Ungulate control

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is seeking a small business contractor to remove feral ungulates from the Kona Forest Unit of Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge in Hilo, Hawaii. The solicitation (RFP #140F0S25R0001) requires the contractor to eradicate feral cattle, sheep, and pigs from two fenced management units totaling 3,759 acres. Key contract requirements include deploying 3,700 snares, conducting annual snare checks, and performing quarterly fence inspections across 12.03 miles of fencing. The government will evaluate proposals based on technical capability, past performance, and price, with non-price factors being significantly more important than price. Proposals are due by December 24, 2024, at 1:00 PM Central Time, with questions accepted until December 20, 2024.

This contract is a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 114210 (Hunting and Trapping) with a business size standard of $8.5 million. The contract will be fixed-price with a base year and one option year, covering the period from December 31, 2024, to December 30, 2026. The estimated population to be removed includes 150-200 feral cattle, fewer than 50 sheep, and an undetermined number of feral pigs. The place of performance is the Kona Forest Unit in Hawaii, where a permanent camp with basic facilities will be available for the contractor's use. Offerors must have prior experience with ungulate removal in areas over 1,000 acres and hold a valid Hawaii hunting license. The government anticipates making a single award for this requirement, with contractors required to provide all necessary equipment, labor, and transportation for the ungulate control operation.