US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Statement of Work

Contents Project

General Information

1.0 Scope of Work

2.0 Background

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

4.0 Government Furnished

5.0 Deliverables / Schedule

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

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Project Green Mountain Finger Lakes Invasive Species Map and Control

General Information

1.0 Scope of Work

The Green Mountain Finger Lakes National Forest (also referred to as “forest”) is seeking contractor support in the control and mapping of nonnative invasive species (NNIP) of plants using a combination of manual, mechanical, physical, and chemical treatments. Invasive plant control activities will be conducted along disturbance corridors (e.g. roads, trails, utility corridors, fence lines, and riparian corridors), at developed sites (e.g. campgrounds, recreation sites, and administration sites), at disturbed sites (e.g. timber harvest units and maintained openings), and in relatively undisturbed places (e.g. forest interiors).

NNIP is also known as Regulated Introduced Plant Species (RIPS) in the state of Vermont.

This contract is part of a forest-wide project to map, remove and control undesirable non-invasive species of herbaceous plants, grasses, vines/semi-woody vines, shrubs and trees on the Green Mountain Finger Lakes National Forest. The treatment for various infestations of NNIP will depend on factors such as species; species phenology; location and accessibility; patch size; new invader or established population; concentration of NNIP; distance to surface and ground water resources; distance to special features or natural resources; surrounding vegetation; potential for successful treatment; and exposure to public. NNIP plant treatments may include the use of hand methods and chemicals to eliminate NNIP when possible or at least appreciably reduce their presence in the treatment areas. While an initial inventory of NNIP plants throughout the Green Mountain Finger Lakes National Forest has been completed; inventory continues. The project adopts an adaptive management strategy, which will result in changes in treatment strategies if Forest Service monitoring of treatment areas indicates that treatment objectives are not being met.

2.0 Background

The project will occur on the Rochester, Middlebury, and Manchester Districts of the Green Mountain Finger Lakes National Forest. Future work may include the Hector District. The control of non-native invasive plants (NNIP) is important in many areas on the Forest; the work in this contract specifically focuses on NNIP infestations within or immediately adjacent to timber sales. NNIP survey or treatment work needs to occur prior to timber harvest per NEPA regulations. This contract is to support the timber program and ensure NNIP are mapped and treated prior to timber harvest. Timber harvests have the potential to spread known infestations to other areas of the Forest. These infestations can result in a loss of biological diversity, loss of natural wildlife habitat, and adverse impacts to other forest resources. It is a goal for the Green Mountains National Forest, as listed in the Forest Plan, to “minimize adverse effects of non-native invasive species on National Forest resources through containment, abatement, and introduction prevention” (Forest Plan, p. 12).

The timber units (labeled as “Sites”) and the invasive plant species to be treated are listed in Appendix B at the end of this document. These timber units are scheduled to be harvested soon, and the NNIP populations must be treated prior to harvest. The purpose of this contract is to conduct targeted survey and control/treatment measures to prevent further spread of NNIP populations during and after-timber harvest.

Much previous work has been conducted on invasive species mapping, treatment, and control in the Green Mountain National Forest, but NNIP infestations remain an ongoing issue. Timber harvests are planned in new untreated areas, known populations of NNIP continue to expand, and the extent of NNIP infestations is so large that constant prevention and control are needed. This contract supports ongoing efforts to map and treat NNIP infestations throughout the Forest. The vision is that each management area, including timber sales, recreation sites including trails, parking lots, and campgrounds, ecologically special areas, and areas with known rare plants or animals, will have invasive species mapping and treatment.

This contract will require the use of GIS technology. The contractor may choose to use handheld GPS devices or Tablets.

An option to use Field Maps and Survey 123 will be available. Georeferenced pdf maps for Avenza are included in the contract package and are referenced in Appendix A below. Additionally, shapefiles and an Arc GIS online project have been created for this project and will be provided to the successful bidder. A spreadsheet summary of project locations will be provided.

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

Surveys will be conducted, and herbicide application will be applied to specific target areas (timber sale units) throughout the Forest. Herbicide treatment categories were created and are outlined below. These categories were created because some NNIP populations will require different treatment types than others.

