12639525Q0102 CARIZZO CANE.pdf

SEE ADDENDUMIS CHECKED

CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

FACILITYCODE

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

OFFEROR

APHIS-MN-126395

MINNEAPOLIS MN 55401

SUITE410

250 MARQUETTE AVE

USDA APHIS

APHIS-VS-7DF6 CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

X

561730

SIZE STANDARD:

100.00 % FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED ORAPHIS-MN-126395

REQUEST FOR

PROPOSAL

(RFP)

INVITATION

FOR BID (IFB)

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

REQUEST FOR

QUOTE (RFQ)

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY

CLASSIFICATION STANDARD

(NAICS):

SMALL BUSINESS

05/15/2025 1700 ET

04/17/2025

612-336-3465TODD BIERL

(No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIMEb. TELEPHONE NUMBER a. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

12639525Q0102

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

1 82 1146880OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

LAREDO TX 78041

7209 E SAUNDERS SUITE 4

USDA APHIS VS TICK OFFICE (WEBB COU

15. DELIVER TO

MINNEAPOLIS MN 55401

SUITE410

250 MARQUETTE AVE

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$9.5

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW

ISSUE DATE

DELIVERY FOR FREE ON BOARD

(FOB) DESTINATION UNLESS

BLOCK IS MARKED

11.

SEE SCHEDULEX

12. DISCOUNT TERMS THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED

ORDER UNDER THE DEFENSE

PRIORITIES AND ALLOCATIONS

SYSTEM - DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

(SDVOSB)

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

USDA APHIS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (WOSB)

ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (EDWOSB)

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

The PQZ of the CFTEP encompasses approximately 600 miles of the Rio Grande River along the US-Mexico border the areas to be cut under this contract will encompass approximately 165-200 miles located along the PQZ within the South Texas counties at the direction of the CFTEP.

The government is requiring that the vendor provide the number of personnel they asses as needed to complete this project.

** These area calculations are approximate;

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

X

XX

DATED

TODD K. BIERL

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

31c. DATE SIGNED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE (FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION) FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3

AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Government Use Only)

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REFERENCE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

40. PAID BY39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER

37. CHECK NUMBER

FINALPARTIAL

36. PAYMENT

FINALPARTIAL

35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

34. VOUCHER NUMBER33. SHIP NUMBER

COMPLETE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41c. DATE41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021) BACK

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

165-200 miles of Carrizo cane that may be required to cut. **

*Site Visit: There can be an opportunity for a site visit to assess the work areas firsthand, if requested. *

The contract operators will perform tractor driving operations, equipment maintenance and equipment transport assistance along the Rio

Grande River as described in Section 1.3. The operators will top off the Carrizo Cane stands to a height of approximately 3 feet (1 meter) in areas pre-selected by the USDA to clear areas that are beneficial to the job performance of the

USDA. The Carrizo Cane should be cleanly cut at the 3-foot height to stimulate and enhance the effect of the predatory insect species and encourage branching which will minimize the height for regrowth and give greater access to the control insects. The tops, which still contain insect larvae, are to be left in place to encourage newly developed insects to further attack and degrade the Carrizo Cane stands.

Evaluation Factors

In this acquisition, the Government will identify the quote that offers the best value to the

Continued ...

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

82 2 of

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

3 82

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

12639525Q0102

Government based on price and non-price factors and allows the Government to accept other than the lowest priced quote.

Submittal evaluation will occur in accordance with Simplified Acquisition Procedures as outlined in FAR part 13.106-2.

1. Technical Capability: Contractor owns or can obtain the personnel and equipment needed to complete the identified areas within the period of performance not to exceed a year from the date of award. The contractor must summarize its ability to manage and coordinate multiple crews in order to keep the work schedule on time.

Contractor must also provide proof of successful background check for personnel on site.

2. Price: Completed Section 2.0 Price Schedule above for the identified carrizo cane topping areas.

3. 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. This will be evaluated by looking in the Contractor

Performance Assessment Recording System (CPARS).

4. No more than 75 pages

Submission Requirements

1. A signed copy of the SF 1449 Form. Please complete Block 17a including vendor name, address, phone number, Federal Tax ID number, and

UEI number. Then, sign in block 30a.

2. Certification of requested equipment or other equipment that will be used: Specifications and documentation (video or pictures) that show the cane is cleanly cut and at a height of 3¿ (1 meter) would show the effectiveness of alternative equipment. If another style cutter is used, it must be capable and show the cleanly cutting up to 4-inch stalks without mashing the cut-off tops, which will be left to fall in place.

