Attachment_1_-_Revised_Statement_of_Work.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

HERBACEOUS WEED CONTROL & BRUSH MANAGEMENT

USDA NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE (NRCS)

1.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this purchase order is to obtain services in the State of Vermont (VT) for Herbaceous Weed Control and Brush Management for several properties located in the town of Brandon, Colchester, Leicester, and Pittsford Vermont. Description of services is listed below.

2.0 BACKGROUND

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) NRCS has authority to administer voluntary conservation easement programs. All properties involved with this purchase order are enrolled in the former Wetland Reserve Program (WRP), which is now called the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Wetland Reserve Easement component (ACEP-WRE). The Federal government has an in-perpetuity obligation to manage these lands as restored wetlands and wildlife habitat. Invasive herbaceous plants including reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea), Common Reed (Phragmites australis), Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnus), and Honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.) are established in these former agricultural fields, now restored wetlands.

These invasive plants need to be controlled because they are outcompeting native vegetation and decreasing wildlife habitat quality for native reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds.

3.0 SCOPE

The Contractor shall follow the Statement of Work, applicable Federal, State, and Local regulations, and conservation practice standards and specifications to provide Herbaceous Weed Control and Brush Management services for the associated properties. The services entail the following:

1. Herbaceous Weed Control (315) – controlling a minimum of 90% of the invasive herbaceous plant species within targeted areas while minimizing impacts to non-target plants and animals.

2. Brush Management (314) – controlling a minimum of 90% of the invasive shrub plant species within targeted areas while minimizing impacts to non-target plants and animals.

4.0 STANDARDS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Contractor shall follow the Statement of Work, applicable Federal, State, and Local regulations, and conservation practice standards and specifications to provide Herbaceous Weed Control and Brush Management services.

The individual Conservation Practice Standards and Specifications can be found at https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/VT/TABLE_OF_CONSERVATION_PRACTICES.pd

f. Other specifications specific to this contracted work are listed in Section V., Description of Services of this Statement of Work.

Please see Attachment 2. General Location Map, for the grouping of properties. Please see Attachment

3. Location Map, for specific property access and location. Please see Attachment 4. Invasive Plant Control Map, for the acreage and location of targeted invasive plant species identified for each

Solicitation 121A2318Q0020 Attachment 1 https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/VT/TABLE_OF_CONSERVATION_PRACTICES.pdf property. Please see Attachment 5. Invasive Plant Control Plan, for invasive plant specific control information for each property. Please see attachment 6. Conservation Practice Job Sheets. Please see attachment 7. Invasive Control Plan – Contractor Record and Certification of Conformance for the template for reporting completed work.

The Contractor will follow all Vermont Pesticide laws and label requirements and maintain appropriate Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). MSDS and herbicide labels may be accessed on the Internet at:

http://www.greenbook.net/

The Contractor must have current commercial pesticide applicator Core and Category 2 Forest Pest certifications with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture. The Contractor will provide a copy of these certifications along with their quote for performing these Herbaceous Weed Control and Brush Management services.

The Contractor will carry out activities during appropriate weather conditions so that herbicide treatment is effective and impacts to non-target plants and animals are reduced.

The Contractor will develop a safety plan for individuals exposed to chemicals, including telephone numbers and addresses of emergency treatment centers and the telephone number for the nearest poison control center. The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) telephone number in Corvallis, Oregon, may also be given for non-emergency information: 1-800-858-7384, Monday to Friday 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time. The national Chemical Transportation Emergency Center (CHEMTRAC) telephone number is: 1-800-424-9300. The Contractor will provide a copy of this safety plan to NRCS before beginning the initial Herbaceous Weed Control and Brush Management treatment.

The Contractor will follow label requirements for mixing/loading setbacks from wells, intermittent streams and rivers, natural or impounded ponds and lakes, and reservoirs.

The Contractor will post signs, according to label directions and/or federal, state, tribal, and local laws, around fields that have been treated. Follow restricted entry intervals.

The Contractor will dispose of herbicide and herbicide containers in accordance with label directions and adhere to federal, state, tribal, and local regulations.

The Contractor will calibrate application equipment according to recommendations before each seasonal use and with each major chemical and site change.

The Contractor will replace worn nozzle tips, cracked hoses, and faulty gauges on spray equipment.

The Contractor will attend the pre-implementation meetings with the NRCS representative(s). The discussions and decisions shall be documented by the NRCS and the Contractor.

