Consideration For Local Resources

The Forest Service has been given the authority to give consideration to local contractors or cooperators in evaluating offers provided in response to federal projects funded by certain appropriations for defined types of projects. This authority has been granted to the Forest Service through the Consolidated Appropriations Act through fiscal year 2015 at which time the authority may be extended. The language authorizes use of specified evaluation criteria in acquisition instruments to enhance effects on certain rural communities.

The Forest Service may include consideration of local contractors and cooperators who are from, and who provide employment and training for dislocated and displaced workers in economically disadvantaged rural communities including contracts, grants or agreements, for hazardous fuels reduction, watershed or water quality monitoring or restoration, wildlife or fish population monitoring, or habitat restoration or management. This definition includes those historically timber-dependent areas that have been affected by reduced timber harvesting on federal lands and other forest-dependent rural communities isolated from significant alternative employment opportunities. The terms "rural community" and "economically disadvantaged" shall have the same meanings as in Section 2374 of Public Law 101-624.

See supporting documents for more information:

• 2014 – R5 Director letter
• 2014 – Forest Service/WO Director letter

Procurement/Contracting Toolbox

• How to Do Business with the Forest Service – Pacific Southwest – Region 5/CA
• Sample – Timeline for Development/Execution of an IDIQ
• Sample – Section M for Stewardship Evaluation Factors
• Sample – Evaluation Factors for Project with Appropriated Funding

Partnership/Agreement Toolbox

• Instrument Choice
• Decision Tree (Chart)
• Decision Tree (Accessible Version)
• Challenge Cost Share Agreement
• Stewardship Agreement
• Partnership Agreement
• Collection Agreement