1.9.2_-_1284N8-19-Q-0096_Amend_002_-_Salmon_River_Aerial_Seeding_and_Herbicide_Solicitation.pdf

1284N8-19-Q-0096 Salmon River Aerial Seeding/Herbicide

Intermountain Region

REGION 4 UTAH ACQUISITION SUPPORT CENTER INSTRUCTIONAL COVER SHEET

ISSUING OFFICE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FOREST SERVICE

UTAH ACQUISITION SUPPORT CENTER

1749 WEST 500 SOUTH

SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84104

FAX (801) 908-1930

SOLICITATION NO: 1284N8-19-Q-0096

OFFERS ARE SOLICITED FOR: INTERMOUNTAIN REGION- R4, SALMON RIVER AERIAL SEEDING/HERBICIDE, (INTERMOUNTAIN REGION)

This project is set aside 100% for small business

IMPORTANT – NOTICE TO OFFEROR:

AT A MINIMUM, OFFEROR SHALL SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS BACK WITH THEIR RESPONSE TO THIS SOLICITATION:

1. SF-1449 – SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS (Complete, Date and Sign)

2. SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

3. TECHNICAL RESPONSE AS IDENTIFIED IN EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

4. Part 26, OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS. Paragraph (q) (2) of provision 52.212-3. (PAGE 43).

5. EXPERIENCE/EQUIPMENT QUESTIONNAIRE

6. SUBCONTRACTOR FORM (IF APPLICABLE)

7. ANNUAL AIRCRAFT CERTIFICATION

8. ANNUAL PILOTS LICENSE

9. IDAHO PROFESSIONAL PESTICIDE APPLICATORS LICENSE (FRONT AND BACK)

Ensure the solicitation number is on the outside of your envelope and retain a copy of solicitation for your records.

Return to: USFS - Region 4 - Utah Acquisition Support Center ATTN: Kenneth Miller 1749 West 500 South Salt Lake City, UT 84104 Solicitation No: 1284N8-19-Q-0096

Please keep a copy of your quote for your records.

AN AWARD WILL BE MADE FROM THIS SOLICITATION WHEN THE EVALUATION OF OFFERS HAS BEEN COMPLETED WHICH IS ANTICIPATED TO OCCUR SHORTLY AFTER THE CLOSING DATE OF THE SOLICITATION. IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR ANY AWARD, IT IS REQUIRED THAT CONTRACTORS BE REGISTERED, ACTIVE AND VALID IN THE SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (SAM) DATABASE AT THE TIME THAT AWARD WILL BE MADE. REFERENCE FAR 52.204-7 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT IF YOU ARE A CONTRACTOR THAT WILL BE RESPONDING TO THIS SOLICITATION AND NOT CURRENTLY REGISTERED, ACTIVE AND VALID IN THE SAM DATABASE, THAT YOU IMMEDIATELY BEGIN THE PROCESS. CONTRACTORS MUST ALSO MEET THE SMALL BUSINESS

SIZE STANDARD OF THE NAIC’S CODE THAT THIS SOLICITATION IS ISSUED UNDER

THIS IS THE ONLY NOTICE THAT CONTRACTORS WILL GET INSTRUCTING THEM TO COMPLETE THE SAM REGISTRATION PROCESS IF THEY HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE

SO. THE WEBSITE IS https://www/sam.gov/portal/SAM/#1.

ALL SOLICITATIONS SHALL BE ISSUED THROUGH THE FEDERAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES (www.fbo.gov).

IT IS THE OFFERORS RESPONSIBILITY TO WATCH FOR ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS TO THE SOLICITATION, WHICH SHALL BE ISSUED ELECTRONICALLY THROUGH THE

FEDERAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES WEBSITE.

http://www.fbo.gov/

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR

COMMERCIAL ITEMS

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE 2 of 45

959627

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE 4. ORDER NUMBER 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

1284N8-19-Q-0096 07/09/2019

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (No collect calls) 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

Kenneth Miller, Purchasing Agent

801.908.1905

08/14/2019 at 14:00 Local Time

9. ISSUED BY: CODE 10. THIS ACQUISITION IS 11. DELIVERY FOR

FOB DESTINATION

UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE

SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

Utah Acquisition Support Center 1749 West 500 South Salt Lake City, UT 84104

( ) UNRESTRICTED

(X) SET AIDE: 100 % FOR

(X) SMALL BUSINESS

( ) SMALL DISAV. BUSINESS

( ) 8(A) 13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED

ORDER UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

NAICS: 115310 13b. RATING

SIZE STANDARD: $7.5 Million 14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ IFB RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

See Schedule Utah Acquisition Support Center 17a. CONTRACTOR/ OFFEROR CODE FACILITY

CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

(see block 9)

TELEPHONE NO. DUNS#

FAX NO. TIN#

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER 18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK

IS CHECKED SEE ADDENDUM

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

FY19 Intermountain Region-R4, Salmon River Aerial Seeding/Herbicide

See attached Schedule of Items

(Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED 27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCES FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN 1 COPIES

TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET

FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL SHEETS

SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED HEREIN.

