CA-tule lake NWR grebe nesting habitat

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is soliciting aerial herbicide application services to suppress approximately 600 acres of emergent cattail vegetation at Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge in California to create and enhance wetland nesting habitat for large grebe species. The contractor must apply aquatic glyphosate herbicide aerially and supply all equipment, herbicides, adjuvants, applicators, and personnel necessary for the work. Key requirements include demonstrated experience in herbicide application in technically difficult wetland conditions, ability to identify vegetation by species, capability to safely navigate emergent marsh habitat, and equipment meeting federal operational requirements. The contractor must also provide GIS-compatible mapping of treated areas using ArcGIS Pro software and maintain detailed records of herbicide and adjuvant usage. Award will be based on best value consideration of technical capability, past experience, and price. Proposals are due March 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM Central Daylight Time, with questions due by March 13, 2026 at 2:00 PM Central Time.

This solicitation is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside under NAICS 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry) and PSC F018 (Vegetation Control Services), making it exclusive to small business contractors. The period of performance runs from April 1, 2026 through October 31, 2026, with optimal treatment execution during the late summer to early fall window of August through September. All contractors must be actively registered in SAM.gov prior to award and complete IPP registration for invoicing purposes. Service Contract Act wage determination 2015-5677 applies, requiring compliance with prevailing wage requirements and fringe benefits. The work will be performed at Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Tulelake, California, with contract administration handled by the FWS SAT Team 1 facility in Falls Church, Virginia.