Inactive Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie (Midewin) is located in Will County approximately 40 miles southwest of Chicago and approximately 10 miles south of the town of Joliet. Prior to the creation of Mide... Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie (Midewin) is located in Will County approximately 40 miles southwest of Chicago and approximately 10 miles south of the town of Joliet. Prior to the creation of Midewin, the land was part of the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant that the Department of Defense (DoD) closed in the 1990’s. During DoD management lands not associated with the manufacture of munitions were either in row crops, pasture or left idle. Invasive species associated with grazing were common throughout the facility. The DoD also planted invasive plant species such as bush honeysuckle and autumn olive. Some management by the DoD kept some of the many invasive species in check, but once the plant was slated to be closed, management stopped, and these species spread rapidly. The Forest Service has been trying to eradicate invasive species in some areas, keeping them out of other areas and stopping their increase in other areas. This requirement is a prairie-wide project to remove and control undesirable woody vegetation (trees, shrubs, and woody vines) and foliar herbicide treatment to nonnative or invasive species of herbaceous flowering plants, grasses, and vines and semi-woody vegetation on the Midewin. The treatment for various patches of NNIS would depend on factors such as, location, patch size, the response of invasive species to the seasons, concentration of NNIS, and surrounding vegetation. NNIS plant treatments may include the use of hand methods, machinery, and chemicals to eliminate NNIS.