KS-marais DES cygnes NWR-forest restrtn

The Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking a contractor to supply and plant 100,000 bare-root seedlings at the Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge in Kansas during spring 2025. The solicitation requires the contractor to obtain seedlings from a local provider with a native seed bank, focusing on species including pin oak, persimmon, chinkapin, and pecan. Specific technical requirements include using a tractor with front wheel assist and a 3-point hitch mounted planter with a 36-inch coulter wheel for planting. The evaluation will be made on a best value basis, with the highest priority given to the ability to meet the Statement of Work, followed by price, past experience, and timeline adherence. Proposals are due by January 24, 2025, at 1700 EST, with a performance period from February 17, 2025, to May 1, 2025.

This is a 100% small business set-aside contract under NAICS code 115112 with a $9.5 million size standard. The project involves planting trees across two primary units totaling 176 acres: West Eureka (76 acres) and Hays (100 acres), with an optional 50-acre Zig Zag unit available. Contractors must use precise planting techniques, maintaining 10x10 foot spacing and minimizing ground disturbance due to heavy clay soils. The planting will occur during a narrow window from late February to early April 2025, with strict requirements for seedling storage in a refrigerated semi-truck and daily work logging. The wage determination indicates that workers must be paid at least $17.75 per hour, with additional fringe benefits including health and welfare contributions. The Fish and Wildlife Service will provide project oversight and mapping but will not supply equipment or daily supervision.