2019_SOW_GH-MC_Aerial_Application.pdf

April 2019 APHIS RANGELAND GRASSHOPPER / MORMON CRICKET

SUPPRESSION PROGRAM AERIAL APPLICATION

STATEMENT OF WORK

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE NUMBER

Introduction (General) 1 Definitions 1 Contract Types and Descriptions 1, 2 Offeror Schedule/Aircraft Categories/Traditional and Reduced Agent Area Treatments (RAATs) 2-8

GENERAL CONDITIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS

SECTION I - GENERAL

A. Scope 9 B. Importance of Starting on Time 9 C. Gallons/lbs. Plus or Minus Percent 9 D. Contracting Officer's Representative and Aerial Project Manager 9 E. Reporting and Starting 9,10 F. Operational Hours Allowed to Complete Program 10 G. Areas Not to be Treated 11 H. Performance Standards for Responsible Contractors 11,12 I. Height of Flight 12 J. Liabilities of Contractor and Government 12

SECTION II - CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY

A. Aircraft and Liquid Application Systems 12,13 B. Formation Flying 14 C. Calibration and Swath Checks 14 D. Congested Areas 14 E. Aerial Application Restrictions 14 F. Radios 15 G. Cell Phone 15 H. Passengers 15 I. Aircraft Guidance and Flight Data Logging 15-17 J. Flagging 17 K. Certification - State/Federal/Indian County 17,18 L. Personnel 18,19 M. Additional Aircraft and Pilots 19 N. Withdrawal, Substitution of Aircraft or Personnel 19 O. Airport Selection 19-20 P. Transport of Pesticide 20 Q. Pesticide Mixing Equipment 20 R. Water Transport for Mixing Pesticide 20 S. Loading Equipment 20 T. Responsibility for Pesticides 21 U. Insurance 21 V. Wage Determination 22 W. Aircraft Security 22

SECTION III - GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITY

A. Maps, Information, Briefing 22 B. Pesticide Spills 22 C. Record Keeping Requirements 22 D. Daily Flight Record (PPQ Form 802) 22 E. Payment for Gallons/lbs. applied 22,23

SECTION IV - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

A. Rejection of Aircraft/Application Systems 23 B. Rejection of Electronic Guidance System 23 C. Rejection of Personnel 23 D. Spray Boom Timer 23 E. Sequence of Application - Stopping, Starting 23 F. Program Progress - Additional Aircraft 23 G. Liquidated Damages 24 H. Delays Beyond Control of Contractor 24 I. Cost of Pesticide Jettisoned 24 J. Cost of Pesticide Lost 24

SECTION V - ATTACHMENTS

Attachment 1 - Wage Determinations 25-28

Attachment 2 - Contract Pilot and Aircraft Acceptance (PPQ Form 816) 29,30

Attachment 3 - Spray Boom Diagram 31

Attachment 4 - Aerial Application of Carbaryl Baits and Equipment Modifications (Figures 1 – 5) 32-39

INTRODUCTION

General

Contracts are contemplated for Grasshopper/Mormon Cricket liquid and solid bait applications.

The Government may reject any offer as non-responsive if it is materially unbalanced as to prices for the various items and quantities. An offer is unbalanced when it is based on prices significantly less than cost for some work and prices which are significantly overstated for other work.

Definitions

Contracting Officer (CO) – The CO has the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings. The CO is responsible for ensuring performance of all necessary actions for effective contracting, ensuring compliance with the terms of the contract, and safeguarding the interests of the United States in its contractual relationships.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) – The Contracting Officer will designate an individual to serve as the COR. The COR will be the Contracting Officer’s Representative with delegated authority to monitor the performance, evaluate work as it progresses, and inspect/accept completed work on behalf of the Government.

Aerial Project Manager (APM) – The COR may designate an individual to serve as the APM and reports directly to the COR. The APM is responsible for the overall daily activities during an aerial application program.

Contractor’s Representative (CR) has full authority to make decisions for the Contractor and direct the Contractor’s operations.

Airport, as used in this Statement of Work (SOW) and in each solicitation, means any airport, airstrip, or work site where the Contractor will load the aircraft during contract operations.

Reporting airport means the airport to which the Contractor shall deliver the aircraft for inspection and acceptance to the contract.

A job is defined as the total gallons or lbs requested at one time to be applied within the treatment location.

Additional work is considered a new job.

The treatment location is defined as the geographical area identified in the solicitation. (Frequently a county is the geographic area)

Day, as used in this SOW, means calendar day. Operations may be conducted 7 days per week, and may include holidays.

Operational hours is defined as those hours during a day when the COR has cleared the aircraft for application operations.

Contract Types and Description

A. Rangeland Treatment will be a Full Service Contract where the Contractor will provide all aircraft, pesticide and diluents including water with a pH of 7 or less, personnel, facilitating equipment and service. The type of pesticide and reporting date will be stated in the solicitation. The chemical treatment will be applied to rangeland.

B. Grasshopper/Mormon Cricket Program for Rangeland Border Protection will be a Full Service Stand-By on an as needed basis, where the Contractor will provide all aircraft, personnel, facilitating equipment and service. As part of the Full Service Contract, the Contractor will furnish the diluents including water with a pH 7 or less. The chemical treatment will be applied to rangeland adjacent to cropland. The COR or APM will coordinate treatment areas to allow for efficient use of the Contractor’s resources and will inform the Contractor a minimum of 72 hours in advance. The Contractor must make satisfactory progress in completing the treatment service as determined by the COR or APM.