The Contractor will effectively communicate to NRCS the status of the Herbaceous Weed Control and Brush Management Services, beginning with the start of the first practice and through to completion.

The contractor must notify the NRCS Inspector at least 24 hours before proceeding with the first

Solicitation 121A2318Q0020 Attachment 1 treatment at each property.

The Contractor will communicate scheduling conflicts ahead of time. Any changes or modifications to the planned treatment acres will be communicated to and approved by NRCS.

The Contractor will evaluate the success of the Herbaceous Weed Control and Brush Management practice by evaluating regrowth or reoccurrence of target species after sufficient time has passed to monitor the situation and gather reliable data. Length of evaluation periods will depend on the herbaceous weeds species being monitored, proximity of propagules (seeds, plant materials and roots) to the site, transport mode of seeds (wind or animals) and methods and materials used.

The Contractor will monitor and perform any necessary follow-up treatments on any re-growth of the controlled invasive plant species or new noxious or invasive species in entire targeted treatment area during the two successive years after the initial treatment.

The Contractor will submit the following Records of Application documentation to NRCS within 14 days of Herbaceous Weed Control and Brush Management completion, on the Invasive Control Plan – Contractor Record and Certification of Conformance:

1. Extent of practice application (i.e. number of acres) and corresponding map

2. List of materials and methods used for practice implementation (see more specific deliverables for each practice below) and estimated hours of labor

Specific documentation for deliverables is listed below:

1. Herbaceous Weed Control

• Plant species controlled and percent kill of target species

• Extent of practice application (i.e. number of acres)

• Time and Dates of treatment

• Chemicals applied product brand name & active ingredients (also carriers, surfactants, and/or dyes if used)

• Product EPA Registration Number

• Amount of herbicide applied

• Method of application, including general equipment used

2. Brush Management

• Plant species controlled and percent kill of target species

• Extent of practice application (i.e. number of acres)

• Time and Dates of treatment

• Chemicals applied product brand name & active ingredients (also carriers, surfactants, and/or dyes if used)

• Product EPA Registration Number

• Amount of herbicide applied

• Method of application, including general equipment used

5.0 DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

1. Herbaceous Weed Control and Brush Management

Property: Adams WRE Acres: 11 acres Control of common reed (Phragmites australis), reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea), European alder (Alnus glutinosa), Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnus), and Honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.)

Buckthorn and honeysuckle are found in the southwestern portion of the easement near the boundary. The majority of the stems observed were located along the edge of the forested area and observed as relatively small plants or as seedlings. Percent cover is estimated to be 3% in the 6.0 acre treatment area. This area of honeysuckle and buckthorn is sparse and spread out. Adequate time will be needed to scout out all plants and seedlings.

Phragmites is found in two small patches in the southwestern portion of the easement (overlaps with the honeysuckle and buckthorn treatment area). These patches seem relatively new and are in low densities. Percent cover is estimated to be 15% in each 0.1 acre treatment area.

Reed canary grass is found throughout the easement, however, treatment will focus in the southeastern portion of the easement where planned tree and shrub establishment is scheduled. This area of reed canary grass is dense and well established (85% cover). The total anticipated treatment area of reed canary grass is approximately 3.0 acres.

Another invasive species of concern on this easement is European Alder (Alnus glutinosa).

Approximately 62 European alders were planted in 2011 (mistaken as the native Speckled Alder) and was subsequently treated in 2014-2015. Scouting should be performed in the planting locations to find and treat any remaining seedlings or re-sprouts on site.

See attachment 4 for specific treatment locations.

While the aforementioned species have been identified on site and compose the bulk of the treatment needs, all commonly known invasive plants (e.g. barberry, garlic mustard, etc.)

encountered during application will be controlled within the treatment area.

The goal for this treatment is at least 90% reduction in the invasive plant cover after the initial application. Two additional years of follow-up treatment are planned to treat surviving re-sprouting rhizomes. (See Performance of Services).

Treatment options and specifications for phragmites can be found in the Common Reed Conservation Practice Job Sheet. Treatment options and specifications for reed canarygrass and yellow iris can be found in the Herbaceous Weed Control Conservation Practice Job Sheet.

Treatment options and specifications for European alder can be found in the Buckthorns Conservation Practice Job Sheet. Treatment options for honeysuckle can be found in the Shrub Honeysuckles Conservation Practice Job Sheet.

