F--ND AUDUBON NWR - Hazardous Cottonwood Tree Removal

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Technical Experience & References" form that must be completed by all offerors to be considered for the opportunity. It is used to assess past performance through references.

• The form allows for the submission of up to three projects similar in size and complexity to those stated in the SOW/PWS.
• For each project, offerors must provide:
  • Contract/Work type
  • Contract Number (if applicable)
  • Total Contract Value
  • Agency/firm for whom work was performed
  • Contact person at the site, their telephone number, and valid e-mail address
  • Month/Year work began and ended
  • A brief description of duties

Completing this form accurately and thoroughly is mandatory for consideration. The information provided will be used by the government to evaluate the offeror's technical experience and past performance. References may be contacted.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Service Contract Act (SCA) Wage Determination, specifically Revision 27 of Wage Determination No. 2015-5383, dated December 3, 2025. It lists various occupational codes and their corresponding minimum hourly wage rates and fringe benefits applicable to contracts in North Dakota, specifically for the counties of Bottineau, Burke, Emmons, Grant, Kidder, McLean, Mercer, Mountrail, Pierce, and Sheridan.

This document is crucial for bidders responding to solicitations that incorporate this wage determination. It establishes the minimum wages and benefits that must be paid to service employees working under the contract. Bidders must ensure their proposed pricing reflects these mandated rates to be compliant. Key sections include:

• Occupational Listings: Provides a comprehensive list of job titles, their corresponding SCA codes, and the required minimum wage rates.
• Fringe Benefits: Details the required fringe benefits, including Health & Welfare rates ($5.55 per hour or $222.00 per week) and specific provisions for Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave).
• Executive Orders: Outlines requirements related to Paid Sick Leave (EO 13706) and minimum wage adjustments (EO 13658), including specific rates for 2025 ($13.30 per hour or higher if listed on the wage determination).
• Vacation and Holidays: Specifies paid vacation accrual based on years of service and a list of eleven paid holidays.
• Conformance Process: Explains the procedure for classifying and determining wage rates for occupations not explicitly listed in the wage determination.

Bidders should carefully review the listed occupations to identify those relevant to the services they will provide and ensure their cost proposals accurately reflect these minimum labor costs.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for Hazardous Cottonwood Tree Removal services at the ND Audubon NWR. The government intends to award a firm-fixed-price order.

• Removal of five large cottonwood trees and associated hazardous limbs.

• Work must be performed in accordance with the attached Statement of Work.

• The contract type will be firm-fixed-price.

• Period of Performance: March 13, 2026, to April 15, 2026.

• Delivery Date: April 15, 2026.

• Quotes are due by March 6, 2025, at 1:00 PM Central Standard Time.

• Submissions must be emailed to dana_arnold@fws.gov as a single PDF file.

• Evaluation will be based on a comparative assessment of the following factors: Technical Approach, Technical Experience, Past Performance, and Price.

• The government will assess the completeness of pricing submissions and determine price reasonableness.

• The acquisition is set aside for Small Business (100%).

• NAICS Code: 561730 (Landscaping Services).

• Size Standard: $9.5 million.

• Offerors must provide a completed SF 1449, company information, and a signed SF 30 if amendments were issued.

• Representations and certifications must be current in SAM.gov or provided.

• Specific clauses regarding telecommunications equipment, Buy American, trade agreements, and labor standards are included.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To remove five (5) large hazardous cottonwood trees and associated hanging limbs at Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Dunn County, North Dakota. The removal is necessary due to structural degradation and proximity to historic property and infrastructure, posing a safety hazard and risk of damage.

• Remove five large cottonwood trees and hazardous hanging limbs.

• Utilize controlled felling techniques, sectional dismantling, or rigging to protect adjacent structures.

• Cut stumps to a maximum height of twelve (12) inches above ground, unless otherwise directed.

• Remove all generated brush, limbs, logs, sawdust, and debris from the refuge and dispose of it off-site.

• Restore disturbed areas to pre-work condition as much as practicable.

• Work must be completed in accordance with the Statement of Work.

• The site must be left clean and free of obstructions after debris removal.

• Final inspection and acceptance by the Site Manager in accordance with FAR 52.212-4(a).

• Performance Window: Date of award through April 15, 2026.

• Project Site: Lake Ilo NWR, approximately 1 mile west of Dunn Center, ND, and 3 miles east of Killdeer, ND.

• Access: Via Highway 200 using a gravel road leading to the park area.

• Contractor must coordinate start date with Site Manager and provide seven (7) calendar days advance notice for mobilization.

• Equipment must be suitable for winter/early spring ground conditions, and ground disturbance should be minimized.

• Heavy equipment use may be restricted if soil conditions are excessively wet.

• Contractor must comply with OSHA standards, provide PPE, and maintain a safe work perimeter.

• Contractor must carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation.

• Contractor is liable for any damage to refuge property, structures, utilities, or roads.

• Prevent fuel, oil, or hydraulic leaks and immediately report any spills.

• Avoid unnecessary disturbance to vegetation or wildlife habitat.

Corey Bittner, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (701) 442-5474 or (701) 861-0916 Corey_bittner@fws.gov