Herbicide Treatment of Woody Vegetation Category 1

1.1 -Roadside and/or Trailside and/or along utility corridors woody NNIP (Vehicle Access) – (Selective Herbicide and/or Non-selective Herbicide). Cut stump, basal bark spray, and/or foliar spot application of herbicides utilizing hand-held and backpack sprayers or truck, ATV or UTV mounted sprayers with a single nozzle application within a drivable road or utility corridor. For the cut stump method treatments involve utilizing hand shears, loppers, axes, brush saws and/or chain saws to cut stems and apply herbicides to stumps. Method of treatment will be assigned in the task order. Examples of target species: buckthorns, Asian honeysuckles, and other invasive trees and shrubs.

The contractor will be responsible for treating all infestations of target species within 30 feet of either side of roads, trails, or utility corridors. If infestations along a roadway, trail, or utility corridor extend to beyond 30 feet, the contractor will treat this extra area making sure to treat the entire infestation and inform the COR of additional treatment and locations of treatments.

1.2 -Open land and/or Trailside and/or along utility corridors woody NNIP (Not Accessible by Vehicles) – (Selective Herbicide and/or Non-selective Herbicide). Cut stump, basal bark spray, and/or foliar spot application of herbicides utilizing hand-held and backpack sprayers within ¼ mile of a drivable road or utility corridor. For the cut stump method treatments involve utilizing hand shears, loppers, axes, brush saws and/or chain saws to cut stems and apply herbicides to stumps. Method of treatment will be assigned in the task order. Examples of target species: buckthorns, Asian honeysuckles, and other invasive trees and shrubs.

Foliar Herbicide Treatment of Flowering Plants, Grasses, Vines/Semi-woody Vines Category 2

2.1 - Roadside and/or Trailside and/or along utility corridors non-woody NNIP (Vehicle Access) – (Selective Herbicide and/or Non-selective Herbicide). Foliar spot application of herbicides utilizing hand-held and backpack sprayers or truck, ATV or UTV mounted sprayers with a single nozzle application within a drivable road or utility corridor. Examples of target species: spotted knapweed, non-native thistles, or leafy spurge.

The contractor will be responsible for treating all infestations of target species within 30 feet of either side of roads, trails, or utility corridors. If infestations along a roadway, trail, or utility corridor extend to beyond 30 feet, the contractor will treat this extra area making sure to treat the entire infestation and inform the COR of additional treatment and locations of treatments.

Survey and Record Populations of Non-Native Invasive Plants Category 3

3.1 – Survey and Record Non-Native Invasive Plants (NNIP) (Not Accessible by Vehicles) – Survey portions of National Forest land to scout for NNIP and collect detailed observation data. Use Mapping tools (GPS) and software (i.e. Field Maps) to record populations of non-native plants and attributes about the NNIP population.

There are a total of 76.54 acres of NNIP. However, at almost all sites, the area at the site has overlapping populations of both woody and herbaceous species, as well as some NNIP that are easily accessible and some that are not. We broke apart the work in this contract into different treatment vegetation categories (1.1, 1.2, 2.1), so some of the acres were doubled to account for this. For example, a site may require both foliar spray of herbaceous vegetation, and a more targeted spray (e.g. cut stump or basal bark application) of woody vegetation in the same spot. We felt that double counting these areas was necessary in order to accurately reflect the amount of work we are asking the contractors to

do. The NNIP populations in treatment categories 1.1 and 2.1 are accessible by vehicle. The populations in treatment category 1.2 are not. Thus, the total acreage to be treated is 174.38 acres. See Appendix B.

Overlapping treatment areas are not separately payable. However, the survey area in Catamount Cobble can be separately payable from the treatment areas. Acreage figures are gross unit footprints. Mobilization costs include travel to each site, time and cost to transport equipment, pre and post work meetings.

Methods Editable GIS polygons and/or shapefiles, and site instructions will be available post award. Densities are unknown and species are final. Access points are known but can change if an easier access point is discovered post-award. Population boundaries are somewhat final. However, the treatment area boundaries may shift depending on the actual footprint of the populations on the ground. Some of these sites have surveys that are slightly out of date. If the population of NNIP has expanded since the surveys were conducted, the contractors will be asked to treat the entire population of NNIP, even if it expands slightly outside of the treatment GIS polygon and/or shapefile given to the contractor. This can be negotiated with the contractor and the COR post-award.

Treatment methods are flexible and can be decided post-award. The treatment for various infestations of NNIP will depend on factors such as species; species phenology; location and accessibility; patch size; new invader or established population; concentration of NNIP; distance to surface and ground water resources; distance to special features or natural resources; surrounding vegetation; potential for successful treatment; and exposure to public. NNIP plant treatments may include the use of hand methods and chemicals to eliminate NNIP when possible or at least appreciably reduce their presence in the treatment areas.

