Evaluation Factors and Significant Subfactors

Forest Washington 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Service Office Washington, DC 20250

File Code: 1580/6320 Date: August 16, 2007 Route To:

Subject: Evaluation Factors and Significant Subfactors

To: Regional Foresters, Station Directors, Area Director, IITF Director, Deputy Chiefs and WO Chief Staff Directors

Since fiscal year (FY) 2006, the appropriation bills for the Forest Service have expanded the language that can be used by the Secretary of Agriculture in evaluating potential offers for contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements. This language is again found in the FY08 budget justification. As such, this authority can be implemented throughout the remainder of this FY and into future FYs, unless you are informed that the appropriation language has been rescinded. When the Forest Service anticipates a contract, grant, or agreement for hazardous fuels reduction, watershed or water quality monitoring or restoration, wildlife or fish population monitoring, or habitat restoration or management, the Forest Service may include consideration of local contractors who are from, and who provide employment and training for dislocated and displaced workers in, economically disadvantaged rural communities. 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. This is very similar to the language that was more recently included in the Stewardship legislation in FY03. As with all evaluation criteria, the actual language and relative importance given the criteria is dependent on the circumstances of the work and location of each contract, grant, or cooperative agreement. However, contract specialists and grants and agreement specialists should assure that the intent of the statutory authority is reflected in all contracts and agreements for restoration type work. Copies of the appropriate sections of H.R. 2361, H.J.Res. 20 and the FY08 Budget Justification are included for your information. Should you have any questions, please send an e-mail to the wo proc policy inbox or contact Mary Saint Louis at 703-605-5309.

/s/ Ronald E. Hooper RONALD E. HOOPER Director, Acquisition Management

Enclosure cc: pdl wo ops aqm branch chiefs

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