TX-SAN bernard NWR-tree and bush mulching

The Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking a contractor to perform tree and bush mulching services at the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge in Brazoria, Texas. The primary objective is to reduce wildfire risks by mechanically treating vegetation across 569.73 acres, with a focus on minimizing environmental impact and protecting black rail habitat. Contractors must demonstrate experience in tree and bush mulching, provide three examples of past performance from federal, state, or local government, and participate in a mandatory site visit on May 21, 2025. The evaluation will be conducted on a best value basis, considering technical experience, management plan, past performance, and price. Interested offerors must submit both technical and itemized price proposals by May 27, 2025, at 11:00am ET, with technical points of contact including David Chisolm and Chidiebere Chikwem from the Fish and Wildlife Service.

The contract is a 100% small business set-aside with a firm-fixed price structure valued at $11.5, covering work to be performed between September 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026. The NAICS code for this opportunity is 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry), and contractors must use low ground pressure equipment and follow strict performance requirements, including daily GPS tracking of work progress. Importantly, work cannot be conducted during the black rail breeding season (March 1 to August 31), and equipment must operate at very slow speeds to minimize wildlife disturbance. The performance location will be multiple units within the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge in Texas, with color-coded maps detailing specific treatment areas. Supervisory personnel are required to have at least two years of experience, and all work must comply with environmental regulations and best management practices for habitat protection.