For example, some species are better treated in the spring, and some are better treated in the fall. Treatment timing will depend on species phenology.

Contractors must check in with the COR after award and prior to treatment applications to communicate their chosen methods. Methods chosen must be communicated to the COR prior to treatment.

The contractor’s schedule of work must be communicated to the COR prior to treatment occurring. Meaning, the times and dates that they plan to be at each site, as well as the times and dates that treatment occurred. This allows for timely quality control. See the Quality Control section of this document for more detail on this topic.

Editable GIS polygons and site instructions will be available post award. Bidding assumptions:

• The GIS polygons and acreages provided represent the best available delineation of treatment areas

• Contractors will be expected to keep track of the areas that they have treated. If they choose to use ArcGIS online platforms, they will be expected to update and edit polygons in real time within the online project platform once work begins. If they opt out of the online platforms, they will be expected to create new shapefiles of the treated area, to be shared with the Forest upon project completion.

• Any refinements (made by the Forest) to treatment boundaries after award will be minor adjustments only (less than an acre at each site), consistent with on‑the‑ground conditions and project intent.

o NNIP populations may shift or expand over time. At some sites, some populations may have expanded slightly outside of the provided GIS polygons. Contractors are expected to treat these plants anyway, even if they are slightly outside of the GIS polygon.

• If field‑verified infestation boundaries result in a material change to the gross footprint (increase or decrease), adjustments will be handled through COR approval and, if needed, a formal contract modification.

• If additional money is available, the COR will ask if the contractors would like to add to the overall acreage to be treated. Conversely, if the contractor’s offer is good but the available government funds won’t cover the entire acreage in the contract, some acres may be dropped.

General Herbicide Procedures and Specifications

The following specifications provide criteria pertaining to herbicide application and NNIP treatment where work would occur under this contract according to FS policy, the Green Mountain Finger Lakes National Forest Plans and project specific design criteria.

The Green Mountain Finger Lakes National Forest has approved only the following herbicides:

Herbicide selection is dependent on the NNIP plants targeted for control treatment, surrounding vegetation, distance to ground and surface water, soil type, and other non-target resources that may be impacted by herbicide applications.

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.

Applicators would 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. Contractors, as well as all subcontractors, must have a valid Vermont commercial pesticide applicators license.

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

The contractor must have herbicide labels and copies of material safety data sheets (MSDS or the new SDS) 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.

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 or adjacent to waterways and wetlands such as the aquatic formulation of glyphosate (Rodeo ® or equivalent product).

This contract does not allow any aerial spraying. Broadcast applications may be permitted for dense infestations along roads. Where appropriate, vehicle or ATV/UTV/OHV mounted sprayers is permissible to apply herbicides with a spot spray technique in designated old fields or native grassland openings, and along roads. Other spot spraying typically involves the use of backpack sprayers or other hand techniques, and along with designated motorized trails where ATV/UTV/OHV mounted sprayers are also permissible.

Except for selected areas of dense infestations of NNIP where herbicide use could occur throughout the year or areas, foliar application will most likely occur when native plants are not dormant and by spot- spraying of target species. For other herbicide applications during the growing season, the contract will require the use of selective herbicides or a selective method of application to reduce effects on the surrounding non-target vegetation. Other work may involve NNIP control of woody shrubs, trees, and woody vines by using a combination of herbicide treatment and mowing or cutting.

Contractors 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.

Where necessary per label directions, caution signs may include temporary closure of treatment areas. These areas typically include campgrounds, trails and trail heads, day-use areas and administrative sites.

Foliar herbicide application will occur mainly after full leaf expansion, and applicators will apply herbicides in a systematic fashion to provide coverage to the entire NNIP infestation. Contractor shall apply foliar spray in such a manner to thoroughly wet foliage, but not to the point of runoff to avoid harm or mortality to desirable non-target plant species.

Contractor will conduct treatments to at least 90-95% of the specified project area(s) of the target NNIP infestation(s). Contractor will conduct treatments at a sufficient interval and concentration to meet or exceed the kill rate ranging from 85-90% for target NNIP infestations, and with no more than 10-15% mortality to nearby or interspersed desirable non-target native plant species because of inadvertent treatment or overspray of herbicides (refer to Quality Assurance Plan).

