12639522R0046 ALB MA Hybrid Survey.pdf

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APHIS-MN-126395

MINNEAPOLIS MN 55401

SUITE410

250 MARQUETTE AVE

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08/17/2022 1200 CT

07/19/2022

612-336-3625LEAH SCHULTZ

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12639522R0046

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54 2 of

MA ALB Hybrid Survey Solicitation Page 3 of 54 12639522R0046

1.0 STATEMENT OF WORK ALB GROUND SURVEY WORCESTER COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS

1.1 INTRODUCTION / BACKGROUND

The Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB), Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky), currently infests several areas in the States of New York, Ohio, Massachusetts and South Carolina. The ALB bores into and kills a variety of hardwood tree species. This nonnative pest has the potential to spread to other areas of the United States and cause extensive losses to ornamental and commercial tree species. Therefore, the Secretary of Agriculture has declared an emergency and is committing resources to eliminate ALB and restore the urban forest.

The Asian Longhorned Beetle Cooperative Eradication Program is conducting a tree survey program for the detection of ALB in Worcester County, Massachusetts. The survey requires ground and aerial surveyors to thoroughly inspect host trees for signs of ALB infestation on public and private property.

1.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance for this contract will be for five years from the date of award. The approximate period of performance is November 1, 2022 through October 31, 2027.

1.3 SCOPE OF WORK

The program’s goal for this survey contract is to detect all ALB infested trees in order to eliminate the infestation as quickly as possible.

There are a total of 66,807.2 acres to be inspected within the regulated area, including areas which are outside of regulated boundary. Level 1 consists of approximately 34,341.03acres, Level 2 consists of approximately 26,685.63 acres and Level 3 inside the regulated area consists of approximately 5,780.54. Contract surveyors will be responsible for recording all inspections on electronic devices such as tough books. All contractor's crews will be monitored by program (DCR/USDA) staff. Please see the Attachment 006 map of the respective areas.

Government personnel may conduct surveys within the area at the same time as the Contractor. The areas surveyed will be coordinated with the project manager and/or the team foreman to prevent duplication of efforts. However, the Contractor is 100% responsible for completing the survey in the time provided in the task order, regardless of any assistance from Government survey personnel.

Task Order #1 consists of areas totaling 999.71 acres located in Boylston, MA. See part A of the price schedule for the Areas, Zones and Units. These zones and Units are mixed use areas including commercial and light industrial properties as well as residential lots of various sizes, some cultivated land and large wood lots.

See Attachment 005 for a map of Task Order #1. Upon award of this contract, Task Order #1 will also be awarded. Any future task orders will be in the Units identified in Part B (Tab 2) of the

MA ALB Hybrid Survey Solicitation Page 4 of 54

Attachment 001 Price Schedule. Aerial imagery and boundaries can be identified in Attachment 008 using GIS software.

There will be no extension of task orders without damages. However, if the Government and contractor mutually agree by formal modification to extend the period of performance, damages may not be assessed.

In general, work shall proceed in an orderly manner. This can be on a block‐by‐block basis in residential areas and a sectioned or property basis in woodlots. The survey (inspection of trees) shall include trees located along streets, backyards, parklands, railroads, industrial parks, cemeteries, woodlots, and swamps etc. Most of the survey will be conducted in dense, heavily wooded areas.

The Core Survey (Level 1) establishes the center of an infestation and is defined as a 1/2‐mile radius around any infested tree, which exhibits signs of ALB oviposition sites or exit holes. All potential host trees must be surveyed within Level 1. If additional infestations are found, the core area will be extended by a 1/2 mile from the outermost find. Buffer Surveys (Level 2) focus on maple species (Acer) in areas where they are present. See Attachment 006 for map of level boundaries. Additional preferred hosts (Aesculus, Betula, Poplus, Salix, Ulmus) are surveyed when maples are not present. Sweet birch (Betula lenta) is not a preferred host. There may be occasion where all hosts are required to be surveyed in areas that have never been surveyed before. These areas will be determined by the program manager/COR. The contractor will provide cost estimates for different survey options including ground, climber and hybrid surveys, full host, and maple only survey. The type of survey needed will be identified on each task order and corresponding fixed price for that zone will be applied.

