S--HAZARD FUEL REDUCTION-TREE HEALTH PROJEC

The National Park Service, Region 2, South Atlantic Gulf, intends to award a Firm Fixed price contract for services to complete a Hazardous Fuels Reduction and Tree Health Project at Charles Pinckney Grounds (CHPI). This requirement is being procured in accordance with FAR Part 6.302-1, only one responsible source. The determination to select F.A. Bartlett Tree Experts for the services is driven by the sensitivity and irreplaceable nature of historic resources and the unique qualification Barlett Tree Experts has developed working at CHPI on several other projects of similar scope and scale. Many of the live oak trees at Charles Pinckney NHS are approximately 250 years old, making them irreplaceable historic resources of significant cultural and natural value. Bartlett Tree Experts (North Charleston, SC) has developed an intimate, site-specific knowledge of this property through prior engagement, including the creation of a comprehensive analysis and individualized treatment plan for all 298 trees on site. Given the age, sensitivity, and irreplaceable nature of these trees, entrusting their care to a contractor without this established knowledge base introduces unnecessary risk of damage or loss. Bartlett has also demonstrated strong safety protocols throughout previous work, protecting visitors, structures, and natural resources. Additionally, 2026 marks the inaugural year of Charleston's Freedom 250 commemorations as a Signature City, making the preservation of these living historic landmarks a matter of heightened public significance this contract year. This project serves multiple purposes. First, with the use of certified arborists, heavy vine growth on several large historic trees will be removed and followed up with a TRAQ certified tree assessment and pruning. Secondly, this project will create defensible space to reduce fire risk by drastically reducing fire fuels (thick undergrowth, trees under 6 inches in diameter, and a thick duff layer). The added benefits include safer visitor use areas and reduced liability. Lastly, it is in the best interest of the Government to continue working with Barlet since they have performed individual treatment history which represents a unique capability that a new contractor could not replicate without significant time and cost to the Government. This will decrease potential costs on the overall project by saving on unnecessary manpower for re-accomplishing research that was already accomplished. It is the only source that can provide the services required for this completion of this project.

NAICS Code: 561730, Landscaping Services, Standard business size is $9.5M. The National Park Service is presently using SAM/FBO to issue synopsis for Notice of Intent to Award Sole Source Justifications and Sources Sought. The synopsis may be viewed online at: https://beta.sam.gov. FBO will be the only means of obtaining the amendments and will be able to receive electronic notification of solicitations and awards. CAUTION: This synopsis will be issued electronically as will any amendments. The Government is under no obligation to maintain a bidder's list. It is incumbent for any interested parties to obtain any amendments which may be issued. All questions pertaining to the synopsis can be directed to keith.smith@iso.doi.gov or by calling (470) 819-0793.

This is a sources sought for interested vendors for this project. A solicitation will not be released for this requirement. This will be a notice of intent to award on a sole source basis to F.A. Bartlett Tree Experts.