Levee Erosion Control for the Savannah National Wi

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1927, focuses on wetland management to benefit various wildlife species, including waterfowl and shorebirds. The levees, originally built in the early 1700s for rice production, have faced severe erosion and subsidence due to poor vegetation establishment, invasive species, and extreme weather events. This project aims to restore these levees to support wildlife management and recreational activities. Work Details The contractor will execute a turn-key project over 100 acres of managed wetland levees at the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge in Jasper County, South Carolina. Tasks include: 1) Mowing to prepare the site; 2) Herbicide application for invasive species control; 3) Leveling eroded areas; 4) Installation of native herbaceous vegetation for soil stabilization and habitat improvement. Objectives include: a) Removing 99% of invasive species; b) Repairing all eroded levee slopes and establishing crowns on levee tops; c) Establishing native vegetation with at least five species of grasses and five forbs beneficial to pollinators. Deliverables include an initial work plan within 15 days of award, monthly progress reports by the 10th of each month, and a final project report within 30 days of completion detailing plant material used and recommendations for future management. Period of Performance The contract will be performed from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027. Place of Performance Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, Jasper County, South Carolina, USA Bidder Requirements Bidders must be classified as a Small Business Set Aside - Total (SBA). They are required to provide all labor, materials, equipment, reports, maps, project photos, and comply with Department of the Interior safety standards and environmental regulations. Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail) This opportunity appears to have a closely related prior contract, 140FS325P0171, awarded to Marshfield Forest Service for $193,500 (07/15/25–07/31/26). The prior work is described as “SC-PINCKNEY ISLAND NWR-HERBICIDE APP,” which suggests experience with invasive species control at a National Wildlife Refuge site and aligns with the current requirement for herbicide application as part of levee erosion control and vegetation restoration.