68--CA-SONNY BONO SALTON SEA NWR COMPLX HERBICIDE APPL

Solicitation 140FS126Q0185 is a firm-fixed-price request for quotes issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for ground herbicide application services at the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge Complex in Calipatria, California. This small business set-aside, specifically designated for HUBZone small businesses, covers a period of performance from October 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027. The contractor is required to provide qualified and licensed pesticide applicators to ensure uniform broadcast herbicide coverage while strictly adhering to buffer zones and minimizing off-target drift. Operational readiness is critical, as the contractor must be able to begin applications within three business days of notification. Award evaluation is based on a balance where technical capabilities and past performance are approximately equal in weight to price. Key evaluation factors include technical experience, capacity, expertise, and a detailed technical approach. Offerors must be active in SAM.gov and provide a completed SF 1449, company information, and a management plan identifying key personnel. Compliance with EPA and California Department of Pesticide Regulation standards is mandatory, and all payment requests must be processed electronically through the Invoice Processing Platform. Amendment 1 was issued to address contractor inquiries and update the statement of work, with a final response deadline of September 16, 2026.