OH-OTTAWA NWR - Site Preparation and Native Tree a

The Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking contractors to perform site preparation and native tree and shrub planting at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge in Ohio. The comprehensive restoration project involves three primary tasks: mowing and spraying 17.2 acres with invasive species control and ground cover planting, purchasing and installing approximately 4,201 container trees and shrubs across 114 acres of former farmland, and conducting maintenance mowing twice during the 2026 growing season. Contractors must demonstrate technical capabilities through a narrative, provide a custom applicators license, and submit references for up to three similar projects completed within the last decade. The government will evaluate proposals based on technical capabilities, experience, past performance, and price, with the first three factors weighted more heavily than cost. An optional site visit is scheduled for June 24, 2025, and all quotes are due by June 30, 2025, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time.

Originally designated as a small business set-aside under NAICS code 115112 with a $9.5 million size standard, Amendment 0001 removed the small business restriction and opened the competition to all qualified contractors. The contract period of performance spans from August 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026, focusing on converting three tract areas totaling 114 acres into native riparian floodplain habitat. The restoration effort involves planting native species across different wetland zones, including 3,940 size-1 container plants and 261 size-2 container plants, with specific requirements for 3-gallon and 7-gallon containers depending on plant type. Work will be performed at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center located at 14000 State Route 2 in Oak Harbor, Ohio, with all activities designed to establish sustainable native vegetation in the former agricultural areas.