The Contractor shall progressively accomplish the work at a rate that will result in completion of the contract within the time specified as determined by the final accepted work schedule.

Forest Service COR or Contract Inspectors may conduct visual inspection of NNIP treatments on site to check on their progression to the specified requirements of the contract. The COR may conduct random inspections and sampling to verify acceptable kill rates to target NNIP infestations and mortality to non-target desirable native plants. At the discretion of the COR, the Forest Service will accept work based on visual inspection, to confirm kill rates to both target NNIP species and non- target native plant species.

All herbicide applicator staff must be able to identify target NNIP plant species in the field, including during dormant seasons.

Recordkeeping

The Contractor will maintain an accurate daily log record of herbicide used in each area (see next section for the required elements). Other minimum record requirements include copies of hazardous material handling certificates, copies of material safety data sheets (MSDS) of chemicals used, and the location of the waste site and/or use destination locations.

Daily Logs/Diary Contractor will maintain an accurate daily treatment log of work activities and chemicals applied in treatment areas, with a copy made available to the COR at billing or upon request. At a minimum, the Contractor shall provide to the COR, a copy of the daily treatment log no later than submission of the final invoice. When invoicing partial work payments, the Contractor shall provide information from the daily diary regarding the herbicide treatments done for the relevant specific contract line items. The daily log must record the Contract Line Item, target NNIP species’, chemical used (product name), quantity of herbicide (volume applied & unit of measure per each target NNIP 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.

Equipment Cleanliness Prior to starting work, the Contractor must clean all off and on-road equipment (e.g. ATV, UTV, truck) used in NNIP control activities before entering the treatment areas. Project COR or designated individuals will inspect equipment on-site and may require further cleaning before moving to another treatment area as needed.

Contractor will inform the COR at least 48 hours in advance of needing an equipment check.

Equipment ATV/UTV Use Wet weather conditions may preclude the use of vehicles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) or off-highway vehicles (OHVs) in off road areas along trails or fields for indefinite periods or possibly the entire area at certain times of the year. The COR will determine those conditions or locations that warrant cessation of vehicle or ATV/UTV/OHV use. Use of ATV/UTV/OHV Forest Service roads must follow the State motor vehicle regulations. On the Green Mountain Finger Lakes National Forest, vehicle use must comply with the motor vehicle use map unless administrative use of other roads has been authorized through the CO. No cross-country vehicle use is permitted.

Contractor shall maintain Forest Service approved spark arresting device on any piece of equipment operated by an internal combustion motor. In addition, each piece of motorized equipment shall be equipped with a serviceable round-pointed shovel and an operational fire extinguisher of at least five-pound rating suitable for the equipment being used.

Safety Plan The Contractor will provide a written safety plan that demonstrates how the contractor will ensure a safe work environment for themselves, their employees and the public at large. The safety plan should include: 1) a first aid plan documenting procedures in case of chemical exposure; 2) a chemical spill plan documenting internal procedures, in the event of a pesticide spill on-site or in transport, 3) documentation to substantiate that the Contractor has an ongoing safety training program, 4) documentation regarding any Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) actions/citations issued against the Contractor within the previous three (3) years, to include follow-up measures or remedies taken by the Contractor. The same safety plan information is required of subcontractors.

The Contractor must meet the safety requirements as specified in the permit to work on highway right-or-way for treating invasive species infestations. These requirements specify that all applicators wear a type II safety vest and that the vehicle used to apply herbicide have an activated high intensity light, and at least one “road work ahead” sign be placed 500 feet before the work area.

The Contractor and whoever will supervise the herbicide treatment must possess a current Vermont commercial pesticide applicators license at the time of any herbicide treatments. The Contractor shall ensure that there is a Vermont pesticide licensed applicator on-site at all times of treatment.

ite Descriptions All sites are timber sales; Catamount Cobble is also a prescribed burn location. The COR will provide notice if/when active timber harvest activities and/or prescribed burns are planned at each site. Contractors should communicate their schedule to the COR to facilitate exchange of this information. Most sites have easy roadside access. Site specifics are listed below.

Benson Road: park in a pullout alongside the local road. There is a gated forest road at the parking site, but this road is not needed as the NNIP populations are within easy walking distance along the road.

Boy Blue: The NNIP populations run along Forest Road 71. There are parking pullouts along the road in a few locations. There is also a pullout at the intersection of FR71 and FR339. Use caution when parking as pullouts can be very muddy.

