AR-Cache Riv NWR-Plantation Thinning Services

Background
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is issuing this solicitation for the Morris Tract Hardwood Plantation Thinning Services as part of their forest management program aimed at improving habitat for various wildlife species. The goal of this contract is to enhance the quality of older hardwood plantations by removing undesirable trees and allowing for better growth of desirable species.

Work Details
The contractor will be responsible for felling designated trees on 210 acres within the Morris Tract area. The specific tasks include:
- Felling all 'harvest' trees in every fifth row completely, and in the first and second adjacent rows, removing one out of four trees, favoring dominant and codominant trees with vigorous crowns.
- Trees selected for removal will include those with low forks, stem damage, poor form, or multiple stems, resulting in a 40% reduction of trees throughout the stand.
- In areas dominated by sweetgum, a crop tree release method will be employed to reduce sweetgums around red oaks, aiming to leave 40 red oaks per acre spaced 40 feet apart.
- Harvested trees should be placed on the ground to avoid creating hazards or blocking access routes.
- The contractor must complete no less than 60 acres of work per week under favorable weather conditions. Regular inspections will be conducted by the Government Representative (GR) to ensure compliance with quality standards.

Period of Performance
The contract period is from November 23, 2026, to November 23, 2027.

Place of Performance
FWS Cache River National Wildlife Refuge, Augusta, Arkansas.

Bidder Requirements
This solicitation is set aside for Small Business participation. Bidders must provide evidence of technical capabilities related to hardwood thinning services and demonstrate past performance through references from similar projects. Contractors are required to carry Commercial General Liability Insurance with a minimum limit of $1 million per occurrence and Worker’s Compensation Insurance as mandated by law.