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REFERENCE ___________________ OFFER

DATED ______________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER) 30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) 31c. DATE SIGNED

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO

THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED

33. SHIP NUMBER 34. VOUCHER NUMBER 35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

PARTIAL FINAL

36. PAYMENT 37. CHECK NUMBER

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVT. 32c. DATE COMPLETE PARTIAL FINAL

38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER 39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER 40. PAID BY

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print) 41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER 41c. DATE 42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42c. DATE REC’D (YY/MM/DD) 42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION SEE REVERSE FOR OMB CONTROL NUMBER AND

PAPERWORK BURDEN STATEMENT

STANDARD FORM 1449 (10-95)

Prescribed by GSA – FAR (48 CFR) 53.21

1. Schedule of Items

Base Items

Line Item

Pricing Description For Each Line Item

Quantity Unit Unit Price

Amount

1 2019 Aerial Herbicide Application (East Donnelly) 1,219 Acres $ $ 2 2019 Aerial Herbicide Application (West Donnelly) 1,016 Acres $ $

TOTAL BASE ITEM ACRES 2,235 ACRES

TOTAL BASE ITEMS QUOTE - $__ _______

Option Items

Line Item

Pricing Description For Each Line Item

Quantity Unit Unit Price

Amount

3 2019 Aerial Herbicide Application (Southwest Buster) 558 Acres $ $ 4 2019 Aerial Herbicide Application (East Sage) 252 Acres $ $ 5 2019 Aerial Herbicide Application (Lower Sheep Creek) 891 Acres $ $ 6 2019 Aerial Herbicide Application (Little Sheep Creek) 465 Acres $ $ 7 2019 Aerial Herbicide Application (Rathburn Gulch) 912 Acres $ $ 8 2019 Aerial Herbicide Application (Big Silverleads Creek) 649 Acres $ $ 9 2019 Aerial Herbicide Application (Little Silverleads Creek) 675 Acres $ $

10 2019 Aerial Herbicide Application (Bills Canyon) 216 Acres $ $ 11 2019 Aerial Herbicide Application (Bug Corral) 74 Acres $ $

12 2020 Aerial Herbicide Application (Buster Gulch Roads) 848 Acres $ $ 13 2020 Aerial Herbicide Application (Upper Buster) 393 Acres $ $ 14 2020 Aerial Herbicide Application (Whiskey Springs) 214 Acres $ $ 15 2020 Aerial Herbicide Application (Upper Deadwater) 418 Acres $ $ 16 2020 Aerial Herbicide Application (Buster/Dead) 490 Acres $ $ 17 2020 Aerial Herbicide Application (East Donnelly) 1,219 Acres $ $ 18 2020 Aerial Herbicide Application (West Donnelly) 1,016 Acres $ $

TOTAL OPTION ITEM ACRES 9,290 ACRES

TOTAL OPTION ITEMS QUOTE - $_____ _______

Invoice Processing Platform (IPP)

The Forest Service is utilizing the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) for the electronic submission and tracking of contracts/purchase orders, invoices, and payment information. IPP is a secure Government-wide, Web-based invoice processing service. Visit http://www.ipp.gov to learn more.

Upon award of a contract, Contractors will be enrolled automatically. Contractor will subsequently receive electronic notification from IPP of enrollment. IPP password will be delivered electronically to allow first login to IPP. Contractors shall submit all invoices electronically via IPP. Paper copies of invoices will no longer be accepted.

Name of Company (please print):

DUN’s Number:

Printed Name of Company Agent:

Signature of Company Agent:

Date:

Phone Number:

Email Address:

http://www.ipp.gov/

2. EFFECTIVE PERIOD OF THE CONTRACT (AGAR 452.211-75)(FEB 1988)

The effective period of this contract is from October 1, 2019 through November 30, 2020.

3. AWARD CRITERIA

BASIS OF AWARD: Award will be determined by the funds which are available at the time of quote opening. An award shall be made to the contractor whose offer is most advantageous to the Forest Service based on the following criteria.

EVALUATION CRITERIA: Cost to the Forest Service is not expected to be the controlling factor in the selection of a Contractor for this solicitation. This will be a “Best Value” contract.

The following factors will be used for evaluation of each offer:

• Past Performance

• Relevant Experience

• Available Qualified Personnel

• Available Equipment

• Price

The Forest Service reserves the right to make an award on the basis of initial offers received.

4. GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE:

The contractor shall provide a contract representative for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate(s) who shall act for the contractor when the contractor is absent shall be designated in writing to the contracting officer. The contractor representative or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The contractor representative and alternate(s) must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.

Point of Contact:

Name Title Forest Service Address City, State Zip Phone Email

Contracting Officer:

Kenneth Miller Purchasing Agent Utah Acquisition Support Center 1749 West 500 South Salt Lake City, UT 84104 801-908-1905 Kenneth.C.Miller@usda.gov

5. DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

This solicitation and resultant contract is for the purpose of the Salmon-Challis National Forest (SCNF) obtaining helicopter-based aerial services described herein (note that services using fixed wing aircraft or unmanned aerial vehicles are not being solicited for this contract). All services procured shall be accomplished in a safe, effective, environmentally aware manner and in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

5.1 SCOPE OF CONTRACT

Work under this contract consists of two base items (2,235 acres) and up to sixteen option items (9,290 acres), including (a) the application of herbicides in both 2019 and 2020 on up 11,525 acres of cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa) and rush skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea) infestations.