3. Items in Section 4.1 (1) and (2).

4. Completed Section 2.0 Price Schedule

5. Copy of SYSTEM for AWARD MANAGEMENT (SAM) Continued ...

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

4 82

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

12639525Q0102

REGISTRATION: SAM Registration is required of all federal contractors. SAM registration enables electronic funds transfer of contract payments.

If your company is not already registered, please register in the SAM database at https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/.

a) A UEI number is required for SAM registration.

If your company does not have UEI #, obtain one by calling 800-333-0505.

b) If the prospective awardee for this request for quotes is not registered in the SAM database by close of solicitation, depending on mission requirements, the government reserves the right to proceed to award to the next otherwise successful registered offeror.

Questions

All questions must be submitted via email to:

CO-Todd Bierl (3) three days prior to solicitation deadline 12 May 2025.

Quote due date, time, and format

Quotes are due via email no later than May 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM It is the contractor¿s responsibility to ensure quotes are received on time. Please note that file size limitations, formatting, or other problems may hamper receipt so please verify that the contracting officer has received your quote to CO- Todd Bierl.

Delivery: 30 Days After Notice to Proceed

Period of Performance: 04/17/2025 to 05/15/2025

0001 The PQZ of the CFTEP encompasses approximately

600 miles of the Rio Grande River along the

US-Mexico border the areas to be cut under this contract will encompass approximately 165-200 miles located along the PQZ within the South

Texas counties at the direction of the CFTEP.

The government is requiring that the vendor provide the number of personnel they asses as needed to complete this project.

The contract operators will perform tractor driving operations, equipment maintenance and

Continued ...

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

5 82

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

12639525Q0102 equipment transport assistance along the Rio

Grande River as described in Section 1.3. The operators will top off the Carrizo Cane stands to a height of approximately 3 feet (1 meter) in areas pre-selected by the USDA to clear areas that are beneficial to the job performance of the

USDA. The Carrizo Cane should be cleanly cut at the 3-foot height to stimulate and enhance the effect of the predatory insect species and encourage branching which will minimize the height for regrowth and give greater access to the control insects. The tops, which still contain insect larvae, are to be left in place to encourage newly developed insects to further attack and degrade the Carrizo Cane stands.

Product/Service Code: S208

Product/Service Description: HOUSEKEEPING-

LANDSCAPING/GROUNDSKEEPING

Todd K. Bierl

(Major Program Contracting Officer)

Emergency Acquisition

Marketing and Regulatory Program Business (MRPBS)

Acquisition and Asset Management Division (AAMD)

Acquisition Branch

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Office# (612)336-3465

Cell# (612)500-1321/ (763)286-8084

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

SOLICITATION 12639525Q0102 CARIZZO CANE 6

1.0 STATEMENT OF WORK: Carrizo Cane Topping along selected areas of the Rio Grande River Permanent Quarantine Zone (PQZ) of the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program

(CFTEP)

1.1 Overview

Carrizo Cane is an invasive weed along the Rio Grande that creates an ideal habitat for cattle fever tick survival and hinders visibility for both United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health 5Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS) mounted inspectors and DHS-Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Mechanical topping of the cane at 3 feet provides immediate visibility of the Rio Grande for VS and CBP personnel, eliminates cattle fever tick habitat, and increases the impact of the insect biological control agents released by USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS). The USDA needs support in the topping of approximately 200 river miles of Carrizo Cane to reduce the invasive species biomass, increase visibility of the Rio Grande River area for both CBP and the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program (CFTEP), while reducing the habitat for cattle fever ticks by creating a less welcoming and habitable environment and promoting an increase in tick predator species.

SOLICITATION 12639525Q0102 CARIZZO CANE 7

The Arundo wasp laying eggs in the Carrizo cane, and wasp damage to cane near Brownsville, Texas.

1.2 Background

USDA-ARS has developed mechanical + biological technology controls for Carrizo Cane along the Rio Grande.

All National environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements have been met and this proposed action is ready to be implemented (40 CFR 1500-1508: CEQ Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA, 1978) (Environmental Assessment Document is available for review).

Arundo donax, also known as giant reed or Carrizo Cane, is native to the Old World from the Iberian Peninsula of Europe, across the Mediterranean to south Asia. Carrizo Cane is an extremely invasive weed of riparian habitat, drainage ditches and irrigation canals of the Rio Grande River Basin of Texas and Mexico (RGB).

Carrizo Cane has historically dominated these habitats where it competes for scarce water resources and reduces riparian biodiversity. Carrizo Cane also facilitates the invasion of cattle fever ticks from Mexico into Texas and impedes law enforcement activities along the international border. Carrizo Cane impacts the ability to perform assigned functions of both CBP and the CFTEP.

Biological control of the invasive cane with specialized insects from the native range of the weed in Spain is considered to be the best long-term option for managing this highly invasive weed because it is low cost, sustainable, and suitable for use in large areas such as the Rio Grande Valley (RGV).