Contractor personnel shall inspect all applicable host materials using ground surveyors and/or climber, regardless of DBH in the assigned areas for ALB damage and active infestations. All properties will be inspected for the presence of host materials. The properties that do not have host materials shall be recorded in the electronic field data collection devices as no‐host on properties. Properties with ALB host trees that cannot be accessed due to a physical barrier (fences, etc.) shall be recorded as a call back. For call back properties, the contractor shall make efforts to determine if host trees are present on the property by viewing the property from adjacent properties and notate the presence of ALB host trees requiring inspection. The contractor will make three attempts to access these properties, two at a different time of the day and one attempt on a weekend. If they are unsuccessful, they will give a list of those properties to the USDA staff. The number of callbacks is expected to be minimal. USDA (Program Staff) will gain access to these properties by contacting the property owner. If access is gained within the allotted completion time frame for each area the contractor will be responsible for completing the survey.

The order and progression of all survey work will be directed by ALB Program staff.

1.3.1 Survey Crews

The contractor shall provide enough surveyors experienced in hardwood tree identification to complete successful ALB tree inspections in the allotted time frame. All of the necessary equipment for said surveyors (including but not limited to binoculars, DBH tapes, flagging, tree

MA ALB Hybrid Survey Solicitation Page 5 of 54 paint and other supplies as specified by the program), transportation (at least one vehicle per three surveyors) of said surveyors to and from the designated work sites, insurance, licenses, state bonding, permits, fees, tolls, general and administrative expenses, and other such costs required to perform the services shall be supplied by the contractor. The contract price shall include all costs associated with the performance of surveying ALB host trees in Worcester County, in accordance with this Statement of Work (SOW).

Surveyors must be able to communicate effectively in English and be able to comprehend detailed instruction.

1.3.1.1 All Inspection Crews

Start the inspection by first examining the lower portions of the tree, starting with exposed root areas and the root collar, and working upward to the height of the first scaffold branches. Infestations may be found at lower levels of the trees, and this should not be ignored. Particular attention should be paid to the root collar area of small diameter trees including the necessity to pull back leaf litter to view the root collar area. Inspection should continue by slowly backing away from the tree and carefully examining all branches to the highest point of the tree. Backing away from the tree and not standing directly under the tree increase the inspectors’ ability to see the sides of and somewhat the upper surfaces of branches that would not be visible by standing immediately beneath the tree. Small diameter trees not suitable for bucket or climbing inspection should be checked initially from the ground and the upper surfaces completed from a higher vantage point in an adjacent tree if possible. Ladders may be used as well to check the upper portions of trees unsuitable for climbing.

1.3.1.2 Climbing Crews additional requirements to 1.3.1.1

Beginning with the main leaders, carefully examine all scaffold branches and branches.

Climber shall move throughout the entire tree canopy examining the entire surface of the tree; including but not limited to, scaffold branches, branches, main leaders, crotch, and collars searching for any evidence of ALB infestation. All climbing must be completed with a rope and saddle only, no spurs. All climbing operations shall be conducted in accordance with ANSI Z133‐2017. Further, the time required for inspection may increase when foliage is present.

1.3.2 Foreman

The Contractor shall provide a dedicated, experienced, foreman to manage the crews. There shall be one foreman for every 8 inspectors. Every foreman must be a Massachusetts Certified Arborist (MCA). The foreman is expected to be in the field during all work periods.

The contractor must immediately replace the foreman in the event of separation or when the existing foreman is on leave. The contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) in advance of the change in personnel.

1.3.3 Project Manager

The contractor shall provide a dedicated, experienced Project Manager to oversee all aspects of the survey contract. The project manager will have overall responsibility for ensuring the

MA ALB Hybrid Survey Solicitation Page 6 of 54 successful execution of the contract. The project manager shall be a Massachusetts Certified Arborist.

The contractor must immediately replace the project manager in the event of separation or when the existing project manager is on leave. The contractor shall notify program staff (DCR/USDA) in advance of the change in personnel.

1.3.4 Project Arborist

The contractor shall provide a Project Arborist who will serve as technical expert. The project arborist must have certification from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). The project manager and the project arborist can be the same person.

1.3.5 Equipment

The Contractor shall ensure that all supplies, equipment, and materials required for use in the performance of this contract are in good operating condition. Equipment that is in unsatisfactory condition, or otherwise determined by the program staff to be unsuitable for safe and efficient performance of the services required of this contract, shall not be used or promptly removed from the work site and replaced with supplies, equipment, and material that are in good operational condition. Equipment failure is not an acceptable cause for work delays.

Binoculars with a minimum specification of 8 x 42 are required equipment for each surveyor.