In this SOW, all contracts will be referenced as follows:

A = Rangeland Treatments - Full Service Contract B = Grasshopper/Mormon Cricket Program for Rangeland Border Protection - Full Service Stand-By

Offeror Schedule

Offeror to furnish all Aircraft, Personnel, Facilitating Equipment, and services that fully comply with all terms and conditions of the contract.

Aircraft Categories

The Aircraft Categories have been established to facilitate program planning for desired aircraft based on the insect life cycle, timing of application, support personnel, adequate airport space, required aircraft performance, length and strength of runways, taxiways and ramps, and the elevation and type of terrain to be treated.

Traditional Uniform Coverage

The following chart (Chart No. 1) lists aircraft by category, the assigned traditional uniform coverage swath spacing for Malathion, Sevin XLR Plus, Diflubenzuron, and the stainless steel flat fan spray tip size required for the pesticide used.

Reduced Agent Area Treatments (RAATs)

When using Reduced Agents and Area Treatments (RAATs), use the assigned RAATs swath width (Chart No. 2) for calibration but space the aircraft an additional 25 feet when using malathion and an additional 100 feet when using Sevin XLR Plus and Diflubenzuron. Example: A turbine Air Tractor will be calibrated for a 150 foot swath and spaced 175 feet when using malathion. When using Sevin XLR Plus or Diflubenzuron, the aircraft will be calibrated for 150 feet and spaced 250 feet.

RAATs was originally developed to help reduce the cost of materials and application when controlling grasshoppers and or Mormon crickets on rangelands. It was not expected to yield close to 100% mortality. RAATs spacing was based on increasing the spacing of swaths by 25 feet (for malathion) and 100 feet (for Sevin XLR Plus and Diflubenzuron). These suggested spacings are seen in Chart No. 2. When traditional assigned swaths are increased by 25 or 100 feet the resulting mortality is reduced by 2-15% compared to full coverage treatments.

For reasons of logistics and/or further reduction in costs the COR or APM may increase the spacing in RAATS treatments (extended RAATs). However, such action may further reduce the percentage of mortality that was experienced in RAATs with a 25 foot or 100 foot spacing increase. Consider the following examples:

A system calibrated for 1 fl oz Active Ingredient (AI) per acre and 100 ft swath and complete coverage application at 100 ft spacing will yield an average of 1 fl oz AI per acre (traditional full coverage).

A system calibrated for 1 fl oz AI per acre and 100 ft swath and spaced 200 ft (assigned swath + 100 ft), will yield 50% coverage and an average of 0.5 fl oz AI per acre (standard RAATs scenario).

A system calibrated for 1 fl oz AI per acre and 150 ft swath and spaced at 250 ft (assigned swath + 100 ft) will yield a 60 % coverage and an average of 0.6 fl oz AI per acre (standard RAATs scenario).

A system calibrated for 1 fl oz AI per acre and 150 ft swath and spaced at 300 ft (assigned swath + 150 ft) will yield a 50% coverage and an average of 0.5 fl oz AI per acre (extended RAATs scenario).

A system calibrated for 1 fl oz AI per acre and 150 ft swath and spaced at 350 ft (assigned swath + 200 ft) will yield a 43% coverage and an average of 0.43 fl oz AI per acre (extended RAATs scenario).

A system calibrated for 1 fl oz AI per acre and a 150 ft swath and spaced at 450 ft (assigned swath + 300 ft) will yield a 33% coverage and an average of 0.33 fl oz AI per acre (extended RAATs scenario).

A system calibrated for 1 fl oz AI per acre and a 150 ft swath and spaced at 600 ft (assigned swath + 450 ft) will yield a 25% coverage and an average of 0.25 fl oz AI per acre (extended RAATs scenario).

It is important to realize that some of the spray material is displaced and deposited into the standard RAATs additional space skipped (non-directly treated area) and therefore little if any grasshopper movement is needed for the grasshopper to encounter the deposit. When an increased space (beyond 100 feet) is skipped, less material is deposited into the space and some grasshopper movement may be required to encounter the deposit. The wider the skip beyond 100 feet the more movement is required to ensure an encounter with the deposit.

CHART NO. 1 TRADITIONAL UNIFORM COVERAGE TREATMENT

MALATHION SEVIN XLR DIFLUBENZURON MALATHION SEVIN XLR DIFLUBENZURON

PLUS PLUS

Label Rates (total formulation per acre) 8 oz 24 -32 oz. 12- 32 oz.

AIRCRAFT CATEGORIES

CATEGORY C - FIXED WING SWATH ASSIGNMENTS (FEET) SS FLAT FAN SPRAY TIP SIZE

Ag-Cat (800 hp) 150 120 120 8003 8004 8004

Ag-Cat (1200 hp) 150 120 120 8004 8006 8006

Dromader M-18 150 120 120 8004 8006 8006

Piper Aztec PA-23 (500 hp) 150 120 120 8004 8006 8006

Thrush (800 hp) 150 120 120 8003 8004 8004

Thrush (1200 hp) 150 120 120 8004 8006 8006

Turbine Ag-Cat 150 120 120 8004 8006 8006

Turbine Air Tractor 150 120 120 8004 8006 8006

Turbine Thrush 150 120 120 8004 8006 8006

Twin Beech/C-45 150 120 120 8004 8006 8006

CATEGORY D - FIXED WING

Ag-Cat (A&B Models, 450 hp) 100 75 75 8002 8003 8003

Ag-Cat (B&C Models, 600 hp) 125 100 100 8002 8003 8003

Bellanca Eagle 100 75 75 8002 8003 8003

Cessna (all 188 Models) 100 75 75 8002 8003 8003

Piper Brave 100 75 75 8002 8003 8003

Piper Pawnee (235-260 hp) 100 75 75 8002 8003 8003

Stearman (450-600 hp) 100 75 75 8002 8003 8003

Thrush/Snow/Air Tractor 125 100 100 8002 8003 8003

Weatherly 100 75 75 8002 8003 8003

NOTE: Examples of acceptable flat fan spray tips are: Spraying Systems Tee Jet Flat Fan Spray Tips and CP Products Nozzle CP-11TT.

