1. Performance Work Statement.pdf

US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Performance Work Statement

Contents Project Title

General Information

1.0 Background and Purpose

2.0 Definitions

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

4.0 Deliverable / Schedule

5.0 Government Furnished

6.0 Travel

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

8.0 Security Requirements

9.0 Data Rights

10.0 Section 508 - Electronic and Information Technology Standards

11.0 Performance Requirement Measures

Attachment

Project Title Longhorse NNIS

General Information

1.0 Background and Purpose

The Hoosier National Forest is in south-central Indiana and contains approximately 203,000 acres of National Forest System (NFS) lands. The two zones are the Brownstown Ranger District and the Tell City Ranger District. Brownstown Ranger District includes Brown, Jackson, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, and Orange Counties. Tell City Ranger District includes Dubois, Crawford, Orange, and Perry Counties. Prior to the acquisition of lands by the Forest Service, nearly all forests had undergone repeated clearing to create small farms, logging, burning, and grazing by domestic livestock. This history of disturbance has contributed both directly and indirectly to the establishment of non-native invasive plant species (NNIS) throughout the Hoosier. The primary objective of this solicitation is to remove or reduce the vigor and size of invasive plant populations, thereby minimizing the threat to native plant communities and wildlife.

2.0 Definitions

COR – Contracting Officer’s Representative NNIS – Non-Native Invasive Species

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

- Only the use of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved, non-restricted use chemicals are to be used.

- The Contractor shall provide all expertise, labor, supervision, services, herbicides, carriers or adjuvants, materials, equipment, tools, supplies, transportation, licenses, permits, worker personal protective equipment (PPE), and incidentals necessary to perform the required work, for which the desired outcome is in strict accordance with the standards in the contract. The Contractor shall perform and accomplish the work in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances.

- Herbicide applicators shall use typical herbicide concentrations according to all EPA approved manufacturer herbicide directions. The Contractor will mix herbicides in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and any applicable laws or regulations. Application operations shall be conducted as indicated on the herbicide label, including approved concentrations, rates/acre, and environmental conditions. Only chemicals for aquatic use in or adjacent to streams shall be used whenever directed at or adjacent to waterways and wetlands such as the aquatic formulation of glyphosate (Rodeo ® or equivalent product).

- The Contractor is responsible for the cleanup of any spills and will notify the COR immediately of any spills that occur.

The contractor must have herbicide labels and copies of material safety data sheets (MSDS) of chemicals used on site.

The contractor must provide copies or notification by telephone or email of herbicide labels and MSDS of chemicals to the COR prior to the start of work.

- This contract does not allow any indiscriminate broadcast applications or aerial spraying. Where appropriate, vehicle or ATV/UTV/OHV mounted sprayers is permissible. Spot spraying, typically involves the use of backpack sprayers or other hand techniques. Use of suitable dye is required to indicate where applicators have sprayed or used herbicides.

Contractors cannot use ATVs with liquid cargo tanks exceeding 15 gallons. There is no restriction on the volume of tanks used in UTVs.

- Contractor will place caution signs around the sprayed areas according to the appropriate interval per label directions of the chemical used in application areas where the public may have contact with herbicide (e.g. trails, parking areas).

Where necessary per label directions, caution signs may include a temporary closure of treatment areas.

- All herbicide applicator staff must be able to identify target NNIS plant species in the field, including during dormant seasons, to a sufficient degree without exceeding the maximum acceptable levels of mortality to desirable non-target native species and to meet minimum kill rates to target NNIS infestations.

- The Contractor and/or whoever will supervise the herbicide treatment must possess a current Indiana commercial pesticide applicators certification and license at the time of any herbicide treatments. Most contracts will require work under category 2 (Forest Pest Management), which is applicable for all treatments on the Forest excluding applications directed toward/over water (category 5). The Contractor, or subcontractor, shall ensure that there is either an Indiana pesticide licensed applicator on-site at all times of treatments or ALL on-site personnel applying herbicide MUST be registered technicians AND have access to immediate voice communication by telephone or radio with the licensed supervisor.

4.0 Deliverable / Schedule

Shrubs and Woody Vines – Cut Stump & Foliar Herbicide Applications -Base and Optional Line Items Treat all species of non-native invasive shrubs and vines (including but not limited to: multiflora rose, autumn olive, bush honeysuckle, burning bush, Japanese barberry, Oriental bittersweet, winter creeper, forsythia, privet, and Japanese honeysuckle) that occur scattered throughout the area. Contractor will cut NNIS woody shrub and vine infestations (greater than 5 feet tall) and apply herbicide to the cut stumps. Stump cuts shall be as low to the ground as possible, level, and cut cleanly. Foliar herbicide will be used on the remaining shorter, uncut vegetation. Spot foliar treatments will occur by hand spray guns or backpack type sprayers using either selective or non-selective herbicides. Treat these invasive woody shrubs and vines using spot spraying techniques to avoid damage to desirable native species. Small equipment capable of spot spraying (ie. backpack sprayer, utv with hose reel) will be needed in order to ensure that minimal damage to native species occurs. Typically, the contractor will accomplish brush cutting by using hand techniques, chainsaws and/or brush cutters. Other methods of application are acceptable if they meet the intent and specifications required in the PWS and approved by the COR. Contractor will apply herbicide at a sufficient interval and concentration to meet or exceed the kill rate on target NNIS infestations and not exceed the maximum specified mortality to non-target plant species as indicated in the QASP/AQL.