This project will support rehabilitation objectives for areas within the 2012 Mustang Fire, including (1) fine fuels reduction resulting from cheatgrass invasion, (2) big game winter range habitat improvement and (3) restoration of native plant communities.

Work will occur in the fall or winter months in Lemhi County, Idaho, on lands administered by SCNF on the North Fork Ranger District, just west of North Fork, Idaho (see Project Area Description below for specific information).

Unless otherwise specified as furnished by the Government, the Contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, equipment, materials and operating supplies, transportation services, permits, and licenses necessary safely survey/monitor, and apply herbicides using appropriate helicopter-mounted equipment, in accordance with the contract specifications and applicable federal and State of Idaho regulations. This includes fuel, fuel truck, support vehicles and personnel, and any other services or supplies necessary to support aerial operations.

5.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE AND PROGRESSION OF WORK

Work under this contract shall take place during the period from the date of Contract Award through November 30, 2020. Herbicide application shall be completed no later than November 20 annually, depending on weather conditions. Deliverable digital/GPS products shall be provided to and approved by the COR prior to December 31, 2019 and 2020 respectively.

The Government may halt aerial operations if weather or site conditions alter to the point the government feels the treatments may not be effective.

The Contractor may be asked to time activities to avoid conflicts with forest users, in particular, project areas near developed recreation sites during periods of high public use, or to stop work if people are found to have somehow entered the project area.

Working on weekends and holidays may be acceptable and requests must be submitted to the COR two weeks in advanced of desired work dates and must be approved by the COR prior to work being performed.

The government reserves the right to alter the location of work areas should planned work areas become inaccessible (e.g. wildfires or mass erosion events due to high intensity storms) with prior written notification of the change by a properly executed modification from the Contracting Officer. Only areas of comparable size, terrain, etc. will be selected for substitutions.

Environmental Responsibilities and Resource Protection Objectives

The Contractor shall be familiar with and comply with SCNF environmental protection design features and mitigation measures. The 2015 Salmon-Challis National Forest Forest-wide Weed Management Environmental Impact Statement and the 2016 SCNF Weed Management Record of Decision outline design features and mitigation measures for management of invasive plant species. These documents are available on the SCNF website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=36537.

• The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all maintenance, fueling, and flight activities do not cause environmental damage to natural resources or to federal infrastructure or facilities.

• The Contractor and all application personnel are required to review, understand, and follow the labels for herbicide and soil amendments as well as product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) requirements, precautions, and prohibitions. Labels and associated SDS must be carried and be within easy access during all spraying operations.

• All spray tanks and other containers for liquids will have tight fitting and secure lids. Equipment shall be inspected regularly for leaks.

• Materials shall be transported in a manner that will prevent spills and in containers that are isolated from food, clothing and safety equipment.

• Spray equipment will be calibrated for each project and/or product and recalibrated as needed. Calibration of equipment shall be complete prior to start of work and before the Contractor mobilizes into the project area. Calibration calculations shall be provided to the Government on request. The spray pattern, application rates and calibration shall be reviewed before beginning a project and monitored during the project. Additional calibration checks may be required by the Government if there is question or indications of inaccurate application rates.

• Disposal of wastewater and herbicide containers shall be done off National Forest lands and in accordance with local, state and federal regulations.

• A pumping system shall be used to fill water tanks that will prevent contamination of wells, springs, streams, lakes, and ponds. The system shall be so constructed that a back flow from the mixing or application tanks is not possible.

• Contractor is responsible for cleaning of all vehicles to ensure they are free of soil, seeds, vegetative matter, or other debris that could contain or hold non-native noxious weed seed prior to entering Forest Service lands. Contractor shall certify, in writing, compliance of terms prior to moving equipment onto job site and shall present all equipment to COR and Inspectors for inspection and approval.

Public Relations

Contract personnel shall conduct themselves in a professional and cooperative manner to SCNF personnel and members of the public while fulfilling task orders under this Contract. In particular, professional, courteous and helpful interactions with forest users are vital in communicating the benefits of aerial treatments in managing plant communities.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=36537

5.3 PROJECT SAFETY

Accident Prevention and Safety

The Contractor shall keep and maintain programs necessary to assure safety of ground and flight operations. The development and maintenance of these programs are a material part of the performance of the contract. When, in the sole judgment of the Contracting Officer, the safety programs do not adequately promote the safety of operations, the Government may terminate the contract for cause as provided in the “Contract Terms and Conditions”. Examples of such programs are but not limited to: 1) Personnel Activities, 2) Maintenance, 3) Safety and 4) Compliance with Regulations.

The Contractor shall fully cooperate with the Contracting Officer in the fulfillment of this clause. The Contracting Officer may suspend performance of this contract work, during the evaluation period used to determine cause as stated above.

Plans referenced below shall be submitted with the written proposal for review. Contractor shall comply with all Government Safety and Health regulations and the Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) standards, and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

Site-Specific Safety Plan

• At the time of contract award, the Contractor shall submit site specific safety planning. This includes procedure for traffic control (air traffic if applicable), communication, equipment use, signing, and protection of personnel and public. This plan will be used during the pre-work and subsequent meetings to ensure safe operations. This information will also be used for quality assurance standards during the project.