Biological control also has successfully integrated with mechanical topping of the cane. Topping Carrizo Cane at 3 feet tall promotes formation of side shoots, which are heavily attacked by the biological control agents, leading to long-term stunting of the cane. This integrated method accelerates the decline of the cane and provides immediate visibility of the international border for law enforcement personnel.

SOLICITATION 12639525Q0102 CARIZZO CANE 8

With topped cane, light penetrates the soil surface which stimulates the re-growth of desirable native vegetation. With the return of native vegetation comes the return of tick feeding predators such as ground beetles and ants. Mature stands of Carrizo Cane can be 18 degrees cooler and more humid which greatly enhances the survival of cattle fever ticks (CFT). Topping of cane immediately changes the microhabitat to make it less favourable for CFT survival.

The USDA-Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program (CFTEP) is developing an execution plan for the topping of Carrizo cane in South Texas. As this is a startup execution plan for this project, the CFTEP anticipates several phases of work to be completed. With the initial estimated linear mileage between 150-180 miles of Carrizo cane, this estimate has been reduced to an unknown mileage as much Carrizo cane has been eliminated due to Federal and State projects along the banks of the Rio Grande River in the areas for which the CFTEP patrols on horseback. Also, the current Statement of Work (SOW) requires a 30’ swath on each side of the CFTEP horse trails to be topped (Figures 1 and 2). This may require an occasional use of a skid-steer which the CFTEP can transport to the location if a trail cleanup is required. The CFTEP would utilize the skills of the contractor tractor operators to operate this government provide skid-steer.

BEFORE

Figure 1. NOTE – Only 15’ of topped cane is depicted on either side of trail, whereby the SOW requires 30’ topped on either side of a trail.

SOLICITATION 12639525Q0102 CARIZZO CANE 9

AFTER

Figure 2. NOTE – Only 15’ of topped cane is depicted on either side of trail, whereby the SOW requires 30’ topped on either side of a trail.

Project Phases

Due to a perceived reduction in linear mileage, the CFTEP is configuring four (4) phases to this project and pricing should reflect each of the four (4) phases.

• Phase 1 – Approximately 40 linear miles will be completed in this phase. It is estimated that this will be about 160 “tractor” miles.

• Phase 2 – Approximately 40 linear miles will be completed in this phase. It is estimated that this will be about 160 “tractor” miles.

• Phase 3 – Approximately 40 linear miles will be completed in this phase. It is estimated that this will be about 160 “tractor” miles.

• Phase 4 – Approximately 40 linear miles will be completed in this phase. It is estimated that this will be about 160 “tractor” miles.

The total linear miles upon the completion of Phase 4 would be 160 miles of topped Carrizo cane. The CFTEP estimates that Phase 3 and Phase 4 may not be needed due to the many miles of Carrizo cane that has been eliminated but realizing that regrowth will occur over time.

SOLICITATION 12639525Q0102 CARIZZO CANE 10

Other Considerations

• Other considerations include the contractor to provide and deliver fuel to respective site locations.

The fuel pricing should be reflected in each of the Project Phases listed above.

• Tractor maintenance will be provided by the contractor and any break/fix items should be listed and priced and included in each of the Project Phases listed above.

• Porta-Potty facilities will need to be provided by the contractor and priced and included in each of the Project Phases listed above.

1.3 Scope of Work

The PQZ of the CFTEP encompasses approximately 600 miles of the Rio Grande River along the US-Mexico border the areas to be cut under this contract will encompass approximately 165-200 miles located along the PQZ within the South Texas counties at the direction of the CFTEP. The government is requiring that the vendor provide the number of personnel they asses as needed to complete this project.

** These area calculations are approximate; 165-200 miles of Carrizo cane that may be required to cut. **

*Site Visit: There can be an opportunity for a site visit to assess the work areas firsthand, if requested. *

The contract operators will perform tractor driving operations, equipment maintenance and equipment transport assistance along the Rio Grande River as described in Section 1.3. The operators will top off the Carrizo Cane stands to a height of approximately 3 feet (1 meter) in areas pre-selected by the USDA to clear areas that are beneficial to the job performance of the USDA. The Carrizo Cane should be cleanly cut at the 3-foot height to stimulate and enhance the effect of the predatory insect species and encourage branching which will minimize the height for regrowth and give greater access to the control insects. The tops, which still contain insect larvae, are to be left in place to encourage newly developed insects to further attack and degrade the Carrizo Cane stands.

1.4 Place of Performance

Place of performance is along the Rio Grande River border between the United States and Mexico that is the Permanent Quarantine Zone (PQZ) from Brownsville, TX southeast Texas., to Del Rio. TX in the northwest.

