12FPC119Q0046_PA_Combined_Synopsis-Solicitation_FY2020.pdf

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WETLAND EASEMENT VEGETATION

ENHANCEMENT SERVICES

NRCS PENNSYLVANIA (PA)

(i) This is a COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; QUOTES ARE

BEING REQUESTED AND A WRITTEN SOLICITATION WILL NOT BE ISSUED.

(ii) Solicitation number 12FPC119Q0046 is issued as request for quotation (RFQ). The acquisition procedures at FAR Part 13 are being utilized. The Government anticipates the award of a firm fixed-price, commercial contract. Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose quote responds to the terms of the RFQ and is most advantageous to the government.

(iii) Description of the services is to obtain services in the State of Pennsylvania (PA) for Wetland Easement Vegetation Enhancement Services for properties located in Chester, Cumberland, and Northhampton Counties. Please refer to the specification in this package. Attachment 1, Statement of Work and Supporting Documentation (Attachments 2 through 7), Pricing and Certifications, are incorporated and made a part of this Solicitation. Price includes all costs, including travel. Review the detailed description of the services and deliverables required.

(iv) This work shall follow the Statement of Work (SOW) and applicable regulations to provide Wetland Enhancement Services for the associated properties. The services entail the following:

1. Brush Management (314); 2. Herbaceous Weed Treatment (315); 3. Conservation Cover (327); and 4. Tree and Shrub Establishment (612).

(v) This procurement is being handled on behalf of the USDA NRCS Pennsylvania State Office by the USDA FPAC-BC in Georgia. Responses are due on Thursday September 5, 2019 no later than 3:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time. Please send your quote via email to the Contracting Officer, Ms. Tamara Sawyer at tamara.sawyer@usda.gov. Write the Solicitation number in the subject line.

Offeror is responsible for ensuring documents are submitted in a timely manner as to reach the destination before the closing time.

Responses received after the above time will be considered non responsive.

(vi) This solicitation documents and incorporates provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2019-04 08/07/2019.

12FPC119Q0046 - PA

mailto:oriel.velez@usda.gov

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(vii) This is a 100% set aside for small business. The applicable NAICS code is, Wetland Restoration Planning Services, which has a size standard of $7 million. For more information on size standards visit http://www.sba.gov/size. Active SAM Registration is required in order to be awarded the contract and must me active throughout the period of performance.

(viii) Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs).

Item Description Unit Price

*SEE PRICING AND

CERT SHEET*** See Attachment 2

Date(s) and Place(s) of Delivery and Acceptance. Deliverables (hard copy) will be submitted to USDA NRCS Pennsylvania State Office, ATTN: Dan Ludwig, 2120 Cornwall Road, Ste 4, Lebanon, Pennsylvania 170421-6214. Send one electronic copy to Dan.Ludwig@usda.gov & tamara.sawyer@usda.gov.

(ix) The provision at 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors Items (OCT 2018), applies to this acquisition. The following addenda also apply. Offerors must read and follow these additional instructions to receive consideration:

a. System for Award Management (SAM) Registration

In order to comply with the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, all Contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management, or SAM (formerly Central Contractor Registration (CCR) and Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA)) prior to award of a Federal Contract. However, due to the need to promptly award a contract after receipt of quotes, registration in SAM, to include completion of the Representations and Certifications, and having a status of “Active” is required BEFORE submitting an offer. For information regarding registration visit www.sam.gov.

b. Pricing and Certifications

Offerors may utilize Attachment 2 to this solicitation to submit pricing quotations and to complete the following two required certifications: Certification at FAR 52.209-7 Information Regarding Responsibility Matters and the Certification at AGAR 452.209–70 Representation by Corporations Regarding an Unpaid Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction. The offeror must complete the two certifications by reading and checking the appropriate box(es).

Attachment 2 must be received with the quote.

(x) 52.212-2 Evaluation-Commercial Items. (Oct 2014)

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

(i) Technical Capability - Offerors should submit a written narrative that thoroughly addresses the specification included in the solicitation as Attachment 1. This document sets out specific qualification requirements. Offerors must ensure their narratives address these requirements. In addition, the narrative should adequately describe the offeror’s plan for executing the work, including resources and personnel available to https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_223_226.html mailto:tracey.wiggins@mo.usda.gov mailto:oriel.velez@%20usda.gov.

http://uscode.house.gov/uscode-cgi/fastweb.exe

3 | P a g e meet the required timelines. The narrative should be supported by evidence that gives credibility to the statements made by the offeror and in turn gives the Government enough information to understand and gain confidence in what the offeror is stating.