Worn, lost, or unserviceable supplies, materials, or equipment shall be repaired or replaced so as to be ready to work at the start of the next shift.

1.4 WORK REQUIREMENTS

1.4.1 Contractor Compliance

The Contractor must review and abide by the description of the Asian Longhorned Beetle Quarantine as presented in Attachment 003. The Contractor must work under a compliance agreement with the Asian Longhorned Beetle Eradication Project.

The Contractor shall comply with the United States Department of Labor (DOL), “Occupational Safety and Health Administration,” Regulations Volume 36, Number 105, applicable DOL wage rates and fringe benefits, U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service laws, and all other rules and regulations as may be applicable.

The Contractor shall comply with local, state, and federal mandates and requirements, including but not limited to executive orders, traffic safety, traffic lane closures, protective gear, etc.

Safety precautions shall be taken against injury to all persons engaged in the work of any contract awarded to the Contractor by USDA and the general public.

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1.4.2 Contract Work Hours and Weather Delays

There are numerous biological, entomological, and physical factors that determine the time and method of survey. Starting and completing surveys on time are critical to the success of the ALB eradication project. Contract surveyors shall report in a timely manner, ready and properly equipped to work.

Workdays shall primarily consist of an 8‐hour workday (plus a 1/2‐hour lunch break), 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 0700 and 1600, except for Federal holidays. Overtime, weekend, or holiday work may be required. Work may be suspended due to adverse weather conditions. Saturday work or differing work hours (e.g., late starts due to inclement weather) may be coordinated with the COR and upon mutual agreement of the program staff and the contractor.

Workdays may be affected by weather conditions. Signs of ALB infestation is hard to detect on wet trees. Crews are not allowed to work in conditions that complicate or negate ALB inspections.

It is the contractor’s responsibility to maintain accurate benchmarks to complete the survey areas within the allotted timeframe.

1.4.3 Public Relations

It is essential for all employees of the Contractor to display a positive image in their demeanor and appearance as a representative of the ALB program by ensuring that their employees maintain favorable relations with the general public. Work shall be completed without inconvenience or disruption to the general public and property owners, and work sites shall be restored to their original condition. Personnel must be courteous in their dealings with property owners. All personnel working for the Contractor must carry identification at all times documenting employment by the Contractor. Personnel shall wear either a company uniform or insignia visible to the public. Work shall be performed with due care taking precautions against damage to property and interference with vehicular or pedestrian traffic. The contract crews shall be responsible for any damage caused to trees, plants, grass, vegetation, or other fixtures during the inspection process.

Work sites will be accessed from public roadways or through adjacent property with the permission of adjacent/surrounding property owners. No thoroughfare of any kind shall be closed without the written consent of the proper authorities. The Contractor is responsible for contacting proper authorities as necessary. The Contractor shall, without additional cost to the Government, prevent traffic interference warning signs, cones, flags, etc., in accordance with State and local rules and ordinances. The Contractor shall not block driveways, or inconvenience property owners, and the general public in any manner.

1.4.3.1 Social Media

Contractor shall not post any work‐related materials online, including but not limited to social media, unless authorized by the Government.

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1.4.4 Notification and Work Site Access Requirements

The contract surveyors shall notify the property owner in advance of conducting surveys on private property. This notification shall be upon initial entrance to private property before inspections begin. If the property owner is absent, lawn signs/door hangers informing property owners that inspections for ALB are in progress will be placed by the survey crew in a conspicuous location/front door. Upon completion of the survey the lawn signs/’Survey in Progress’ door hangers will be removed. Door hangers (provided by program staff) will be completed by the survey crew and left in a visible location or given to the property owner at completion of the survey.

1.4.5 Mandatory ALB Training

Each employee to work on this contract as a tree surveyor must complete the Asian Longhorned Beetle survey protocol and identification course to be given upon award of contract by the ALB cooperative eradication project.

All employees of the contractor who will work in the regulated area must also attend a Compliance Training Workshop along with any other training that the Government requires that provides information about ALB regulations and proper handling of regulated materials. After participating in all required trainings, the contractor is eligible to receive an ALB compliance agreement.

Contractor must also pass the host tree and ALB damage assessments noted under Survey Crews and Minimum Qualifications.

1.4.6 Contractor Liability

The Contractor is liable for any damages, losses, or injuries to people, property, and animals, which occur as a result, directly or indirectly, from work performed. The Contractor shall immediately notify program staff, of any damages, losses, or injuries occurring during the performance of this contract.