Several areas have been identified in this area for carrizo cane topping. The place of performance will encompass approximately 165 to 200 miles of Carrizo Cane (see page 12). See Figure 1 Map below that identifies the PQZ and the Texas counties involved.

The contract operators shall commence simultaneous cane topping operations in both Val Verde and Webb County and then proceed south working through the designated areas (page 1) or until funding for the

SOLICITATION 12639525Q0102 CARIZZO CANE 11

contract is expended. It will not be a requirement for the contractor to complete all cane topping areas under the current funding level for this contract.

Figure 1.

1.5 Property Access

This work will be done using pre-existing river trails that parallel the Rio Grande within the Permanent Quarantine Zone (see Figure 1) and are used by APHIS inspectors to search for stray livestock and wildlife that may carry cattle fever ticks from Mexico. Carrizo Cane shall be accessed from designated roadways unless directed and any excursion off the road should use the same path for both ingress and egress in order to minimize any negative environmental impacts.

All property access will be coordinated by CFTEP and any contact with property owners (both private and public) will be done through the CFTEP liaison. Contract operators cannot work on any property without advanced permission from the property owners as communicated through a CFTEP written notification prior to cane topping.

The areas to be cut are identified on page 1. Timeline of cutting will be at the direction of the USDA liaison. Notice of proposed schedule will be provided at last two weeks in advance.

There may be occasions where the contract operators must vacate immediately as a result of a CBP urgent situation. The contract operators must vacate the said area in the amount of time communicated by USDA liaison. There may be situations where USDA equipment will be left on-site.

The USDA Liaison will be identified upon contract award and is defined further in Section 3.3.2.

All property shall be left in the same condition as when it was entered.

SOLICITATION 12639525Q0102 CARIZZO CANE 12

1.6 Contractor Requirements

a. The contractor shall be fully responsible for providing qualified and experienced personnel in tractor operation, equipment maintenance, cutter bar and boom operation, as well as tractor and cutter bar transport assistance of all equipment. The contract operators will be required to load all cane topping equipment (i.e., the tractor, extended boom, and Gillison topper bar, etc.) onto third-party transportation services, which the USDA will coordinate and schedule.

b. The contractor will document the miles of Carrizo Cane that has been topped between specified Biomass points inside designated areas.

c. The contract operators will document daily, personnel hours and tractor mileage of actual Carrizo Cane topped to submit a proper invoice.

1. Each contract operator will visit biomass sites before and after topping to take pictures, record GPS coordinates, and maintain a log database of topping progress.

2. Contractor shall provide weekly updates (documents, photographs, spreadsheets, etc.) to USDA liaison of actual miles of Carrizo Cane topped and areas completed. This will be submitted to the Contracting Officer and Director - CFTEP • VS-FO-CFTEP.

3. Care must be taken to have clean cuts to promote the maturation of the biological control species introduced in the Carrizo Cane. The cane cuttings, containing developing insect larvae, will be left in place to promote their maturation.

4. Contract operators will complete cane topping until contract funding is completely expended.

Previous field studies by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) show that tractors can top 1 river mile per 18 hours. In some areas along the river, topping takes only 2 hours per mile, while in other areas with rough terrain, up to 64 hours per mile.

5. Cane must be topped 30 feet from each side and including the road/trail identified in each of the areas specified on page 1.

6. On the occasion the contract operators seek approval from the USDA liaison to leave any equipment on-site overnight, the contract operators must take appropriate precautions to ensure that:

• Parked equipment does not impede traffic access along the river trail.

• Parked equipment is not damaging any endangered species of plant or wildlife.

• Parked equipment has enough drip pans to prevent contamination of river trail.

7. Trash generated by contract operators shall be removed at the end of each workday.

8. Only authorized personnel are allowed access to the work sites (i.e., no visitors, no pets, etc).

9. Carrizo Cane shall be accessed from designated USDA and CBP roadways and any approved excursion off the road should use the same path for both ingress and egress to minimize any negative environmental impacts.

10. The Carrizo Cane should be cleanly cut at the 3-foot (1 meter) height to stimulate and enhance the effect of the predatory insect species and encourage branching which will minimize the height for regrowth and give greater access to the control insects. The tops, which still contain insect larvae, are to be left in place to encourage newly developed insects to further attack and degrade the Carrizo Cane stands.

SOLICITATION 12639525Q0102 CARIZZO CANE 13

11. The contractor will provide proof that background checks have been successfully completed and provided to USDA liaison before employees work on identified sites. This includes all employees that may join the effort during the execution of this requirement and all new employee proof of background lists are provided to the USDA liaison.

