Aquatic non-native invasive species (NNIS) treatment services

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to vendor questions regarding the opportunity.

• Incumbency: This is a new requirement, not an incumbent contract.
• Helicopter Use: Helicopters cannot be used for herbicide spraying due to NEPA restrictions. This prohibition also extends to drones.

No impact on solicitation requirements, due dates, or submission rules was noted in this Q&A.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for herbicide treatment of non-native invasive species (NNIS), specifically Eurasian Milfoil, and nuisance vegetation around boat ramps and beach areas on the Hoosier National Forest, Tell City Ranger District in Perry County, Indiana. State of Indiana (or reciprocal) licensing certification for herbicide treatment is required.

• Treatment of non-native invasive species (NNIS) and nuisance vegetation.

• State of Indiana (or reciprocal) licensing certification for herbicide treatment is mandatory.

• The document references several attachments including a Performance Work Statement (PWS), Maps, Wage Determination, and an Experience Questionnaire.

• Award Type: Firm fixed price purchase order.

• Period of Performance: One (1) base year and one (1) one-year option period, not to exceed two (2) years total.

• The Government intends to make one award.

• Submission Deadline: Offers must be submitted by May 8, 2026, 1:00 p.m. central time to tobi.shumaker@usda.gov.

• Questions Deadline: Questions are due by May 5, 2026, 1:00 p.m. Central Time.

• Offer Acceptance: Offerors agree to hold prices for 90 calendar days.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government, based on the following factors:

  1. Past Performance
  2. Experience
  3. Technical Approach
  4. Price

• Required Documents for Responsiveness: Completed SF1449, Attachment 4 (Experience Questionnaire) or equivalent, Past Performance information, Technical Approach details, and copies of State of Indiana (or reciprocal) Licensing Certification for Herbicide.

• The solicitation includes provisions related to small business concerns, HUBZone small business concerns, and utilization of small business concerns. Specific set-asides are indicated by checked provisions (e.g., 52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Aside).

• Several Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) clauses and provisions are incorporated by reference and full text.

• Offerors must submit pricing for all items on the attached SF1449. Failure to price individual line items may result in disqualification.

• The document also outlines the USDA Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation (RFQ 12443926Q0054) for commercial items, specifically related to "Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Products and Commercial Services." The solicitation is issued by USDA-FS CSA EAST 1 and is set aside 100% for Small Business under NAICS code 115310 with a size standard of $11.5 million.

• The document references FAR 52.212-1 and FAR 52.212-4, which are incorporated by reference.

• It specifies that Attachment 5 (Experience Questionnaire) has been changed to Attachment 4 (Experience Questionnaire).

• Period of Performance: 05/15/2026 to 09/30/2027.

• Offers are to be submitted to Tobi Shumaker at tobi.shumaker@usda.gov.

• The Offer Due Date is 05/08/2026 at 1:00 p.m. central time.

• Attachment format must be Word, Excel, or .pdf.

• Questions were due no later than 05/05/2026 (changed from 05/06/2026).

• This acquisition is a 100% small business set-aside.

• All other terms and conditions remain unchanged from previous versions.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for aquatic non-native invasive species (NNIS) treatment services on Tell City Ranger District lakes in Southern Indiana. The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 115310, with a size standard of $11.5 million.

The services involve land treatment practices for natural resources and conservation. Specific line items detail various treatment types, including:

• Tipsaw MYSP
• Tipsaw All Aquatic Veg
• Saddle MYSP
• Saddle All Aquatic Veg
• Indian MYSP
• Indian All Aquatic Veg
• Celina MYSP
• Celina All Aquatic Veg

Each item has a specified quantity in acres (AC) and a delivery date of September 30, 2026, or September 30, 2027, for option line items.

• Period of Performance: 05/15/2026 to 09/30/2027

• The document is a Standard Form 1449, indicating a solicitation for commercial items.

• Offer Due Date: 05/08/2026 at 1300 CT.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4, and 52.212-5 by reference.

This acquisition is listed as "UNRESTRICTED" with no specific set-aside indicated in the provided sections.