1.4.7 Vehicle Identification

The Contractor’s vehicles shall be clearly marked as to identify the vehicle as being part of the Contractor’s fleet and identified as an ALB Cooperative Eradication Program survey vehicle.

1.4.8 Contractor Quality Control

The Contractor shall develop and maintain an effective pro‐active quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with this SOW. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non‐recurrence of defective services.

The Contractor shall ensure management oversight and supervision, training to employees (including subcontractor employees), error‐free work, early problem detection and corrective actions, increased productivity and efficiency, and superior public relations. The Contractor shall provide to the USDA designated COR a report of daily quality control field observations. This report should include any problems identified and corrective actions taken.

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A quality control plan is also required. The plan should include at a minimum:

• Training and certification plan to ensure personnel able to identify ALB host material and ALB damage.

• Details on how agreed upon contract timelines (start and end times/lunch breaks, etc.)

will be monitored.

• Details on monitoring feedback from the public about interactions with the surveyors (Public Relations).

• Details on how host tree identification, measurement and documentation will be monitored.

• Details on how quality of host tree inspections will be monitored.

• Details on how monitoring of proper employee equipment (including ID, uniform, and binoculars, etc.) will occur.

Performance of quality assurance of surveyed units need to be identified within two weeks of completing said unit. QA must be conducted in the 2 weeks thereafter.

Ultimately, if QA will be performed on a surveyed unit, it must be identified, conducted and all data submitted within one month of completed survey work. At that time, the

Government can assess work performance.

1.4.8.1 Failure to Perform

This survey requires ground surveyors to identify and thoroughly inspect all host trees for signs of ALB infestation on public and private property. Failure to properly inspect 100% of the host trees within the USDA designated survey areas could result in infested trees being missed, allowing for ALB populations to continue to survive. This may result in an extension of the timeline for eradication. Each year the program is extended requires additional resources applied toward survey, control, and regulatory activities and increases the potential for failing to eradicate this exotic insect from the United States.

The Government can perform random spot checks during performance of the survey work. If the USDA determines that the contractor is not meeting the requirements set forth in this contract, the government may temporarily stop all work being performed until the contractor can rectify the problem or require the contractor to re‐perform the work at no additional cost to the government. When an observation indicates defective performance (examples in the next paragraph), the contractor shall immediately incorporate corrective actions into their quality control system, provide additional training to the employee responsible for the defective performance, and/or replace the employee.

Based on the nature of the defective performance and the immediate environment (i.e., residential vs. forested area) the COR and CO, with input from the contractor, will decide what type of corrective action will be taken. Examples of defective performance issues may include, but are not limited to, a host tree not inspected during survey, or incorrectly identified; a pseudo site is missed; ground surveyors repeatedly mistake mechanical damage, damage from squirrels or damage from other insects for ALB damaged/suspicious trees; or a positive tree is missed. The response to the defective performance will be graduated depending on the severity

MA ALB Hybrid Survey Solicitation Page 10 of 54 of the deficiency and the frequency of occurrence. Corrective actions required may include, but are not limited to:

‐ The responsible employee(s) will attend a two‐hour dendrology refresher training, or half‐day ALB training.

‐ Contractor will resurvey an entire unit of residential area or up to a 200‐meter radius at no additional cost to the government.

‐ Contractor will resurvey 1/8 mile around a single missed positive tree.

These corrective actions will be at the discretion of the CO/COR. All corrective actions will be underwritten by the contractor and at no additional cost to the government.

Failure to perform includes failure to complete the survey within the period of performance outlined in the task order.

1.5. WORK DESCRIPTION

1.5.1 Progression

Contractor will be given a map detailing the areas for survey; however, progression will be led by program staff. Benchmarks will be provided at the beginning of the task order and the contractor will be responsible for increasing or decreasing the field staff component as necessary to complete the overall task within the specified timeframe.

I

1.5.2 Survey Protocol

ALB Project Staff will provide monitors daily to direct and assist the contract surveyors with survey, infestation verification, public relations, and accessing private properties. ALB project staff will be available at all times work is being performed to verify suspect infestations and to respond to the public’s questions and/or concerns. Contract crews, however, must be able to conduct and document survey tasks and progression.

It is the responsibility of the contract crews to ensure that all host tree genera listed below will be inspected for ALB damage where applicable.