NOTE: When using Sevin XLR Plus or Diflubenzuron, it is strongly suggested that the Spraying Systems Co.

#4514-20 brass slotted nozzle strainer be used to minimize buildup on the strainer and plugging of spray tip.

CHART NO. 1 (Continued)

CATEGORY A – HELICOPTERS SWATH ASSIGNMENTS (FEET)

Bell 204/205/212/214 150 120 120

Sikorsky S-58-T 150 120 120

CATEGORY B - HELICOPTERS

Alouette III 120 100 100

CATEGORY C - HELICOPTERS

Alouette II 100 75 75

Bell 206 100 75 75

Bell Seloy 100 75 75

Hughes 500 100 75 75

Hiller Seloy 100 75 75

CATEGORY D - HELICOPTERS

Bell 47 100 75 75

Hiller 12E 100 75 75

CHART NO. 2 REDUCED AGENT AREA TREATMENTS (RAATs)

MALATHION SEVIN XLR DIFLUBENZURON MALATHION SEVIN XLR DIFLUBENZURON

PLUS PLUS

Label Rates (total formulation per acre) 4 oz. 16-24 oz. 12-32 oz.

AIRCRAFT CATEGORIES

CATEGORY C - FIXED WING SWATH ASSIGNMENTS (FEET) SS FLAT FAN SPRAY TIP SIZE

Ag-Cat (800 hp) 150 150 150 8003 8004 8004

Ag-Cat (1200 hp) 150 150 150 8004 8006 8006

Dromader M-18 150 150 150 8004 8006 8006

Piper Aztec PA-23 (500 hp) 150 150 150 8004 8006 8006

Thrush (800 hp) 150 150 150 8003 8004 8004

Thrush (1200 hp) 150 150 150 8004 8006 8006

Turbine Ag-Cat 150 150 150 8004 8006 8006

Turbine Air Tractor 150 150 150 8004 8006 8006

Turbine Thrush 150 150 150 8004 8006 8006

Twin Beech/C-45 150 150 150 8004 8006 8006

CATEGORY D - FIXED WING

Ag-Cat (A&B Models, 450 hp) 100 100 100 8002 8003 8003

Ag-Cat (B&C Models, 600 hp) 125 125 125 8002 8003 8003

Bellanca Eagle 100 100 100 8002 8003 8003

Cessna (all 188 Models) 100 100 100 8002 8003 8003

Piper Brave 100 100 100 8002 8003 8003

Piper Pawnee (235-260 hp) 100 100 100 8002 8003 8003

Stearman (450-600 hp) 100 100 100 8002 8003 8003

Thrush/Snow/Air Tractor 125 125 125 8002 8003 8003

Weatherly 100 100 100 8002 8003 8003

NOTE: Examples of acceptable flat fan spray tips are Spraying Systems Tee Jet Flat Fan Spray Tips and CP

NOTE: When using Sevin XLR Plus or Diflubenzuron, it is strongly suggested that the Spraying Systems Co.

#4514-20 brass slotted nozzle strainer be used to minimize buildup on the strainer and plugging of spray tip.

CHART NO. 2 (Continued)

CATEGORY A - HELICOPTERS SWATH ASSIGNMENTS (FEET)

Bell 204/205/212/214 150 150 150

Sikorsky S-58-T 150 150 150

CATEGORY B - HELICOPTERS

Alouette III 120 120 120

CATEGORY C - HELICOPTERS

Alouette II 100 100 100

Bell 206 100 100 100

Bell Seloy 100 100 100

Hughes 500 100 100 100

Hiller Seloy 100 100 100

CATEGORY D - HELICOPTERS

Bell 47 100 100 100

Hiller 12E 100 100 100

CHART NO. 3 BAIT TREATMENTS

Wheat Bran

Aircraft Make/Model Spreader Make/Model Altitude Swath

Cessna 188 Transland 20241 / 20244 50 ft 45 ft

Turbine Thrush Transland 20250 50 ft 45 ft

Bull Thrush Transland 22007 100 ft 100 ft

Apple Pumice (Crumbled)

Cessna 188 Transland 20244 50 ft 50 ft

NOTE: When calibrating and/or swath checking for bait applications, additional flight time will be required between the reporting date and starting date.

SECTION I

GENERAL CONDITIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS

A. Scope The USDA, APHIS, Plant Protection and Quarantine, herein after referred to as the Government, requires aircraft, personnel, facilitating equipment, and services to apply pesticides.

B. Importance of Starting on Time Offerors are reminded that there are numerous biological and entomological factors that determine the time and sequence of treatments. The importance of starting and completing a program within specified limits is critical. The objective of each program is to achieve the desired coverage of the designated geographic areas within specified time frames.

C. Gallons Plus or Minus Percent Any offeror submitting an offer in response to a solicitation subject to this SOW acknowledges, without qualification, that he understands and agrees to apply the total gallons/lbs specified in the Contract Specific Information, plus or minus 25 % and will be made at the contract price per gallon/lbs.

D. Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and Aerial Project Manager (APM)

The CO will designate a representative who will have authority to secure orderly administration of each contract.

The COR and APM will have no authority to change the terms of the contract. The COR and APM, if designated, will have satisfactorily completed PPQ’s Pesticide Training and Certification Program and meets all APHIS competency standards for certification as a certified pesticide applicator.

E. Reporting and Starting

Contract A: #1 - 4 applies as stated

Contract B: #1 - 3 applies as stated

#4 is changed to: Report and Start dates will be stated in the individual solicitation, or as mutually agreed upon by the Contracting Officer and Contractor. The 3-day advance notice is deleted. The days allowed for reporting will be determined by the number and type of aircraft involved.

Contract C: #3 applies as stated

#1, 2, and 4 are changed to: Reporting and Starting dates will be determined by the COR or APM rather than the CO and the 3-day advance notice is deleted and will be as stated in the individual solicitation, or as mutually agreed upon by the COR or APM and the Contractor.

1. The reporting date shown in each solicitation is an estimated date. The actual reporting date will be specified by the CO after award is made. The number of days prior to the official starting date will vary, depending on the number and category of aircraft involved, time required to brief pilots on the program and areas to be treated, and completing all preliminary arrangements to start the program on time. A Contractor who does not report on the official reporting date may, at the discretion of the CO, be charged liquidated damages. At the discretion of the CO, the Contractor may be terminated for default and be charged liquidated damages. Liquidated damages may be charged for that day and for each day thereafter until the Contractor, or in the event of termination, a new Contractor reports. The Contractor must report by 12:00 noon on the reporting date specified in the solicitation.

2. The starting date shown in each solicitation is an estimated date when all aircraft, personnel, and facilitating equipment must be ready to begin application. The official starting date will be specified by the CO when award is made, and will be the latest date on which the Contractor must be fully prepared to begin application. (See Section IV, Paragraph H.)

3. A Contractor who does not fully qualify for acceptance on the official starting date may, at the discretion of the CO, be charged liquidated damages. At the discretion of the CO, the Contractor may be terminated for default and be charged liquidated damages. Liquidated damages will be charged for that day and for each day thereafter until all requirements are met. The amount charged will be the daily liquidated damages rate for each aircraft specified to report, even though one or more aircraft may have been qualified and accepted. The Contractor shall have assembled at the reporting airport all required aircraft, personnel, and facilitating equipment and be ready to begin spraying on the official starting date at the time specified by the COR or APM. This includes the specified category and number of aircraft, each meeting the contract requirements; all pilots, each fully qualified; all aircraft loading and facilitating equipment; and loading and servicing personnel. No application for payment to the Contractor will be authorized until all of these requirements are met.

4. The CO will give the Contractor a minimum of 3 calendar days advance notice to report and start, unless a shorter interval is mutually agreed upon. The days allowed for reporting will be determined by the number and type of aircraft involved.

F. Operational Hours Allowed to Complete Program

For Contract C, Item #2 does not apply.

1. Operational hours are defined as those hours during a day when the COR or APM has cleared the aircraft for application operations. Operational hours will be charged to the last full half hour, beginning when the aircraft are cleared for takeoff and continuing until operations are shut down. Operational hours charged will include all time the aircraft are on the ground between trips, but will not include aircraft loading time prior to the approved starting time or after operations are shut down.

2. The number of operational hours allowed on a program is based on the time the specified number of aircraft would normally need to complete the program. Example: It is estimated that a Category C aircraft should be able to spray at least 500 acres per operational hour. Thus, one Category C aircraft, at 500 acres per hour, would be allowed 100 operational hours to treat 50,000 acres; two C aircraft, at 1000 acres per hour (2 x 500), would be allowed 50 operational hours; and four C aircraft, at 2000 acres per hour (4 x 500), would be allowed 25 operational hours.

3. If, during an operational day, the COR or APM suspends operations due to wind or other reasons, and then clears the aircraft to continue operations later in the day, the operational hours charged for that day will be for the total hours (to the last full half hour) used during those operating periods.

4. On an operational day when all aircraft on the program cannot operate for reasons beyond the control of the Contractor, a proportional adjustment will be made in the operational hours charged for that day. Such conditions would include (a) when one or more aircraft are grounded due to guidance failures, or (b) when one or more aircraft are grounded due to fog or poor visibility in their areas while others can operate. Example: If only two aircraft on a four aircraft contract can operate, the operational hours charged will be one-half of those used on that day.

5. When the contract acreage is increased, the operational hours allowed to complete the program will be increased proportionately.

G. Areas Not to be Treated

1. Areas not to be treated will be designated by the COR or the APM.

2. The Contractor may conduct pre-application reconnaissance flights to ensure that pilots are familiar with program area boundaries, buffer zones, and any other areas that are not to be treated as designated by the COR or the APM. Each pilot will be briefed thoroughly and every effort must be exerted to avoid treating such areas.

3. All applications MUST and WILL BE conducted in a manner consistent with the pesticide labeling and requirements specific to the state (s) that operations will be conducted.

H. Performance Standards for Responsible Contractors

Upon completion of each contract, the COR will submit to the CO a Contractor Performance Evaluation Report, based on the following elements:

1. Obtaining the necessary Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and State Clearances, including certification as an applicator of restricted-use pesticides (certified pesticide applicator) when required, for all pilots and aircraft prior to the starting date. Contractor's compliance in a timely manner with all FAA regulations for maintenance and overhaul, all FAA airworthiness directives, and other applicable directives in force.

