Curly Leaf Pondweed Early Detection Rapid Response - Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service seeks curly leaf pondweed survey and treatment services at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Wilmington, Illinois, with quotations due August 13, 2026. The procurement is a Total Small Business Set-Aside with a small business size standard of $11.5 million; all responsible sources may submit a quotation.

Place of performance is Wilmington, Illinois. The work comprises two line items: CLIN 0001 requires a survey of curly leaf pondweed across 14 acres of Grant Creek (approximately 6 river miles), to be completed by October 15, 2026, with deliverables including GIS datasets, GNSS track logs, georeferenced photographs, and a summary report. CLIN 0002 requires two treatment applications across 28 acres using benthic barriers or similar methods, with performance beginning spring 2027 and completed by October 31, 2028. Survey work must be performed mid-summer using field-grade submeter GPS equipment (Trimble, Hemisphere, EOS, or equivalent) with data in NAD83 UTM Zone 16. Benthic barriers must achieve a 95% kill rate, remain installed flush against substrate with full bottom contact until October 1, and be monitored biweekly or after rain events exceeding 1 inch.

The NAICS code is 115310, Support Activities for Forestry; PSC is F018, Natural Resources/Conservation—Other Forest/Range Improvements (Non-Construction). Questions are due August 5, 2026. Award will be made to the responsible offeror providing best overall value, considering technical approach, work methods, past performance within the last three years, and price. The Government intends to make one award and requires contractors to submit pricing for all items. Wage Determination 2003-0288 applies, establishing Service Contract Act minimum wages for forestry occupations ranging from $14.53 to $28.07 per hour, plus fringe benefits including Health & Welfare at $5.55 per hour.