Level 1:

Acer

Aesculus

Betula (excluding sweet Birch)

Platanus (excluding sycamore)

Populus

Salix

Sorbus

Ulmus

Cercidiphyllum

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Keolreuteria

Level 2 and Level 3:

Acer only

As noted in Section 2.3.5 survey protocol will be reviewed in training for all field employees.

1.5.3 Suspected Infestations

If suspected symptoms of infestation are detected, the contract surveyors shall notify program staff immediately for verification. If adult beetles are found, contract surveyors shall collect the adult beetle and store it in a sturdy, enclosed container for identification.

1.5.4 Clean‐up and Disposal of Debris

Work areas shall be restored to their original condition upon completion of survey work. The Contractor is required to attend training to obtain a compliance agreement regarding handling and disposal of ALB regulated articles including, but not limited to, branches, tree limbs, brush, etc. from regulated areas and abide by Federal and State Agriculture regulations concerning the proper disposal of host material from ALB quarantined area.

1.5.5 Productivity

The Contractor will be expected to meet productivity goals during the duration of this contract.

If the contractor has been awarded multiple areas under this contract, survey crews will survey as directed by USDA. If the USDA determines that an area is nearing completion, the contractor may be allowed to move some crews to begin a new area.

Productivity goals will be based on daily, weekly, or monthly benchmarks of acreage surveyed, depending on the size of the assigned area.

If any benchmark is not met, contractor will increase or decrease the number of survey staff.

Any changes to staffing levels must be approved by the Government. Time extensions will be considered, as appropriate.

It is expected that the contractor will maintain the staff identified in their original proposal. Any staffing changes must be immediately communicated and approved by the Government

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1.5.6 Data Collection and Management

The Contractor will collect daily inspection records for all trees inspected. This data will be collected spatially using field data collection devices such as a tough pad and/or iPad. The contactor will be responsible for delivering daily shape data files via email, ftp site, website or USDA specified method. These files will not be considered final deliverables but will be used for the Worcester ALB office day to day activities and planning. Final deliverables are expected to be delivered free of errors. All points need to be plotted as accurate as possible. The shape data files are expected to be delivered in a format that is compatible with current USDA Databases and/or any other format specified by USDA. It is expected that the USDA database will change during the life of this contract. As a result, the contractor is required to update the data file compatibility to the new database.

1.5.6.1 Electronic Field Data Collection Device

Contractor is required to provide and maintain their own field data collection devices and train their staff in device usage. Contractor will also be responsible for the security of all data collected and communicated to the Government.

1.5.6.2 Data quality assurance/control

ALB Program staff will review all data collected for conformity to requirements outlined in Attachment 007 and report results to the contractor. Contractor is expected to correct all errors with the data. It is expected that Attachment 007 will be updated during the term of this contract to conform to a new software database structure.

1.5.7 Work Environment/Logistical Concerns

The areas to be surveyed contain challenges to completing the survey for Asian Longhorned Beetle infestation and damage. Some of the challenges are swamps, overgrowth, rough terrains, poison ivy, poison sumac, ticks, mosquitoes, and other obstacles.

1.6 USDA, APHIS QUALITY ASSURANCE

According to the Inspection of Services clause, FAR 52.246‐4 INSPECTION OF SERVICES ‐ FIXED PRICE (Aug 1996), located at Section 5 the program will evaluate the contractor’s performance under any contract awarded under this solicitation for ALB survey. Program personnel will record all surveillance observations. All observations will be presented to the contractor’s project manager or representative at the site in a timely manner. All reports presented must be initialed by the contractor’s project manager or representative. The initialing of the observation does not constitute concurrence with the observation, only acknowledgment that he or she has been made aware of the performance. The program reserves the right to establish the kind of quality assurance protocols that will be used.

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Quality assurance will include the review of all aspects of the work. Any action taken by the contracting officer, because of surveillance, will be in accordance with the terms of the resulting contract.

1.7 MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Every foreman actively working on the contract shall be a Massachusetts Certified Arborist (MCA).

The contractor must have a strong background in GIS software.

All surveyors must have at least one year of related specialized experience, such as:

inspecting plants for the presence of pests, surveying area for plant pests or for the presence of alternate plant hosts, performing survey or eradication procedures in a local pest control program, or successful completion of a two‐year degree from an accredited college or university that included at least 16 semester hours in course work such as biology, plant pathology, entomology, zoology, botany, forestry, chemistry or agriculture.

All surveyors must be able to identify Asian Longhorned Beetle host trees during all seasons.

Surveyors must pass the ALB host tree identification test with a 90% or better grade as well as the ALB damage recognition test with a 75% or better grade.