• At the time of contract award, the Contractor shall provide an aviation safety plan for the specific sites where aerial operations are conducted. The plan shall include flight routes. The plan will also include communication procedures to monitor location of aircraft assigned to the project, a crash rescue, and missing aircraft plan.

Public Safety

Forest Service line officers shall make the final determination regarding a possible need to temporarily close public access to staging areas or to treatment sites for public safety in consultation with the COR and the Forest Aviation Officer. A public safety plan will then be agreed upon by the Contractor, COR, FS line officers, the Forest Aviation Officer and local officials.

The Government shall be responsible for posting local public notices of aerial activities prior to commencement of work. This may include radio and social media announcements and newspaper notices. The Contractor may be asked to provide information for these public notices.

Warning signs on roads leading to operations at the staging area and in the vicinity of treatment sites may be needed depending on location. The Contractor and COR shall determine the need for signing, barricades and traffic control to maintain a safe environment for the public. The Government will provide signs for road or area closures while the Contractor is responsible for signage of chase trucks, other support vehicles, etc.

Communications

The Contractor shall provide a communication system so that contractor personnel, aircraft, and Government project inspectors can communicate at all times with each other to discuss performance matters, or safety issues. VHF-FM radios must have high band capabilities, and must be capable of reaching narrow band frequencies.

5.4 LICENSING AND PERMITTING REQUIRMENTS

Aircraft/Pilot Licensing - For all aerial application contracts, Contractors shall provide aircraft and pilots licensed to perform aerial services for the Forest Service. This annual certification shall be provided to the COR prior to commencement of every task order. If required by the Forest Aviation Officer, the Contractor shall submit aircraft for a safety inspection to Forest Service aviation personnel prior to the commencement of every task order, as directed by the Forest Aviation Officer.

Prospective vendors shall provide copies of their annual aircraft AND pilot’s FS certification with their quotes in response to a solicitation for a task order. Proposals without this documentation will be rejected.

Herbicide Licensing - For herbicide application contracts, Contractors shall be licensed Professional Applicators with the State of Idaho and have the proper endorsements for agriculture/forest herbicide applications. Information on licensing requirements may be obtained from the Idaho Department of Agriculture, Division of Agricultural Technology, 2270 Old Penitentiary Road, PO Box 790. Boise, Idaho, 83701. Telephone (208) 332- 8600.

Prospective vendors shall provide a copy of their applicator's license with their quotes in response to a solicitation for a task order. Proposals without a copy of the applicator’s license will be rejected.

Special permits, if required for operation within the applicable state, county, and/or city, will be required at the pre-work meeting.

Equipment Requirements/General Provisions The contractor shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and directives pertaining to safety, maintenance, and performance of all aircraft proposed for use under this contract. Additionally, aircraft shall be maintained in accordance with all manufacturer’s guidelines and bulletins.

The Forest Service is not responsible for the safety of the Contractor nor any operators or assistants during the operation of Contractor equipment or Contractor licensed activities. The Contractor shall use and maintain work procedures which will safeguard Contractor personnel, Government personnel and the public.

5.5 GENERAL CONDITION OF EQUIPMENT

Contractor-furnished aircraft and equipment shall be operable, in good mechanical condition, free of damage, and in good repair.

Aircraft systems and components shall be free of leaks except within limitations specified by the manufacturer.

Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Requirements

• All aircraft, application equipment (e.g. sprayers), and ground-based chase or transport vehicles shall be maintained in a condition that minimizes the potential for spills of materials such as fuel, oil, herbicide, liquid or granular products, etc.

• The Contractor shall have a written spill response plan, which shall be provided to and approved by the Contracting Officer and COR at the pre-work meeting. The plan must meet all FS standards and requirements for the management of spills. Adherence to this plan is mandatory.

• All spray operations equipment and transport vehicles will have adequate spill containment and cleanup materials and equipment. Operators shall be trained in responding to spills.

• The Contractor shall be responsible for all cleanups of fuel, and oil on airport ramps, staging areas, parking areas, landing areas, etc., when caused by Contractor aircraft or personnel. If a spill occurs, the Contractor will assume all liability and responsibility for clean-up to meet EPA and applicable state water quality standards

• The contractor shall utilize cleaning agents that are biodegradable and non-toxic. Contaminated soils shall be removed in appropriate containers and disposed of as hazardous waste.

• The Government may, at its option, assign an area to be utilized by the Contractor for storage of equipment used in support of Contract performance. Oil, solvents, parts, engines, etc. shall be stored and utilized in a manner consistent with acceptable safety, health and environmental concerns.

• The contractor shall ensure that they are in compliance with 40 CFR Part 112: Oil Pollution Prevention; Spill Prevention, Control, and

Countermeasure Plan Requirements (SPCC). An SPCC plan is required for each mobile fueler used on this contract regardless of bulk storage container (tank) size.

Deliverable Products

Deliverable products include completion of field work, and GPS/GIS products for application of herbicides as defined by the specifications described herein.

Spatial and tabular deliverable products shall be provided as zip files or on external drives, including (a) GPS files as ESRI ArcMap shapefiles (or geodatabase) with minimum required attributes per Forest Service specifications and requirements, (b) digital or hard-copy treatment records for herbicide applications, (c) digital or hard-copy maps of work areas, (d) field notes, whether digital (in a printable format such as Adobe Acrobat PDF files) or hard-copy and (e) any color photographs of work areas treated.

