AZ-imperial NWR - tamarisk backpack herbicide appl

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking contractors to provide handheld or backpack herbicide application services at the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge in Yuma, Arizona. The project involves tamarisk control treatments on approximately 100 acres of land that was burned in the Refuge Fire on May 25, 2024, with the primary objective of preventing tamarisk re-establishment and supporting native habitat restoration. Contractors must demonstrate experience with handheld/backpack herbicide spraying, submit a technical proposal with a management plan identifying key personnel, and provide past performance references. The evaluation will be conducted on a best value basis, considering technical expertise, ability to meet Statement of Work requirements, competitive pricing, and past performance. Quotes must be submitted on company letterhead with a total price breakdown by July 28, 2025 at 5:00 PM EST.

This opportunity is designated as a 100% Total Small Business set-aside under the firm-fixed price contracting method. The contract has a period of performance from October 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026, with a delivery date of January 1, 2026. The work involves treating tamarisk resprouts ranging from 6 inches to 4 feet tall using specific herbicide application methods including 20% triclopyr ester basal bark treatment and 10% imazapyr cut-stump treatment. Operations will be conducted between sunrise and sunset, excluding federal holidays, with work ceasing when temperatures exceed 85°F. The contractor will work under the guidance of refuge staff, specifically Contracting Officer's Representatives Benjamin Stewart and Chayne Best, and must provide GPS coordinates of treated areas while maintaining daily communication with refuge staff about project progress.