Pasture Seeding

Q&A 6.13.2024 Q1) What GPS units are acceptable for use? What file type will be needed? How often will the files need to be transmitted? A1)App based software like avenza or field maps. Files can be KMZ or SHP files sent via email daily during performance of contract. Q2) Commercially grown seed is cleaned to allow it to flow through a seed drill. Will the seed collected at Midewin be cleaned to the same standard? If not what will be the size of largest plant part in the seed/chaff mix? A2) Work shall be performed with broadcast seeder not a seed drill. All seed commercial and collected will be cleaned to the degree it can be spread by a broadcaster. Q3) Will the seed provided by Midewin be in lots by species or will it be in lots of mixed species? A3) Lots of mixed species. Contractor will inform what area will be seeded and the proper seed mix will be provided upon that request. Q4) Is there a specific performance standard for vegetation coverage after the site is seeded or just the GPS tracked lines? A4) For the purposes of this contract GPS track lines will suffice as a performance standard as it will be several years before vegetation coverage is present after seeding. Q5) What was the method of seeding performed in the past for this type of project(s)? A5) Broadcast seeding using tractors and utvs. Q6) What was the performance and success of the method? A6) This method was successful as prairie restorations established after seeding. Q7) What contractors performed the method(s)? A7) We’ve not had a contractor perform seeding of this nature. Our partners have hired contractors to seed some areas in the past. Q8) What is the preferred seeding method? A8) Tractor seeding with a calibrated broadcast seed disperser. Q9) What type of seed will be provided and from where? A9) The seed mixture will be provided by the government. It will be a mix of species. The mixes will be spread in their designated areas (seed mix “wet mesic” “Mesic” and “Dry mesic” It will come from seed collection on the Midewin and from locally sourced vendors. Q10) Are they any performance standards? A10) GPS tracking. Showing the gps tracked path of the tractor to ensure total coverage of seeding area. Lack of reported rutting and soil disturbance. Q11) Will the seed be pre-mixed with the rice hulls when it is supplied to the contractor or will the contractor need to mix? A11) The seed will be provided pre-mixed. Q12) Does the project need to be completed within 14 days from the notice to proceed or started within 14 days? A12) The COR and contractor will come to a mutually agreed upon start date upon contract award. From that agreed upon start date the contractor shall complete the project within 14 days. Q13) Will the contract be given GPS files or another type of file to delineate the boundaries between seed mixes? A13) The map provided is georeferenced and is delineated by seed mix type and each mix type has a color and polygon assigned to it. Q14) Are there restrictions to wind speed for seeding? A14) On site wind speeds 15mph and greater will restrict seeding operations. Q15) Will the project be extended to allow for windy or rain days. A15) Adverse weather conditions that prevent seeding operations will be discussed with the COR and extension may be granted in the interest of protecting soil integrity and wind conditions that influence seed dispersal.