Potter Cemetery NNIS for Hoosier National Forest

The USDA Forest Service is soliciting proposals for herbicide treatment of non-native invasive species (NNIS) at Potter Cemetery within the Hoosier National Forest. The work involves foliar and cut stump herbicide application to control invasive plants including multiflora rose, autumn olive, bush honeysuckle, garlic mustard, and lesser celandine across multiple treatment areas totaling up to 31.5 acres. Contractors must possess Indiana commercial pesticide applicator certifications, demonstrate expertise in native and rare plant identification, and achieve minimum performance standards including a 90% kill rate for invasive species while maintaining less than 5% mortality to non-target plants. The contract will be awarded on a best value basis with evaluation criteria weighted evenly across past performance, experience, technical approach, and price. Proposals are due September 29, 2025, at 11:00 AM Eastern, with the performance period extending from October 15, 2025, through January 31, 2026.

This opportunity is designated as a total small business set-aside with a size standard of $11.5 million under NAICS code 115310 for Support Activities for Forestry. The scope includes a base line item covering 12.5 acres and two optional line items for 7.5 and 11.5 acres respectively, allowing the government flexibility in determining the total treatment area based on funding and priorities. Work will be performed in the Uniontown Pine area of the Hoosier National Forest near Bedford, Indiana. Contractors must submit comprehensive technical proposals including staff qualifications, work experience documentation, site-specific work plans, and safety protocols as part of their response to solicitation number 12444525Q0038. The contract requires specialized equipment capabilities and adherence to EPA-approved, non-restricted herbicide applications while minimizing environmental impact to surrounding native vegetation.