The narrative should be no longer than ten (10) pages.

(ii) Past Performance – In the narrative include 3 professional references with contact name, address, e-mail, and phone number.

(iii) Price – USDA seeks to obtain the offeror’s best price based on its evaluation of discounts, terms, conditions, and concessions offered to commercial customers. In an effort to receive the highest quality service at the lowest possible price, the government requests all available discounts on all services offered for this requirement.

Technical and past performance, when combined, are equal as compared to price.

(b) Options. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(End of provision)

(iv) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible quoter whose quote conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. In order to be considered for award, the offeror must provide the following information.

1. Attachment 2 - Pricing and Certifications

2. Narrative - Offerors must ensure their narratives address the requirements at (x) above and

Attachment 1 - Statement of Work.

Quotes who provide the required information will be deemed acceptable.

Award will be made to the firm who has been found acceptable and has provided the best value to the Government. Failure to provide the information stated will result in a non- responsive quote.

(v) Offerors are required to complete the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Items (OCT 2018). This must be completed at SAM.gov and the registration in an “Active” status.

(vi) The clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition and addenda is not attached.

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(vii) The clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Items (MAY 2019) applies to this acquisition and the following additional FAR clauses cited in the clause are applicable to this acquisition.

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

(1) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Feb 2009) (22 U.S.C. 7104(g)). (2) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (AUG 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).

(3) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004)"(Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78 (19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).

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

(1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Sept 2006), with Alternate I (Oct 1995) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).

(4) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Jul 2013) (Pub. L. 109-282) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

(8) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (Aug 2013) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

(14)(i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2011) (15 U.S.C. 644).

(25) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (Jul 2013) (15 U.S.C.

632(a)(2)).

(28) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (June 2003) (E.O. 11755).

(30) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Feb 1999).

(31) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Mar 2007) (E.O. 11246).

(42) 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (AUG 2011) (E.O. 13513).

(46) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (June 2008) (E.O.’s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).

(52) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award Management (Jul 2013) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

(54) 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party (May 2014) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

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

(1) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(2) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(d) Comptroller General Examination of Record. The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of this paragraph (d) if this contract was awarded using other than sealed bid, is in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold, and does not contain the clause at 52.215-2, Audit and Records—Negotiation.

(1) The Comptroller General of the United States, or an authorized representative of the Comptroller General, shall have access to and right to examine any of the Contractor’s directly pertinent records involving transactions related to this contract.

(2) The Contractor shall make available at its offices at all reasonable times the records, materials, and other evidence for examination, audit, or reproduction, until 3 years after final payment under this https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_222.html%23wp1151848 http://uscode.house.gov/ http://uscode.house.gov/uscode-cgi/fastweb.exe#wp1113329 http://uscode.house.gov/uscode-cgi/fastweb.exe?getdoc%2Buscview%2Bt29t32%2B1665%2B30%2B%2B%2831%29%20%20AND%20%28%2831%29%20ADJ%20USC%29%3ACITE%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/Subpart%204_7.html#wp1113344 http://uscode.house.gov/ https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_217_221.html#wp1137622 http://uscode.house.gov/ http://uscode.house.gov/ https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html%23wp1141649 http://uscode.house.gov/ mailto:oriel.velez@pr.usda.gov#wp1140926 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_217_221.html%23wp1136004 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_222.html?getdoc+uscview+t13t16+492+90++(15)%20%20AND%20((15)%20ADJ%20USC):CITE%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_217_221.html%23wp1139913 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_222.html?getdoc+uscview+t13t16+492+90++(15)%20%20AND%20((15)%20ADJ%20USC):CITE%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_222.html?getdoc+uscview+t13t16+492+90++(15)%20%20AND%20((15)%20ADJ%20USC):CITE%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_222.html?getdoc+uscview+t13t16+492+90++(15)%20%20AND%20((15)%20ADJ%20USC):CITE%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_222.html%23wp1147479 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_223_226.html#wp1147656 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_222.html%23wp1147711 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_223_226.html%23wp1188603 http://uscode.house.gov/uscode-cgi/fastweb.exe#wp1169608 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_232.html%23wp1153351 http://uscode.house.gov/uscode-cgi/fastweb.exe?getdoc%2Buscview%2Bt29t32%2B1665%2B30%2B%2B%2831%29%20%20AND%20%28%2831%29%20ADJ%20USC%29%3ACITE%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20 http://www.sam.gov/#wp1153445 http://uscode.house.gov/ http://www.sba.gov/size#wp1160021 http://uscode.house.gov/ https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_222.html%23wp1153423 http://uscode.house.gov/ http://uscode.house.gov/ http://uscode.house.gov/ https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_233_240.html#wp1144470

