Goat livestock grazing of woody vegetation through the targeted grazing method.
ID: 12444524Q0095Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OFFOREST SERVICEUSDA FOREST SERVICESAINT PAUL, MN, 55108, USA

NAICS

Goat Farming (112420)

PSC

NATURAL RESOURCES/CONSERVATION- OTHER WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT (F019)

Set Aside

Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) (SBA)
Timeline
    Description

    The USDA Forest Service is seeking qualified contractors for a goat livestock grazing project aimed at managing woody vegetation through targeted grazing methods at the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Wilmington, Illinois. The primary objective is to control invasive plant species and enhance habitats for grassland birds by utilizing goats as a biological control method over a five-year period, with multiple contracts anticipated under a firm fixed-price, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) framework. This initiative is crucial for promoting sustainable land use practices and ecological restoration, aligning with federal objectives for environmental stewardship. Interested small businesses must submit their proposals electronically, ensuring compliance with the Service Contract Act and maintaining an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM). For further inquiries, potential bidders can contact Grace Budde at grace.budde@usda.gov or David Easter at david.easter@usda.gov.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Experience and Past Performance Questionnaire gathers essential information from contractors bidding for government projects. It requires contractors to provide their contact details, business type, years of experience both as a prime and subcontractor, and a list of completed projects within the last three years, including contract amounts and completion dates. Additionally, the document seeks information about the contractor's current commitments, past performance issues, organizational structure, employee details, and available equipment. It also assesses the experience of key personnel within the business. Contractors must certify the accuracy of their responses and indicate their registration in the System for Award Management (SAM). This questionnaire is a critical tool within the context of federal and state/local RFPs, ensuring that potential contractors demonstrate their capabilities and past performance, thus assisting the evaluation process for project award decisions.
    The document outlines a project related to the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, focusing specifically on a Goat Grazing Contract managed by the USDA Forest Service. It includes spatial data represented through GIS to identify areas designated for different densities, such as low and high density, along with specific geographical features like bunkers, streams, and roads. The vicinity map serves to provide context for the project implementation along State Route 53 in Wilmington, Illinois. The mapped data is crucial as it supports the planning and operational stages of the grazing contract, although it is remarked that utilizing the GIS data for purposes beyond the project could result in misleading outcomes. The intention behind the documentation is to set parameters and guide the management of grazing activities within the prairie, aligning with federal objectives to maintain ecosystems and promote sustainable land use practices.
    The document outlines a government Request for Proposals (RFP) focused on invasive species management at the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. The primary goal is to control noxious weeds and prevent the establishment of invasive plant species. This project involves utilizing targeted grazing by goats as a biological control method to manage dense populations of invasive shrubs and trees, enhancing habitat for grassland birds. The contract will be awarded through an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) framework, allowing for multiple awards over a five-year period. The selected contractors will be responsible for providing goats, labor, materials, and managing the grazing process in compliance with environmental standards. Key performance metrics include an acceptable quality level (AQL) of 75% for targeted defoliation of invasive species, with specific treatment areas mapped out in coordination with the Forest Service. Detailed plans must adhere to federal and local regulations, ensuring both ecological safety and effective management. Regular inspections and documentation will be required, aligning contractor performance with government standards. This initiative reflects a commitment to ecological restoration while engaging local contractors in environmental stewardship.
    The Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie seeks to control invasive plant species and enhance grassland bird habitats through a grazing project utilizing goats. The project targets noxious weeds and individual non-native invasive species, focusing primarily on areas previously part of the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant in Illinois. The work, executed through task orders against an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract over five years, will involve grazing to defoliate woody vegetation, with specific treatment areas of up to 2.5 acres. Contractors are responsible for providing goats, equipment, and site management, including setting up necessary fencing and water sources. The government will issue task orders competitively, and contractors must maintain detailed records while adhering to safety regulations. Performance will be evaluated based on an Acceptable Quality Level (AQL), with penalties for underperformance and incentives for satisfactory work. The project exemplifies an integrated pest management strategy designed to restore ecological balance in a habitat critical for various bird species, ensuring compliance with agricultural and environmental standards throughout the operational process.
    The document serves as a compilation of federal and state grants, requests for proposals (RFPs), and other funding opportunities related to various governmental initiatives. It discusses the available programs aimed at enhancing local infrastructure, environmental projects, and community development efforts. The key ideas include the allocation of funds for specific projects, the prerequisites for eligibility, and guidelines for submitting proposals. Considerable emphasis is placed on ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and promoting transparency in the funding process. Each RFP outlines the goals it aims to achieve, including improvements in public services, educational facilities, and environmental sustainability projects. As part of the documentation, potential applicants are encouraged to detail their qualifications, project plans, and the anticipated impact of their proposals. The overarching purpose of the document is to inform stakeholders about funding opportunities while providing a structured framework for submitting proposals effectively. It signifies the government’s commitment to supporting diverse community projects and fostering partnerships with local entities to drive development initiatives. Overall, the document functions as a critical resource for agencies and organizations seeking financial assistance through government-sponsored programs.
    The document outlines mandatory contractor training requirements for employees working under federal contracts, particularly emphasizing personal identity verification standards. Contractors must ensure employees complete specified training courses annually, such as understanding unconscious bias, anti-harassment, and information security awareness, with documentation maintained for compliance checks. Additionally, it discusses regulations related to wage determination under the Service Contract Act and Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act, detailing minimum wage, overtime pay, child labor restrictions, and health and safety standards. Contractors are required to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked for federal contracts. The enforcement of these regulations is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Labor, which oversees compliance and addresses violations regarding wages and labor standards. The document serves as a comprehensive guide to ensure federal contractors meet labor regulations and provide a safe working environment for employees.
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