(https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/VT/TABLE_OF_CONSERVATION_PRACTICE S.pdf).

Solicitation 121A2318Q0020 Attachment 1

The best time to treat phragmites is in late summer/early fall after the plant has flowered.

Treatment of reed canary grass should occur in spring and summer when the plant is green and growing. The best time to treat honeysuckles, both buckthorns and European alder is between August and October when the plant is transporting nutrients to its root system.

Treatment of these invasive plants will occur using an appropriate aquatic approved herbicide, surfactant, and dye. Due to the presence of uncommon and rare species and natural communities, care must be taken to avoid treating non-target species and prevent any herbicide reaching surface waters on site. Avoid wet rainy conditions when amphibians may be active at or near the ground surface. Avoid direct spray on any wildlife found in the treatment area.

2. Herbaceous Weed Control and Brush Management

Property: Cadwell WRE Acres: 2.1 acres Control of common reed (Phragmites australis), and Honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.)

There is one area on this easement where honeysuckle is present in significant quantities: on the eastern part of the easement in the small forest patch. This area of honeysuckle is well established.

The percent cover of honeysuckle is approximately 5% in the 2.0 acre treatment area. Honeysuckle is sparsely spread throughout the forest patch and care should be taken to treat all plants in the area.

Phragmites is found in the northern tip of the easement along the boundary. This phragmites patch seems fairly new and is not that dense (25% cover) and is estimated to be over 6 feet tall.

See attachment 4 for specific treatment locations.

While the aforementioned species have been identified on site and compose the bulk of the treatment needs, all commonly known invasive plants (e.g. barberry, garlic mustard, etc.)

encountered during application will be controlled within the treatment area.

The goal for this treatment is at least 90% reduction in the invasive plant cover after the initial application. Two additional years of follow-up treatment are planned to treat surviving re-sprouting rhizomes. (See Performance of Services).

Treatment options and specifications for phragmites can be found in the Common Reed Conservation Practice Job Sheet. Treatment options for honeysuckle can be found in the Shrub Honeysuckles Conservation Practice Job Sheet.

(https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/VT/TABLE_OF_CONSERVATION_PRACTICE S.pdf).

The best time to treat phragmites is in late summer/early fall after the plant has flowered. The best time to treat honeysuckles is between August and October when the plant is transporting nutrients to its root system.

Treatment of these invasive plants will occur using an appropriate aquatic approved herbicide, surfactant, and dye. Due to the presence of uncommon and rare species and natural communities, Solicitation 121A2318Q0020 Attachment 1 care must be taken to avoid treating non-target species and prevent any herbicide reaching surface waters on site. Avoid wet rainy conditions when amphibians may be active at or near the ground

3. Herbaceous Weed Control and Brush Management

Property: Imhof WRE Acres: 12.5 acres Control of common reed (Phragmites australis), reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea), and Honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.)

There are two areas on this easement where honeysuckle and buckthorn are present in significant quantities: (1) in the western easement along the boundary bordering Route 73 and (2) in the eastern easement in the southwestern portion along the boundary bordering Route 73. These patches of honeysuckle and buckthorn are well established. The percent cover of honeysuckle and buckthorn is approximately 10% in the 11.5 acre treatment area. In some places buckthorn and honeysuckle are dense and in others more spread out. In general, the plants are mostly mature (seed bearing and well established) but care should be taken to treat seedlings as well.

Phragmites is found in the eastern easement, along the southern tip near the boundary bordering Route 73. This phragmites patch is dense (75% cover) and is estimated to be over 6 feet tall. A total of 1.0 acres are scheduled to be treated.

See attachment 4 for specific treatment locations.

While the aforementioned species have been identified on site and compose the bulk of the treatment needs, all commonly known invasive plants (e.g. barberry, garlic mustard, etc.)

encountered during application will be controlled within the treatment area.

The goal for this treatment is at least 90% reduction in the invasive plant cover after the initial application. Two additional years of follow-up treatment are planned to treat surviving re-sprouting rhizomes. (See Performance of Services).

Treatment options and specifications for phragmites can be found in the Common Reed Conservation Practice Job Sheet. Treatment options and specifications for reed canarygrass can be found in the Herbaceous Weed Control Conservation Practice Job Sheet. Treatment options for honeysuckle can be found in the Shrub Honeysuckles Conservation Practice Job Sheet.