Identified deliverables shall be provided to and approved by the COR prior to the Contractor submitting invoices for payment. The Contractor shall submit hard copy and electronic data to the COR as specified within two weeks of completion of work. Delivery of these products is necessary for the COR to approve the submitted invoice. Failing to provide deliverable products in a timely manner shall constitute non-performance and may be grounds for contract termination for failure to perform.

Project Area Description

The project area is located four miles west of North Fork, Idaho, just north of the Salmon River in the vicinity of Buster Gulch and Deadwater Gulch. North Fork, Idaho is located along Highway 93 North approximately 20 miles north of Salmon, Idaho at the confluence of the Salmon River and the North Fork of the Salmon River. From North Fork, turn west onto the Salmon River Road and travel four miles west to the Deadwater Picnic Area and Boat Ramp. The project is located above the breaks of the Salmon River to the north and west.

There are two base item work units in the project area for 2019. These are treatment areas for herbicide control of non-native annual grasses (primarily cheatgrass), spotted knapweed and for rush skeletonweed. There are also seven option item work units for treatment areas for herbicide control of non-native annual grasses (primarily cheatgrass), spotted knapweed and for rush skeletonweed in 2020.

The project area consists of steep slopes and large, flat ridgetops above the Salmon River corridor. The primary plant community is composed of bluebunch wheatgrass, Sandberg bluegrass, needle-and-thread grass, and Idaho fescue with patches of dry conifer habitat, xeric Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine) and evergreen shrubs (mountain mahogany, rabbitbrush and sagebrush).

The Salmon River breaks are prone to frequent lightning strikes and there is a history of frequent fires, both large and small, in the project area.

The land use history of timber harvest, road building and domestic livestock grazing has resulted in degradation of the native plant community due to widespread establishment of various non-native invasive plant species. The primary invasive plant species include annual grasses, annual mustards, spotted knapweed and rush skeletonweed. These invasive plants respond very strongly to fire and with each wildfire, the plant community composition becomes more heavily weighted toward non-native invasive species. This results in a downward ecological spiral as non-native invasive plant species become predominant and the fire return interval shortens due to fuel buildup, particularly from invasive annual grasses.

The area provides both winter and transitional range for elk and mule deer. Repeated wildfires in the project area (most recently in 2012) have resulted in the degradation of range and forage quality due to the encroachment of invasive annual grasses and mustards and Idaho State-listed noxious weeds. Particularly, areas frequented by elk and mule deer have become stands of cheatgrass and tumble mustard with very little native vegetation. This is especially true of ridge and bench systems where elk and deer spend considerable time and of drainages that had higher tree and shrub cover but have since burned very hot, killing a high percentage of the overstory.

There are no environmentally sensitive areas, (e.g. streams, ponds or rare plant populations) within treatment areas.

5.6 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Staging Areas

Final decisions on the use of staging areas on NFS lands will be agreed upon by the contractor, local officials (such as the District Ranger, or acting), and the COR.

Contractor shall submit a plan outlining what precautions and mitigation will be in place to limit spread of material prior to project initiation. This will include daily clean-up plans, mitigation strategies, and equipment that will be used to meet above mentioned specifications. A written plan shall be provided to the COR for approval.

• Disposal of spilled material, such as mulch/seed, packing materials, pallets and/or other waste material is the responsibility of the Contractor.

• If the Contractor modifies physical characteristics of staging areas, the Contractor will be responsible for all restoration and rehabilitation.

Clean-up and restoration will require that the restoration of the site will allow recovery to original pre-use conditions.

Herbicide Applications

Commercial contract applicators must include a copy of the front and back of their Idaho professional pesticide applicator’s license with their proposal for this solicitation. Proposals without this documentation will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered for contract award.

Mixing and loading sites will be accessible by road. These sites will be identified and discussed with the Contractor prior to commencement of work to coordinate logistics. The Contractor will receive authorization to drive support vehicles behind gated forest roads as needed.

• The active ingredient Imazapic will be aerially applied in the fall/winter months as a tank mix with Aminopyralid to infestations of annual grasses and mustards at a rate of 5 ounces/acre, unless the COR specifies a change in active ingredient or application rate. See project area maps for details.

• The active ingredient Aminopyralid will be aerially applied in the fall/winter months as a tank mix with Imazapic to infestations of spotted knapweed and rush skeletonweed at a rate of 5 ounces/acre, unless the COR specifies a change in active ingredient or application rate. See project area maps for details.

• All application of herbicides will be performed by, or supervised by, a state licensed applicator following all current legal application procedures administered by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.

• All herbicides will be handled following the EPA label guidelines and other state and federal laws for storage, application, and disposal methods.

• No ether-based herbicides or surfactants are allowed.

• Water shall be the ONLY herbicide carrier.

• The Contractor shall mix only the amount of herbicide that will be used for the operating period or load. The Contractor shall take special care to avoid mixing more than the amount to be used in the event the weather changes into no spray conditions. The Government does not guarantee that other areas will be available to treat in the event a weather change occurs and mixed herbicide is left over.

• Mixing and loading operations shall occur no closer than 300 feet from open water or other sensitive sites unless spill containment devices are readily available and the Government has pre-approved the practice and location.

• Herbicide applicators will not initiate spraying when heavy rains or other weather conditions are forecast that could cause offsite herbicide transport into sensitive resources such as streams.