• The document includes multiple continuation sheets detailing various line items for the services required.
• Payment will be made by USDA-FS CSA EAST 1.
• The solicitation number is 12443926Q0054.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides maps of several lakes within the Hoosier National Forest, specifically within the Tell City Ranger District. It is intended to visually represent the geographical locations and boundaries of these lakes.

• Hoosier National Forest Lakes: The document displays maps for Indian Lake, Celina Lake, Tipsaw Lake, and Saddle Lake.
• Geographic Representation: Each map shows the lake's outline, surrounding terrain, roads, and points of interest.
• Map Data: Includes information on "MYSP" (likely a designation for managed areas or specific zones) and "All Aquatic Veg" (indicating areas with aquatic vegetation).
• Scale and Legend: Each map includes a scale bar in miles and a legend to interpret the map features.
• Metadata: Indicates the map was created by JTI in January 2026 and compiled from multiple source data.

This attachment provides crucial geographical context for any opportunity related to these specific lakes within the Hoosier National Forest. Bidders can use these maps to understand the physical locations, boundaries, and surrounding environment relevant to the opportunity, which may be important for site assessments, logistical planning, or understanding the scope of work.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Experience Questionnaire designed to gather information about a potential bidder's qualifications and past performance. It is intended to help the government assess the bidder's capability to perform the work required for the opportunity.

• Contractor Information: Name, address, telephone number, and type of business.
• Experience: Years of experience related to the line of work and as a prime contractor.
• Past Projects: Details of similar projects completed in the last three years, including contract amount, type of work, date completed, and contact information for references.
• Current Contracts: Information on current contract commitments, including contract number, award amount, contact information, percentage complete, and completion date.
• Performance History: Questions regarding failure to complete work and whether performance bonds were used.
• Organization and Staffing: Details on organizational structure, minimum and maximum number of employees, payroll regularity, and equipment to be used.
• Progress Rate: Estimation of the rate of progress for the project.
• Key Personnel Experience: Experience of principal individuals tied to the project, including their name, position, years of experience, and type of work.
• Specific Skills: Experience with Hand Held GPS, Shapefile, and Avenza.
• Work Plan: A section for bidders to describe their plan for accomplishing the task.
• Certification: A statement by the bidder certifying the accuracy of the information provided and authorizing references to release information.

Bidders must complete this questionnaire thoroughly and accurately to demonstrate their experience and capability. The information provided will be a critical factor in the government's evaluation of the bidder's suitability for the contract. Failure to provide complete information may negatively impact the evaluation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Wage Determination (WD) issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for service contract employees working on contracts for forestry, land management, timber inventory, cultural resource inventory, and related services within Indiana Statewide.

• Occupational Listing: Provides specific job titles (e.g., Brush/Precommercial Thinner, Forestry Equipment Operator, Tree Planter) with corresponding minimum hourly wage rates.
• Fringe Benefits: Details required fringe benefits, including Health & Welfare ($5.55/hour or $222.00/week) and Paid Sick Leave (EO 13706 rate of $5.09/hour or $203.60/week).
• Vacation: Specifies 2 weeks paid vacation after 1 year of service and 3 weeks after 10 years.
• Holidays: Lists 11 paid holidays per year.
• Uniform Allowance: Outlines requirements for uniform provision and maintenance reimbursement ($3.35/week or $.67/day) if applicable.
• Executive Orders: Includes notes on Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (minimum wage for federal contractors).
• Conformance Process: Describes the procedure for contractors to request authorization for additional classifications and wage rates not listed in the determination.

This wage determination is critical for bidders to accurately estimate labor costs for any contract opportunity that falls under its scope. Bidders must ensure their proposals reflect these minimum wage rates and fringe benefits to comply with federal regulations. Failure to adhere to these requirements can lead to non-compliance and potential disqualification. The document also outlines the process for handling unlisted job classifications, which bidders should understand when preparing their bids.

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

To remove or reduce the vigor and size of invasive plant populations, specifically Eurasian Watermilfoil (MYSP), within the Hoosier National Forest (Hoosier NF) to minimize threats to native plant communities and wildlife.