(https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/VT/TABLE_OF_CONSERVATION_PRACTICE S.pdf).

The best time to treat phragmites is in late summer/early fall after the plant has flowered.

Treatment of reed canary grass should occur in spring and summer when the plant is green and growing. The best time to treat honeysuckles is between August and October when the plant is transporting nutrients to its root system.

Treatment of these invasive plants will occur using an appropriate aquatic approved herbicide, surfactant, and dye. Due to the presence of uncommon and rare species and natural communities, care must be taken to avoid treating non-target species and prevent any herbicide reaching surface

Solicitation 121A2318Q0020 Attachment 1

4. Herbaceous Weed Control and Brush Management

Property: Lamoureux WRE Acres: 8.6 acres Control of Common Reed (Phragmites australis), Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), and Honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.)

The invasive species requiring treatment on the Lamoureux WRE easement are exotic bush Honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.), Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica L.), and Common Reed (Phragmites australis). Honeysuckle and buckthorn are found throughout the riparian area on the western boundary of the easement. These patches of honeysuckle and buckthorn are fairly established and spread throughout. Many of these stems are mature with other smaller saplings and seedlings scattered throughout the majority of the Otter Creek boundary. Adequate time will be needed to scout out all mature plants and seedlings. Treatment will help prevent the spread of honeysuckle and buckthorn further into the easement and allow for native tree species to recolonize the area. The total anticipated treatment area of honeysuckle and buckthorn is approximately 8.5 acres (see attached map for location). In general, the plants are mostly mature (seed bearing and well established) but care should be taken to treat seedlings as well.

Phragmites is found just north of the easement access area. This phragmites patch is recent and approximate cover is 1%. A total of 0.1 acres are schedules to be treated. Treatment will help control phragmites before it becomes more widespread.

See attachment 4 for specific treatment locations.

While the aforementioned species have been identified on site and compose the bulk of the treatment needs, all commonly known invasive plants (e.g. barberry, garlic mustard, etc.)

encountered during application will be controlled within the treatment area.

The goal for this treatment is at least 90% reduction in the invasive plant cover after the initial application. Two additional years of follow-up treatment are planned to treat surviving re-sprouting rhizomes. (See Performance of Services).

Treatment options and specifications for phragmites can be found in the Common Reed Conservation Practice Job Sheet. Treatment options and specifications for common buckthorn can be found in the Buckthorn Conservation Practice Job Sheet. Treatment options for honeysuckle can be found in the Shrub Honeysuckles Conservation Practice Job Sheet.

(https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/VT/TABLE_OF_CONSERVATION_PRACTICE S.pdf).

Treatment of phragmites should occur in the late summer/early fall after the plant has flowered.

The best time to treat honeysuckles and buckthorns is between August and October when the plant is transporting nutrients to its root system.

Treatment of these invasive plants will occur using an appropriate aquatic approved herbicide, surfactant, and dye. Due to the presence of uncommon and rare species and natural communities, care must be taken to avoid treating non-target species and prevent any herbicide reaching surface waters on site. Avoid wet rainy conditions when amphibians may be active at or near the ground

5. Herbaceous Weed Control and Brush Management

Property: Leavitt WRE Acres: 8.6 acres Control of common reed (Phragmites australis) and European alder (Alnus glutinosa)

There is one patch of European alder in the southern portion of the easement. This patch of European alder was previously treated, however, treated plants have started to re-sprout from trunks and seeds. Adequate time will be needed to scout out all mature plants and seedlings. Treatment will help prevent the spread of European alder further into the easement and allow for native tree species to recolonize the area. The percent cover of European alder is approximately 1% in the 3.5 acre treatment area (see attached map for location).

Phragmites is found in two portions of the easement, (1) along the southern tip near the boundary bordering Route 73, and (2) in the central western portion of the easement. These phragmites patches are dense (90% cover) and are estimated to be over 6 feet tall. A total of 5.1 acres are scheduled to be treated. Treatment will help stop the spread of phragmites further into the easement and will allow native vegetation to recolonize the area.

See attachment 4 for specific treatment locations.

While the aforementioned species have been identified on site and compose the bulk of the treatment needs, all commonly known invasive plants (e.g. barberry, garlic mustard, etc.)

encountered during application will be controlled within the treatment area.