Catamount Cobble: Access is Forest Road 260, connected to Route 7. The forest road is gated, and a key will be provided after award. Forest Road 260 needs a high clearance vehicle with four-wheel drive.

Greendale Road: All NNIP populations are along Greendale road. Parking is at the end of the road. At this site, pay close attention to the population locations when spraying. DO NOT spray on private property. Property boundaries will be given post-award.

Rake Branch: For Rake Branch north, park at the intersection of Forest Road 71 and Forest Road 325 (Castle Brook Rd). For Rake Branch south, park at the intersection of FR 71 and FR 326.

White Hill east: Two parking areas exist. One is at the intersection of Potter Rd and Ip Road. Ip Road is not a real road and will require walking or an ATV. The other parking location is at the end of Cobb and Reed Rd.

No gate key is required for either parking location.

White Hill west: Park on Waite Road. A gate key is needed and will be provided post-award. Park at the timber sale landing. Access to the interior populations will require an ATV or walking. Most of the populations are along Waite Road or the ATV road.

Wetlands and slopes will be marked on the map provided post-award. There are no staging restrictions, but the COR should be notified of the contractor’s plans in order to facilitate any potential conflicts with local landowners. The COR will need to approve the staging requests.

Quality Control: Inspection of Services

a. Definition. “Services”, as used in this clause, includes services performed, workmanship, and material furnished or utilized in the performance of services.

b. The Contractor shall provide and maintain an inspection system acceptable to the Government covering the services under this contract. Complete records of all inspection work performed by the Contractor shall be maintained and made available to the Government during contract performance and for as long afterwards as the contract requires.

c. The Government has the right to inspect and test all services called for by the contract, to the extent practicable at all times and places during the term of the contract. The Government shall perform inspections and tests in a manner that will not unduly delay the work.

d. If the Government performs inspections or tests on the premises of the Contractor or a subcontractor, the Contractor shall furnish, and shall require subcontractors to furnish, at no increase in contract price, all reasonable facilities and assistance for the safe and convenient performance of these duties.

e. If any of the services do not conform with contract requirements, the Government may require the Contractor to perform the services again in conformity with contract requirements, at no increase in contract amount. When the defects in services cannot be corrected by reperformance, the Government may—

1) Require the Contractor to take necessary action to ensure that future performance conforms to contract requirements; and

2) Reduce the contract price to reflect the reduced value of the services performed.

f. If the Contractor fails to promptly perform the services again or to take the necessary action to ensure future performance in conformity with contract requirements, the Government may—

1) By contract or otherwise, perform the services and charge to the Contractor any cost incurred by the Government that is directly related to the performance of such service; or

2) Terminate the contract for default.

Quality Control: Inspection Procedures

1) The Contractor shall conduct inspections of i.e., treatment units and record the results using procedures described herein. Inspections shall be maintained concurrent with contract work. Completed inspection forms shall be made available to the Government within 24 hours of completion of each i.e., treatment unit and will remain part of the permanent contract file.

2) By submission of inspection forms to the Government, the Contractor is considered to be certifying that the unit is satisfactorily completed and that the inspection forms reflect the work accomplished.

3) The Contractor shall submit legible inspection forms. Illegible and incomplete forms shall be returned to the Contractor for correction and re-submission.

4) In the event the Contractor falsifies inspection results, as determined by the Contracting Officer, the Government may declare the Contractor to be in default of the contract. Additionally, the Government may refer such falsifications to the US Attorney’s Office for possible prosecution pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1001 (Falsification of Government Documents) or 18 U.S.C. 287 (Fraud).

Quality Control: Compliance Inspection

(A) The COR, or a designated inspector, will conduct compliance inspections while work is in progress, usually daily at first, to assure that work is proceeding satisfactorily. Compliance inspections will be accomplished by 100 percent visual inspection of each treatment unit and will be based on adherence to the required specifications / cutting prescriptions.

(B) The Contractor shall notify the COR when units are completed prior to his moving out of the general area.

Compliance inspections will be conducted within three (3) business days of completion of treatment units and the Contractor notified of any part of the unit(s) requiring additional work or rework.

(C) The Contractor may set up the Work Plan and Schedule to include interim inspections. Contractors are reminded that some work, such as herbicide application, cannot be immediately inspected, because an appropriate time interval must pass before determining whether the Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) has been met.