Surveyors will be given one additional attempt to successfully complete the exam if they do not pass the first time.

Surveyors must attend a compliance training workshop (approximately 4 hours).

Documentation certifying that most of the company’s work for the past three years has been primarily in the performance of tree maintenance work.

2.0 PRICE SCHEDULE

See Attachment 001 Spreadsheet “Price Schedule.”

PART A

The initial task order issued against this contract will consist of Part A as outlined in attached Price Schedule. The contractor is responsible for providing a firm fixed price for ground surveyors, climbing surveyors, and a hybrid approach which includes a combination of ground and climbing surveyors. Furthermore, the contractor must provide firm fixed pricing for ground, climbing and hybrid surveying approaches for surveying all ALB host trees as well as surveying only maple trees, considering the landscape, hardscapes, and wetlands in unit. Please refer to Attachment 005 for an aerial outlay.

PART B

This part of the price schedule outlines all units to be surveyed. Based on the proposals received, the program will determine how many units will be included in subsequent task orders based on price and available funding. It is anticipated that most units will be surveyed throughout the life of this contract. All potential future task orders with be firm fixed price, organized by the unit area, and will consider ground, climbing and hybrid survey approaches while considering all host surveys and maple‐only surveys, considering the landscape, MA ALB Hybrid Survey Solicitation Page 14 of 54 hardscapes and wetlands in unit. See Attachment 008. These are data files that can only be accessed by GIS software and will provide additional information that may assist in pricing each unit.

All survey options in PART A and B must be priced to be considered for this award.

If multiple awards are given, each contractor will be given fair opportunity as described in Section 4.0 below.

Ultimately, the contractor is responsible for verifying the density of the area requiring surveys in order to offer an accurate price.

3.0 EVALUATION FACTORS, SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

3.1 Evaluation Factors

In this acquisition, the government will obtain best value by using the Tradeoff source selection approach defined at FAR 15.101‐1; i.e., an approach which permits tradeoffs among cost or price and non‐cost factors and allows the Government to accept other than the lowest priced proposal or other than the highest technically rated offer.

Submittal evaluation will occur in accordance with FAR Part 15.

See Provision 52.212‐2 Evaluation—Commercial Items (Jan 1999)

The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

Price, Past Performance

Past performance is a measure of the degree to which an offeror has satisfied customers in the past, and complied with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Offerors with no past performance information will be given a neutral rating.

Technical Capability Technical Capability consists of four equally weighted sub factors:

Detailed Work Plan Higher ratings will be given to companies with a detailed and reasonable work plan that clearly outline the methodology for successfully completing all areas outlined in the Price Schedule.

Experience Higher ratings will be given to companies with more experience in conducting insect survey work. More specifically, a higher rating will be given to contractors with personnel who have ALB survey experience and demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualifications in Section 1.7 of this solicitation.

Key Personnel Higher ratings will be given to personnel with more experience and/or higher education or certifications (e.g., ISA certifications, Mass Certified Arborist, Master’s degree) and insect survey experience. Highest ratings will be given to personnel with experience in conducting ALB ground survey work.

Quality Assurance Plan

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Higher ratings will be given to companies that have thorough quality assurance plans and identified quality assurance personnel.

Technical Capability and Past Performance, when combined, are more important than price.

3.2 Items Required to be Submitted for Award

The following items are required to be submitted in order to be eligible for award:

1) Price schedule Complete Section 2.0 Price Schedule (Attachment 001‐ Part A and B) and send it as an Excel file.

2) Technical Capability

a. Detailed Work Plan: A clear and detailed description of the equipment and personnel that will be used to complete the requirements of this contract.

• An explanation of how the contractor would mobilize personnel and equipment to establish multiple crews each day

• A detailed description of the distribution of work being performed by the Offeror and its subcontractors (if applicable)

• Data Delivery Plan: What devices and format will used to document work performed and how that will be submitted to the Government

• If applicable, Offerors shall provide the names of major subcontractors that will perform a significant portion of the work. Major subcontractors are defined as members of an offeror’s overall team who are expected to perform ten (10) percent or more of the proposed effort.

b. Key personnel

i. Resumes of Foremen o MA Arborists certificates for all Foremen

ii. Resume or CV for Project Arborist, including ISA certification.

iii. Resume of Project Manager (if separate from Project

Arborist)

iv. Table (e.g., Excel, Word) of surveyors including name, years of experience, and/or education.

