F--FL-PELICAN ISLAND NWR-SURVEY
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. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), under the Department of the Interior, is soliciting proposals for Eastern Black Rail presence/absence surveys at the Kissimmee Bend and Okeechobee Units of the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge in Florida. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity. Proposals are due May 19, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST.
Scope of Work
The contractor will be responsible for conducting annual Eastern Black Rail surveys on both the Kissimmee Bend and Okeechobee Units. This includes providing all necessary labor, equipment, materials, and supplies as detailed in the Performance Work Statement (PWS). Surveys are to be conducted during the timeframe outlined in the solicitation's survey protocol, with the actual survey work commencing in 2027 for the next nesting season, following a contract award expected in 2026. Access to the units is available by foot and vehicle (including off-road and ATVs) via existing roads and trails; no kayak or airboat access is required.
Contract Details & Timeline
- Contract Type: Solicitation (Request for Quote - RFQ), anticipated Firm Fixed Price with three option years.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- NAICS Code: 541360 (Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services) with a $28.5 Million size standard.
- Period of Performance: One year from the award date.
- Proposal Due: May 19, 2026, 3:00 PM EST (extended by Amendment 0001).
- Published Date: May 13, 2026 (Amendment 0001).
Submission & Evaluation
Proposals will be evaluated on a Best Value basis, with Technical Capability and Past Performance considered more important than Price. Required submission documents include SF18, SF30, a completed Price Schedule (Attachment 2), and a Past Experience & References form (Attachment 3). Bidders must also adhere to the Service Contract Act Wage Determination (Attachment 4) for labor costs. Quotes should be emailed to Merenica Banks at Merenica_Banks@ios.doi.gov.
Key Updates (Amendment 0001)
An amendment (0001) has extended the bid due date to May 19, 2026, 3:00 PM EST, and provided clarifications. These include confirming that surveys will be for the next nesting season with a 2027 start date, allowing ATV access, and detailing unit accessibility. Bidders should review the provided answers to questions for full clarification.