5 | P a g e contract or for any shorter period specified in FAR Subpart 4.7, Contractor Records Retention, of the other clauses of this contract. If this contract is completely or partially terminated, the records relating to the work terminated shall be made available for 3 years after any resulting final termination settlement.

Records relating to appeals under the disputes clause or to litigation or the settlement of claims arising under or relating to this contract shall be made available until such appeals, litigation, or claims are finally resolved.

(3) As used in this clause, records include books, documents, accounting procedures and practices, and other data, regardless of type and regardless of form. This does not require the Contractor to create or maintain any record that the Contractor does not maintain in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to a provision of law.

(e)(1) Notwithstanding the requirements of the clauses in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this clause, the Contractor is not required to flow down any FAR clause, other than those in this paragraph (e)(1) in a subcontract for commercial items. Unless otherwise indicated below, the extent of the flow down shall be as required by the clause—

(i) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Apr 2010) (41 U.S.C. 3509).

(ii) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (May 2014) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and

(3)), in all subcontracts that offer further subcontracting opportunities. If the subcontract (except subcontracts to small business concerns) exceeds $650,000 ($1.5 million for construction of any public facility), the subcontractor must include 52.219-8 in lower tier subcontracts that offer subcontracting opportunities.

(iii) 52.222-17, Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers (May 2014) (E.O. 13495). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (l) of FAR clause 52.222-17.

(iv) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Mar 2007) (E.O. 11246).

(v) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Sep 2010) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

(vi) 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (Oct 2010) (29 U.S.C. 793).

(vii) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act

(Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (f) of FAR clause 52.222- 40.

(viii) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(ix) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Feb 2009) (22 U.S.C. 7104(g)).

(x) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to

Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xi) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xii) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (AUG 2013).

(xiii) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States

(Jul 2013) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302 Note).

(xiv) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (May 2014) (42 U.S.C. 1792). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (e) of FAR clause 52.226-6.

(xv) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Feb 2006) (46 U.S.C. Appx. 1241(b) and 10 U.S.C. 2631). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (d) of FAR clause 52.247-64.

(2) While not required, the contractor may include in its subcontracts for commercial items a minimal number of additional clauses necessary to satisfy its contractual obligations.

(xv) Additional contract requirement(s) or terms and conditions determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary for this acquisition and consistent with customary commercial practices.

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Clauses

52.222-42 STATEMENT OF EQUIVALENT RATES FOR FEDERAL HIRES (MAY 1989)

In compliance with the Service Contract Act of 1965, as amended, and the regulations of the Secretary of Labor (29 CFR Part 4), this clause identifies the classes of service employees expected to be employed under the contract and states the wages and fringe benefits payable to each if they were employed by the contracting agency subject to the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 5341 or 5332.

This Statement is for Information Only: It is not a Wage Determination

Employee Class Monetary Wage Fringe Benefits

Realty Specialist/ Real Property Appraiser, GS-1171-

$24.34/hour $7.30/hour

452.209-71 ASSURANCE REGARDING FELONY CONVICTION OR TAX DELINQUENT

STATUS FOR CORPORATE APPLICANTS

(a) This award is subject to the provisions contained in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012, P.L. No. 112- 55, Division A, Sections 738 and 739 regarding corporate felony convictions and corporate Federal tax delinquencies. Accordingly, by accepting this award the Contractor acknowledges that it –

(1) does not have a tax delinquency, meaning that it is not subject to any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability, and

(2) has not been convicted (or had an officer or agent acting on its behalf convicted) of a felony criminal violation under any Federal or State law within 24 months preceding the award, unless a suspending and debarring official of the United States Department of Agriculture has considered suspension or debarment of the awardee, or such officer or agent, based on these convictions and/or tax delinquencies and determined that suspension or debarment is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government.

(b) If the awardee fails to comply with these provisions, the NRCS may terminate this contract for default and may recover any funds the awardee has received in violation of sections 738 or 739.

