F--MN UPR MS RIV NWF RFG- Treatment of Invasive Phragmites in MN and WI Waters of the UMR

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued solicitation 140FS223Q0077 for a firm-fixed price contract to treat invasive Phragmites australis australis within the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. The project covers approximately 6.5 acres across Pools 4 through 8 in the waters of Minnesota and Wisconsin. The period of performance runs from June 1, 2023, through September 30, 2025. The scope of work requires the application of imazapyr and glyphosate herbicides, GPS tracking of all treated areas, and the ability to operate in difficult access conditions. Bidders are required to hold valid aquatic herbicide applicator licenses, and evaluations are based on best value, focusing on technical capabilities and past performance. The contract is subject to the Service Contract Act, with specific minimum wage rates and fringe benefit requirements established by the U.S. Department of Labor. These wage determinations apply across multiple counties in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois, including areas such as Wabasha, Winona, and Houston in Minnesota, as well as La Crosse, Grant, and several other counties in Wisconsin. Compliance with Executive Orders 14026 and 13658 regarding minimum wage floors is mandatory for all occupational categories involved in the performance of the contract.