Mulching Hazardous Fuels, Brazoria NWR, TX
ID: 140FS225Q0046Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

INTERIOR, DEPARTMENT OF THEUS FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICEFWS, SAT TEAM 2Falls Church, VA, 22041, USA

NAICS

Support Activities for Forestry (115310)

PSC

NATURAL RESOURCES/CONSERVATION- TREE THINNING (F014)

Set Aside

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

    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking qualified small businesses to provide mulching services for hazardous fuels at the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge in Texas. The project involves mulching approximately 63.2 acres of trees and brush to mitigate fire hazards, with work scheduled to commence around September 1, 2025, and conclude by February 28, 2026. This initiative is critical for managing wildfire risks and protecting both government and private lands, while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and safeguarding endangered species. Proposals are due by 5:00 PM ET on February 7, 2025, and interested vendors must submit their technical and price proposals separately, with emphasis on technical capabilities and past experience. For further inquiries, contact Darla Freyholtz at darla_freyholtz@fws.gov or call 701-339-3829.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The 2024-2025 Fire/BIL Money Contract for the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge in Texas focuses on mulching 63.2 acres of hazardous fuels to prevent wildfires that threaten government and private lands. The contractor is responsible for providing all necessary resources including personnel, equipment, and supervision while adhering to performance standards set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Work is scheduled to commence around September 1, 2025, and must be carefully coordinated to protect endangered species and minimize disturbances. Compliance with local, state, and federal regulations is mandatory, including measures to safeguard wildlife and avoid environmental damage during operations. The contractor will maintain communication with the USFWS via regular progress reports and is held accountable for any negligence or violations that may occur. The document outlines supervision, performance requirements, deliverables, quality assurance plans, and the need for ongoing public safety throughout the project duration. This initiative reflects the USFWS's commitment to responsible wildlife habitat management and public safety in the face of increasing wildfire risks.
    The document outlines Wage Determination No. 1977-1427, revised on December 23, 2024, by the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division. It specifies minimum wage rates for service contracts under the Service Contract Act (SCA) applicable to federal contracts in Texas. Contracts entered into after January 30, 2022, must pay at least $17.75 per hour, while those awarded between January 1, 2015, and January 29, 2022, must adhere to a minimum of $13.30 per hour unless higher rates are specified. Additionally, it details fringe benefits including health and welfare, vacation, and holiday benefits for specified occupations related to forestry and land management. The document also discusses the process for requesting additional classifications and wage rates, emphasizing that wages and benefits must align with applicable executive orders and federal regulations. Overall, it provides essential guidelines for contractors to ensure compliance with labor standards in federal service contracts, reinforcing worker protections and fair compensation.
    The document outlines requirements for bidders applying for government contracts, specifically focusing on their past experience and references. Bidders must detail up to three relevant contracts which reflect their capabilities in handling projects of similar complexity and scale as outlined in the Scope of Work. Each experience entry should include essential information such as contract type, total value, the agency served, and contact details for verification. A description of duties performed under each contract is also required to assess the bidder's qualifications. Additionally, any relevant training that could enhance performance should be noted. The bidding submissions must be sent to a specified email address by the deadline stated in the solicitation. This process emphasizes the importance of past performance in government procurement activities, aligning with best practices for evaluating contractor reliability and effectiveness.
    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is soliciting quotes for a project to mulch hazardous fuels on approximately 63.2 acres of Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge in Texas. This acquisition is set aside for small businesses under RFQ No. 140FS225Q0046, with proposals due by 5:00 PM ET on February 7, 2025. Contractors are encouraged to attend a site visit on February 4, 2025, to familiarize themselves with the project location and conditions. Interested vendors must submit technical and price proposals separately, emphasizing their technical approach, past experience, required certifications, and project timelines. Selection will prioritize technical capabilities and experience over price. A firm fixed-price contract will be awarded to the proposal offering the best overall value, even if it is not the lowest cost. Registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) is mandatory for eligibility. Proposals must be submitted via email. Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted. The document reflects standard practices in government solicitations, aiming to ensure fair competition and quality service provision by small businesses in line with federal procurement policies.
    The document outlines a Request for Proposal (RFP) for mulching hazardous fuel vegetation at the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge in Texas. The government intends to award a firm fixed-price contract for the project, which entails the mulching of 63.2 acres of trees and brush to mitigate fire hazards. Key dates include an offer due date of January 21, 2025, and a delivery period from September 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026. The evaluation criteria prioritize technical experience, compliance with wage determinations, and past performance over price, with a clear emphasis on providing substantial technical proposals. Contractors are required to adhere to various Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, ensuring compliance with labor standards and other regulations. The document includes points of contact for technical inquiries and emphasizes the importance of using the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) for payments. Additionally, it incorporates provisions to reduce single-use plastics in supplied products and encourages accountability in reporting progress. Overall, this RFP represents a federal effort to manage environmental hazards while promoting responsible procurement practices among contractors.
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