12. Provide qualified personnel to operate the equipment on site.

13. Obtain proper licenses and follow all other local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

14. Must follow all equipment manual operation instructions including all safety protocol.

15. Provide any utilities needed to power the equipment listed and provide for any restrooms or other break areas the contractor may require.

a. The contract operators shall arrive on-time, and at the designated site fully prepared for an

8-hour workday.

b. If work is taking place during hunting season, alternate work schedules may need to be coordinated through landowner by USDA Liaison and approved by contractor.

c. Work restricted to a 5-day work week.

16. Repair any damage done to property while working on-site.

17. Coordinate with USDA liaison on whether equipment needs to be disinfected before moving to a new property.

18. Detailed weekly reports will be submitted to the Project COR with associated photographs of completed work. Details must include GPS mileage of carrizo cane which has been topped. The report shall also indicate the number of miles completed which were topped for that particular week. Contractor details, milestones, and challenges shall be depicted in these weekly reports to keep the USDA Project Team aware of completion miles, project milestones which have been met, and challenges which the vendor needs clarification or remediation by USDA personnel.

19. Some parts of the cutting equipment are known to fail somewhat frequently, such as shaker box bearings and hoses. The contractor is expected to have the necessary parts on hand to conduct repairs.

20. Contractor shall conduct a basic police background to check for felonies of employees being retained for duration of contract.

SOLICITATION 12639525Q0102 CARIZZO CANE 14

Figure 2.

SOLICITATION 12639525Q0102 CARIZZO CANE 15

Figure 3.

1.7 Government Requirements

CFTEP will provide personnel to serve as liaison (USDA Liaison) between the CBP and with private landowners to confirm vendor access to the river trails to perform the cane cutting work. Updates will be provided to the vendor by the CFTEP office supervisor as required if access to the river trails are suspended due to ongoing Federal operations that require work crews to vacate the area. Every effort will be made by CFTEP and CPB to provide the vendor vacate notices within reasonable timeframe to allow the vendor to relocate the work crew to a new work site unaffected by the notice.

Work will be conducted from the access roads developed by the CBP and maintained by the CFTEP.

Equipment storage will be provided by USDA or any other Government agency for the purpose of this contract. Private property may be utilized for overnight equipment storage if a CFTEP liaison has received permission from the landowner.

USDA Liaison (or designated representative) for the affected area will visit work sites before and after topping to take pictures, record GPS coordinates, and maintain the database. This person will be the main point of contact for Contractor for daily communicate and schedule coordination. CFTEP shall be responsible for instructing contractor personnel of their duties and responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 and the requirements of a Biological Opinion (BO) issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) on

SOLICITATION 12639525Q0102 CARIZZO CANE 16

October 25, 2013. Federal agencies (i.e., USDA) are directed, under consultation with the USFWS, to ensure that their actions (and actions of their contracted agents) do not jeopardize the continued existence of Threatened and Endangered (T&E) species (plants and/or animals) or destroy or adversely modify designated critical habitat.

a. Cane topping activities will take place along the Rio Grande within known travel corridors of both the ocelot and jaguarondi (both considered T&E animals).

b. In accordance with the ESA, USDA ARS consulted with the USFWS on proposed CFTEP Carrizo Cane Topping activities and their potential effects on T&E plants and animal species found in the cane topping area. The USFWS has made a determination that cane topping activities will not likely place T&E plants and animals in jeopardy if the activities abide by the terms and conditions set forth in the BO. T&E animals, other than potential Cattle Fever Tick vectors, will not be harmed or harassed and will be allowed to leave on their own volition. Contractor will notify the designated USDA liaison who will then notify the USFSW immediately if a T&E animal is seen in the project vicinity.

c. Instructional material shall be provided to the vendor to conduct the mandatory environmental training prior to the work crews commencing work on the project. In the event new employees are brought in to work on the cane cutting project, they must also receive the mandatory environmental training before proceeding to the work site.

1.8 Site Security

The vendor, at his own option and expense, is responsible for personnel security. Contractor equipment should be brought into and out of the work site(s) daily and not left at a work site overnight or unattended for an extended period.

1.9 Period of Performance and Contract Instrument

The period of performance for this requirement is from date of award for 1 year.

1.10 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 quality control field observations as mutually agreed by both parties. This report should include any problems identified and corrective actions taken. It is expected that 100% of Carrizo cane identified will be cut at the appropriate level as identified in this SOW. The contractor will only be compensated for work successfully completed.

1.11 Government Quality Surveillance

According to the Inspection of Services clause, FAR 52.246-4 INSPECTION OF SERVICES - FIXED PRICE (Aug 1996), located at Section 5 of this solicitation, the USDA will evaluate the contractor’s performance under any contract awarded under this solicitation for carrizo cane cutting. USDA personnel will periodically record

SOLICITATION 12639525Q0102 CARIZZO CANE 17

surveillance observations and provide them to the contractor for review. Then, the contractor will be expected to evaluate the current QC plan and corrective actions taken as suggested by the Government.