452.211-74 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (FEB 1988)

The period of performance of this contract is from NTP not to exceed 60 days unless authorized by CO.

452.224-70 CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION (FEB 1988)

(a) Confidential information, as used in this clause, means -

(1) information or data of a personal nature, proprietary about an individual, or (2) information or data submitted by or pertaining to an organization.

(b) In addition to the types of confidential information described in (a)(1) and (2) above, information which might require special consideration with regard to the timing of its disclosure https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_222.html?getdoc+uscview+t05t08+2+3++(5)%20%20AND https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_222.html?getdoc+uscview+t05t08+2+3++(5)%20%20AND

7 | P a g e may derive from studies or research, during which public disclosure of primarily invalidated findings could create an erroneous conclusion which might threaten public health or safety if acted upon.

(c) The Contracting Officer and the Contractor may, by mutual consent, identify elsewhere in this contract specific information and/or categories of information which the Government will furnish to the Contractor or that the Contractor is expected to generate which is confidential. Similarly, the contracting Officer and the Contractor may, by mutual consent, identify such confidential information from time to time during the performance of the contract. Failure to agree will be settled pursuant to the "Disputes" clause.

(d) If it is established that information to be utilized under this contract is subject to the Privacy Act, the Contractor will follow the rules and procedures of disclosure set forth in the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. 552a, and implementing regulations and policies, with respect to systems of records determined to be subject to the Privacy Act.

(e) Confidential information, as defined in (a)(1) and (2) above, shall not be disclosed without the prior written consent of the individual, institution or organization.

(f) Written advance notice of at least 45 days will be provided to the Contracting Officer of the Contractor's intent to release findings of studies or research, which have the possibility of adverse effects on the public or the Federal agency, as described in (b) above. If the Contracting Officer does not pose any objections in writing within the 45 day period, the contractor may proceed with disclosure. Disagreements not resolved by the Contractor and Contracting Officer will be settled pursuant to the "Disputes" clause.

(g) Whenever the Contractor is uncertain with regard to the proper handling of material under the contract, or if the material in question is subject to the Privacy Act or is confidential information subject to the provisions of this clause, the Contractor shall obtain a written determination from the Contracting Officer prior to any release, disclosure, dissemination, or publication.

(h) The provisions of paragraph (e) of this clause shall not apply when the information is subject to conflicting or overlapping provisions in other Federal, State or local laws.

452.237-75 RESTRICTIONS AGAINST DISCLOSURE (FEB 1988)

(a) The Contractor agrees, in the performance of this contract, to keep all information contained in source documents or other media furnished by the Government in the strictest confidence. The Contractor also agrees not to publish or otherwise divulge such information in whole or in part in any manner or form, or to authorize or permit others to do so, taking such reasonable measures as are necessary to restrict access to such information while in the Contractor's possession, to those employees needing such information to perform the work provided herein, i.e., on a "need to know" basis. The Contractor agrees to immediately notify in writing, the Contracting Officer, named herein, in the event that the Contractor determines or has reason to suspect a breach of this requirement.

(b) The Contractor agrees not to disclose any information concerning the work under this contract to any persons or individual unless prior written approval is obtained from the Contracting Officer. The Contractor agrees to insert the substance of this clause in any consultant agreement or subcontract hereunder.

452.246-70 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE (FEB 1988)

The Contracting Officer or the Contracting Officer's duly authorized representative will inspect and accept the supplies and/or services to be provided under this contract. Work that, in the

8 | P a g e opinion of the CO, does not meet data quality standards will be returned to the Contractor for correction. Inconsistencies/edits may be reviewed, resolved and approved via communications.

ELECTRONIC INVOICING AND PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS – INVOICE PAYMENT

PLATFORM (IPP)

Invoices must be submitted electronically through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Invoice Payment Platform System (IPP) or the Contractor must be willing to accept payment by Government purchase card.

The Contractor must use the IPP website (https://www.ipp.gov) to register, access, and use IPP for submitting invoices. Contractor assistance with enrollment can be obtained by calling (866) 973-3131.

Invoices submitted by means other than IPP will not be accepted unless the Contracting Officer authorizes alternate procedures in writing.

END OF SOLICITATION

https://www.ipp.gov/

STATEMENT OF WORK

FOR

WETLAND ENHANCEMENT SERVICES

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE (NRCS)

I. OBJECTIVE

The objective of this contract/purchase order is to obtain services in the State of Pennsylvania (PA) for Wetland Easement Vegetation Enhancement Services for properties located in Chester, Cumberland, and Northampton Counties. Description of services for each site is listed below.

