Nantahala NF Beech Creek Genetic Resource Management Areas (GRMA) Seed Orchard Collection of Shortleaf Pinecones for Seed Extraction FY 24 at Tusquitee Ranger District North Carolina

Nantahala National Forest Beech Creek Genetic Resource Management Areas (GRMA) Seed Orchard is soliciting for services to provide all equipment, equipment operators, labor transportation, supplies, and perform all work necessary to pick fresh, ripe shortleaf pinecones in accordance with Statement of Work. Picking of the cones shall be by hand using bucket trucks, or such equipment as cherry pickers due to tree height.

Start date is dependent on when the cones are ripe, estimated September 20th 2024. Time is critical in the cone collection operation. Collection cannot be started until cones are ripe. However, collection must be completed before the cones open. This time period usually lasts approximately 30 calendar days but may vary significantly due to weather conditions. Figuring in a few days for bad weather gives a more realistic maximum collection period of 45 days.

It is expected the contractor will work 7 days a week, and in all but extremely inclement weather. The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered.

Award from this solicitation will be made on a Best Value determination, with the following evaluation criteria, which when combined are more important than price: - Technical Capability, including equipment used - Relative Experience