In esfo giant floater mussel propagation

The Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking a contractor to perform giant floater mussel propagation services for the Grand Calumet River Area of Concern in Lake County, Indiana. The solicitation (140FS225Q0023) requires the successful contractor to produce 6,000 viable giant floater mussels with a minimum average size of 5mm, preferably 20mm, by September 30, 2028. Award will be made on a best value basis, with technical capability, proximity to the project area, past performance, and price being key evaluation factors, where technical and performance considerations will be weighted more heavily than price. The solicitation is an unrestricted contract opportunity under NAICS code 541690 with a size standard of $19 million. Quotes are due by December 30, 2024, at 1700 EST, with a base period from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025, and three potential option periods extending through September 30, 2028.

The contract will be a Firm Fixed Price type with no specific set-aside designations and will require compliance with Service Contract Labor Standards and specified wage determinations for Lake County, Indiana. Contractors must submit quotes on Standard Form 1449 and disclose any intended subcontractors. Minimum wage rates are established at $17.20 per hour for contracts awarded after January 30, 2022, with additional benefits including health and welfare payments of $5.36 per hour and provisions for paid holidays. The government will handle the collection of gravid mussels and necessary collection permits, while the contractor must obtain any required state or local permits for mussel production. Performance will be centered in the Grand Calumet River Area of Concern, specifically in the East Chicago and Hammond, Indiana region, with a focus on ecological restoration and mussel population enhancement.