See the clause at 52.222‐17 Non‐ displacement of Qualified Workers.

b. Experience Demonstrated experience conducting pest/disease surveys (Including the use of climbers) detailing:

1. Company or agency name

2. Size of project (in dollars, area, or number of trees)

3. Point of contact

a. Name

b. Phone number

c. Email address

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4. Brief description of the work

c. Quality Control Plan

Detailed plan explaining how the contractor will conduct quality control, meeting the minimum requirements of 1.6

b. Past Performance

3) Three to five past performance references detailing tree maintenance work (including the use of ground and climbers for surveys). This can be the same projects as outline in 2(c) above. If using subcontractors, please include as part of this submission at least one example for any subcontractors. Include:

i. Company or agency name

ii. Size of project (in dollars, area, or number of trees)

iii. Point of contact

1. Name

2. Phone number

3. Email address

iv. Brief description of the work

3.3 Type of Contract

The Government intends to award one or more commercial indefinite‐delivery indefinite‐ quantity contracts. Contract and task order minimums and maximums are addressed in the following clauses: See 52.216‐19, “Order Limitations” and 452.216‐73 “Minimum and Maximum Contract Amounts.” The unit price that will be paid for any line item will not be changed based on the quantity actually ordered by the Government. The ultimate contract price for any given ordering period will be the sum of the task orders issued during that period.

Work will be ordered through the issuance of individual task orders as the requirements of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are defined. Each task order will include the specific requirements related to the work covered by the task order, and delivery or performance requirements. Task order prices will be in accordance with the fixed rates established in the Pricing Schedule. Orders may be issued orally or by electronic commerce methods.

3.4 Proposal Due Date

Proposal are due via email no later than 12:00 p.m. CST on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 to:

leah.h.schultz@usda.gov.

Please verify that proposals are received. Proposals received after this time will not be considered for award.

3.5 Questions

All questions are due via email to Leah Schultz no later than seven days before solicitation closes to: Leah.h.schultz@usda.gov.

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SECTION 4.0 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

4.1 TASK ORDERS

Task orders will be issued against this contract on a firm fixed price bases at the quoted zone price. The first task order will be issued upon award of the contract.

Orders may be placed by a warranted contracting officer via mail, orally, or through email.

4.1.1 Fair Opportunity

In the event of multiple contract awards, task orders estimated to be below the simplified acquisition threshold of $250,000 will be distributed to the firm that appears the most qualified and experienced for the service needed. APHIS will endeavor to balance the work evenly among the firms. Task orders exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold shall be competed among firms in accordance with FAR 16.505(b)(1)(iii)(B). Work under the first task order may be distributed to multiple contractors based on the line‐item pricing meeting the contract minimum.

4.2 SUBMISSION of INVOICES

Draft invoices should be sent to the Contracting Officers Representative (COR) via email. The COR will confirm the draft is accurate and notify the contractor to submit the invoice into the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) at http://www.ipp.gov/. Contractor may submit invoices on a monthly basis.

USDA uses the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) for electronic submission and tracking of purchase orders, invoices, and payment information to its suppliers of goods and services:

Enroll at https://ipp.gov. The IPP is a government‐wide secure web‐based invoice processing service offered free of charge to government agencies and their suppliers by the U.S.

Department of Treasury’s Financial Management Service (FMS). Invoices shall include the following information:

(i) Name and address of the Contractor.

(ii) Invoice date and number.

(iii) Contract number and contract line‐item number.

(iv) Description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price and extended price of the items delivered.

(v) Name, title, and phone number of persons to notify in event of defective invoice.

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4.3 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE

The Contracting Officer will designate a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) at the time of award. The COR will be the Contractor’s local Government contact for contracts awarded against this requirement.

The COR is responsible for monitoring the performance of work under contracts awarded as written in the contract. In no event, however, will any understanding, agreement, modification, change order, or other matter deviating from the terms of the contract be effective or binding upon the Government unless advance authorization is received from the Contracting Officer, and proper contractual documents executed by the Contracting Officer prior to performing the work.

The COR shall inform the contracting Officer as soon as possible of any understandings, tentative agreements, recommended modifications, and actions or inactions of the Contractor or the Government which could affect the Contractor’s ability to comply with the contract performance requirements or completion times.

Whenever, in the opinion of the Contractor, the COR requests effort outside the scope of the contract, the Contractor shall so advise the COR. If the COR persists and there still exists a disagreement as to proper contractual coverage, the Contracting Officer shall be notified immediately.

