Adaptive Management of Phragmites in Old Woman Creek NERR

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), specifically the Office of Coastal Management and Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, is seeking contractors to perform adaptive management of invasive Phragmites australis at the Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve (OWC NERR) in Huron, Ohio. The project involves herbicide application and biomass removal across five management units totaling 2.24 acres, with four units receiving glyphosate treatment and one unit receiving a combination of glyphosate and imazapyr during the growing season from August to October 2025. Contractors must possess an Ohio Commercial Pesticide Applicator license and complete all work by March 31, 2026. Site visits are available by appointment Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 3:30pm, with potential bidders strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the site prior to submitting a bid. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with proposals due by August 28, 2025. Key evaluation criteria include the contractor's ability to complete the full scope of work, possess the required pesticide applicator license, and adhere to the specified treatment and removal timeline.

The procurement appears to be open to all qualified contractors without specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. Contractors must comply with various state and federal requirements, including prevailing wage laws, non-discrimination statutes, and confidentiality provisions. The project is funded through the OWC NERR NOAA operations award and will be conducted in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and State Historic Preservation Office guidelines. The total budget for this project will not exceed $30,000.00, with invoices to be submitted directly to Financial Shared Services. The purchase order is valid only through June 30, 2026, and the contract will be executed using a standard Services Agreement template that incorporates federal funding requirements. Contractors will need to complete an OPERS Independent Contractor form and provide affirmation of service locations within the United States. The procurement will be processed through the OhioBuys platform, which requires vendors to obtain an OH|ID for full participation in the bidding process.