II. BACKGROUND

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) NRCS has authority to administer voluntary conservation easement programs. Depending on the program, NRCS is authorized to acquire easement rights from participating landowners to achieve program purposes such as restoring and protecting wetlands, grasslands, and forest land resources and restoring and enhancing floodplains. NRCS is the lead agency within the United States Department of Agriculture charged with administering these programs.

III. SCOPE

The Contractor shall follow the Statement of Work and applicable regulations to provide Wetland Enhancement Services for the associated properties. The services entail the following:

1. Brush Management (314)

2. Herbaceous Weed Treatment (315)

3. Conservation Cover (327)

4. Tree and Shrub Establishment (612)

IV. STANDARDS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Contractor shall follow the Statement of Work, applicable regulations, and conservation practice standards to provide Wetland Enhancement Services for the associated property. The contractor will notify the landowner prior to each site visit for restoration. The landowner will remove cattle from the site to keep them safe from herbicide application.

The individual Conservation Practice Standards and Specifications can be found at https:// efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/toc.aspx?CatID=12487. The Contractor will be provided with a copy of the Conservation Practice Standards and Specifications upon acceptance of bid. Other specifications specific to this contracted work are listed in Section V., Description of Services of this Statement of

Work.

Please see Attachments 1, 2, and 3. WRPO Practice Detail Maps, for the field location and number of acres scheduled for treatment. The Contractor is responsible for implementing all Wetland Enhancement Services in compliance with Conservation Practice Standards.

The Contractor is responsible for having current knowledge of requirements of Pennsylvania state law associated with the services being solicited.

The Contractor will attend the pre-implementation meeting with the NRCS representative(s). The discussions and decisions shall be documented by the NRCS and the Contractor.

The Contractor will effectively communicate to NRCS the status of the Wetland Enhancement Services, beginning with the start of the first practice and through to completion. The contractor will must notify NRCS field office at least 24 hours before proceeding with the first treatment.

Scheduling conflicts will be communicated ahead of time. Any changes or modifications to the planned treatment acres will be communicated to and approved by NRCS.

The Contractor will be a licensed herbicide applicator. All herbicide applications must be done according to the instructions on the herbicide label.

The Contractor will carry out activities during appropriate weather conditions so that herbicide treatment is effective.

Within 14 days of practice completion, the Contractor will submit the following Records of Application documentation to NRCS:

1. Extent of practice application (i.e. number of acres) and corresponding map

2. List of materials and methods used for practice implementation (see more specific deliverables for each practice below) and estimated hours of labor

Specific documentation for deliverables is listed below:

Brush Management/Herbaceous Weed Treatment

• Plant species controlled and percent kill of target species

• Dates of treatment

• Chemicals applied (also carriers/surfactants, if used)

• Rate of application

• Method of application, including general equipment used

Conservation Cover

• Plant species planted- seeding rate per acre or number of plugs per species

• Dates of planting with planting method

• Location of plantings

• Chemicals applied (also carriers/surfactants, if used)

Tree and Shrub Establishment

• Plant species planted- number of shrub species per cluster and total planted

• Dates of planting with planting method

• Location of plantings

• Chemicals applied (also carriers/surfactants, if used)

V. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

1. Timothy Maret Site ADDRESS: 2111 Mountain Road, Newville, PA 17241

612- Tree and Shrub Establishment- Fields 4, 5, and 9

Establish native shrubs in the wetland pool areas, as indicated on the WRPO map, to provide wildlife habitat;

improve and restore natural diversity; and enhance aesthetics of the restored wetland.

Establish shrubs by utilizing 2-gallon containerized stock. Shrubs will be planted in clusters on a 12 ft by 12 ft grid configuration. Areas prone to inundation and prolonged saturation will be planted to species listed in Group 1 on the attached page. Area prone to short-term saturation will be planted to species listed in Group 2 on the attached page. The trees and shrubs will be established in association with Conservation Cover. For more detailed regarding species selection, site preparation requirements, and maintenance requirements, refer to the information provided as part of the attached planting guide and the implementation requirements for Tree and Shrub Establishment

327- Conservation Cover- Fields 4 and 5 Establish permanent grass and sedge cover where indicated on the WRPO map using certified seed for the species and amount per acre as listed on the attached planting guide. Species to establish include Fox sedge, Virginia wildrye, broom sedge, soft rush, hop sedge, green bulrush, and star sedge. Utilize the seed mix at a rate of 15 pounds per acre. Certified seed must be used when establishing the practice. Establish the conservation cover using the following methods: light disking of the pool area to remove tire ruts and drill seed into the prepared seed bed.

