The purpose of this announcement is to make notice that the Forest Service contemplates releasing a solicitation numbered RFQ AG-0116-S-08-0056, for the Starr Dust Precommercial Thinning project. If the solicitation is released, it will be released through this FedBizOpps website, and prospective bidders should visit this FedBizOpps website from time to time on or after July 28, 2008, to obtain a copy of the solicitation. This notice meets the requirements of FAR 5.201. However, the Forest Service reserves the right not to release a solicitation. NOTE REGARDING FEDBIZOPPS LISTINGS. The FedBizOpps website has three separate listings for the Forest Service in Alaska. These are (1) R-10 Alaska Region, Juneau, AK; (2) R-10 Chugach National Forest, Anchorage, AK; and (3) R-10 Tongass National Forest, Ketchikan, AK. Prospective bidders are advised that these three listings are not purely geographic and that a requirement on either the Chugach (Anchorage) or Tongass (Ketchikan) National Forest may be posted under the Regional Office (Juneau) listing. Thus, prospective bidders seeking Forest Service opportunities in Alaska should visit both the appropriate Forest listing (Anchorage or Ketchikan) as well as the Regional listing (Juneau). The solicitation contemplated by this notice will appear under the Ketchikan listing. PROJECT DESCRIPTION. The purpose and intent of this contract is to secure services for pre-commercial thinning (PCT) of approximately 101 acres of conifer reproduction, approximately 38 to 40 years old, within both upland and riparian zones, as part of a wildlife habitat and stream restoration and enhancement project. Contract time is 86 days with estimated start work date of October 1st. A notice to proceed will be issued for October 1st 2008 at the latest. PROJECT LOCATION. This project is located on the Tongass National Forest, Sitka Ranger District. The project area is in the Starrigavan Creek valley near Sitka, Alaska on the western side of Baranof Island. It is connected by a combination of roads and ATV trails to Sitka, which is a full-service community that is accessible via Alaska Airlines, the Alaska Marine Highway System, and barge services. From downtown Sitka, it is approximately 9 road miles to the project area. SOLICITATION DETAILS. The following preliminary details are provided for the benefit of prospective bidders, but are subject to change in the actual solicitation. Contract type: firm-fixed-price. Period of performance: 96 days after issuance of notice to proceed. Solicitation type: Request for Proposals, posted on this FedBizOpps website for viewing and printing about July 28th, 2008. Bid opening date: 21 -30 days after solicitation issuance. Please utilize the due date on the actual solicitation. OBTAINING A SOLICITATION. Prospective bidders are expected to obtain the solicitation from the Internet. However, a prospective bidder may request a paper copy by faxing a note to 907.228.6254 specifically requesting a paper copy of solicitation RFQ AG-0116-S-08-0056. In such a case, a copy will be put in the mail. Telephone requests cannot be honored. FOR MORE INFORMATION. The point of contact for this acquisition is William Standley, 907.228.6242 (Fax 907.228.6254), U. S. Forest Service, Tongass National Forest, Acquisition Management, 648 Mission Street, Ketchikan AK 99901. AUTOMATIC NOTIFICATION. By registering to receive notification on posted synopses, the reader will be automatically notified via email of any changes to this project. To register, select /Register to Receive Notification/ and follow the steps. Follow the same procedure for each project. PLAN HOLDERS LISTS: The Interested Vendors List (IVL) has replaced the plan holders lists that were previously available with solicitation packages. Access the IVL for all projects through this FedBizOpps website. To register as an interested vendor, select /Register as an Interested Vendor/ and follow the steps. Follow this procedure for EACH project of interest. Use the /Register as an Interested Vendor/ option to add a firm's name to the IVL and then view or print the IVL by selecting /View List of Interested Vendors/ for each project. REGISTRATIONS. In order to receive any contract award, a vendor must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) and Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA). To register a firm in the CCR system, visit http://www.bpn.gov or call 888.227.2423 or 269.961.5757. To register a firm in the ORCA system, visit http://www.bpn.gov. The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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