The goal for this treatment is at least 90% reduction in the invasive plant cover after the initial application. Two additional years of follow-up treatment are planned to treat surviving re-sprouting rhizomes. (See Performance of Services).

Treatment options and specifications for phragmites can be found in the Common Reed Conservation Practice Job Sheet. Treatment options and specifications for European alder can be found in the Buckthorns Conservation Practice Job Sheet.

(https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/VT/TABLE_OF_CONSERVATION_PRACTICE S.pdf).

The best time to treat phragmites is in late summer/early fall after the plant has flowered. The best time to treat European alder is between August and October when the plant is transporting nutrients to its root system.

Treatment of these invasive plants will occur using an appropriate aquatic approved herbicide, surfactant, and dye. Due to the presence of uncommon and rare species and natural communities, Solicitation 121A2318Q0020 Attachment 1 care must be taken to avoid treating non-target species and prevent any herbicide reaching surface

6. Herbaceous Weed Control and Brush Management

Property: Leblanc WRE Acres: 6.5 acres Control of reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), and Honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.)

Reed canary grass is found throughout most of the easement, however, treatment will focus on the riparian area and around installed depressions. These areas of reed canary grass are very dense and well established (75% cover). The total anticipated treatment area of reed canary grass is approximately 4.3 acres.

Honeysuckle is found in the northern corner of the easement. This patch of honeysuckle is well established. The total anticipated treatment area of honeysuckle is approximately 2.2 acres

See attachment 4 for specific treatment locations.

While the aforementioned species have been identified on site and compose the bulk of the treatment needs, all commonly known invasive plants (e.g. barberry, garlic mustard, etc.)

encountered during application will be controlled within the treatment area.

The goal for this treatment is at least 90% reduction in the invasive plant cover after the initial application. Two additional years of follow-up treatment are planned to treat surviving re-sprouting rhizomes. (See Performance of Services).

Treatment options and specifications for reed canary grass can be found in the Herbaceous Weed Control Conservation Practice Job Sheet. Treatment options for honeysuckle can be found in the Shrub Honeysuckles Conservation Practice Job Sheet.

(https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/VT/TABLE_OF_CONSERVATION_PRACTICE S.pdf).

Treatment of reed canary grass should occur in spring and summer when the plant is green and growing. The best time to treat honeysuckles is between August and October when the plant is transporting nutrients to its root system.

Treatment of these invasive plants will occur using an appropriate aquatic approved herbicide, surfactant, and dye. Due to the presence of uncommon and rare species and natural communities, care must be taken to avoid treating non-target species and prevent any herbicide reaching surface waters on site. Avoid wet rainy conditions when amphibians may be active at or near the ground

7. Herbaceous Weed Control and Brush Management

Property: Stone West WRE Acres: 5.8 acres Control of common reed (Phragmites australis), Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), Glossy

Solicitation 121A2318Q0020 Attachment 1

Buckthorn (Frangula alnus).

Phragmites is found in the northeastern portion of the easement and in the central portion along the boundary. These phragmites patches are fairly dense (85% cover) and are estimated to be over 6 feet tall. Both patches of phragmites have started to spread into the adjacent forest. Care should be taken to treat only phragmites and not native tree species.

Buckthorn was observed to have invaded the western boundary of the easement. It was found in higher densities near the road boundary and in more sparse patches along the boundary heading south until finally ending at the cedar swamp. Only mature stems were observed, however, adequate time should be used to scout out all mature plants and seedlings. Treatment will help prevent the spread of buckthorn further into the easement and allow for native tree species to recolonize the area. The total anticipated treatment area of buckthorn is approximately 5.0 acres

See attachment 4 for specific treatment locations.

While the aforementioned species have been identified on site and compose the bulk of the treatment needs, all commonly known invasive plants (e.g. barberry, garlic mustard, etc.)

encountered during application will be controlled within the treatment area.

The goal for this treatment is at least 90% reduction in the invasive plant cover after the initial application. Two additional years of follow-up treatment are planned to treat surviving re-sprouting rhizomes. (See Performance of Services).

Treatment options and specifications for phragmites can be found in the Common Reed Conservation Practice Job Sheet. Treatment options and specifications for Buckthorn can be found in the Buckthorns Conservation Practice Job Sheet.

(https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/VT/TABLE_OF_CONSERVATION_PRACTICE S.pdf).

Treatment of these invasive species should occur during the late growing season (August-October).

