907 stands covering approximately 24,546 acres within the forest, focusing on identifying Regional Forester’s sensitive plants, Michigan-listed species, priority invasive plants, and culturally significant flora. The work is scheduled to occur between May 15 and September 15 in either 2026 or 2027, with all results due by October 15, 2027. The scope includes pre-field planning, GPS-based surveys, detailed documentation, voucher specimen collection, and digital reporting, with biweekly progress updates and rapid reporting of notable findings. The contract emphasizes adherence to technical protocols, survey standards, and timely submission of data, including GPS routes, photos, and species forms, to ensure comprehensive coverage and data accuracy. The contractual framework incorporates multiple FAR clauses—both by reference and in full text—covering areas such as data rights, insurance, supply chain security, labor standards, and small business considerations. The award will be based on a best-value trade-off, with technical merit and past performance being more influential than price. Offerors must submit separate proposals for technical approach, pricing (via a completed Schedule of Items), and representations/certifications, all due by November 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM Central Time, via email to Fay Chiappone at fay.chiappone@usda.gov. The contract is likely a firm-fixed-price type, governed by the SF 1449 form, with performance and inspection conducted at the project site in Bessemer, Michigan, and administrative oversight by the Contracting Officer and designated COR. The solicitation emphasizes compliance with SAM registration, small business status, and specific reporting and certification requirements, ensuring that all work aligns with federal regulations, environmental standards, and forest management objectives.