• The Government may stop spraying operations if wind speed and/or temperature rises or the relative humidity drops to a point the Government feels the treatments will not be effective.

• Herbicides will not be applied if snow or ice covers the target vegetation.

• The Contractor shall apply herbicides at as low an elevation as possible subject to vegetation, terrain and safety considerations.

• Herbicide shall be applied in a water/herbicide mixture at rate of 2 gallons per acre unless otherwise specified or the COR and Contractor agree in advance to another rate.

• Low boom pressure, as agreed upon by the Contractor and COR, will be used to reduce drift. The definition of “low pressure” will depend on the type of equipment used, product being applied, use of drift control agents and the site type and location.

• Drift agents and surfactants will be applied with herbicides when recommended by the Contractor or as requested by the COR in advance of the application. These products will be applied according to label. Specific products in these categories are subject to prior approval by the Government.

Documentation.

Daily progress reports are to be provided to the Government representative at the end of each operational period or the next day during the morning briefing. No additional work that day will commence until documentation is provided.

Daily progress reports are to be provided to the Government representative at the end of each operational period or the next day during the morning briefing. No additional work that day will commence until documentation is provided.

(a) Color hard copy or digital maps attached to each treatment record containing at a minimum: topographic background layer, outline of work area boundary and name, delineation of area and infestations sprayed each day with date of treatment and any recommendations regarding the area, new or existing infestations and further management.

(b) Daily Operational Report

1) Total flight time (hours) for each aircraft and treatment or assignment.

2) Total acres treated at each site by treatment type.

3) Total amount herbicide application (gallons).

(c) Final Report. A final report (1 digital copy with photos and maps) shall be provided which includes at a minimum:

• A written report shall contain daily field conditions, application rates and areas covered, site conditions, and any other pertinent data that records the treatment. The report shall contain a summary of treatment results.

Government Quality Assurance

Quality assurance will be performed by the Government during the contract at regular intervals. Methods may include visual survey and review of Contractor quality control documents. Deduction for work may include rework at no cost to the Government or Government acceptance with price reduction.

Contractor Quality Control

The Contractor, not the Government, is responsible for management and quality control actions to meet the terms of this contract. The role of the Government is to provide quality assurance to ensure contract standards are met.

Records of quality inspections shall be kept and made available to the Government throughout the performance period and for the period after contract completion until final settlement of any claims under this contract.

A description of the quality control inspection plan shall be provided within seven (7) days of task order award. The plan shall include; (1) control procedures for security of Government-provided items such as keys, and lock combinations; (2) location of the inspection documents; (3) corrective or preventive actions that shall be taken to meet quality standards; and (4) a customer comments feedback system.

Contractor quality control personnel must have electronic equipment capable of capturing coordinates using a Global Positioning System (GPS).

The Government will provide coordinates for each treatment area as GIS shapefiles or .kmz files. All aerial treatment sites are required to be flown using geo-referenced shape files that are available as polygons to be downloaded in aircraft GPS units. A completed map of coverage areas shall be provided by the contractor during and at the end of the project denoting where all aerial and/or ground operations have occurred. Contractor must also supply SATLOC or similar GPS tracking information on a daily basis for all aerial projects.

Inspection and Acceptance Requirements

TASK/ SUBTASK PERFORMANCE

STANDARD METHOD OF SURVEILLANCE DISINCENTIVES FOR NOT MEETING

STANDARDS

Contractor to manage Quality Control.

Provide Quality Control Plan (QCP) as per proposal information.

Visual inspection by FS inspectors.

Curtailment of performance until compliance is obtained.

Non-acceptance of work until quality control work is accomplished.

Withhold payment.

Period of Performance.

Begin work in a timely manner and complete all aspects of the contract within prescribed time.

100% started and completed on time. Visual, reviewing record for excusable days.

Preventative measures made to minimize invasive plant spread at both staging areas and within treatment units.

As invasive plant prevention requirements in this SOW.

Thorough cleaning and decontamination by Contractor.

Written and signed certificate of cleaning from Contractor.

Visual inspection by FS inspectors.

Curtailment of performance until compliance is obtained.

Withhold payment.

Accomplish project objectives.

As per Technical Specifications in this SOW and project specific requirements in each task order tiered to these Technical Specifications.

(1) Review ground application quality control reports.

(2) Visual observation during & after application.

(3) Final approval by Inspector.

(4) FS may conduct random sampling tests of application rates and coverage (100 foot or 100 step transects in representative areas in dispute).

Contractor shall be required to rework any area in a unit that fails to meet the cover standards.

Non-acceptance of work until treated to the AQL levels.

Withhold payment.

Supply fertilizer, herbicide, mulch, soil amendments and seed for the treatment units ** Need Removed

As per Technical Specifications in this SOW and project specific requirements in each task order tiered to these Technical Specifications.

Contractor meets as outlined in this SOW and individual task orders.

** Removed in amendment 001 **

Curtailment of performance until compliance is obtained.

Withhold payment.

Provide daily progress reports

As per Technical Specifications in this SOW and project specific requirements in each task order tiered to these Technical Specifications.

COR reviews and approves report.

Curtailment of performance until adequate report is submitted.

Withhold payment.

