Sources Sought (SS) / Request for Information (RFI)

This Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) is issued solely for market research and planning purposes. It does not constitute a solicitation or a promise to issue a solicitation in the future. The Government will not reimburse accompanying costs.

Any answers or attachments provided are based upon the best information available at the time of the visit and are subject to change.

1. Background & Purpose

USDA Forest Service seeks capability statements from qualified vendors able to conduct fuels reduction on steep and rugged terrain within Bozeman Municipal Watershed Project area for the anticipated Leverich Helio Stewardship IRSC. The purpose of this SS/RFI is to gather information on vendor capabilities, invite prospective vendors to an organized site visit on 10/01/2026, and to view the area before snow limits access.

2. Anticipated Scope of Work

• Cut and removal of approximately 290 CCF of Lodgepole pine sawtimber 2045 CCF of Douglas-fir and other Sawtimber on 151 acres.


• Whole-tree Helicopter yarding of included timber.


• Piling of slash at the landing area.


• Road Decommissioning of .59 miles of existing Temporary Road Use Permit (TRUP) roads post-hauling.

3. Place of Performance

The Leverich Helio Stewardship IRSC project is located in the northern Gallatin Mountain Range, just south of Bozeman, MT. Helicopter units are located on the west side of FS Road #979, along Bozeman Creek and adjacent to City of Bozeman land.

4. Period of Performance

Anticipated start date: Late Spring/Early Summer 2027. Period of performance is estimated to not exceed two operational seasons and is dependent on weather, access, and coordination.

5. Site Visit

An organized site visit will occur on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. MDT. Interested parties will meet at the Bozeman Ranger District located at 3710 Fallon St. Suite C. Bozeman, MT 59718. Interested parties should contact Nathan Motzko at nathan.motzko@usda.gov or 406-224-0323 by 12:00 p.m. MDT on September 30, 2026, if they intend to attend.

6. Requested Capability Statement Content

• Company information (UEI, address, email, POC, socio-economic status).


• Relevant experience, especially hazardous fuel reduction, helicopter yarding, steep slope timber operations.


• Safety program details and crew qualifications.


• Equipment lists and mobilization capabilities.


• Past performance references.

7. Response Instructions & Due Date

Any information submitted by vendors to this this SS/RFI is voluntary. Responses should be submitted electronically to Jeanne Windle at norma.windle@usda.gov. All responses are due no later than October 15, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. MDT.

8. Points of Contact

Direct all questions via email to Jeanne Windle, Contracting Officer at norma.windle@usda.gov.