Treatment of these invasive plants will occur using an appropriate aquatic approved herbicide, surfactant, and dye. Due to the presence of uncommon and rare species and natural communities, care must be taken to avoid treating non-target species and prevent any herbicide reaching surface

6.0 PERFORMANCE OF SERVICES:

The time spent to perform these items shall vary depending on the complexity of the site. The contractor will have 1095 days to complete this project.

Time of award – 2019 Initial application of Herbaceous Weed Control and Brush Management to all targeted areas within the growing season

2020 Monitoring of all targeted areas and follow up Herbaceous Weed Control and Brush Management as needed within the growing season

2021 Monitoring of all targeted areas and follow up Herbaceous Weed Control and Brush Management as needed within the growing season

7.0 DELIVERABLES

Item No.

Deliverable/

Item Title

Description

Frequency

Delivery Format

Due By

1 Core and Category 2 Forest Pest certifications with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture

Annual proof of pesticide application license certifications

Once per year

Via email to COR

The 1st business day of May for each year of the contract award

2 Safety plan for individuals exposed to chemicals

This plan will be used in the event of an accident or emergency

Once per contract award

Via email to COR

On the 1st business day of May in the year of the contract award

3 Pre-implementation meeting attendance

Contractor will attend meetings before commencing initial treatment at each property

Once per each year of contract award for each property

In person

On the 1st day of planned Herbaceous Weed Control and Brush Management for each property for each year of the contract award

4 Communication with NRCS

The contractor must notify the NRCS Inspector at least 24 hours before proceeding with the first treatment at

Once per each year of contract award for each property

Via text, phone call, or email to COR and

NRCS

At least 24 hours before proceeding with the first treatment at each property for each year of the contract award.

each property. Inspect or

5 Records of herbicide application

The contractor must provide NRCS with completed Invasive Control Plan – Contractor Record and Certification of Conformance

As needed and at least once per each year of contract award for each property

Via email to COR and

NRCS

Inspect or

Within 14 days of Herbaceous Weed Control and Brush Management completion

6 Evaluation of Herbaceous Weed Control and Brush Management Success

The contractor must provide NRCS with a map of the area treated and the invasive plant control success evaluation results

Once per each year of contract award for each property

Via email to COR and

NRCS

Inspect or

Within 30 days of Herbaceous Weed Control and Brush Management completion

8.0 CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS

Requirements for applying conservation practice Herbaceous Weed Control and Brush Management:

1. The Contractor must have current commercial pesticide applicator Core and Category 2 Forest Pest certifications with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture which will be provided to NRCS with the quote and then once annually for each year of the contract award.

2. Applicators must have excellent tree and shrub identification skills as there may be native plants in the treatment area. This will be demonstrated by providing a written description of the Contractor’s knowledge, skills, abilities and experience in invasive plant control regarding the targeted invasive plant species.

The pesticide certification terms are from VT Agency of Agriculture:

http://agriculture.vermont.gov/pesticide_regulation/applicator_dealer_resources/commercial_applicator s

9.0 CIVIL RIGHTS AND PROGRAM DELIVERY

By signing this contract the Contractor assures the USDA that the program or activities provided for under this agreement will be conducted in compliance with all applicable Federal civil rights laws, rules, regulations, and policies. Any and all information gained through this Statement of Work or in the process of carrying out the Herbaceous Weed Control and Brush Management project are to be held confidential between the Contractor, NRCS, other designated partners and the landowner unless released by the landowner. Information gained may not be shared with others and are considered private to the landowner. The Contractor will protect the privacy of information collected during the technical assistance process according to the provisions of Section 1619 of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008.

10.0 CONTRACTING OFFICER (CO)

The designated Contracting Agency for this Statement of Work is NRCS. All administrative matters regarding this Statement of Work shall be directed to either the Contracting Specialist:

Gay Mullen-Brown, Contract Specialist

USDA NRCS

Contracting Services Branch, Team 1 Phone: (517) 324-5236 Email: Gay.Mullen@wdc.usda.gov

Only the CO may authorize changes to this Statement of Work.

http://agriculture.vermont.gov/pesticide_regulation/applicator_dealer_resources/commercial_applicators http://agriculture.vermont.gov/pesticide_regulation/applicator_dealer_resources/commercial_applicators mailto:Gay.Mullen@wdc.usda.gov