Forest Service awards $1.9M for conifer tree planting across 1,592 acres in Idaho

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $190,865 ($190.9K)

Contractor: Imperial Forestry, Incorporated

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-13

End Date: 2026-06-15

Contract Duration: 63 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.0K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: HAND TREE PLANTING OF CONIFERS ON 1,592 ACRES IN THE IDAHO PANHANDLE NATIONAL FORESTS-KANIKSU (BONNERS FERRY & SANDPOINT RANGER DISTRICTS).

Place of Performance

Location: SANDPOINT, BONNER County, IDAHO, 83864

State: Idaho Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $190,865 to IMPERIAL FORESTRY, INCORPORATED for work described as: HAND TREE PLANTING OF CONIFERS ON 1,592 ACRES IN THE IDAHO PANHANDLE NATIONAL FORESTS-KANIKSU (BONNERS FERRY & SANDPOINT RANGER DISTRICTS). Key points: 1. Contract focuses on reforestation efforts in critical national forest areas. 2. Firm fixed-price contract suggests clear cost expectations. 3. Relatively short performance period indicates a focused project scope. 4. Awarded to a single vendor, highlighting specific capabilities required. 5. Geographic focus on Idaho Panhandle National Forests. 6. Supports long-term forest health and timber resource management.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.9 million for planting over 1,500 acres appears reasonable given the scope and specialized nature of forestry work. While direct comparisons are difficult without specific per-acre cost benchmarks for this region and type of planting, the Forest Service generally aims for cost-effectiveness in its reforestation contracts. The firm fixed-price structure helps manage cost risks for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a competitive process for awards under a certain dollar threshold. While the specific number of bidders isn't provided, the use of SAP suggests that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to submit proposals. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring a fair market price.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award, even under SAP, likely resulted in a more favorable price for taxpayers compared to a sole-source or limited competition scenario.

Public Impact

Benefits the long-term health and sustainability of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Supports the timber industry by ensuring future timber resources. Contributes to ecosystem restoration and biodiversity. Provides employment opportunities in the forestry sector within Idaho. Enhances carbon sequestration through new tree growth.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for delays if weather conditions are unfavorable during the planting season.
Ensuring the survival rate of planted seedlings requires effective post-planting monitoring.

Positive Signals

Clear performance period (approx. 2 months) suggests focused execution.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Award to a single vendor implies specialized expertise in forestry operations.

Sector Analysis

Forestry services, particularly reforestation, are a critical component of the U.S. Forest Service's mission to manage national forests. This contract falls within the broader 'Support Activities for Forestry' category. The market for these services involves specialized companies with expertise in seedling propagation, site preparation, and planting techniques. Spending in this sector is driven by ecological needs, timber management plans, and post-disturbance recovery efforts (e.g., after wildfires).

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not explicitly provided in the data. However, contracts competed under SAP can sometimes include provisions for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation in this specific award or if subcontracting opportunities were available.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the U.S. Forest Service contracting officers and project managers. The firm fixed-price nature of the award provides a degree of accountability for the contractor to deliver the specified services within the agreed-upon budget. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases where award details are publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Forest and Timber Management
Reforestation and Afforestation Programs
National Forest System Land Management
Wildfire Recovery and Restoration

Risk Flags

Environmental Risk (Weather/Pests)
Operational Execution Risk
Seedling Survival Rate Uncertainty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $190,865 to IMPERIAL FORESTRY, INCORPORATED. HAND TREE PLANTING OF CONIFERS ON 1,592 ACRES IN THE IDAHO PANHANDLE NATIONAL FORESTS-KANIKSU (BONNERS FERRY & SANDPOINT RANGER DISTRICTS).

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is IMPERIAL FORESTRY, INCORPORATED.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $190,865.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-13. End: 2026-06-15.

What is the typical cost per acre for hand tree planting of conifers in the Pacific Northwest?

The cost per acre for hand tree planting of conifers can vary significantly based on factors such as terrain difficulty, seedling type and size, planting density, labor costs in the region, and the specific requirements of the contract (e.g., site preparation). In the Pacific Northwest, costs can range broadly from $300 to $800 per acre, and sometimes higher for challenging sites or specialized seedlings. Without detailed breakdowns of Imperial Forestry, Inc.'s costs for this specific contract, it's difficult to benchmark precisely against the $1.9 million award for 1,592 acres, which averages to approximately $1,198 per acre. This figure might be higher due to factors like the specific species, the condition of the land, or the urgency of the reforestation effort.

What is the track record of Imperial Forestry, Inc. with the Forest Service?

Imperial Forestry, Inc. has been awarded contracts by the Department of Agriculture, specifically the Forest Service, indicating a history of working with this agency. The provided data shows this contract (NA 115310) is an "BPA CALL" under a "COMPETED UNDER SAP" award, suggesting it's a task order against an existing Blanket Purchase Agreement or a competitive award under Simplified Acquisition Procedures. Further investigation into their contract history, including past performance evaluations, past performance on similar reforestation projects, and any history of disputes or contract terminations, would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment of their track record.

How does the performance period of this contract compare to similar reforestation efforts?

The performance period for this contract is approximately two months (April 13, 2026, to June 15, 2026). This is a relatively short and focused period, typical for seasonal activities like tree planting which are often dictated by optimal weather and soil conditions. Many reforestation contracts, especially those involving large acreage or multiple phases (like site prep, planting, and initial monitoring), can span longer durations, sometimes over a year or multiple years. The short duration here suggests a concentrated effort to complete the planting within a specific window, likely to maximize seedling survival rates.

What are the potential risks associated with this type of forestry contract?

Key risks for this contract include environmental factors such as adverse weather conditions (drought, frost, excessive rain) impacting seedling survival and planting schedules. There's also the risk of seedling mortality due to pests, diseases, or poor planting techniques, which could necessitate replanting or affect long-term forest health. Operational risks include potential labor shortages, equipment failures, and logistical challenges in remote forest areas. Furthermore, changes in land management priorities or budget reallocations by the Forest Service could potentially impact future funding or scope, although the current award is fixed.

What is the significance of planting conifers on 1,592 acres in the Idaho Panhandle?

Planting conifers on 1,592 acres in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests is significant for ecological restoration, timber production, and watershed management. Conifers are dominant species in this region, crucial for maintaining biodiversity, providing habitat for wildlife, and stabilizing soil on slopes. Reforestation efforts help recover areas impacted by natural disturbances like wildfires or insect outbreaks, ensuring the long-term viability of the forest ecosystem. For the timber industry, it represents an investment in future timber supplies. Healthy forests also play a vital role in regulating water quality and flow from mountain watersheds.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting › Support Activities for Forestry › Support Activities for Forestry

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVERVAT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 1284LL26Q0021

Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5865 TABLE ROCK RD, CENTRAL POINT, OR, 97502

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $190,865

Exercised Options: $190,865

Current Obligation: $190,865

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 12363N24A4082

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline