Goat livestock grazing of woody vegetation through the targeted grazing method.   2

Background
The solicitation number 12444524Q0095 is issued by the USDA Forest Service for commercial services aimed at managing invasive plant species through targeted grazing methods using goats.

The Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, located in Will County, Illinois, is the largest prairie restoration project attempted in the United States east of the Mississippi River. The goal of this contract is to reduce noxious weeds and invasive plant infestations to improve habitat for grassland birds and enhance ecological health.

Work Details
The contractor will perform goat livestock grazing to defoliate invasive shrubs, trees, and forbs from spring through fall. Specific tasks include:
1) Providing all goats, expertise, labor, supervision, materials, equipment, supplies, transportation, water, and incidentals necessary for the work;
2) Conducting grazing in areas identified as having high density woody invasions (50% or more coverage by woody species) and low density invasions (less than 50% coverage);
3) Implementing temporary fencing and ensuring water supply for goats;
4) Maintaining accurate daily logs and providing biweekly reports to the Forest Service;
5) Adhering to all applicable federal, state, and local laws;
6) Ensuring goats have undergone a quarantine period to prevent spreading invasive seeds;
7) Completing work according to task orders issued under an indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract framework.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for this contract is from April 1, 2025, to April 1, 2026.

Place of Performance
The work will be performed at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie located in Wilmington, Illinois.