2. Pilots obtaining the proper certification for agricultural flying prior to the starting date.

3. Strict adherence to all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and State-approved label instructions for chemical and biological insecticides and compliance with all applicable Federal, State and local environmental laws and regulations in performance of the contract.

4. Attitude of Contractor and contractor's personnel and their cooperation in following instructions, based on contract specifications.

5. Contractor's personnel reporting to work on time daily and remaining on the job until officially released.

6. Contractor reporting on date as directed and providing all required equipment, personnel, and facilities.

7. All equipment meeting contract requirements.

8. Avoiding repeated delays caused by malfunction of equipment or delays in loading between trips which affect the total overall length of time in performing the contract.

9. The contractor's aircraft safety program. The utilization and fostering of good safety habits and attitudes in their employees.

10. Airport Selection: To select the airport(s) to be used and make the necessary arrangements with proper authority for:

a. Use of each airport;

b. Payment of any fees charged for its use;

c. Payment for repairs or damages that result from the contractor's aircraft, equipment, or contamination from insecticide;

d. Immediate removal of all aircraft and equipment from the airport(s), after the program is completed, unless other satisfactory arrangements are made with the airport authorities;

e. Maintaining the areas used by the Contractor in a clean and orderly fashion during their use and cleanup after use to the satisfaction of the COR or the APM.

11. Claims for damages brought against the Contractor concerning aerial application or any other operations have been addressed in a fair and timely manner.

12. All required action has been taken for any pesticide spillage with regard to notification and cleanup.

13. All operational guidelines were followed.

I. Height of Flight

Application aircraft will fly at a median altitude of 1 to 1.5 times the wingspan of the aircraft whenever possible or as specified by the COR or the APM.

J. Liabilities of Contractor and Government

The Government will not assume any responsibility whatsoever for loss or damage of equipment owned or operated by the Contractor, his agents, or employees or subcontractor or for the injury to or death of the Contractor, his agents or employees or subcontractor. The Contractor will be responsible for any negligent or wrongful acts or omissions of the Contractor, his employees, agents or subcontractors and employees or agents of the subcontractor(s) incident to the performance of this contract. The Contractor will hold and save the Government, its officers, and employees harmless from all liability for any death or damage to all persons (other than the liability of the Government to Agriculture employees directly engaged in performing work under this contract as provided under the Federal Employee's Compensation Act) or to real or personal property, including negligent use of spray material, which results from the operation of, or incident to, equipment furnished by the Contractor, or otherwise incident to performance of the contract. However, the Contractor will not be responsible for any negligent or wrongful acts or omissions of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, its employees, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's cooperators, or their employees.

SECTION II

CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY

A. Aircraft and Liquid Application Systems – (For Bait Applications See Attachment 4)

The Contractor shall provide the required number of aircraft with the following:

1. A pesticide dispersal system that has been cleaned thoroughly inside. All hoses shall be in good condition and shall be a chemical resistant type.

2. Leak proof pesticide tank(s) and spray system of corrosion resistant materials. Contractors are cautioned that pesticide may loosen some sealants and plug the spraying system. Sealants should be tested before use.

a. The tank(s) in each aircraft shall be installed so that the tank(s) will empty in flight and assure full flow to the pump. Sight gauges or other means shall be provided to determine the quantity in each tank.

b. A drain valve(s) shall be installed at the low point(s) on the spray system to facilitate the complete draining of all components (tanks, pump, plumbing, and spray booms) to recover unused pesticide while the aircraft is parked.

3. A pump that will provide the required flow rate during spraying operations to assure uniform flow and proper functioning of the nozzles.

a. For ULV, spraying systems with a pumping capacity that exceeds the discharge calibration rate shall have the bypass flow return to the tank bottom in a manner that prevents aeration and/or foaming of the spray formulation.

Pumps utilizing hydraulic drive or other variable speed drives are not required to have this bypass, provided the pump speed is set to provide only the required pressure and the system three-way valve is used for on/off control at full throw position. Any bypass normally used to circulate materials other than for ULV will be closed for ULV spraying.

b. For suspensions and all formulations requiring agitation, a pressure agitation system is required.

4. The spray boom shall be equipped with the quantity and type of spray nozzles specified. The outermost nozzles (left and right sides) shall be equidistant from the aircraft centerline and the distance between the two must not exceed 3/4 of the overall wingspan measurement. Longer spray booms are acceptable provided they are modified in accordance with the sketch shown on attachment 3 to prevent the entrapment of air in the portion beyond the outermost nozzle. PPQ will accept the outer most nozzles between 60% and 75% of the wing span. Aircraft that are not equipped with a drop type spray boom may require drop nozzles in the center section to prevent spray from collecting on the tail wheel assembly and horizontal stabilizer and position the spray tips into smoother air.

5. A positive on/off system that will prevent dribble from the nozzles.

6. A positive emergency shutoff valve between the tank(s) and the pump, as close to the tank(s) as possible. This valve shall be controllable from the cockpit which will minimize inadvertent loss of pesticide due to broken lines or other spray system malfunctions (see Section IV, Paragraph J).

7. Bleed lines in any point that may trap air on the pressure side of the spraying system.

8. An operational pressure gauge with a minimum operating range of zero to 60 psi and a maximum of zero to 100 psi visible to the pilot for monitoring boom pressure.

9. A 40-mesh in-line screen between the pump and the boom, unless otherwise specified, and nozzle screens as specified by the nozzle manufacturer.

NOTE: When using Sevin XLR Plus or Diflubenzuron, it is strongly suggested that the Spraying Systems Co.