TASK/ SUBTASK PERFORMANCE

STANDARD METHOD OF SURVEILLANCE DISINCENTIVES FOR NOT MEETING

STANDARDS

Provide Final Report.

As per Technical Specifications in this SOW and project specific requirements in each task order tiered to these Technical Specifications.

COR reviews and approves report. Withhold payment.

Clean-up and restoration of staging areas.

As per Technical Specifications in this SOW and project specific requirements in each task order tiered to these Technical Specifications.

Acceptance by Forest Service or other land owner. Withhold payment.

Quality Assurance Inspections

• The Government will perform periodic review of the Contractor's Quality Control Procedures, Operating Plan, and Inspection Reports.

• Quality Assurance Inspections will be made by random sampling or entire inspection of the work.

• Work that does not meet the contract requirements will be brought to the Contractor's attention. Repetitive or continuous failure to meet contract requirements may result in a quality adjustment to payment, the Contractor's right to proceed may be terminated or the contract may be terminated for failure to perform.

Site Visit

If requested by prospective vendors, a site visit can be accomplished will be planned for July of 2019.

Definitions

Carrier - For herbicide applications, only water shall be used as the liquid carrier. Carriers such as wood shavings, etc. could be used for seeding operations.

Datum – The datum used by SCNF is the North American Datum 1983, Universal Transverse Mercator, Zone 11N or 12N (as required by the location of the work area).

Geographic Information System (GIS) software – the Forest Service utilizes ESRI ArcGIS software, including ArcMap and ArcPad. At a minimum, Contractors providing invasive plant survey/inventory/monitoring, control treatments and rehabilitation/restoration actions need access to ESRI software or other GIS software that the Contractor can easily crosswalk with ESRI products to meet requirements specifying delivery of digital products such as shapefiles.

Global Positioning System (GPS) Equipment – Commercial grade Trimble GPS receivers or wireless GPS devices and portable data recorders capable of receiving and transmitting data dictionaries, Pocket Excel, ESRI ArcPad software, digital raster graphics and other GIS files for use in recording spatial and tabular data of treated infestations.

Herbicide – Only those herbicides listed specifically for use on SCND may be applied to national forest system lands under the provisions of the Biological Opinion from the National Marine Fisheries Service and Fish and Wildlife Service that, in part, govern the application of herbicides to lands administered by the Salmon-Challis National Forest.

Invasive Plant – Any non-native/non-indigenous plant species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health, as defined by federal law.

Invasive Plant Infestation – A discrete area infested with Forest Service, Idaho State and Butte/Custer/Lemhi Counties designated noxious weeds or other invasive species as specified by the task order delineated by a point or a polygon. Invasive species plant cover may vary from less than one percent of the plant community in the infested area to a percentage in which the invasive species is dominant in the plant community (e.g. 75% cover).

Noxious Weed - Any of 67 invasive plant species having the potential to cause injury to public health, crops, livestock, land or other property and designated as “noxious” by Butte, Custer or Lemhi Counties and by the State of Idaho as of January 2007 (Noxious Weed Rules, IDAPA 02.06.22).

Plant Phenology – This phrase refers to any of the number of plant growth and life cycle stages, from germination to seed production to senescence. Herbicide application shall be timed to coincide with those stages of plant growth in which the target species is most susceptible to the effects of the herbicide. The COR may stop work during the time when the phenological stage of the target species precludes susceptibility to the mode of action of the herbicide required for use.

Project Area – Consists of a geographically and topographically defined area of work in which work shall be conducted for which specific site conditions are described herein.

Government Furnished Information

Item # Quantity Where, When, How Furnished General Area locator maps and maps of work area(s) One each Included in Solicitation USGS Quadrangle Maps in Electronic Format 1 Each Electronically downloaded to GPS

Government Furnished Property

Item # Quantity Where, When, How Furnished Herbicide Application Milestone Herbicide As needed Provided on commencement of work per agreement by COR and

Contractor

Contractor Furnished Items

Item # Quantity Description General 1 1 kit/crew Shovel, bucket, fire extinguisher for fire prevention regulations 2 Minimum 1/crew GPS devices recorders (as approved by the COR) 3 1/crew Reliable communications system to contact COR as needed 4 Minimum 1/crew Camera equipment with minimum 5 megapixels and software ***REMOVED IN AMENDMENT 001*** 5 1 each Personal Computer and peripherals

6 1 each ESRI ArcGIS software (ArcMap and ArcPad) OR software that will convert interim and final products to ESRI shapefiles, as required under Deliverables.

Herbicide Applications

1 As needed All equipment & labor to control weeds per specifications, including transportation, helicopter(s) with spray equipment meeting FS requirements, chase truck and support personnel, water drafting equipment, operational spill incident kits, decontamination kits and personal protective equipment for each worker.

2 As needed Imazapic herbicide for aerial application per attached SCNF requirements 3 As needed All necessary adjuvants, including surfactant and drift control agents, as specified.

For those specifications under which the Contractor is to provide material and supplies, the Contractor will be responsible for transport and handling to/from staging areas, protection, storage and other requirements before/after application commences. Where the Contractor is required to supply materials and supplies, the Contractor is responsible for procuring, ensuring state certification and testing requirements are met and deliver and transport to staging areas.

