BIOLOGICAL TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND PUBLIC SAFETY CON

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To provide high-level biological technical support and public safety oversight for the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and the broader Caribbean Islands Refuges Complex, ensuring the protection of federally listed species and the visiting public.

• Biological Monitoring & Field Surveys: Conduct surveys for wildlife and plant species, develop sampling protocols, monitor vegetation, and lead the coastal bird breeding program.

• Data Management, Analysis & Reporting: Analyze biological data, manage databases within USFWS internal systems, and produce GIS habitat maps.

• Restoration & Project Management Support: Provide technical guidance for habitat restoration, draft NEPA consultation documents, execute field surveys for resource protection, coordinate field logistics and safety, and manage invasive species removal.

• Public Engagement & Visitor Services: Support Visitor Center operations, provide public safety and visitor orientations, assist with environmental education programs, and participate in community outreach.

• Restoration & Operations Support: Assist with field restoration projects, invasive species removal actions, and processing of Special Use Permits (SUPs).

• Adherence to USFWS safety practices and use of mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Consistency of all field actions with Service safety policies.

• Schedule: 32-40 hours per week (8 hours per day).

• Duration: One (1) Base year with Four (4) Option years.

• Anticipated Start Date: May 2026 or from award date.

• Location: Primarily stationed at Cabo Rojo NWR, with support for the entire Complex as needed.

• Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a related field (Biology, Wildlife Management, Ecology, Natural Science); specialized experience in biological surveys, GPS data collection, and database management; technical proficiency in biological field techniques, local flora/fauna identification, and GIS tools.

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAS): Knowledge of Caribbean flora/fauna (including endangered species), ability to communicate complex biological information, proficiency in I&M protocols, and ability to troubleshoot field equipment and use advanced GIS software.

• Vehicle Operation: Must possess a valid Puerto Rico driver's license and obtain USFWS motor vehicle certifications.

• Background Investigation: Must possess and provide proof of a valid, current state background check/security clearance.

• Travel: Willingness to travel via vehicle or boat to various refuges within the Caribbean Islands NWR Complex.

• Working Conditions: Work performed in office and field environments, including exposure to high temperatures, high humidity, and rugged terrain.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a request for quotation (RFQ) for a Biological Technical Support and Public Safety Oversight contractor. The requirement is a firm-fixed-price, small business set-aside contract.

• Biological Technical Support and Public Safety Oversight services.

• Services are to be performed at FWS Cabo Rojo NWR.

• The contract will consist of a one-year base period and four option years.

• The contractor must possess a valid, current background check and security clearance.

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price, small business set-aside.

• Period of Performance: Base year (04/16/2026 to 04/23/2026) and four option years (05/01/2026 to 04/30/2031).

• Proposals must be submitted as a single consolidated PDF file.

• Quotes must include hourly rates, monthly rates, annual rates, and grand total cost for the five-year period.

• Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number is required.

• A narrative description of capability is required.

• Evaluation factors include: Price, acceptable specification/proposal, past performance (CPARS/FAPIIS and Contracting Officer's knowledge).

• The Government will award to the responsible offeror whose offer is most advantageous, considering price and other factors.

• This is a small business set-aside.

• Contractors must be eligible and meet all required criteria at the time of submission.

• Selected contractor will be required to provide proof of documentation prior to award.

• Failure to adhere to submission instructions may lead to disqualification.

• Electronic invoicing via the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) is required.

• The attached Statement of Work (SOW) provides detailed requirements.

Wage Determination

This document is a Wage Determination (No. 2015-5705, Revision No. 26) issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division. It establishes minimum wage rates and fringe benefits for various occupations in Puerto Rico, specifically for the area encompassing the municipalities of Cabo Rojo, Lajas, Sabana Grande, and San German.

• Applicability: This wage determination is relevant for contractors performing work under the Service Contract Act in the specified area of Puerto Rico.
• Occupational Listings: The document provides a detailed list of occupations, each with an assigned wage rate. These range from administrative and clerical roles to technical, maintenance, and service occupations.
• Fringe Benefits: All listed occupations are subject to required fringe benefits, with specific details to be found in the full document.
• Health & Welfare: A standard Health & Welfare benefit of $5.55 per hour (up to 40 hours/week) or $5.09 per hour (for SCA contracts also covered by EO 13706) is specified.
• Vacation & Holidays: Provisions for paid vacation (3 weeks after 1 year, 4 weeks after 15 years) and twelve paid holidays per year are outlined.
• Hazardous Pay: Differentials are noted for work involving ordnance, explosives, and incendiary materials (8% for high hazard, 4% for low hazard).
• Uniform Allowance: Guidance is provided on contractor responsibilities for furnishing and maintaining uniforms, including reimbursement rates for cleaning.
• Conformance Process: The document outlines the process for requesting authorization of additional classifications and wage rates if an occupation is not listed in the determination.

This wage determination is crucial for bidders to accurately estimate labor costs for their proposals. Understanding the required minimum wages and benefits for various job classifications in the specified geographic area is essential for compliance with the Service Contract Act and for submitting competitive and compliant bids.