For most work, the contractor will apply selective herbicide such as triclopyr (Garlon3A ® or equivalent product) and/or other non-restricted use selective herbicides approved by the COR. Contractor may apply non-selective herbicide such as glyphosate (Roundup ® or equivalent product) with selective application techniques to avoid non-target vegetation. Where appropriate near streams, the Contractor shall use an aquatic approved herbicide.. Other EPA approved herbicides not mentioned may be acceptable with prior approval of the COR. All herbicide solutions used must include a dye that is visible on cut stumps for a minimum of two weeks after application.

See attached maps for locations where herbicide applications are to occur. GIS shapefiles are available from the COR upon request.

This project requires the use of an aquatic approved herbicide within 100 feet of any standing water.

*Any/all optional line items within this contract may or may not be exercised at the discretion of the COR based on availability of funds.

- SDS (safety data sheet) and product labels must be provided to the COR before work begins.

- Contractor will maintain an accurate daily treatment log of work activities and chemicals applied in treatment areas per contract line item. Treatment Log must be provided to the COR before submitting an invoice, or if requested by the COR at any time.

- The daily log must record the Contract Line Item, target NNIS species’, chemical used (product name), quantity of herbicide (volume applied & unit of measure per each target NNIS species’ –including product and carrier/dilutant), application rate (active ingredient applied & unit of measure or percent solution), and adjuvant used (product name & rate applied, if any). The log will record weather information consisting of wind velocity (MPH), wind direction, air temperature (F), condition (cloud cover), and precipitation (inches). Other log requirements include date, time of day (start time and stop time), treatment location, approximate acres treated, hours to complete task, type of application (method/technique), name of licensed commercial applicator, other licensed applicators and non-certified applicators, type of equipment used, plus optional information such as any other miscellaneous notes or observations.

- Contractor equipment must be weed washed / cleaned before being offloaded onto FS property. Project COR will inspect equipment and may require further cleaning before moving to another treatment area as needed.

Equipment must also meet FS fire and safety requirements. Equipment is to be inspected by the COR before work can begin. Equipment inspections must be scheduled with the COR a minimum of three business days prior to the requested date of inspection.

- Contractor must provide a current Indiana Commercial Business License and current pesticide applicators licenses for all employees who will be working on this contract.

Longhorse NNIS

Description and Contract Line Item Number (CLIN)

Estimated

Quantity Unit

Longhorse NNIS (Base Line Item 1)–

Woody NNIS Control –

(Foliar and Cut Stump Herbicide Application)

23.5 Acre

Longhorse NNIS (Optional CLIN2)–

12.5 Acre

Longhorse NNIS (Optional CLIN3)–

15.5 Acre

Longhorse NNIS (Optional CLIN4)–

5 Acre

Longhorse NNIS (Optional CLIN5)–

11.5 Acre

Longhorse NNIS (Optional CLIN6)–

6.5 Acre

5.0 Government Furnished

-Key for FS gates will be provided if necessary.

-Geo Referenced PDF maps will be provided.

6.0 Travel

Contractor is responsible for all travel arrangements and expenses incurred.

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

AGAR 452.237-74 Key Personnel (FEB 1988)

(a) The Contractor shall assign to this contract the following key personnel: Project Manager(s)/On-Site

Foremen/Lead and ensure they have proper licensure according to state requirement:

http://www.isco.purdue.edu/.

http://www.isco.purdue.edu/

(b) The Contractor shall make no substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death, or termination of employment. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer within 15 calendar days after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required by paragraph (c) below.

(c) The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the

Contracting Officer. Proposed substitutes should have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor within 15 calendar days after receipt of all required information of the decision on substitutions. The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.

In addition to the Experience Questionnaire and providing Line Item pricing, the Offeror shall also provide the following:

1) PERSONNEL: Provide the list of employees who will work on the project, and documentation to substantiate the requisite certification and licensing(s) and their training/experience with identifying and working around state-listed rare plants.

A. SUBCONTRACTORS: The same information is required of all proposed subcontractors.

B. **FAILURE TO SUBMIT EMPLOYEE(S) AND SUBCONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE(S) STATE OF

INDIANA (OR RECIPROCAL) LICENSING CERTIFICATION FOR HEBICIDE TREATMENT

WILL RESULT IN THE PROPOSAL BEING DEEMED AS NONRESPONSIVE. OFFEROR AND

SUBCONTRACTOR(S) SHOULD SUBMIT A COPY OF EACH EMPLOYEE CERTIFICATE.