(D) Definitions

a. Contracting Officer: A Forest Service employee with the authority to enter, administer, and terminate contracts, as well as issue determinations regarding such matters as claims.

b. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): A Forest Service employee that is appointed and officially designated by the Contracting Officer to assist the Contracting Officer with the technical matters related to contract administration. The COR will assist the Contracting Officer with surveillance of contractor performance.

c. Forest Service Inspector: A Forest Service employee designated by the Contracting Officer or COR to perform surveillance of contractor performance.

d. Acceptable Quality Level (AQL): A suitable level of conformance based on an established percentage of defects.

e. Quality Assurance: Those actions were taken by the Forest Service to ensure services meet specified requirements.

f. Quality Control: Those actions taken by a Contractor to control the performance of services so that they meet the specified requirements.

g. Performance-Based Service Contract (PBSC): A contract which incorporates a results-oriented statement of work, describing the overall work to be accomplished (outcome/result), rather than explicitly describing how the tasks should be performed, to accomplish the work.

(E) This is a performance-based service contract. Inspections will be carried out to ensure that work is completed in accordance with the contract, produce specifications are met, and that the desired outcome is achieved.

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT AND QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN

Ite m No.

Treatment type (see Section C.4 above)

Quality standards

(QS)

Monitoring method

Acceptable Quality Level(AQL)

Monitoring method

Remedy

Herbicide Treatment Category – Woody Vegetation

1.1

Roadside and/or Trailside and/or along utility corridors woody NNIP (Vehicle Accessible)

100% of project area treated and >85% target infestatio n treated

Visual during or immediatel y after treatment and a few weeks after.

100% of project area treated AND >85% target infestation treated AND < 10% mortality to non-target plant species AND all T.O.

specifications followed

Visual, cutting -during or immediately after work is completed

AND/OR

herbicide – herbicide and dye present after treatment and after adequate time for effect to be observed

Contractor will rework at their own cost if QS and/or AQL are not met. AQL determinations are made by the COR upon inspection of the work.

1.2

Open land and/or Trailside and/or along utility corridors woody NNIP (Not Accessible by Vehicles)

100% of project area treated and >85% target infestatio n treated

Visual during or immediatel y after treatment and a few weeks after

100% of project area treated AND >85% target infestation treated AND < 10% mortality to non-target plant species AND all T.O.

specifications followed

Visual, cutting -during or immediately after work is completed

AND/OR

herbicide – herbicide and dye present after treatment and after adequate time for effect to be observed

Contractor will rework at their own cost if QS and/or AQL are not met. AQL determinations are made by the COR upon inspection of the work.

m No.

Treatment type (see Section C.4 above)

Quality standards

(QS)

Monitoring method

Acceptable Quality Level(AQL)

Monitoring method

Foliar Herbicide Treatment Category-Herbaceous Flowering Plants, Grasses & Vines/Semi-woody Vines

2.1

Trailside and/or along utility corridors non-woody NNIP (Vehicle Access)

100% of project area treated and >85% target infestatio n treated

Visual during or immediatel y after treatment and a few weeks after.

100% of project area treated AND >85% target infestation treated AND < 10% mortality to non-target plant species AND all T.O.

specifications followed

Visual, herbicide and dye present after treatment and after adequate time for herbicide effect to be observed

Contractor will rework at their own cost if QS and/or AQL are not met. AQL determinations are made by the COR upon inspection of

Surveys

3.1

Survey and record populations of non-native invasive plants.

100% of project area mapped

Inspection of submitted datasheet and geospatial data (e.g.

shapefile or Field Maps data)

100% of project area mapped AND acceptable level of detail recorded in datasheet;

AND datasheet matches the geospatial data

Inspection of submitted datasheet and geospatial data (e.g.

shapefile or Field Maps data)

Contractor will rework at their own cost if QS and/or AQL are not met. AQL determinations are made by the COR upon

NOTES:

Meeting the AQL for Line Items: Meeting or exceeding the acceptable kill ratio on target NNIP but exceeding the specified mortality value to non-target desirable plants, will result in the same reduction because the Contractor(s) did not meet all elements of the AQL values. Additionally, Contractor(s) must reapply the required herbicide at their expense upon failure to meet AQL values at the final inspection for each contract line item where the work performed failed to reach the minimum acceptable target kill ratio of the NNIP infestation(s).

Inspection: The Forest Service considers passing inspections (interim or final) to be critical. The Forest Service strives for effective and efficient contract administration; one of way of promoting this is to limit the need for re-inspections.