PROCEEDING WITH WORK WITHOUT PROPER CONTRACTUAL COVERAGE AND APPROVAL OF

THE CO COULD RESULT IN A BREACH OF CONTRACT AND NONPAYMENT.

An exception will be considered by the Contracting Officer for additional work determined necessary by the COR after contract work hours, or on Saturday, Sunday, or Holidays, provided the additional work is within the scope of the contract. If additional work within the scope of the contract is required outside contract work hours, the Contractor and the COR shall inform the Contracting Officer on the next business day of the circumstances, and request issuance of a contract modification.

The designation (delegation of authority) shall be provided in writing to the COR and the Contractor. The delegation of authority shall clearly explain the COR’s role and responsibility on the contract, and limitations of authority.

The following contacts are the only persons authorized to interact with the contractor on this contract:

1. Contract Specialist/Contracting Officer – For contract related issues:

Leah Schultz, Contracting Officer — (612) 336‐3625

2. Contracting Officers Representative (COR) – For requirement related issues:

Antony Massop, (508) 852‐8090

3. ALB Program Quality Assurance Personnel:

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Data Quality Assurance, Antony Massop, Supervisory PPQ Officer— (508) 852‐8090 Field Quality Assurance, William Wright, Supervisory PPQ Officer 508‐736‐0302

SECTION 5.0 LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

Attachments 001 – 008 are separately attached on sam.gov. Please see instructions on how to access Attachment 008 below.

Attachment 001 Price Schedule Attachment 002 Wage Determination Attachment 003 ALB Pest Alert and Signs and Symptoms Attachment 004 ALB Quarantine – MA Attachment 005 Survey Priority Base Map 2022 Attachment 006 Level Boundaries Attachment 007 Shapefile Structure Attachment 008 Zone Boundaries (only GIS accessible) and Aerial Map (only GIS accessible)

**Instructions on how to access Attachment 008:

The aerial photography is available from the Massachusetts GIS Office website at:

https://www.mass.gov/guides/connecting-to-massgis-ortho-image-web-services

SECTION 6.0 CONTRACT CLAUSES

52.252‐2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998) This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at:

www.acquisition.gov/FAR

52.203‐17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights and Requirement To Inform Employees of Whistleblower Rights. (JUN 2020) 52.204‐13, System for Award Management Maintenance (OCT 2018) 52.204‐18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance (Aug 2020) 52.212‐4 Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items (Nov 2021)

*Addendum: Paragraph (a) – Inspection/Acceeptance will be replaced with 52.246‐4 ‐‐ Inspection of Services ‐‐ Fixed‐Price. (Aug. 1996) Paragraph (0)‐ Warranty will be replaced with 52.246‐20 ‐ Warranty of Services (May 2001)

52.232‐40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Dec 2013) 52.245‐1 Government Property (Sept 2021) 52.245‐9 Use and Charges (Apr 2012)

52.212‐5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Products and Commercial Services. (May 2022)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services:

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(1) 52.203‐19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113‐235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(2) 52.204‐23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Nov 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub.

L. 115‐91).

(3) 52.204‐25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (Nov 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115‐232).

(4) 52.209‐10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Nov 2015).

(5) 52.233‐3, Protest After Award (Aug 1996) ( 31 U.S.C. 3553).

(6) 52.233‐4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Oct 2004) (Public Laws 108‐77 and 108‐78 ( 19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).

(b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services:

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.]

X (1) 52.203‐6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Jun 2020), with Alternate I (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).

X (2) 52.203‐13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C.

3509)).

__ (3) 52.203‐15, Whistleblower Protections under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Jun 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111‐5). (Applies to contracts funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.)

X (4) 52.204‐10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First‐Tier Subcontract Awards (Jun 2020) (Pub. L. 109‐282) ( 31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

__ (5) [Reserved].

__ (6) 52.204‐14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (Oct 2016) (Pub. L. 111‐117, section 743 of Div. C).

X (7) 52.204‐15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite‐Delivery Contracts (Oct 2016) (Pub. L. 111‐117, section 743 of Div. C).

X (8) 52.209‐6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (Nov 2021) ( 31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

X (9) 52.209‐9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Oct 2018) ( 41 U.S.C. 2313).

__ (10) [Reserved].

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__ (11) 52.219‐3, Notice of HUBZone Set‐Aside or Sole‐Source Award (Sep 2021) ( 15 U.S.C. 657a).

__ (12) 52.219‐4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for…