C. Failure to submit employees’ training/experience in native plant identification and experience working around rare plants will be deemed as nonresponsive.

2) WORK PLAN and SCHEDULE: The offeror will provide a description of methods to be used to reach the desired NNIS kill rate. This plan should include herbicides to be used, the application rates (percent active ingredient), herbicide carriers and adjuvants. The Plan should also provide a list of the equipment to be used, both motorized and non-motorized.

A. SUBCONTRACTORS: The same information is required of all proposed subcontractors.

3) SUBCONTRACTOR(s): Provide the name and address of any subcontractor(s) (or partner/joint-venture entity) that will be used on this project. Also include the type of work that the subcontractor will accomplish. If the intent is to allow the subcontractor to work without direct oversight by the offeror, then the subcontractor shall also furnish a safety plan and quality control plan, as described below.

PAST PERFORMANCE NOTE: If an offeror has limited or no relevant project information, this should be addressed in the technical proposal. The Forest Service recognizes that an offeror may have minimal experience. In this instance, it is advised that the offeror address how they intend on insuring successful completion of the work, for example: subcontracting certain aspects of the project.

8.0 Security Requirements

No special clearance required.

9.0 Data Rights

Contractor shall not distribute Government provided data to third parties outside of approved subcontractors.

10.0 Section 508 - Electronic and Information Technology Standards Contractor must have a GPS enabled device with the capability of using georeferenced PDF files or .shp files for navigation.

11.0 Performance Requirement Measures

Contract Line Item No. – Work Requirement

Task / Critical Sub-tasks Inspection requirements *Acceptable Quality

Level (AQL) Monitoring Method

Shrubs and Woody Vines

– Cut Stump & Foliar Herbicide Applications

Contractor will cut taller shrubs and woody vines, and apply herbicide to the cut stems of the target NNIS infestation(s).

Smaller plants will be treated with foliar applications. Applicators will apply herbicide at a sufficient interval to meet or exceed the kill rate on target NNIS infestation(s).

The cut treatment will occur in areas where shrubs/woody vines are too tall for foliar spraying alone to be effective, or where off target species impacts could be high.

At least 95% of target NNIS infestation(s) treated.

No more than 5% mortality to nearby or interspersed desirable non-target native plant species.

AQL determinations are made by the COR upon inspection of the work.

These determinations are unilateral and not protestable

Minimum 90% kill of target NNIS infestation(s)

AND

Less than 5% mortality to non-target plant species’;

or values specified on the

SOW.

Visual Estimate

Foliar Treatment of Herbaceous Invasives

Contractor will apply herbicide to the target NNIS infestation(s). All garlic mustard and lesser celandine plants will be treated with foliar applications. Applicators will apply herbicide at a sufficient interval to meet or exceed the kill rate on target NNIS infestation(s).

At least 95% of target NNIS infestation(s) treated.

No more than 5% mortality to nearby or interspersed desirable non-target native plant species.

AQL determinations are made by the COR upon inspection of the work.

These determinations are protestable

Minimum 90% kill of target NNIS infestation(s) prior to seed production

AND

Less than 5% mortality to non-target plant species’;

or values specified on the

SOW.

Visual Estimate

Schedule (non-Line Item)

Timely Completion of the contract work

Per the Work Schedule, the Contractor will complete all work prior to the contract end date.

AQL determinations are made by the COR upon inspection of the work.

These determinations are protestable

All work must be complete by the end date of the contract and meet the

AQL.

Visual Estimate

Attachment If applicable, include an Attachment stating Evaluation Factors and significant Subfactors representing the key areas of importance and emphasis to be considered in the source selection decision.

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

AWARD DETERMINATION:

In response to this solicitation, the Forest Service intends to award based on best value to the government. All evaluation criteria will be weighted evenly.

An offeror must price all line items.

The offeror is required to submit a response to all technical information requested. Failure to submit a complete technical response may result in proposal not being considered further for potential award. However, failure to submit employee

(s) and subcontractor employee(s) State of Indiana (or reciprocal) licensing certification for herbicide treatment will result in the proposal being deemed as nonresponsive and not considered further for award. Likewise, failure to submit employees training/experience in identification of native plants and prior experience working in areas with rare plants will be deemed as nonresponsive and not considered further for award.

The Contractor shall furnish with their technical submission:

1. Names of staff and their documented education or experience in identifying local desirable native plants, including any rare species, that will work on the contract

2. Names of staff and their past work experience performing similar herbicide application in projects near rare plants and/or their habitat that will work on the site

3. Copies of Indiana Herbicide Licenses for the business and all applicators

4. Site-specific workplan and schedule

5. Safety plan