NRCS Telfair County - Clearing & Snagging

Telfair County, Georgia, in collaboration with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is soliciting proposals for an Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program clearing and snagging project in response to Hurricane Helene. The procurement seeks experienced contractors to remove debris from streams at four sites: Fishing Creek, Little Horse Creek, Coffee Branch, and Turnpike Creek, with each site requiring 500 linear feet of clearing and snagging (250 feet upstream and downstream). The primary objectives include reducing risks to agricultural resources and civil infrastructure by removing obstructions that hinder channel flow, prevent excessive bank erosion, and restore flow capacity. Contractors must perform selective vegetation removal from banks and selectively remove snags, drifts, and other stream obstructions according to NRCS Standard Practices and Specifications. The evaluation criteria will consider the contractor's capacity and experience (30 points), references (10 points), and price (60 points), with a potential for additional interview points. A mandatory pre-proposal meeting and site visit is scheduled for September 11, 2025, at 9:00 AM at the Telfair Board of Commissioners Office, with proposals due electronically by September 16, 2025, at 9:00 AM through the DFS Procurement Portal. The project must be completed by October 27, 2025, with the contract award occurring during the board meeting on September 16, 2025.

The procurement appears to encourage participation from small and minority businesses, requiring proposers to submit various certifications including non-collusion, lobbying, and affirmative steps for small and minority business engagement. Contractors must provide proof of insurance, comply with federal, state, and local laws, and adhere to strict environmental guidelines that minimize disturbance to wetlands, riparian areas, and wildlife habitats. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned, the proposal emphasizes cultural resources protection and requires contractors to halt work and consult with the NRCS GA State Archaeologist if cultural materials are discovered. Proposers must submit comprehensive documentation, including a drug-free workplace affidavit and various compliance forms. Though a specific budget range is not provided, the contract will be bid per linear foot, with prices to be all-inclusive and in accordance with NRCS Standards and Specifications. The project is funded through the Emergency Watershed Protection Program, with the county responsible for obtaining temporary easements from affected property owners. Successful proposers will be expected to use hand equipment where possible, avoid unnecessary vegetation removal, and stabilize disturbed areas with appropriate vegetation and erosion control measures.