Superior National Forest Rare Plant Survey

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The solicitation number 12443926Q0066 is issued by the USDA Forest Service for a Request for Quotation (RFQ) regarding the 2026 Botany Rare Plant Survey. This acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns, specifically targeting firms with expertise in botanical surveys for Regional Forester Sensitive Species (RFSS) Plants. The goal of the contract is to identify locations of RFSS plants in areas proposed for natural resource management, enabling managers to minimize impacts to these species. Work Details The contractor will perform botanical surveys on approximately 1,632 acres of federal land across St. Louis and Lake Counties, Minnesota, specifically within the Kawishiwi, Laurentian, and Tofte Ranger Districts. The survey will focus on both vascular and non-vascular RFSS plants listed for the Superior National Forest. Key tasks include: - Conducting pedestrian surveys using random meander techniques; - Documenting occurrences of RFSS plants; - Re-locating known occurrences; - Assessing habitat relationships and phenology; - Reporting findings by November 30, 2026. The contractor must provide all necessary equipment, labor, materials (except government-furnished items), transportation, lodging, supervision, and incidentals required to conduct the surveys. Period of Performance The period of performance for this contract is from May 25, 2026, to November 30, 2026. Place of Performance The contract will be performed in St. Louis and Lake Counties in Minnesota.