Description
The USDA Forest Service is seeking a small‑business contractor to perform mechanical site‑preparation (drum‑chopping) on the Ocala National Forest in Florida. The work includes single‑chop, double‑chop, and an optional add‑on portion covering up to 2,287 acres. Contractors must provide all equipment, labor, supervision, transportation, and materials, meeting specified equipment weight, width, speed, and blade requirements, and must be capable of chopping at least 50 acres per day. The contract period runs from mid‑November 2026 to late‑February 2027.
• Perform roller‑chopping (single and double passes) on 1,572 acres (base) with an optional 715 acres.
• Provide double‑drum chopper meeting weight ≥ 24,000 lb, width ≤ 8 ft (10 ft with approval), speed ≥ 3 mph, and daily productivity ≥ 50 acres.
• Comply with extensive environmental safeguards (wetland buffers, sinkhole buffers, gopher‑tortoise protection, invasive‑species controls) and accept penalties for timber damage or NNI spread.