The Forest Service is in need of tree planting services to restore and reforest lands that may have been burned over after wildfires or after timber harvest. The purpose of this acquisition is to secure tree planting services that will ensure tree survival and growth. Tree survival and growth is dependent on the initial health of the tree seedlings, the manner in which trees are handled and planted, environmental conditions such as soil moisture and weather, and animal damage to the seedlings. The services secured from this contract will include appropriate tree handling and planting techniques during periods of the year when environmental conditions are most favorable to ensure tree survival.

This is a notice to interested contractors that the Forest Service intends to solicit for tree planting services on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge (B-DNF), Custer (CNF), and Gallatin (GNF) National Forest lands, and an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract/s with a base plus one option year will result. The successful Contractor/s shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, supplies (except those supplies designated as Government furnished items), and incidentals to perform all work necessary on the areas specified in each Task Order. The contract/s will include tree preparation, handling, planting, shading, and tree transportation to provide the seedlings with the greatest chance of survival. All aspects of the work program shall be performed in an organized, systematic manner to assure services shall be performed over the entire unit.

Snags and burned trees may be present in the planting units, creating a potentially hazardous condition and possibly resulting in blow-down and/or falling debris. Such activity may increase with windy weather conditions.

Specific locations, maps and unit data pertaining to planting units for individual sub-items will be provided with each Task Order. Spring and summer (if planned) tree planting seasons vary per geographic location, but performance periods may begin as early as mid-March and extend through July if planting is required in higher elevation areas. Planting stock may include bareroot 2-0, 1-0, and 1-1's and container plugs of 160's, 160L's, 91's, and 112's. Other stock may be used and will be specified on the Task Order and Detailed Information Chart. Species planted may include ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, Englemann spruce, lodgepole pine, western larch, and possibly a minor amount of white bark pine. The number of acres to be planted per year for each Forest unit will likely vary.

Interested parties may contact Alane Fitzpatrick at the Helena National Forest, Supervisor's Office (406) 495-3726. The solicitation will be available on approximately 1 February 2011, and can be downloaded from this website at that time.