315- Herbaceous Weed Treatment- Fields 4 and 5 Remove or control herbaceous weeds, including invasive, noxious or undesirable plants in the shrub planting areas as well as the pool area of the restored wetland as indicated on the WRPO map. Herbicide needs to be applied at least 2-3 weeks prior to planting of both shrubs and conservation cover.

314- Brush Management- Field 6 Implement Brush Management by managing or removing woody plants (non-herbaceous) including those that are invasive and noxious. The species targeted for control are identified on the attached Brush Management Job Sheet. Brush Management is planned to improve or restore quality plant diversity; and maintain, modify, or enhance wildlife habitat.

Management will be accomplished through the use of chemical control, and/or hand treatment. Refer to the Brush Management Job Sheet provided with the WRPO for site-specific treatments planned. Refer to the WRPO map for the areas on which Brush Management is to be implemented.

2. Vincent Moro Site

ADDRESS: 158 McFadden Rd, Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Field 1 - 327- Conservation Cover- 1 acre- Field 1

Establish perennial wildflowers where indicated on the WRPO map using certified seed for the species and amount per acre as listed on the attached planting guide. Species to establish include goldenrods, New England aster, Wild lupine, and Purple coneflower. Wildflowers are to be established in patches 10 ft by 10-15 feet scattered across the open field. Utilize the seed mix at a rate of 2.5 - 3 pounds per acre. Certified seed must be used when establishing the practice. Establish the conservation cover using the following methods: light tilling of the field utilizing a rototiller or plow with disking and drill or broadcast seed into the prepared seed bed. No herbicides are to be used for site preparation.

Field 2 - 327 Conservation Cover- 0.25 acre- Field 2

Establish perennial wildflowers where indicated on the WRPO map using certified seed for the species and amount per acre as listed on the attached planting guide. Species to establish include Cocalico aster, Zig zag aster, Hairy beardtongue, and Golden alexanders. Wildflowers are to be established in patches 10 ft by 10-15 feet scattered across the open field. Utilize the seed mix at a rate of 2.5-3 pounds per acre. Certified seed must be used when establishing the practice. Establish the conservation cover using the following methods:

light tilling of the field utilizing a rototiller or plow with disking and drill seed into the prepared seed bed. No herbicides are to be used for site preparation.

Field 2 - 612 Tree and Shrub Establishment- 0.5 ac- Field 2

Establish native shrubs in the wetland pool areas, as indicated on the WRPO map, to provide wildlife habitat;

improve and restore natural diversity; and enhance aesthetics of the restored wetland.

Establish shrubs by utilizing 2-gallon containerized stock. Shrubs will be planted in clusters on a 8 ft by 8 ft grid configuration. Shrub selection shall include Cranberry viburnum, Buttonbush, Winterberry holly, Chokeberry, and Highbush blueberry. For more detailed regarding species selection, site preparation requirements, and maintenance requirements, refer to the information provided as part of the attached planting guide and the implementation requirements for Tree and Shrub Establishment

Field 3 - 327- Conservation Cover- 1 acre- Field 3 Establish perennial wildflowers where indicated on the WRPO map using live plant plugs. Species to establish include Smooth penstemon, Butterfly milkweed, Dotted mint, Virginia mountain mint, and Cup plant. Utilize plugs by planting the listed species in homogeneous clumps on a 1 foot by 1 foot grid configuration.

Wildflowers are to be established in patches 10 ft by 10-15 feet scattered across the open field. Establish the conservation cover using the following methods: clipping or flame burning vegetation to bare ground and transplanting plugs. Add ring of mulch around plants to discourage competition of existing vegetation. No herbicides are to be used for site preparation.

Field 4 - 327- Conservation Cover- 0.75 acre- Field 4

Establish perennial wildflowers where indicated on the WRPO map using certified seed for the species and amount per acre as listed on the attached planting guide. Species to establish include goldenrods, New England aster, Wild lupine, and Purple coneflower. Utilize the seed mix at a rate of 2.5-3 pounds per acre. Wildflowers are to be established in patches 10 ft by 10-15 feet scattered across the open field. Certified seed must be used when establishing the practice. Establish the conservation cover using the following methods: light tilling of the field utilizing a rototiller or plow with disking and drill or broadcast seed into the prepared seed bed. No herbicides are to be used for site preparation.

