Purpose The USDA Forest Service is conducting market research to identify potential sources capable of providing tree planting and associated reforestation services within the Intermountain Region. The Government is considering a potential requirement for these services and is seeking information from interested businesses to better understand available industry capabilities and identify additional sources that may not have been identified through previous market research efforts. The Government is interested in hearing from businesses located within the Intermountain Region, as well as businesses located outside the region that have the resources, experience, and ability to reasonably support work within the geographic areas identified in the attached draft Performance Work Statement (PWS). This notice is issued strictly for market research and planning purposes. It is not a solicitation, request for proposal, or request for quotation. The Government has not made a final determination to proceed with an acquisition, and there is no guarantee that a solicitation or contract award will result from this notice. Description of Potential Requirement The Forest Service is considering a requirement for tree planting and associated reforestation services on National Forest System lands within the Intermountain Region. Potential services may include tree seedling transportation, handling, preparation and planting, regular spacing and variable density planting, specialized planting activities, artificial shading, animal damage control treatments, and other associated reforestation services. Work may be performed across multiple National Forests and may involve varying terrain, remote locations, seasonal planting windows, and the need to mobilize personnel and equipment within relatively short periods. The attached draft PWS is provided solely to give interested businesses a general understanding of the types of services and performance conditions the Government is considering. The PWS is preliminary and may be revised, expanded, reduced, or otherwise modified if the Government elects to pursue an acquisition. Requested Information Interested businesses are encouraged to provide a brief response containing the following information: Business name, address, point of contact, telephone number, email address, and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), if available. Business size and applicable socioeconomic status, if any. A brief description of the company's experience and capabilities related to tree planting, reforestation, and associated services. Geographic areas the company currently serves or would be capable of supporting, including the ability to mobilize crews and equipment to the Intermountain Region. General information regarding the company's workforce capacity, available resources, and ability to perform work during limited seasonal planting windows. Businesses do not need to be located within the Intermountain Region to respond. Additionally, businesses are encouraged to respond even if they are not capable of supporting every National Forest identified in the draft PWS, but please explicity state those areas of capability. Responses do not need to address every technical requirement in the attached PWS. The Government is primarily interested in identifying potential sources and gaining a better understanding of industry capabilities, available resources, and geographic coverage. The Government is not requesting technical proposals, quotations, or pricing information at this time. Response Instructions Interested businesses should submit their capability information electronically to: Point of Contact: Veronica Beck Email: veronica.beck@usda.gov Response Deadline: October 29, 2026, at 5:00 PM Mountain Time (MT) Responses should reference "Intermountain Area Tree Planting and Associated Services – Sources Sought RFI." The Government may extend the response period if additional market research is determined necessary. Disclaimer This notice is for market research and planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation, make an award, or procure any goods or services. The Government has not made a final determination regarding whether an acquisition will be pursued, the acquisition strategy, or the method of procurement. Responses received will be used to assist the Government in assessing available industry capabilities and identifying potential sources. Participation in this RFI is voluntary, and the Government will not reimburse respondents for any costs associated with preparing or submitting information. The Government is under no obligation to respond to submissions or provide feedback to interested businesses. Responding to this notice does not guarantee participation in any future acquisition, and failure to respond will not preclude an interested business from competing for a future solicitation, should one be issued. Attachment: Draft Performance Work Statement
