Fertilizer and application of hayfields at Ninemile Ranger District
ID: 1284LM25Q0024Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OFFOREST SERVICEUSDA-FS, CSA INTERMOUNTAIN 2Ogden, UT, 844012310, USA

NAICS

Soil Preparation, Planting, and Cultivating (115112)

PSC

NATURAL RESOURCES/CONSERVATION- RANGE SEEDING (GROUND EQUIPMENT) (F007)

Set Aside

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

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture, specifically the Forest Service, is seeking qualified small businesses to provide fertilization services for hayfields at the Ninemile Ranger Station in Lolo National Forest, Montana. The procurement involves applying pelletized fertilizer to 219 acres across ten designated locations, adhering to a specific nutrient ratio and application standards, with services to be completed by May 31, 2025. This initiative is crucial for maintaining the health of the ranger station's hayfields, emphasizing the government's commitment to natural resource conservation while promoting small business participation. Interested contractors must submit their proposals, including a technical and price proposal, by April 29, 2025, and can direct inquiries to Contract Specialist Sarah Cotton at sarah.cotton@usda.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    COTTON, SARAH W
    sarah.cotton@usda.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The document outlines a Request for Proposal (RFP) from the USDA Forest Service for fertilization services at hayfields located at the Ninemile Ranger Station in Lolo National Forest. This procurement is specifically reserved for 100% small business participation, aiming to utilize the Lowest Price, Technically Acceptable (LPTA) evaluation method. Interested contractors must submit a technical proposal detailing past performance and experience, alongside a price proposal by April 29, 2025. The RFP includes a requirement for an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM). Additionally, potential offerors must comply with various FAR provisions concerning telecommunications, safety, and equal opportunity regulations. Offerors are guided to follow specific instructions and provide necessary representations and certifications. The delivery of services is to be completed by May 31, 2025, demonstrating the government’s commitment to maintaining natural resources while promoting small businesses. Overall, the document emphasizes transparency, compliance with regulations, and the importance of local engagement in federal contract opportunities.
    The USDA Forest Service's Experience Questionnaire is a crucial document designed for contractors responding to requests for proposals (RFPs). Its primary purpose is to collect detailed information about a contractor’s qualifications, prior experience, and resources available for the project in question. The questionnaire includes sections on contractor identity, project history over the past three years, and concurrent contractual commitments. It assesses the contractor's operational capacity, including personnel strength, equipment availability, and employees’ experience relevant to the work contemplated by the solicitation. Important items such as previous project completions, clarification of any failures to complete contracts, and on-site project assessments are also addressed. Contractors are required to certify the accuracy of their responses, underscoring the emphasis on accountability. The structure supports evaluative criteria for federal grants and RFP processes, allowing the Forest Service to gauge the feasibility and reliability of contractors in fulfilling project requirements efficiently and effectively. This document is essential in ensuring that qualified agencies participate in critical government projects, aligning with the Forest Service's goals.
    The objective of this Statement of Work is to supply and apply pelletized fertilizer to 219 acres of hayfield across ten designated locations at the Ninemile Ranger Station in Lolo National Forest, Montana. The fertilizer must conform to a specific 70-20-20-15 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur, requiring 250 lbs of the blended fertilizer per acre. Delivery is scheduled between May 2 and May 31, 2025, during specified hours, and the vendor will work closely with the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) to ensure the adherence to application standards. If application rates do not meet specified requirements, vendors have one week to rectify the situation. The contractor is responsible for providing all necessary resources, including labor, equipment, and transportation, while using fertilizer produced in the United States, in compliance with federal regulations. The outlined plan emphasizes the importance of using qualified staff and properly equipped vehicles for effective fertilization to promote the health of the ranger station's hayfields.
    This document outlines Wage Determination No. 2015-5393, issued by the U.S. Department of Labor under the Service Contract Act, specifically for contracts in Missoula County, Montana. It establishes minimum wage rates and fringe benefits for various occupations that contractors must adhere to when fulfilling federal contracts. The determination emphasizes compliance with Executive Orders 14026 and 13658, which mandate minimum wages of at least $17.75 and $13.30 per hour, respectively, depending on the contract award date and terms. The wage table includes detailed hourly rates for numerous occupations such as administrative support, health, food service, and automotive occupations, along with notes regarding potential higher wages due to the Executive Orders. Additionally, key provisions include health and welfare benefits, paid sick leave, vacation, and holiday entitlements. Furthermore, the document outlines the process for classifying any unlisted occupations and the need for contractors to conform these classifications with appropriate wage rates in collaboration with the Wage and Hour Division. This determination is an essential reference for federal contractors to ensure compliance with labor regulations while also ensuring fair compensation for employees under federal contracts.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
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