Bid guide
How to bid on Leverich Helio Stewardship IRSC with the Department of Agriculture
What the agency is buying and why it matters
The USDA Forest Service is conducting market research for a project called Leverich Helio Stewardship IRSC. They are seeking capability statements from vendors who can perform fuels reduction in the Bozeman Municipal Watershed near Bozeman, Montana. This work is important for managing forest health and reducing fire risk in a critical area.
The anticipated scope of work includes cutting and removing approximately 2,335 CCF of timber across 151 acres. It also involves helicopter yarding of the timber, piling slash at landing areas, and decommissioning 0.59 miles of temporary roads after hauling. The project is located in the northern Gallatin Mountain Range, just south of Bozeman, MT.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This is a Request for Information (RFI), which means the agency is gathering information and not yet asking for formal bids. Your response is due by October 15, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. MDT. This is also 6:00 AM ET on October 15, 2026.
An optional site visit is scheduled for Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. MDT. Interested parties should meet at the Bozeman Ranger District. If you plan to attend, you must contact Nathan Motzko by 12:00 p.m. MDT on September 30, 2026. The anticipated start date for the actual work is late spring or early summer 2027, and the period of performance is estimated not to exceed two operational seasons.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for firms with experience in environmental services, specifically hazardous fuel reduction, timber operations, and helicopter yarding. Companies that specialize in steep slope timber operations will find this particularly relevant.
The agency is looking for vendors with a proven track record in these areas, especially those capable of working in rugged terrain. Your firm's socio-economic status should also be included in your response.
How to respond to this RFI
To respond, you need to submit a capability statement electronically. This statement should include your company information, such as your UEI, address, email, point of contact, and socio-economic status. You should also detail your relevant experience, especially in hazardous fuel reduction, helicopter yarding, and steep slope timber operations.
Additionally, provide details about your safety program and crew qualifications, a list of your equipment, and your mobilization capabilities. Include past performance references. All responses must be sent via email to Jeanne Windle at [email protected] by the deadline.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
When preparing your capability statement, clearly highlight your firm's specific experience with projects similar in scope and complexity to the Leverich Helio Stewardship IRSC. Emphasize any work you have done in steep or rugged terrain and with helicopter yarding, as these are key aspects of this project.
Ensure your safety program details are thorough and demonstrate a strong commitment to safety, especially given the hazardous nature of fuels reduction and timber operations. Provide concrete examples of your crew's qualifications and how your equipment is suited for this type of work. Finally, make sure all requested information is included and your response is submitted on time to the correct email address.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Forest Service; the original posting controls.