Government Provided equipment as follows:

Qty 2 (Two), 2023 (New) Case Maxxum 145 HP Tractor - Cab, FWD, Auto shift Transmission.

Qty 2 (Two), 2023 (New GVF) Gillisons Rear-Mount Topper Hedger, cutter bar length 15’.

Bobcat (government will rent/provide).

Capacities for Case Maxxum

Fuel: 51.5 gal/194.9 L

57.5 gal/217.6 L *

60.8 gal/230.1 L *

Exhaust fluid (DEF): 10.4 gal/39.4 L

Hydraulic system: 19.5 gal/73.8 L

2.0 PRICE

SOLICITATION 12639525Q0102 CARIZZO CANE 18

CTEFP has identified several areas along the Rio Grande Valley that require cane topping. Please refer to details within this SOW with instructions for access. Based on this SOW, offerors MUST submit a fixed price hourly quote. It is not necessary to provide a quote for all areas to be considered responsive. The firm fixed price quote must be listed in the appropriate line below and be inclusive of all costs related to that particular area including, but not limited to, transportation assistance, Labor, material, facilities/utilities required, security, indirect costs, etc. Again, the cane must be topped 30 feet from each side and including the road/trail identified in each of the areas in Attachment 1. The USDA seeks an hourly rate for two operators based on the location of the task order. Contractors, please use the following formula:

Hourly Rate X Number of Operators X Business Days per year X 8 hours daily.

In this formula, the hourly rate will be all-inclusive, covering operation, maintenance, fuelling, travel costs, life support services, incidentals, etc.

It is also noted that there is a possibility that any of these areas will not be required to be topped as a spray herbicide may have been applied or where the carrizo cane has been removed due to fence construction along areas of the Rio Grande River by Corps of Engineers or the CBP.

SOLICITATION 12639525Q0102 CARIZZO CANE 19

Prioritized Commencement Schedule:

Site Location Approx Miles Task Order #

3.0 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

3.1 Orders and Payments

Prior to final USDA inspection and acceptance of the work identified in the task order, the contractor shall complete all work, including but not limited to, final clean-up of the area.

The USDA reserves the right to conditionally accept services that do not conform to contract quality requirements or are

SOLICITATION 12639525Q0102 CARIZZO CANE 20

otherwise incomplete, that the contractor is required to correct or otherwise complete by a specified date.

The payment provided for in the contract shall constitute full compensation for furnishing all contractor materials and for performing all work under the contract in a complete and acceptable manner. Payment items for the work of this contract are listed in the Pricing Schedule and described in this Scope of Work. The hourly unit price and payment made in each carrizo cane topping area listed, shall constitute full compensation for providing equipment, tools, supplies, labor supervision, incidental materials, quality control, environmental protection, meeting safety requirements, and performing all work as provided in this contract. The payment provided for in the contract includes compensation for all risk, loss, damage, and expense arising out of the nature of the work or its prosecution, subject to conditions of the contract. Payment as provided for under the contract constitutes compensation in full for completing the requirements as specified in the contract.

3.2 Invoicing

The contractor will issue an invoice for 1/12 of the contract value monthly, irrespective of personnel hours or tractor mileage, which may slightly increase or decrease from one month to another and provided on a statistical basis (e.g., assisting the in loading and transporting the equipment, weather, security, and safety instructions, and so forth).

Since the price for each area will be based on personnel hours of Carrizo Cane topped, invoices should be sent to the Contracting Officers Representative (COR) via email when the area is completed. The COR will confirm the draft and the hours are accurate and notify the contractor to submit the invoice into the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) at http://www.ipp.gov/.

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, Task Order number and line-item number

(iv) Description and unit price and extended price of the services delivered.

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

3.3 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

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 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.

%20http://www.ipp.gov/.

%20http://www.ipp.gov/.

SOLICITATION 12639525Q0102 CARIZZO CANE 21

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.

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.

Questions regarding contractual issues shall be directed to:

3.3.1 Contracting Officer

Todd Bierl

USDA APHIS

Animal and Plant Inspection Service 250 Marquette Ave., Suite 410 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401 Office# (612)336-3465 Cell# (612)500-1321 Email: Todd.K.Bierl@usda.gov

3.3.2 Contracting Officers Representative (COR), Alternate COR, and Technical Point of Contact:

To be provided upon award.

