AL-DEEP HORIZON NRDA-PLANTING-FENCE INSTALATION

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Sources Sought Notice, not a solicitation announcement. Its purpose is to gather information from qualified contractors regarding their capabilities and socio-economic classifications relevant to NAICS Code 115112 (Support Activities for Agriculture and Forestry). The information will help the government make acquisition decisions. A future solicitation may be posted based on the responses received.

This procurement is intended to supply and plant native vegetation and install a sand fence at North Brenton Island, Louisiana. Specifics include:

• Planting of 67,000 Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) in 4-inch containers.

• Planting of 11,000 Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) in 2-inch plugs.

• Installation of approximately 7,500 linear feet of sand fence.

• The planting will cover 18.5 acres and aims to facilitate the development of a nesting habitat.

• Period of Performance: July 1, 2026, to March 31, 2028.

• Interested vendors are requested to respond with a completed "Sources Sought Capability Statement Questionnaire."

• Responses should be emailed to William_fluharty@fws.gov.

• The subject line of the email must include "DOIFFBO260044 Sources Sought for North Brenton Island."

• A response to this Sources Sought Notice is not a reply to a future solicitation.

• The notice seeks to understand contractor socio-economic size classifications.

• NAICS Code: 115112

• Size Standard: $9.5 million

• Attached documents include: A04 PWS North Brenton Island Phase 3, A06 Specifications, and A30 Sources Sought Capability Statement Questionnaire.

• The Contracting Officer is Bill Fluharty.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, Attachment A, outlines the Restoration Plan for the North Breton Island Restoration Project – Phase 3 Planting and Sand Fence Installation. It details the objectives and activities for restoring bird nesting habitat on North Breton Island, which was impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

• Project Location: North Breton Island, approximately 422 acres, located southeast of New Orleans, Louisiana.
• Primary Objective: Restore beach, dune, and back barrier marsh bird habitat.
• Restoration Activities:
  • Phase 3 Planting: Involves planting two specific areas:
    • Avicennia germinans (Black mangrove) Restoration Area: Planting Black mangrove on a 3ft-by-3ft grid.
    • Spartina alterniflora (Smooth cordgrass) Restoration Area: Planting Smooth cordgrass on a 3ft-by-3ft grid.
  • Sand Fencing: Installation of supplemental or replacement sand fencing along the approximately 15,000 linear foot (LF) dune crest. The goal is to install between 6,120 LF and 7,500 LF of new fencing.
    • New fencing will be placed adjacent to or near existing fencing.
    • Runs of fencing will be at most 450 LF.
    • Overlaps of 30ft are required between adjacent runs, with an 8ft gap every fifth overlap to allow vehicle transit.
    • Final location and orientation of sand fencing will be determined at least 60 days prior to contractor mobilization.

This attachment provides critical details about the scope of work for the planting and sand fencing activities. Bidders should review the specific planting grids, the quantity and placement requirements for sand fencing, and the overall project objectives to understand the technical requirements and potential challenges of this restoration effort.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Capability Statement Questionnaire for the North Brenton Island Planting and Sand Fence project (DOIFF260044). It is designed to gather information from potential vendors to assess their capabilities and interest in this requirement.

Section 1 - General:

• Requires Business Name, Address, SAM UEI.
• Asks for applicable NAICS Codes.
• Requires Point of Contact information (Name, Telephone, Email).
• Asks vendors to self-certify their business size and type (Small Business, 8(a), VOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone, SDB, WOSB, EDWOSB, Other than Small Business).

Section 2 - Contractor Arrangements:

• Asks how the firm is interested in competing (Sole/Prime, Prime with subcontractors, Joint Venture).
• Requires details for subcontractors or joint venture partners (business name, size, CAGE code, work to be subcontracted).
• Requests additional information on teaming arrangements.

Section 3 - Capability:

• Requires a description of the organization's capabilities, goods, and services, including background and staff composition, focusing on functional expertise relevant to the acquisition.
• Asks for details on how the organization plans to meet critical timelines and what equipment will be used.
• Requires detailed past experience on similar projects (prime or subcontractor, size, scope, complexity, timeframe, government/commercial, certifications, references, contract titles, dollar values, points of contact).
• Asks about any other capabilities that could be of use.

This questionnaire is crucial for vendors to express their interest and demonstrate their qualifications for the North Brenton Island Planting and Sand Fence project. Responses will help the government determine if there is sufficient capability in the market and inform acquisition strategies. Vendors must clearly articulate their business size, contractor arrangements, and relevant experience to be considered.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for the North Breton Island Restoration Project – Phase 3 Planting and Sand Fence Installation in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The primary goal is to restore bird nesting and foraging habitat by enhancing marsh and mangrove areas and stabilizing dunes.

This is a non-personnel services contract. The contractor will provide all necessary personnel, equipment, and materials for:

• Task 1: Work Plan Development: Submit a detailed work plan and schedule within 30 days of the Notice to Proceed (NTP).

• Task 2: Native Vegetation Plantings: Install 67,600 Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) 4-inch containers and 11,000 Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) 2-inch plugs in designated restoration areas totaling 18.5 acres. Specific plant specifications and installation depths are detailed.

• Task 3: Sand Fence Installation: Install between 6,120 and 7,500 linear feet of sand fencing. The exact location will be finalized by the Government at least 60 days prior to mobilization. Specifications for posts, slats, and wire are provided.

• Plantings: Initial inspection requires a 95% survival rate; final inspection requires an 80% survival rate after 30 days. Plants must meet specific size, health, and installation criteria.

• Sand Fencing: All installed sand fencing must adhere to technical specifications. Any non-compliant fencing must be replaced or repaired at the contractor's expense.

• Period of Performance: Two (2) Base Years (24 months) from NTP. Work on the island is prohibited between March 1st and August 15th annually due to nesting birds.

• Place of Performance: North Breton Island, Breton National Wildlife Refuge, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Quality Control: Contractor must maintain a quality control program.

• Key Personnel: A Contract Manager is required.

• Government Furnished Data: Geospatial data for restoration areas will be provided.