Midewin National Forest Seed Production Invasive Control

Statement of Work (SOW)

The primary goal is to reduce noxious weeds and invasive plant infestations at the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie through integrated pest management (IPM), with this contract focusing on the herbicide application component.

• Provide all necessary expertise, labor, supervision, services, herbicides, carriers, adjuvants, dye, materials, equipment, tools, supplies, transportation, licenses, permits, PPE, and incidentals for herbicide application.

• Apply foliar herbicides to specific Non-Native Invasive Species (NNIS) infestations, including herbaceous flowering plants, grasses, vines, and semi-woody vines.

• Treat shrubs and woody brush in select locations via foliar application.

• Control undesirable woody vegetation (trees, shrubs, woody vines) in select locations.

• Utilize hand methods and chemicals for NNIS elimination.

• Apply non-restricted use herbicides, including glyphosate, triclopyr, sethoxydim, clopyralid, and 2,4-D, or other approved herbicides with COR approval.

• Use selective herbicides or methods to minimize impact on surrounding non-target vegetation, with exceptions for dense infestations or areas without sensitive species.

• Implement special application methods in sensitive areas, native vegetation zones, and wetlands, as directed.

• Place and remove warning signs in public access areas.

• Conduct treatments to 100% of specified project areas for target NNIS infestations.

• Achieve a minimum kill rate of 95% for target NNIS and no more than 5% mortality to desirable non-target native species.

• Treatments must meet or exceed a 95% kill rate for target NNIS.

• Mortality to desirable non-target native plant species must not exceed 5% due to inadvertent treatment or overspray.

• Work must be accomplished in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

• Two treatments, four weeks apart, are generally required during the growing season, with potential for additional intervals.

• Work will be performed at the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, located in Will County, Illinois.

• Specific locations include three areas of seed production beds, with potential work in wetland seed production beds.

• Contractors must possess a valid Illinois commercial pesticide applicators/operator’s license (or reciprocal state license).

• All herbicide applicators must be licensed.

• Maintain an accurate daily treatment log detailing species, chemicals, quantities, application rates, weather, location, time, method, and applicator information.

• Provide weekly progress maps and GPS data.

• Maintain records of hazardous material handling certificates, MSDS, waste site locations, and weekly equipment calibration.

• All equipment must be cleaned prior to entering treatment areas and inspected by the COR.

• Motorized equipment must have spark arrestors, shovels, and fire extinguishers.

• A written safety plan is required, including a chemical spill plan, safety training documentation, and OSHA citation history.

• Herbicide application is restricted to wind velocities less than 10 MPH unless COR grants permission.

• Foliar application requires thorough wetting of foliage but not to the point of runoff.

• No indiscriminate broadcast or aerial spraying is allowed; work is to be performed using backpack sprayers or other hand techniques.

• Invoicing is tied to successful COR inspection and determination that work meets the Acceptable Quality Level (AQL).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an exhibit that visually identifies the "Chicago Road Seed Production Area" within the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. It serves to define the specific location relevant to the "Seedbed Invasive Control" opportunity.

• Aerial imagery of the seed production area.
• Outlined boundaries of the "Chicago Road Seed Production Area" in red.
• Labels for "Chicago Road" and "Road 1 North".
• A legend indicating the "Chicago Road Seed Production Area", "Supervisors Office", and "Roads".
• A map inset showing the "Field Location" within the larger Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie context.
• Scale bar in feet.
• Compilation date of the GIS data (03.19.24).

This exhibit is crucial for bidders to understand the precise geographical scope and location of the work related to seedbed invasive control. It helps in visualizing the operational area and planning any site-specific requirements.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for commercial items, specifically "Midewin National Forest Seed Production Invasive Control." The government is procuring services related to invasive species management within the Midewin National Forest.

• The primary deliverable is "Midewin National Forest Seed Production Invasive Control."

• The service involves seed production and invasive control.

• Product/Service Code: F009 (NATURAL RESOURCES/CONSERVATION- SEED COLLECTION/PRODUCTION).

• The period of performance is from May 11, 2026, to September 15, 2026.

• Delivery is expected by September 15, 2026.

• The solicitation issue date is February 18, 2026.

• The offer due date is March 6, 2026, at 1600 Eastern Standard Time.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-4, and 52.212-5 by reference, with addenda attached.

• The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 115112, with a size standard of $9.5 million.

• The acquisition is set aside 100.00% for Small Business.

• The issuing office is USDA-FS CSA East 6, Atlanta, GA.

• The administrative office is also USDA-FS CSA East 6, Atlanta, GA.