Quality Control: Accepting Acreage

Acreage figures are gross unit footprints. Verification and acceptance of completed acres treated will occur as follows:

• Contractor Reporting: Contractors will submit treatment polygons to show areas treated, areas remaining, and any field‑verified boundary adjustments.

• Government Verification: The COR will review updated polygons using GPS/GIS data, field checks, and contractor documentation to confirm accuracy.

• Acceptance: Completed acres are accepted based on the gross unit footprint as long as all infestations within that unit have been treated according to the contract specifications.

• Adjustments: If field‑verified infestation boundaries result in a material change to the gross footprint (increase or decrease), adjustments will be handled through COR approval and, if needed, a formal contract modification.

4.0 Government Furnished

Project maps and GIS shapefiles will be provided. General advice on the treatment areas will be provided if requested.

Access to ArcGIS Online Field Maps and Survey 123 will be provided if desired by the contractor.

The contractor shall provide all expertise, labor, supervision, services, herbicides, carriers or adjuvants, dyes or other herbicide markers, 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 attached to each contract line item. The Contractor shall perform and accomplish the work in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances.

5.0 Deliverables / Schedule

The Contractor shall be required to (a) commence work under this contract within 7 calendar days after the date the Contractor receives the notice to proceed, (b) prosecute the work diligently, and (c) complete the entire work ready for use not later than December 31st of the same year. For example, if the fieldwork is completed during the 2027 field season, the entire work should be ready for use no later than December 31, 2027. This includes submission of all required forms/datasheets and required spatial data. Spatial data includes shapefiles or mapped areas submitted through the online ArcGIS project.

Treatment timing will depend on the species/site. See Appendix B for details. In the majority of cases, a late summer/fall application is recommended. For late summer/fall applications, herbaceous plants should be treated between August 1st and October 1st. Treatment for woody species can occur into November. If treatment occurs in October, care should be taken to ensure that treatment for herbaceous species occurs before the first hard frost of the year. For all species, it is recommended that treatment occurs during the time of year when herbicide treatments are most effective for the particular plant species being treated. The Contractor may work with the Green Mountain Finger Lakes National Forest to receive guidance on the ideal time of year to treat each species and/or each site. All surveys and herbicide treatments should be completed no later than October 1st for herbaceous species and surveys, and November 7th for woody species.

Aspects of the treatment methods are flexible and can be decided after award. For example, the exact timings of treatment applications at each site and the herbicide used are flexible and depend on the phenology of the species to be treated, site conditions, or other factors. Contractors should check in with the COR after award and prior to treatment application.

Methods chosen must be communicated to the COR and approved prior to treatment.

Key Deliverables

Item No.

Deliverable / Item Title Objective/Description Delivery Format Due By

1.1 Herbicide Treatment:

Roadside and/or Trailside and/or along utility corridors woody NNIP (Vehicle Accessible)

Complete herbicide treatments of woody NNIP to the quality control specifications outlined in the

“PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

AND QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN”

Table n/a Nov 7

1.2 Herbicide Treatment:

Open land and/or Trailside and/or along utility corridors woody NNIP (Not Accessible by Vehicles)

Complete herbicide treatments of woody NNIP to the quality control specifications outlined in the

“PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

AND QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN”

Table n/a Nov 7

2.1 Herbicide Treatment:

Roadside and/or Trailside and/or along utility corridors non-

Complete herbicide treatments of herbaceous NNIP to the quality control specifications outlined in the

“PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

n/a Oct 1 woody NNIP (Vehicle Access)

AND QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN”

Table

Surveys Survey and record populations of non-native invasive plants to the quality control specifications outlined in the

“PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

AND QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN”

Table n/a Oct 1

Forms/datasheets Data recorded on paper datasheets or in Survey 123 (e.g. daily logs)

Email or Survey

Dec 31

Geospatial data (shapefiles or other similar online GIS spatial files)

Spatial data showing areas treated and/or surveyed

Email or Field Maps or online ArcGIS project

Dec 31 m No.

Treatment type (see Section C.4 above)

Quality standards

(QS)

Monitoring method

Acceptable Quality Level(AQL)

Monitoring method

Herbicide Treatment Category – Woody Vegetation

1.1

Trailside and/or along utility corridors woody NNIP (Vehicle Accessible)

100% of project area treated and >85% target infestatio n treated

Visual during or immediatel y after treatment and a few weeks after.

