Easement Restoration and Emergency Watershed Protection – Seedbed Preparation, Seeding, and Post Seeding Clippings in South Dakota

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

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for Easement Restoration and Emergency Watershed Protection services to support the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in South Dakota. The goal is to assist NRCS in conserving, maintaining, and improving natural resources and the environment.

The contractor shall plan, administer, manage, and execute services including seedbed preparation, seed mix procurement and installation, and post-seeding establishment clippings. This involves implementing easement restoration plans, developing and procuring vegetation seeding plans (herbaceous forbs and legumes), and wetland restoration plans. Key tasks include site selection, vegetation mix selection and procurement (using approved standard mixes or modifications approved by the NRCS State Office), installation (seedbed preparation and seeding), and vegetation stand establishment maintenance for two full growing seasons.

• Timeliness: Tasks must be completed by scheduled due dates 90% of the time.
• Quality: At least 99% of sampled data collections must not have a serious deficiency. Final payment is based on a 99% accuracy rate.
• Reporting: Bi-weekly task updates are required, detailing status, problems, recommended resolutions, and actions taken. Photo and GPS documentation of work performed is also required.

Services are to be performed within South Dakota. The contractor must maintain a working office with staff based within the state. The period of performance is tied to task orders issued under the contract.

• Personnel Qualifications: All personnel must be qualified, with specific requirements for the Project Manager (minimum 2 years of field experience in native seeding installation). Personnel must execute a non-disclosure statement.
• Compliance: Adherence to all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, NRCS directives, and safety regulations (including OSHA) is mandatory.
• Equipment: Contractor must furnish all necessary equipment, including vehicles and seeding equipment, and maintain it in good working order.
• Coordination: All activities must be coordinated with the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and designated NRCS Easement Support Specialists (ESS). Landowner coordination is also required.
• Reporting: Specific reports include Subcontractor Lists, Employee Rosters, Inspection/Visit Reports, Accident Reports, Third Party Accident Claims, CDR Responses, Changes to Processes, and Bi-weekly Task Reports.

Sources Sought Notice

This notice is for information and planning purposes only, not a solicitation or commitment to award. Its sole purpose is to identify potential System for Award Management (SAM) registered businesses capable of performing Easement Restoration and Emergency Watershed Protection services in South Dakota.

The anticipated contract will involve furnishing labor, equipment, supervision, supplies, and materials for Easement Restoration and Emergency Watershed Protection services. The work will be located in South Dakota, east of the Missouri River, to support the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

• Anticipated Award: Single Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Task Order contract.
• NAICS Code: 115112 – Soil Preparation, Planting, and Cultivating
• Size Standard: $8,000,000

Interested businesses must be SAM-registered. Responses should be emailed to gregory.florey@usda.gov by 12:00 p.m. EST on March 19, 2026.

Required information includes:

• Business Name, Point of Contact, Address
• Business Size and Category (Large/Small/8(A))
• CAGE and/or DUNS Code
• Indication of intent to be a prime or subcontractor

Additionally, provide up to three (3) examples of past prime contractor work in the specified areas, including total contract value, bonded amount, self-performed work percentage, and subcontracted work percentage. The Performance Work Statement (PWS) is attached for reference.