MS-sandhill crane NWR-BPA setup-trapper

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking a small business contractor to provide comprehensive predator trapping services at the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge in Gautier, Mississippi. The solicitation requires a qualified trapper to manage predator populations including coyotes, bobcats, feral dogs, foxes, raccoons, beavers, opossums, feral cats, nutria, and feral hogs that threaten the refuge's ecosystem and endangered Mississippi sandhill crane population. Contractors must provide all necessary equipment, labor, and materials for trapping services, including foothold traps, snares, live box traps, and coni-bear traps, while adhering to strict humane euthanization procedures and Mississippi Game and Fish Commission regulations. Technical capabilities and past performance will be weighted more significantly than price in the evaluation criteria, with offerors required to demonstrate relevant experience and provide detailed technical approaches. Key dates include a mandatory site visit on December 2, 2024, with quotes due by December 9, 2024 at 5:00 PM ET and an anticipated award date of December 20, 2024.

The contract is designated as a 100% small business set-aside under NAICS code 114210 (Hunting and Trapping), with the previous contract holder being Delancy Preston, who had total calls against the previous Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) of $59,105. The BPA will cover a five-year performance period from December 23, 2024 to December 22, 2029, with a potential maximum size standard of $8.5 million. Contractors must obtain and maintain valid depredation permits and follow strict safety protocols, including OSHA compliance and limiting vehicle speeds to 25 mph on refuge property. Performance will be evaluated through a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan with ratings of Exceptional, Satisfactory, or Unsatisfactory. The service contract also includes specific wage determinations for Mississippi counties, with minimum hourly rates established under Executive Order 14026 and provisions for health and welfare benefits, paid vacation, and holiday requirements.