100% of project area treated AND >85% target infestation treated AND < 10% mortality to non-target plant species AND all T.O.

specifications followed

Visual, cutting -during or immediately after work is completed

AND/OR

herbicide – herbicide and dye present after treatment and after adequate time for effect to be observed

Contractor will rework at their own cost if QS and/or AQL are not met. AQL determinations are made by the COR upon m No.

Treatment type (see Section C.4 above)

Quality standards

(QS)

Monitoring method

Acceptable Quality Level(AQL)

Monitoring method

Remedy

1.2

Open land and/or Trailside and/or along utility corridors woody NNIP (Not Accessible by Vehicles)

100% of project area treated and >85% target infestatio n treated

Visual during or immediatel y after treatment and a few weeks after

100% of project area treated AND >85% target infestation treated AND < 10% mortality to non-target plant species AND all T.O.

specifications followed

Visual, cutting -during or immediately after work is completed

AND/OR

herbicide – herbicide and dye present after treatment and after adequate time for effect to be observed

Contractor will rework at their own cost if QS and/or AQL are not met. AQL determinations are made by the COR upon inspection of

Foliar Herbicide Treatment Category-Herbaceous Flowering Plants, Grasses & Vines/Semi-woody Vines

2.1

Trailside and/or along utility corridors non-woody NNIP (Vehicle Access)

100% of project area treated and >85% target infestatio n treated

Visual during or immediatel y after treatment and a few weeks after.

100% of project area treated AND >85% target infestation treated AND < 10% mortality to non-target plant species AND all T.O.

specifications followed

Visual, herbicide and dye present after treatment and after adequate time for herbicide effect to be observed

Contractor will rework at their own cost if QS and/or AQL are not met. AQL determinations are made by the COR upon inspection of

Surveys

Survey and record populations of non-native invasive plants.

100% of project area mapped

Inspection of submitted datasheet and geospatial data (e.g.

shapefile or Field Maps data)

100% of project area mapped AND acceptable level of detail recorded in datasheet;

AND datasheet matches the geospatial data

Inspection of submitted datasheet and geospatial data (e.g.

shapefile or Field Maps data)

Contractor will rework at their own cost if QS and/or AQL are not met. AQL determinations are made by the COR upon

6.0 Travel

No travel is involved.

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

The Contractor and whoever will supervise the herbicide treatment must possess a current Vermont commercial pesticide applicators license at the time of any herbicide treatments. The Contractor shall ensure that there is a Vermont pesticide licensed applicator on-site at all times of treatment.

8.0 Security Requirements

No security requirements are applicable.

9.0 Data Rights

Not Applicable

10.0 Section 508 – Electronic and Information Technology Standards Not Applicable

APPENDIX B – Treatment Table for Proposed NNIP Sites

Site Survey or Treatment

Acres at site Invasive plant species

Treatment Category

Treatment timing

Total acres for all treatment categories

White Hill West Treatment 0.54

Morrow's honeysuckle, Japanese barberry, Common barberry, Oriental bittersweet, Autumn olive, Glossy buckthorn, Multiflora rose 1.1, 2.1

Late summer/fall 1.08

Boy Blue Treatment 18.8 Wild chervil, Wild parsnip, Multiflora rose 1.1, 2.1

Varies by species 37.6

Greendale Road Treatment 1.9

Japanese knotweed, Wild parsnip, Burning bush, Goutweed, Wild chervil 1.1, 2.1

Varies by species 3.8

Rake Branch Treatment 1.8

Goutweed, Wild chervil, Spotted knapweed, Morrow's honeysuckle, Wild parsnip 1.1, 2.1

Varies by species 3.6

White Hill East Treatment 21.3

Japanese knotweed, Morrow's honeysuckle, Multiflora rose, Glossy buckthorn 1.1, 2.1, 1.2

Late summer/fall 63.9

Benson Road Treatment 4.4

Japanese knotweed, Japanese barberry, Glossy buckthorn, Morrow's honeysuckle 1.1, 2.1

Late summer/fall 8.8

Benson Road:

section 2 Treatment 27.8

Japanese barberry, Glossy buckthorn, Morrow's honeysuckle, maybe others 1.1, 1.2

Late summer/fall 55.6

Total 76.54 174.38

Catamount Cobble Survey 71

Glossy buckthorn, Morrow's honeysuckle, Multiflora rose 3.1

Anytime until Oct 1 n/a

Survey Total 71