#4514-20 brass slotted nozzle strainer be used to minimize buildup on the strainer and plugging of spray tip.

10. Nozzle tip type and size shall be as follows:

a. The type and size is indicated on Chart No. 1 of this SOW. Provisions shall be made on all aircraft so that nozzle direction can be changed within a range from 45 degrees down and forward to straight back when it is necessary to change droplet size. The nozzle direction will be specified by the COR or the APM.

b. Nozzle tips for all pesticides shall be flat fan made of stainless steel.

Note: Examples of acceptable flat fan spray tips are Spraying Systems Tee Jet Flat Fan Spray Tips and CP

c. Operating pressure will be 40 psi unless otherwise specified by the COR or the APM.

d. All nozzles not in use shall be removed and the openings plugged.

B. Formation Flying

1. When aircraft are to be flown in formation, they must be capable of operating at the same speed and swath spacing. Pilots must have formation flying experience.

2. When formation flying is agreed upon by the COR or APM and the Contractor's Representative (CR), each pilot will maintain a trail position no more than 1,000 feet from the closest aircraft.

C. Calibration and Swath Checks

To assure proper coverage and uniformity of application, calibration and swath checks will be conducted when there is a reason to believe that the spraying system does not produce the desired flow rate or a uniform pattern.

Swath checks will be conducted prior to program start on all aircraft that are not listed on the aircraft category sheet.

An overall swath width will be determined for each model aircraft and an effective swath width equal to 75 percent of the overall swath width will be assigned. All operational cost incurred in conducting these test will be borne by the Contractor except that the Government will be responsible for the cost of the pesticide.

D. Congested Areas

For all flights over congested areas, the Contractor must comply with FAR Part 137.51 and 137.53.

E. Aerial Application Restrictions

1. Avoid residences and other premises whose occupants are opposed to their property being treated that have been identified by the COR or the APM.

2. Do not apply insecticides directly to water bodies (defined herein as reservoirs, lakes, ponds, pools left by seasonal streams, springs, wetlands, and perennial streams and rivers). Furthermore, provide the following buffers for water bodies: 500 foot buffer with aerial liquid insecticides and 200 foot buffer with aerial bait.

3. Whenever possible, plan aerial ferrying and turnaround routes to avoid flights over congested areas, water bodies, and other sensitive areas that are not to be treated.

4. To minimize drift and volatilization, do not conduct aerial applications when any of the following conditions exist in the treatment area: wind velocity exceeds 10 miles per hour (unless lower wind speed required under State law); air turbulence could seriously affect the normal spray pattern; and temperature inversions could lead to off-site movement of spray. Also, suspend aerial applications when the following weather conditions occur and will seriously impede pesticide efficiency: rain (present or imminent); fog; wet foliage; or soil/air temperature difference.

When the soil temperature rises above the air temperature, the spray pattern normally starts breaking up, at which time treatment operations should cease.

5. Operations will be suspended at any time that weather conditions could jeopardize the safe and/or effective placement of the spray on target areas.

6. Do not apply while school buses are operating in the treatment area. Do not apply within 500 feet of schools or recreational facilities.

7. Protective clothing and equipment will be worn and used by all pilots, loaders, and field personnel, as specified on the label.

F. Radios

Each aircraft must be equipped with a fully operative two-way VHF radio capable of transmitting and receiving on

122.925 MHz for communications with program personnel or other means of radio communications approved by the COR or the APM. The Contractor must provide the COR or APM with a radio to allow communication with the pilot(s). In some cases, the solicitation may require VHF capable radios. If required, the radios must be VHF (150 to 174 MHz) band radios, be digital and narrow band (12.5 KHz) compliant. Contract personnel on hand must be able to program the radios to match local communication frequencies.

G. Cell Phone

Cell phones may be used, only on the ground to communicate with program personnel, and must be approved by the COR or the APM.

H. Passengers

1. No passengers will be carried in application aircraft. Personnel will be limited to the necessary crew members.

I. Aircraft Guidance and Flight Data Logging System Requirements

When electronic guidance is requested by the Government the guidance equipment shall meet all contract requirements and be maintained in an operational state for the duration of the contract.

1. An operational Global Positioning System (GPS) and flight data logging software that will log and display the date and time of the entire flight from takeoff to landing and differentiate between standard flight and flight when the dispersal system is on/off. The system shall provide immediate deviation indications and sufficiently accurate to keep the aircraft on the desired flight path.

2. Compact moving map display with polygon feature that will alert the pilot when the aircraft is entering or exiting a specific geographic polygon.

3. Software designed for parallel offset in increments equal to the assigned swath width of the application aircraft.

4. A course deviation indicator (CDI) or a course deviation light bar, must be installed on the aircraft and in a location that will allow the pilot to view the indicator with direct or peripheral vision without looking down. The CDI must be capable of pilot selected adjustments for course deviation indication with the first indication at 3 feet or less.

5. The system must display to the pilot the current swath number and cross-track error. The swath advance may be set manually or automatically. If automatic is selected, the pilot must be able to override the advance mode to allow repeat applications of single or multiple swaths.

6. The system must be equipped for flight data logging that has a system memory capable of storing a minimum of 4 hours of continuous flight log data with the logging rate set at one second intervals. The full logging record will include position, time, date, altitude, ground speed, cross-track error, dispersal on/off, aircraft registration number, pilot name, job name or number, and coordinate system including datum. The system must compensate for the lag in logging dispersal on/off. The system will display dispersal on/off at the boundary without a saw tooth effect. Must be capable to end log files, rename, and start a new log in flight.

