Mechanical Site Prep – Drum Chopping
AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OF.FOREST SERVICE.USDA-FS, CSA EAST 8 · Response deadline: Wed, 28 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The U.S. Forest Service needs mechanical site preparation services using drum chopping methods in the Silver Springs, Florida area. Drum chopping is a forestry practice that uses a heavy drum with cutting blades mounted on a tractor or skidder to chop vegetation, break up logging debris, and prepare sites for reforestation or restoration. This type of work typically involves clearing and roughing up soil and residual vegetation to create favorable conditions for planting or natural regeneration.
Site preparation contracts with the Forest Service often support post-harvest timber sale areas, wildfire recovery, or stand conversion projects on National Forest System lands. The work requires specialized heavy equipment operated by trained personnel familiar with forestry practices and federal land management requirements.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OF — FOREST SERVICE — USDA-FS, CSA EAST 8 |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | 12444726Q0069 |
| NAICS | 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry) |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set Aside — Total |
| Response deadline | October 27, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Silver Springs, FL |
Who can bid
This opportunity is reserved for small businesses under NAICS code 115310. To qualify, your business must meet the Small Business Administration's size standard for this NAICS, which is generally based on average annual receipts (see the solicitation or SBA size standards for the current threshold).
You should have or be able to obtain:
- Drum chopping equipment appropriate for the terrain and vegetation conditions in north-central Florida
- Experienced operators with forestry or land clearing credentials
- Adequate insurance and bonding capacity for federal contracts
- Capability to comply with Forest Service safety, environmental, and operational standards
If you are a small business but do not currently have Forest Service contracting experience, you may still bid if you can demonstrate relevant private-sector or state-level forestry work. See the solicitation for any specific experience requirements or past performance criteria.
How to put together a competitive bid
Understand the scope: Mechanical site prep contracts vary significantly in acreage, terrain difficulty, and debris loading. Review the solicitation carefully for the specific tract location, estimated acreage, and performance specifications (tree size limits, soil disturbance restrictions, timing windows).
Price strategically: Drum chopping costs depend on factors like tract size, access, debris volume, and travel distance to the site. Equipment mobilization to Silver Springs should factor into your pricing. The Forest Service typically evaluates on lowest price, technically acceptable basis for this type of work.
Demonstrate capability: Highlight your equipment specifications (drum type, carrier weight class), operator certifications, and similar completed projects. Include your safety record and any relevant training (SMCC, fire qualifications, first aid/CPR).
Address environmental compliance: Florida projects may involve wetlands, endangered species habitat, or seasonal restrictions. Show awareness of BMPs (Best Management Practices) and any required erosion control measures.
Meet submission requirements: Combined synopsis/solicitation notices often allow rapid award—ensure your quote includes all required representations, certifications, and proof of small business status through SAM.gov.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number 12444726Q0069 to obtain the complete statement of work, pricing instructions, and evaluation criteria. Note the firm response deadline of October 27, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time—late submissions will not be considered.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →