Fort Bragg, NC Rare Plant Survey 2026

Auburn University, on behalf of the Directorate of Public Works, Environmental Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a rare and endangered plant species survey service provider. The procurement seeks a qualified contractor to conduct a comprehensive survey of approximately 22,495 acres across Fort Bragg and Camp Mackall during the contract period of June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027. The scope of work includes two primary tasks: checking 184 known Army Species-At-Risk (SAR) plant sites and 143 state-status plant sites to provide stem counts and presence/absence data, and systematically surveying designated training areas for new occurrences of rare plants with federal, SAR, or state conservation status, encompassing 60 rare plant species and 59 watchlist species. Deliverables include monthly progress reports, element occurrence records submitted to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, final GIS deliverables meeting Army data standards, and a comprehensive end-of-survey summary report. The successful contractor must possess a graduate degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in botany, ecology, or related field with specialized knowledge of Sandhills ecology, a minimum of five years' experience identifying rare, threatened, and endangered plants in the North Carolina Sandhills region, and demonstrated proficiency in ArcGIS; the Program Manager requires the same qualifications plus five years of program management experience. Evaluation criteria are weighted 50 percent on pricing and 50 percent on contractor history, past performance, relevant experience, and key personnel qualifications. Questions are due February 27, 2026 at 4:45 PM CST, and proposals must be submitted by March 4, 2026 at 10:30 AM CST through the JAGGAER Sourcing Event Portal.

Auburn University strongly encourages the use of Small Business and Small Disadvantaged Business (SB & SDB) subcontractors, with reporting required throughout the contract term documenting the extent of such participation. All bidders must certify compliance with Alabama state and local sales tax requirements under Section 41-4-116 of the Alabama Code, confirm they are not debarred or suspended from federal contracting, provide an E-Verify Memorandum of Understanding if they have any office or employees within Alabama, and sign an attestation confirming compliance with federal immigration law. All personnel must be U.S. citizens and pass security clearances per DoD Directive 8570 while maintaining current certifications. The contractor must provide comprehensive insurance including workers' compensation, commercial general liability ($1,000,000 each occurrence), commercial automobile liability, and commercial umbrella/excess liability coverage, with Auburn University and the U.S. Army named as additional insureds, and submit proof of insurance within 48 hours of purchase order issuance. The contractor bears all costs for personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, and materials not designated as government-furnished items. No specific budget range or award value is listed in the available documentation. Unsuccessful bidders are permitted to file formal protests within five days of the notice of intent to award.