• Target Species: Eurasian Watermilfoil (MYSP) and other nuisance vegetation.

• Treatment Areas: Mapped areas within the Hoosier NF, including Brownstown and Tell City Ranger Districts, specifically around boat ramps and beach areas.

• Method: Application of EPA-approved, non-restricted use aquatic herbicides (selective and/or non-selective).

• Application: Ground-based application (vehicle, ATV/UTV/OHV/boat mounted sprayers). No broadcast or aerial spraying. Applications to be conducted during weekdays when public usage is low.

• Surveys: Post-treatment surveys required within 1-2 months to assess effectiveness and identify areas needing re-treatment. A post-survey report is required for payment approval.

• Effectiveness: Minimum 90% kill of target NNIS/Nuisance infestation(s).

• Non-Target Impact: Avoid exceeding maximum acceptable mortality to desirable non-target native species.

• Schedule: Timely completion of all contract work by the contract end date.

• Re-treatment: Contractor must reapply herbicide at their expense if AQL values are not met.

• Base Year: May 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026

• Option Year 1: April 1, 2027 – September 30, 2027

• Location: Hoosier National Forest, south-central Indiana.

• Chemicals: Only EPA-approved, non-restricted use aquatic herbicides.

• Applicators: Must possess current Indiana commercial pesticide applicator certification and license, and an OISC Category 5 Aquatic Pest Management license. On-site licensed applicator or registered technicians with immediate voice communication required at all times.

• Equipment: GPS-enabled device for navigation with georeferenced PDF or .shp files.

• Safety: Herbicide labels and MSDS must be available. Caution signs required around sprayed areas. Spill cleanup and immediate notification to COR are mandatory.

• Key Personnel: Project Manager(s)/On-Site Foremen/Lead with required licensure.

• Government Furnished: Key for FS gates and Geo Referenced PDF maps will be provided if necessary.

• Past Performance

• Experience

• Technical Approach (including Operational Plan, Key Personnel qualifications, and Safety Plan)

• Price

• Note: Failure to submit Indiana (or reciprocal) licensing certification for herbicide treatment for employees and subcontractors will result in the proposal being deemed nonresponsive.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for herbicide treatment of aquatic non-native invasive species (NNIS) and nuisance vegetation around boat ramps and beach areas on the Tell City Ranger District of the Hoosier National Forest in Perry County, Indiana. State of Indiana (or reciprocal) licensing certification for herbicide treatment is required.

• Treatment of Eurasian Milfoil and other aquatic non-native invasive species.

• Treatment of nuisance vegetation around boat ramps and beach areas.

• State of Indiana (or reciprocal) licensing certification for herbicide treatment is mandatory.

• Award Type: Firm fixed price purchase order.

• Period of Performance: One base year and one one-year option period, not to exceed two years total.

• Option years are not guaranteed and are subject to funding and satisfactory performance.

• Offerors must submit pricing for all items on the attached SF1449 to be considered responsive.

• Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government.

• Evaluation Factors: Past Performance, Experience, Technical Approach, and Price.

• Past Performance requires specific information on recent contracts (last 3 years), including references.

• Experience requires identification of company and key personnel experience, including a foreman.

• Technical Approach requires an Operational Plan and Key Personnel qualifications.

• Pricing must be provided for the base and all option periods; failure to price individual line items may result in disqualification.

• Offerors must submit employee and subcontractor Indiana (or reciprocal) licensing certification for herbicide treatment; failure to do so will result in the proposal being deemed nonresponsive.

• Questions due: May 6, 2026, 1:00 p.m. Central Time.

• Offers due: May 6, 2026, 1:00 p.m. Central Time.

• Questions and offers to be submitted via email to tobi.shumaker@usda.gov and tobi.underwood@usda.gov respectively.

• Offer acceptance period: 90 calendar days from the offer due date.

• The acquisition is unrestricted.

• The solicitation includes several attachments: Performance Work Statement, Maps, Wage Determination, and Experience Questionnaire.

• Several FAR and AGAR clauses and provisions are incorporated by reference and/or checked as applicable.