7. The Contractor must have the capability to print and display maps at the airport or airstrip. When viewed on the monitor or the printed hard copy, the flight path will clearly differentiate between dispersal on and off. The system must have the capability to zoom to any portion of the flight for viewing in greater detail and print the entire flight or the zoomed-in portion. The system must have a measure feature that will measure distance in feet between any two points on the monitor and it must be able to determine the exact latitude / longitude at any point on the monitor. A summary of acres protected and gallons applied for each airplane will be made available.

8. Flight information software provided by the Contractor must have the ability to export flight logs in an ARC View GIS 10.x or higher format. See requirements below for more information indicating the exact file types and structure required. Each pilot will be required to submit a flight log file at the conclusion of each operational day or at anytime requested by the COR or APM via a flash drive or email as agreed upon by the Contractor and COR or APM. The flight log will include position, time, date, altitude, ground speed, cross-track error, dispersal on or off, aircraft registration number, pilot name, job name or number, and coordinate system including datum. This data will be recorded at one second intervals or less. This process will be tested prior to chemical application to ensure compliance. Systems that do not demonstrate reliable logging will not be accepted for chemical application.

Requirements for receiving GPS navigation data from pilots:

Please use the software that came with your navigation system to convert data to a GIS shapefile format. Examples of such software are Mapstar (Satloc), AirStar (Hemisphere), and NavView (AgNav).

GIS shapefiles are actually a set of files with the same file name but different extensions. There are usually 3-7 files associated with one shapefile. Four of these are required to be able to view and/or work with a shapefile in a GIS.

The file extensions are as follows:

.shp – required

.shx – required

.dbf – required

.prj – required

.sbn

.sbx

.xml

Here is an example of what a set of files making up a shapefile might look like. This one is called SprayArea:

J. Flagging

When precision electronic guidance is not a program requirement, other methods of guidance such as flagging by individuals using flags, kytoons, mirrors, or high powered "Q" lights are acceptable. All flaggers must follow directions on the insecticide label for operating procedures and personal protective equipment. FREE FLYING

WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.

K. Certification - State/Federal/Tribal

The Contractor must be certified by the FAA, and comply with all applicable FAA regulations and applicable regulations of the state in which operations will be conducted.

1. Immediately upon award of a contract, the Contractor shall contact the appropriate office to identify all state requirements for aircraft and pilot certifications. Insurance and/or other requirements, including pesticide applicator certifications that apply, must be in effect prior to starting operations.

Treatments in Indian County:

2. For commercial applicators with a current and valid state, tribal or federal certification or license who wishes to apply restricted use pesticides (RUPs) in Indian country (on any Reservation or on Trust lands), you must have proper EPA certification found at this site.

https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-applicator-certification-indian-country/how-apply-applicator-certification-under-epa-plan

3. Documents which shall be available at the reporting airport include all necessary documents to complete the "CONTRACT PILOT AND AIRCRAFT and ACCEPTANCE (PPQ Form 816)", Attachment 2, which include but not limited to: The FAA Agricultural Aircraft Operating Certificate, Aircraft Registration and Airworthiness Certificate, Aircraft and Engine Log Books, Government issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license), Pilot Certificate, Medical Certificate, Flight Review, State Pesticide Applicators License, and proof of insurance.

Documents provided for proof of insurance shall clearly state:

a. The aircraft registration number.

b. The period of coverage

c. Limits of liability.

L. Personnel

The Contractor shall provide the following:

1. A Contractor's Representative (CR) at each airport the Contractor is using. The CR shall have full authority to make decisions for the Contractor and direct the Contractor's operations. The CR shall be stationed at the airport for the duration of the contract and shall be available for consultation at all times as requested by the COR or the

APM.

2. The CR will not be permitted to operate a spraying aircraft except when authorized by the COR or the APM.

3. A qualified Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot with a current First or Second Class FAA medical certificate for each spraying aircraft who has:

a. More than 1,000 hours as pilot-in-command (PIC), and

b. More than 100 hours pilot-in-command aerial application experience.

c. For operations over congested areas, 25 hours of pilot-in command flight time in the make and basic model of the aircraft, at least 10 hours of which must have been acquired within the preceding 12 calendar months and 100 hours of flight experience as PIC in dispensing of materials or chemical.

4. Personnel experienced in the use of the Guidance System(s) furnished.

5. Personnel to mix pesticide when mixing equipment is required in the solicitation.

6. Personnel to load and service the aircraft.

7. When required, a person or persons certified as an applicator of restricted use pesticides (certified pesticide applicator) by the state in which the operations will be conducted.

8. Personnel capable of operating and downloading the aircraft flight data logging system and to provide essential training and guidance for project personnel to ensure proper transfer of required mapping data.

PILOT BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS

Due to the nature of the work being performed under this contract, the contractor personnel working under this contract are required to complete a background investigation.

The Contractor shall provide to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR), Contracting Officer, or designated responsible individual, a list of all contractor and subcontractor employees full name, job title, employer (prime or subcontractor), performance period, and information on any standard commercial security or background clearances conducted by the prime or subcontractor, and whether that individual passed the background check. If possible, all background or security background clearances must be done one (1) week prior to commencing work. Where this is not practical such personnel may be under constant supervision by the COR or designated responsible individual during the contract period.

The COR will work with HR Classification to determine the level of background investigation required. Forms for the background investigations need to be sent to the following address:

USDA/ APHIS, MRPBS, HRD

Attn: Tiana Richardson Butler Square, 100 N. 6th Street, Suite 555B Minneapolis, MN55403-1588

The Personnel Security Staff will coordinate the background investigation process and will provide further instructions by means of email for completing any required forms.

