Thunderstruck Crown Touch Release (CTR) Project – Timber Stand Improvement (TSI)

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service is issuing this solicitation for the Thunderstruck Crown Touch Release (CTR) Project, which aims to perform Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) on approximately 100-224 acres in the Clinch Ranger District of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, located in Scott County, Virginia. The goal of this contract is to enhance forest health through crop tree release treatments, ensuring that selected trees can grow freely and thrive. Work Details Contractors are required to provide all labor, equipment, supervision, tools, and incidentals necessary to perform four-sided crown-touch release treatments according to the technical specifications outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW). Key tasks include: - Performing crown-touch crop tree release to achieve a 'free-to-grow' rating of 4 for selected trees. - Identifying and releasing specific tree species such as Red Oak, Black Oak, Scarlet Oak, White Oak, Chestnut Oak, Hickory, Yellow-Poplar, Basswood, and Cucumber-Tree. - Removing competing trees that hinder the growth of crop trees based on specified criteria. - Ensuring that felled trees are not piled or windrowed but scattered throughout the area. - Providing hazard ribbons for unsafe-to-fell trees and ensuring all work complies with safety standards and environmental regulations. Period of Performance The contract will be performed from August 17, 2026, to December 31, 2026. Place of Performance The work will take place in Scott County, Virginia within the Clinch Ranger District of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests. Bidder Requirements Bidders must meet the following requirements: - Small Business Set Aside - Total (SBA). - Previous experience with Silvicultural / Timber Stand Improvement work on the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests. - Knowledge of Southern Appalachian tree species is preferred. - Contractors must have necessary equipment and capabilities for performing TSI services. Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail) The solicitation for the Thunderstruck Crown Touch Release (CTR) Project appears to have a closely related prior contract, with Tommy Lee Brewer identified as the awardee on contract 12443926P0011 valued at $58,400 (03/04/26–12/31/26). That prior award is described as “ED-CROP TREE RELEASE- GWJ MVP FOREST ENHANCED MITIGATION,” which aligns with the current requirement for four-sided crown-touch crop tree release (timber stand improvement) on the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, suggesting the work is a continuation or follow-on of similar silvicultural treatment activities.