Piedmont Sustainable Woods
The purpose of this Request for Pre-Proposals (RFP) is to solicit pre-proposals from qualified
organizations and individuals who can develop a Feasibility Plan and full Business Plan,
Marketing Strategy, and Technical Operations Plan for Piedmont Sustainable Woods.
Piedmont Sustainable Woods is a new initiative in central Virginia focused on producing
certified wood and products made from this wood. The entire process from harvest to finished
product would be done regionally, within 100 mile radius of Charlottesville. An Exploratory
Committee has been meeting for over a year and has defined the basics of the project. The
Exploratory Committee will provide all research and written materials developed to the
consultant to assist in carrying out the work under this RFP.
Project goals are to:
Produce wood products from local, sustainably-harvested logs that are harvested either
through forestry management or from recovered wood (valuable trees culled from those
felled typically by arborists).
Operate a wood-processing center to include a log yard, sawmill, storage and dry kiln,
possibly using available renewable energy sources.
Employ local and regional millworks companies, cabinetmakers and others who make
the finished products: flooring, trim, molding, and cabinets
Sell products locally and regionally.
Follow rigorous environmental standards (possibly FSC, PEFC) designed to restore the
ecological health of the land while providing greater long-term economic returns for the
landowner.
Plan operations for minimal waste by using by-products for fuel, sawdust, or firewood to
benefit low-income populations.