3.3.2.a APHIS Field Operations – CFTEP/Program Manager John Picanso Director -CFTEP 903 San Jacinto Blvd, STE 220 Austin, TX 78701 Cell No.: (301) 887-7068 Email: John.Picanso@usda.gov

3.3.2.b APHIS CFTEP Field Operations Troy Trevino Management Analyst CFTEP Director’s Office 120 San Francisco Ave.

Laredo, Texas 78040 Cell No.: (956) 265-4708 Email: troy.trevino@usda.gov

3.3.2.c APHIS Northern County CFTEP Field Operations Teofilo Vela CFTEP Field Operations Supervisor mailto:John.Picanso@usda.gov mailto:troy.trevino@usda.gov

SOLICITATION 12639525Q0102 CARIZZO CANE 22

Zapata County Office 709 Carla St.

Zapata, Texas 78076 Cell No.: (956) 763-2666 Email: Teofilo.Vela@usda.gov

3.3.2.d APHIS CFTEP Southern County Field Operations Douglas Anderson CFTEP Field Operations Supervisor Starr County Office

3803 N.FM 755.

Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 Cell No.: (956) 443-9020 Email: douglas.anderson@usda.gov

3.3.2.e APHIS Engineering Project Manager (EPM) Rheta R. Johnson

USDA APHIS MRP AAMD ESB

Room 3A-03.40 4700 River Road, Unit 115 Riverdale, MD 20737 Tel. No.: (301) 851-2638 Cell No.: (301) 440-1623 Fax No.: (301) 734-4846 Email: Rheta.R.Johnson@usda.gov

3.3.2.f APHIS Safety and Health Branch Acting Branch Chief Timothy Snidow

USDA APHIS MRP ESSD

4700 River Road Riverdale, MD 20737 Tel. No.: (301) 904-0916 Cell No.: (443) 772-4862 Fax No.:

Email: Timothy.Snidow@usda.gov

3.3.2.g APHIS Security Chief Jeffrey Zimmerman

USDA APHIS MRP EMSSD

4700 River Road Riverdale, MD 20737 Tel. No.: (301) 436-3144 Cell No.: (919) 338-3259 Fax No.:

Email: Jeffrey.Zimmerman@usda.gov

3.3.2.h COR TBD mailto:Teofilo.Vela@usda.gov mailto:Rheta.R.Johnson@usda.gov mailto:Timothy.Snidow@usda.gov mailto:Jeffrey.Zimmerman@usda.gov

SOLICITATION 12639525Q0102 CARIZZO CANE 23

4.0 EVALUATION CRITERIA AND SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Evaluation Factors

In this acquisition, the Government will identify the quote that offers the best value to the Government based on price and non-price factors and allows the Government to accept other than the lowest priced quote.

Submittal evaluation will occur in accordance with Simplified Acquisition Procedures as outlined in FAR part 13.106-2.

1. Technical Capability: Contractor owns or can obtain the personnel and equipment needed to complete the identified areas within the period of performance not to exceed a year from the date of award. The contractor must summarize its ability to manage and coordinate multiple crews to keep the work schedule on time.

Contractor must also provide proof of successful background check for personnel on site.

2. Price: Fixed Price Hourly Rate

3. Past Performance: Past performance is a measure of the degree to which an offeror has satisfied customers in the past, and complied with international, federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Offerors with no past performance information will be given a neutral rating. This will be evaluated by looking in the Contractor Performance Assessment Recording System (CPARS) or contract evaluations from previous employers.

4. Quality Control – Detailed weekly reports will be submitted to the Project COR with associated photographs of completed work. Details must include GPS mileage of Carrizo cane which has been topped. The report shall also indicate the number of miles completed which were topped for that week. Contractor details, milestones, and challenges shall be depicted in these weekly reports to keep the USDA Project Team aware of completion miles, project milestones which have been met, and challenges which the vendor needs clarification or remediation by USDA personnel.

4.2 Submission Requirements

1. A signed copy of the SF 1449 Form. Please complete Block 17a including vendor name, address, phone number, Federal Tax ID number, and UEI number. Then, sign in block 30a.

2. Specifications and documentation (video or pictures) that show the cane is cleanly cut and at a height of 3’ (1 meter) would show the effectiveness of alternative equipment. If another style cutter is used, it must be capable and show the cleanly cutting up to 4-inch stalks without mashing the cut-off tops, which will be left to fall in place.

3. Items in Section 4.1 (1) and (2).

4. Completed Price Schedule /Quote

5. Copy of SYSTEM for AWARD MANAGEMENT (SAM) REGISTRATION: SAM Registration is required of all federal contractors. SAM registration enables electronic funds transfer of contract payments. If your company is not already registered, please register in the SAM database at https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/ .

a) A UEI number is required for SAM registration. If your company does not have UEI #, one must be obtained one.

https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/

SOLICITATION 12639525Q0102 CARIZZO CANE 24

b) If the prospective awardee for this request for quotes is not registered in the SAM database by close of solicitation, depending on mission requirements, the government reserves the right to proceed to award to the next otherwise successful registered offeror.