3. Lillian Williams Site ADDRESS: 1560 Potomac Street, Mount Bethel, PA 18343

314- Brush Management – Field 1 and 2

It is a requirement under the WRP that all noxious weed plant species be controlled. Management of invasive plants within the easement should be attempted through herbicide application. Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), and other potential species, including but not limited to, Russian olive (Elaeagnus augustifolia), Japanese stilt grass (Microstegium vimineum ), autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbel/ate), mile-a-minute weed (Persicaria perfoliata), Japanese knotweed ( Fallopia japonica), Japanese barberry (Berberis sp.) and purple loosestrife ( Lythrum salicaria) should be addressed if found. It will be the responsibility of the entity carrying out the management plan to implement invasive species control.

All herbicide applications must be done according to the instructions on the herbicide label. It is a violation of Federal law to use a pesticide in a manner that is inconsistent with its labeling.

Tract-specific Habitat Management

Field 1 and 2 - Wetland/Upland Buffer

Field 1 and 2 are 19.5 acres in size. Approximately 13 acres are a mix of forested and scrub shrub wetland. If reed canary grass is found, it should be treated multiple times. Trees form a protective buffer between the road (Potomac Street) and the wetland habitat. Vegetation within 25 feet of the road should not be treated unless it is an invasive or noxious plant species. The western edge of the easement is 6.5 acres of upland forest and wet pasture. The pasture is a diverse mix of low emergent vegetation due to the livestock grazing. The rest of this area is forested upland. Any invasive or noxious plant species in this field should be treated.

Reed Canary Grass Treatment

Herbicide should be used to treat reed canary-grass with the goal of complete removal within 5 years.

Multiple treatments will likely be necessary to achieve this objective.

Glyphosate or imazapyr will be applied in a dilution appropriate for the method of application. When carrying out a foliar application of glyphosate or imazapyr, the surfactant LI-700® may be used in accordance with the EPA-approved label instructions to improve efficacy of the herbicide and potentially reduce or eliminate the need for re-treatment. Either of the following two methods of application (High- or Low- pressure spray) is appropriate for restoration of habitat at this site.

-High-Pressure Spray (glyphosate/imazapyr)

This is a foliar application method, intended to deliver herbicide to the leaves and stems of target plants.

The high-pressure spray application is intended to treat dense stands of vegetation within which few or no non-target plants occur. High-pressure spraying will be done only when vegetation occurs at a high enough density to minimize the risk of effects to non-target plants.

These high-density stands are typically devoid of any other herbaceous vegetation, evidenced by large expanses of bare soil or target species thatch within the proposed treatment area.

Glyphosate will be sprayed onto the plants using hand-directed spray equipment, with a spray pressure not to exceed 400 pounds per square inch (PSI). At 400 PSI, the sprayer will distribute herbicide as far as 50 feet from the nozzle. High pressure sprayers will be used only to treat large monotypic stands of vegetation, where herbicide application with hand-held sprayers is not practical.

-Low-Pressure Spray and Low-Pressure Spot Spray (glyphosate)

These are foliar application methods, intended to deliver herbicide to the leaves and/or stems of target plants. Spot spray refers to the spraying of individual plants, around which non-target plants occur. Care is taken to spray just the target plant, so that damage to adjacent, non-target plants is minimized. In contrast, spray applications are intended to treat dense stands of the target plant species, within which few or no non-target plants occur. Spraying will be done only when the target plant species occurs at a high enough density to minimize the risk of effects to non-target plants.

Glyphosate is sprayed onto the leaves or stem via spray bottle, backpack sprayer, or modified low volume hydraulic applicator with hand-held directed spray equipment with a spray pressure not to exceed 60 pounds PSI. A wand will be used to ensure that herbicide reaches the tops of tall plants. High pressure sprayers will not be used, as this would increase the risk of herbicide drift. Herbicide drift from the sprayer can kill or damage desirable non-target plants and end up in wetland soils.

Shrub/tree Treatment -

One or more of the following methods of herbicide application will be used for shrubs:

-Basal Bark Application (triclopyr)

This method involves the application of the ester formulation of triclopyr (e.g., Pathfinder® II) to woody plants with stems less than 6 inches in basal diameter. Use of triclopyr to control woody vegetation using the basal bark application method for target woody vegetation includes, but is not limited to, red maple, alder, poison sumac, and multiflora rose.