Contractors shall comply with the Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 12 directives and the personal identity verification (PIV) policies and procedures established by the AGAR Advisory No. 81, Revision 03 dated July 19, 2010 – Common Identification Standard for Contractors. In addition, procedures to be followed by contractors and contractor employees are specified in the Departmental Regulation and Departmental Manual (DM) 4620-002. Documents and References to these directives and policies can be downloaded from the website at http://hspd12.usda.gov and http://www.dm.usda.gov/procurement/policy/docs/AGAR81July192010.pdf

M. Additional Aircraft and Pilots

Each solicitation will specify the category and the number of aircraft required for the program. Should the Contractor or CR wish to provide additional aircraft and pilot(s) that meet all contract requirements, he may do so provided it is agreeable with the COR or the APM. No adjustment will be made in the contract price for providing additional aircraft beyond the number and category of aircraft required by the contract or in the number of gallons or acres to be sprayed.

N. Withdrawal, Substitution of Aircraft or Personnel

The Contractor or CR shall notify the COR or APM in writing prior to any withdrawal or substitution of aircraft and/or pilots.

O. Airport Selection

The Contractor shall select the airport(s) to be used and make the necessary arrangements with the proper authority for:

1. Use of each airport.

2. Payment of any fees charged for its use.

3. Payment for repairs or damages that result from the contractor's aircraft, equipment, or contamination from pesticide.

4. Timely removal of all aircraft and equipment from the airport(s), after the program is completed unless other satisfactory arrangements are made with the airport authorities.

5. Maintaining the areas used by the Contractor in a clean and orderly fashion during their use and cleanup after use, to the satisfaction of the COR or the APM.

Within 3 calendar days after receipt of award, the Contractor and COR shall agree on which airport will be used at the beginning of the program. That airport will then be designated as the reporting airport.

Operations will be conducted from only one airport at a time, unless otherwise authorized or directed by the COR or the APM.

P. Transport of Pesticide

When specified in the solicitation, the Contractor shall provide personnel, safety equipment, and transportation for the pesticide from the storage site(s) to the aircraft loading site on each airport and deliver empty pesticide containers to the site(s) designated by the COR or APM.

Q. Pesticide Mixing Equipment

The Contractor shall provide pesticide mixing equipment, when specified in the solicitation. The capacity of the mixing equipment shall be sufficient to prevent delays in applicator aircraft flight schedules.

Mixing equipment basic design shall include:

1. Interchangeable strainer screens.

2. Internal agitator for mixing the formulation.

3. A lowest point drain to completely empty the tank.

4. Opening on the top side to allow for thorough cleaning and inspection of each compartment.

Specific requirements for various formulations will be specified for each contract (i.e. hydraulic or paddle agitation, etc).

The Contractor shall make provisions to measure each batch of pesticide formulation mixed, by means of a calibrated measuring stick, sight gauge, or other acceptable means. An engine-driven centrifugal pump shall be attached to each tank to thoroughly mix and circulate the pesticide. This pump may be used to add diluent to the tank through fitting and valve combinations. It may also be used to load the aircraft. All equipment and personnel must be in compliance with state/federal safety requirements.

NOTE: No mixing, loading, or unloading shall be conducted in areas where an accidental spill could contaminate a stream or other body of water.

R. Water Transport for Mixing Pesticide

When water is required for mixing formulations, the Contractor shall provide water and clean tankers to transport water for mixing the pesticide in sufficient quantities to insure uninterrupted aircraft operation. Each tanker shall be equipped with a pump of at least 50 gallons per minute capacity so arranged that it can be used to load or unload the tank. Water for mixing pesticide may be drawn from city water supplies, wells, farm tanks, streams, or lakes, provided it is clean. The Contractor will assure all water used in mixes of Sevin XLR Plus shall be a pH of 7 or less.

The COR or APM will decide whether questionable water may be used and his/her decision shall be final.

S. Loading Equipment

When specified in the solicitation, the Contractor shall provide complete aircraft loading equipment that includes:

1. Pumps capable of loading each aircraft at a minimum rate of 50 gallons per minute. The mixing pump can also be used for this purpose. The solicitation will specify how the pesticide will be delivered and whether it will require mixing. The pumping equipment must be adaptable to the containers from which the aircraft will be loaded.

2. Liquid flow meters that are accurately calibrated and compatible with the pumping equipment and agricultural chemicals used. Calibration accuracy shall be tested by a local government weights and measures agency or demonstrated to the COR or APM by pumping the pesticide into an accurately marked container of sufficient size.

In the event abrasive formulations are used, meter calibration checks will be conducted at the discretion of the COR or APM. Meters showing a consistent error rate can be used provided a corrective factor is applied and recorded as such. Meters with erratic test readings are not acceptable.

3. Strainer mesh equivalent to the size used in the aircraft system.

4. Loading Nozzle. Positive shutoff, quick-disconnect couplings, valves, or attachments so installed as to eliminate loss of pesticide during loading or uncoupling.

5. All hoses shall be in good condition and shall be chemical resistant.

T. Responsibility for Pesticides

Full Service Contracts - The Contractor shall furnish all pesticides and diluents, including water with a pH of 7 or less, as well as removal and disposal of any pesticide and diluent containers used on this program.

The following shall be used as required by the contract:

1. Fyfanon ULV, malathion, (0,0-Dimethyl Phosporodithioate of Diethyl Mercaptosuccinate)

2.