4.2.1 Questions

All questions must be submitted via email to the Contracting Officer three days prior to solicitation deadline 12 May 2025.

4.2.2 Quote due date, time, and format

Quotes are due via email 15 May 2025 5:00 PM EST; It is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure quotes are received on time. Please note that file size limitations, formatting, or other problems may hamper receipt so please verify that the contracting officer has received your quote.

5.0 ATTACHMENTS

N/A

6.0 CONTRACT CLAUSES

6.1 Incorporated by Reference

52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance (Aug 2020)

ADDENDUM TO 52.212-4:

52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2023)

a. 52.212-4 paragraph (a), Inspection/Acceptance, is replaced with 52.246-4 Inspection of Services -- Fixed-Price (Nov 2023).

b. 52.212-4 paragraph (g), Invoices, is revised to include the following statement: All invoices shall be submitted through the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) at www.ipp.gov. IPP is a secure, web-based service that manages government invoicing.

c. 52.246-20 paragraph (o), Warranty, is replaced with 52.246-20 Warranty of Services (May 2001).

52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors. (Mar 2023)

6.2 Full Text

52.204-25 Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Nov 2021)

SOLICITATION 12639525Q0102 CARIZZO CANE 25

(a)Definitions. As used in this clause—

Backhaul means intermediate links between the core network, or backbone network, and the small subnetworks at the edge of the network (e.g., connecting cell phones/towers to the core telephone network).

Backhaul can be wireless (e.g., microwave) or wired (e.g., fiber optic, coaxial cable, Ethernet).

Covered foreign country means The People’s Republic of China.

Covered telecommunications equipment or services means–

(1) Telecommunications equipment produced by Huawei Technologies Company or ZTE Corporation (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities);

(2) For the purpose of public safety, security of Government facilities, physical security surveillance of critical infrastructure, and other national security purposes, video surveillance and telecommunications equipment produced by Hytera Communications Corporation, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company, or Dahua Technology Company (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities);

(3) Telecommunications or video surveillance services provided by such entities or using such equipment; or

(4) Telecommunications or video surveillance equipment or services produced or provided by an entity that the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence or the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, reasonably believes to be an entity owned or controlled by, or otherwise connected to, the government of a covered foreign country.

Critical technology means–

(1) Defense articles or defense services included on the United States Munitions List set forth in the International Traffic in Arms Regulations under subchapter M of chapter I of title 22, Code of Federal Regulations;

(2) Items included on the Commerce Control List set forth in Supplement No. 1 to part 774 of the Export Administration Regulations under subchapter C of chapter VII of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations, and controlled-

(i)Pursuant to multilateral regimes, including for reasons relating to national security, chemical and biological weapons proliferation, nuclear nonproliferation, or missile technology; or

(ii)For reasons relating to regional stability or surreptitious listening.

(3) Specially designed and prepared nuclear equipment, parts and components, materials, software, and technology covered by part 810 of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations (relating to assistance to foreign atomic energy activities);

(4) Nuclear facilities, equipment, and material covered by part 110 of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations (relating to export and import of nuclear equipment and material);

(5) Select agents and toxins covered by part 331 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, part 121 of title 9 of such Code, or part 73 of title 42 of such Code; or

SOLICITATION 12639525Q0102 CARIZZO CANE 26

(6) Emerging and foundational technologies controlled pursuant to section 1758 of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 ( 50 U.S.C. 4817).

Interconnection arrangements mean arrangements governing the physical connection of two or more networks to allow the use of another's network to hand off traffic where it is ultimately delivered (e.g., connection of a customer of telephone provider A to a customer of telephone company B) or sharing data and other information resources.

Reasonable inquiry means an inquiry designed to uncover any information in the entity's possession about the identity of the producer or provider of covered telecommunications equipment or services used by the entity that excludes the need to include an internal or third-party audit.

Roaming means cellular communications services (e.g., voice, video, data) received from a visited network when unable to connect to the facilities of the home network either because signal coverage is too weak or because traffic is too high.

Substantial or essential component means any component necessary for the proper function or performance of a piece of equipment, system, or service.

(b)Prohibition. (1)Section 889(a)(1)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2019, from procuring or obtaining, or extending or renewing a contract to procure or obtain, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. The Contractor is prohibited from providing to the Government any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system, unless an exception at paragraph (c) of this clause applies or the covered telecommunication equipment or services are covered by a waiver described in FAR 4.2104.

(2)Section 889(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L.

115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2020, from entering into a contract, or extending or renewing a contract, with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or…