Easement Restoration Services and Emergency Watershed Protection – Seedbed Preparation, Seeding, and Post Seeding Clippings in South Dakota
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is conducting market research for Easement Restoration and Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) services in South Dakota, specifically in counties east of the Missouri River. This Sources Sought notice aims to identify qualified businesses for a potential single Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Task Order contract. Responses are due by March 19, 2026, 12:00 p.m. EST.
Scope of Work
The anticipated contract will involve furnishing all labor, equipment, supervision, supplies, and materials for Easement Restoration and EWP services. Key tasks include:
- Seedbed preparation
- Seed mix procurement and installation
- Post-seeding establishment clippings
- Implementing easement restoration plans
- Developing and procuring vegetation seeding plans (herbaceous forbs and legumes)
- Wetland restoration plans
- Site selection, vegetation mix selection and procurement, installation, and vegetation stand establishment maintenance for two full growing seasons. The objective is to assist NRCS in conserving, maintaining, and improving natural resources and the environment.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (anticipates a Single IDIQ Task Order contract)
- NAICS Code: 115112 – Soil Preparation, Planting, and Cultivating (Size Standard: $8,000,000)
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- Response Due: March 19, 2026, 12:00 p.m. EST
- Published: March 4, 2026
- Place of Performance: South Dakota (counties east of the Missouri River). The contractor must maintain a working office with staff based within the state.
Capability Statement Requirements
Interested businesses must be SAM-registered and email their responses to gregory.florey@usda.gov. Required information includes:
- Business Name, Point of Contact, Address
- Business Size and Category (Large/Small/8(A))
- CAGE and/or DUNS Code
- Indication of intent to be a prime or subcontractor Additionally, provide up to three (3) examples of past prime contractor work in the specified areas, detailing total contract value, bonded amount, self-performed work percentage, and subcontracted work percentage.
Performance Standards & Special Requirements
- Performance: Tasks must be completed by scheduled due dates 90% of the time. At least 99% of sampled data collections must not have a serious deficiency. Bi-weekly task updates with photo and GPS documentation are required.
- Personnel: Project Manager must have a minimum of 2 years of field experience in native seeding installation. All personnel must execute a non-disclosure statement.
- Compliance: Adherence to all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, NRCS directives, and OSHA safety regulations is mandatory.
- Equipment: Contractor must furnish all necessary equipment.
- Coordination: All activities must be coordinated with the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), designated NRCS Easement Support Specialists (ESS), and landowners.
Additional Notes
This notice is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract.