MN BIG STONE NWR WOODY VEG and TREE REMOVAL

The Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service seeks removal of woody vegetation and trees at Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota, with quotes due June 26, 2026. This procurement is a 100% total small business set-aside under NAICS 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry).

Place of performance is Yellow Bank Township, Big Stone County, Minnesota. Work may begin immediately upon contract execution but cannot commence until after August 15, 2026, with a performance period ending June 30, 2027. Phase 1, due December 15, 2026, involves removal of buckthorn, honeysuckle, Siberian elm, Russian olive, and eastern red cedars across 29.7 acres split into three zones: Zone 1 (13.9 acres, hand work only), Zone 2 (2.7 acres, heavy equipment permitted), and Zone 3 (13.1 acres, hand work only). Phase 2, due June 30, 2027, requires follow-up foliar herbicide treatment for vegetation smaller than 2 inches in diameter or shorter than 3 feet. Contractor must hold a current Minnesota Pesticide Applicator License and apply stump herbicide treatment using Garlon 4 or equivalent triclopyr-based chemicals within 2 hours of cutting. Heavy equipment is prohibited on designated sections containing remnant prairie, granite outcrops, and wetlands. The contract is firm-fixed price with all mobilization costs included in line-item pricing. Subcontractors must be disclosed with quote submission. Award goes to the offer that conforms to the Statement of Work and demonstrates best value based on ability to meet requirements, past experience, past performance, and price, with conformance weighted more favorably than price. Wage Determination No. 2015-4963 applies; prevailing wage rates range from $11.40 to $56.27 per hour plus fringe benefits.