NJ edwin B forsythe NWR marsh restore

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking a contractor to perform compost deposition services using airboats for marsh restoration at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in Ocean County, New Jersey. The project involves transporting a minimum of 600 cubic yards of compost material from a staging area to specific marsh platform locations using airboats, with the goal of restoring high marsh habitat by creating mounded, well-drained features. Contractors must demonstrate technical experience with compost deposition by airboat services and provide a comprehensive technical approach and management plan. The evaluation will focus heavily on technical capabilities and past performance, with these factors weighted significantly more than price in the selection process. Key dates include a mandatory site visit on July 7, 2025, quote submission deadline of July 6, 2025 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time, and an anticipated award date of August 15, 2025.

This procurement is designated as a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 238910 (Site Preparation Contractors), with the previous contract awarded to NORTHLAND AIRBOATS L.L.C for $50,000. The contract performance period extends from September 1, 2025, to May 1, 2026, requiring the contractor to work with compost materials provided by the Ocean County Utilities Authority that will be staged approximately 500 feet from the marsh access point. The work location is specifically at Cedar Bonnet Island within the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in Oceanville, New Jersey, where refuge staff will provide on-site oversight and conduct final hand grading after compost placement. The project includes precise GPS-guided placement of materials and requires contractors to minimize damage to the sensitive marsh ecosystem while establishing features that will support salt marsh grass plantings and provide fish habitat for mosquito control.