• Payment will be made by the issuing office.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment A - Schedule of Items," details the specific items and quantities required for the "Seedbed Invasive contract." It serves as a pricing schedule for bidders to complete.

• Item 1: Herbicide application in Seedbeds.
• Pay Unit: Acres.
• Quantity: 16 Acres.

Bidders must use this schedule to provide their Unit Price and Total Price for the herbicide application service. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible quoter, with the ability to meet the completion date being a primary factor. Bid information must include both the quote (presumably based on this schedule) and an operating plan. The period of performance is from May 11, 2026, to September 15, 2026. The work involves applying foliar herbicides to Non-Native Invasive Species (NNIS) with two treatments four weeks apart during the growing season.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Wage Determination issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division, under the Service Contract Act. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations in a specific geographic area.

• Geographic Area: Illinois Counties of Grundy, Kendall, Will.
• Occupational Codes and Titles: Lists numerous job titles with corresponding codes (e.g., 01011 Accounting Clerk I, 05010 Automotive Electrician, 12071 Licensed Practical Nurse I).
• Wage Rates: Specifies the minimum hourly wage for each listed occupation.
• Fringe Benefits: Indicates that fringe benefits are required and follow the occupational listing. Specific details on health and welfare benefits, vacation, and holidays are provided later in the document.
• Executive Orders: References Executive Order (EO) 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and EO 13658 (minimum wage adjustments), outlining their applicability and requirements for federal contractors.
• Conformance Process: Details the procedure for classifying and determining wage rates for occupations not explicitly listed in the determination.

This wage determination is crucial for bidders to understand the minimum labor costs associated with performing services in the specified counties. It directly impacts the pricing of proposals and ensures compliance with federal labor laws. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages and benefits meet or exceed these requirements for all relevant job classifications.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with FAR Part 12, specifically for "Midewin Tall Grass Prairie Seedbed Invasive Control." This announcement serves as the sole solicitation; no separate written solicitation will be issued. The acquisition is set aside for small business concerns.

• The Statement of Requirement is detailed in "Attachment A – Schedule of Items."

• Items labeled as optional are not mandatory but may be exercised by the government.

• Contractors must submit pricing for all items, including optional ones.

• Period of Performance: 11 May 2026 – 15 September 2026.

• Award Type: One award is anticipated.

• Submission Deadline: Offers must be delivered by 20 March 2026, 4:00 PM Eastern.

• Submission Method: Email to lawrence.jackson@usda.gov with 6 separate attachments (Price Proposal, Past Performance, Ability to Perform, Quality Control and Quality Assurance Plan, Safety Plan, and Representations and Certifications).

• Questions Deadline: 24 February 2026, 4:00 PM Eastern to lawrence.jackson@usda.gov.

• Evaluation Criteria: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA). Evaluation factors include Past Experience, Past Performance, Ability to Perform, Quality Control and Quality Assurance Plan, Safety Plan, Price, and Representations and Certifications. Past Experience, Past Performance, and Ability to Perform combined are weighted more heavily than price.

• This acquisition is set aside for small business concerns.

• Offerors must have an active entity registration in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Invoicing: Invoices are submitted in arrears via the electronic Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) at https://www.ipp.gov. Registration on IPP is mandatory.

• Attachments: Refer to Attachment A (Schedule of Items), Attachment B (Statement of Work), Attachment C (Wage Determination), Exhibit A (Chicago Road Seed Production Area), and Exhibit B (River Road Wetland Seed Production Area).

• Site Visit: Offerors are urged to inspect the site. Failure to do so will not be grounds for a claim after award.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a map and informational graphic related to "Seedbed Invasive Control" at the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, managed by the USDA Forest Service. It serves to visually identify the "River Road Seed Production" and "Wetland Seed Production Area" locations, along with roads and the Supervisors Office. It also provides the address for the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie and a disclaimer regarding the GIS data's intended use.

• Map: Aerial view showing two distinct red-outlined areas labeled "River Road Seed Production" and "Wetland Seed Production Area."
• Legend: Identifies the "River Road & Wetland Seed Production Areas," "Supervisors Office," and "Roads."
• Location Information: Address of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie and USDA Forest Service.
• GIS Data Disclaimer: Notes that the data was compiled on 03.19.24 and is intended for this project, with potential inaccuracies for other uses.
• Contextual Map: A smaller inset map showing the general field location relative to major highways (I-55 and Route 53).

This document provides crucial geographical context for potential bidders. It visually defines the specific areas where seed production activities are relevant to the opportunity, helping bidders understand the physical scope and location of the work. The inclusion of the address and general location aids in logistical planning and understanding the project's setting.