6. ATTACHMENTS:

Attachment Description Pages

LIST ALL ATTACHMENTS 10

ATTACHMENT 1 Project Map 3 ATTACHMENT 2 Form SF-1413 Subcontractor 1 ATTACHMENT 3 Experience and Equipment Questionnaire (Contractor required to fill out and return with any offer submitted) 2 ATTACHMENT 4 Wage Determination 4

ATTACHMENT 1 – Project Map

ATTACHMENT 2 – FORM SF-1413 SUBCONTRACTOR

ATTACHMENT 3 – EXPERIENCE & EQUIPMENT QUESTIONAIRRE

USDA Forest Service

EXPERIENCE QUESTIONNAIRE

Instructions: See Box 11, Remarks, if extra space is needed to answer any item below, Mark “X: in appropriate boxes.

1. Contractor Name, Address, and Telephone Number

2. Submitted to (Office Name and Address)

3. Business [ ] Company [ ] Co-partnership [ ] Corporation [ ] Individual [ ] Non-profit Organization

4. How many years do you or your firm have in the line of work contemplated by this solicitation?

5. How many years experience have you or your business had as a (a) prime contractor ____ and/or (b) sub-contractor ____?

6. List below the projects your business has completed within the last three years:

Contract Amount

Type of Project Date Completed

Name, Address, and Telephone No. of Owner/Person to Contact for Project Information

7. List below all of your firm’s contractual commitments running concurrently with the work contemplated by this solicitation:

Contract Number Dollar Amt. of Award

Name, Address, and Telephone No. of Business/Government Agency Involved

Awarded (Units)

Percent Completed

Date Contract Complete

8a. Have you ever failed to complete any work awarded to you? [ ] Yes [ ] No 8b. Has work ever been completed by performance bond? [ ] Yes [ ] No 8c. Did you look at the project site(s) on-the-ground? [ ] Yes [ ] No 8d. If “Yes” to either item 8a. or 8b., specify location(s) and reason(s) why:

ATTAHCMENT 3 CONTINUED- EXPERIENCE & EQUIPMENT QUESTIONNAIRE

9. Employees and equipment that will be available for this project:

a. (1) Minimum number of employees: _____ and (2) Maximum number of employees: _____

b. Are employees regularly on your payroll: [ ] Yes [ ] No

c. Specify equipment available for this contract:______________________________________________________

d. Estimate rate of progress below (such as 2.0 acres/man/day):

(1) Minimum progress rate:________________ and (2) Maximum progress rate: _________________________

10. List below the experience of the principal individuals of your business: (Who will directly be involved in this contract?)

Individual’s Name Present Position Years of Experience

Magnitude and Type of Work

11. Remarks -- Specify Box Numbers (Attach sheets if extra space is needed to fully answer any above question.):

NOTE: PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION THAT WILL HELP EVALUATE YOUR ABILITY TO SUCCESSFULLY

COMPLETE THIS PROJECT.

NOTE: List Equipment and Equipment Condition:

CERTIFICATION

I certify that all of the statements made by me are complete and correct to the best of my knowledge, and that any persons named as references are authorized to furnish the Forest Service with any information needed to verify my capability to perform this project.

12a. CERTIFYING OFFICIAL’S NAME AND TITLE

b. SIGNATURE (Sign in ink) 13. DATE

ATTACHMENT 4 – WAGE DETERMINATION

"REGISTER OF WAGE DETERMINATIONS UNDER | U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

THE SERVICE CONTRACT ACT | EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS ADMINISTRATION

By direction of the Secretary of Labor | WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION

| WASHINGTON D.C. 20210

| Wage Determination No.: 1995-0317

Daniel W. Simms Division of | Revision No.: 46

Director Wage Determinations| Date Of Last Revision: 03/15/2019

Note: Under Executive Order (EO) 13658 an hourly minimum wage of $10.60 for calendar year 2019 applies to all contracts subject to the Service Contract Act for which the contract is awarded (and any solicitation was issued) on or after January 1 2015. If this contract is covered by the EO the contractor must pay all workers in any classification listed on this wage determination at least $10.60 per hour (or the applicable wage rate listed on this wage determination if it is higher) for all hours spent performing on the contract in calendar year 2019. The EO minimum wage rate will be adjusted annually.

Additional information on contractor requirements and worker protections under the EO is available at www.dol.gov/whd/govcontracts.

Nationwide: Applicable in the continental U.S. Alaska and Hawaii.

**Fringe Benefits Required Follow the Occupational Listing**

Employed on U.S. Government contracts for aerial photographer aerial seeding aerial spraying transportation of personnel and cargo fire reconnaissance administrative flying fire detection air taxi mail service and other flying services.

OCCUPATION CODE - TITLE FOOTNOTE RATE

31010 - Airplane Pilot 26.29

(not set) - First Officer (Co-Pilot) 23.82

(not set) - Aerial Photographer 13.06

EXCEPT SCHEDULED AIRLINE TRANSPORTATION AND LARGE MULTI-ENGINE AIRCRAFT SUCH AS THE

B-727 DC-8 AND THE DC-9.

Note: Executive Order (EO) 13706 Establishing Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors applies to all contracts subject to the Service Contract Act for which the contract is awarded (and any solicitation was issued) on or after January 1 2017. If this contract is covered by the EO the contractor must provide employees with 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours they work up to 56 hours of paid sick leave each year.