Herbicide is applied with a backpack sprayer using low pressure and a solid cone or flat nozzle. The herbicide is sprayed on the lowermost 12 to 15 inches of woody stems, including the root collar zone.

Herbicide will not be applied when snow cover prevents spraying to the ground line. Woody stems will not be saturated to the point that runoff into the soil occurs. Herbicide will not be applied to open water or water present in wetlands. Care will be taken to reduce the risk of herbicide contacting adjacent non-target vegetation, as this may kill beneficial vegetation and introduce herbicide into the surrounding soil.

When controlling woody vegetation with herbicides, approximately 10 to 20 percent of the native tree and shrub cover in mucky areas of the wetland will be retained (i.e., not treated), especially alder, red maple, and poison sumac located in or near seeps, springs, rivulets, and mucky areas.

-Cut and Paint (glyphosate)

This method involves the application of glyphosate (without surfactant) to cut stumps of shrubs. Stems of shrubs are simply cut near ground level and a small amount of glyphosate applied to the stump. Care will be taken not to spill herbicide in the wetland and only a small amount will be painted on each stump.

-EZ-ject Method

The EZ-ject method involves the injection of pellets of glyphosate or imazapyr directly into the trunks of woody vegetation via the EZ-ject lance. Injection of pellets containing imazapyr will be limited to stem diameters exceeding 4 inches to minimize the risk of herbicide leaching from roots into the surrounding soil. Herbicide is delivered directly to woody stems, avoiding any herbicide spillage in the wetland. Little or no migration of herbicide from the root system to wetland soils is anticipated.

VI. PERFORMANCE OF SERVICES:

The time spent to perform these items shall vary depending on the complexity of the site and the competence of the contractors involved.

VII. CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS

The Contractor shall:

Requirements for applying conservation practice Brush Management, Conservation Cover and Tree and Shrub Establishment:

1. The person(s) performing or supervising the work must be a Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator, including Category No. 9 Aquatic Pest Control. Any person(s) working under the supervision of the Certified Commercial Herbicide Applicator must be a Registered Pesticide Technician.

VIII. CIVIL RIGHTS AND PROGRAM DELIVERY

By signing this contract the Contractor assures the USDA that the program or activities provided for under this agreement will be conducted in compliance with all applicable Federal civil rights laws, rules, regulations, and policies. Any and all information gained through this Statement of Work or in the process of carrying out the Wetland Enhancement project are to be held confidential between the Contractor, NRCS, other designated partners and the landowner unless released by the landowner.

Information gained may not be shared with others and are considered private to the landowner. The Contractor will protect the privacy of information collected during the technical assistance process according to the provisions of Section 1619 of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008.

IX. CONTRACTING OFFICER (CO)

The designated Contracting Agency for this Statement of Work is NRCS. All administrative matters regarding this Statement of Work shall be directed to either the Contracting Specialist:

Tamara Sawyer, Contract Specialist

USDA NRCS

Team 1 – Northeast Region Phone: 770-229-7795 Email: tamara.sawyer@usda.gov.

Only the CO may authorize changes to this Statement of Work.

X. CONTRACTING OFFICER’S TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE (COTR)

The designated COTR for this Statement of Work is Dan Ludwig. All deliverables and technical matters regarding the work involved in this Statement of Work shall be directed to the COTR at the following address:

Dan Ludwig, Resource Conservationist USDA NRCS, Lebanon Technical Office 2120 Cornwall Road, Suite 4 Lebanon, Pennsylvania 1704216214 Phone: 717-376-3490 Email:dan.ludwig@usda.gov mailto:tamara.sawyer@usda.gov mailto:tamara.sawyer@usda.gov éé éééééééé éé éé éééééééééééééé éé éé éééééé éééééééé éééé éé éééééé éé éééééé éééé éé éééééé éééé éé éééééé éééé éééééééé éé éééééééééééé 1

1 1

Field 4

6.4 ac.

Field 3

7.3 ac.

Field 6

5.6 ac.

Field 2

5.5 ac.

Field 8

2.6 ac.

Field 9

2.4 ac.

Customer(s): TIMOTHY J MARET

Date: 5/21/2019

Assisted By: Dan Ludwig Agency: USDA- NRCS Field Office: LEBANON TECHNICAL CENTER

300 0 300 600 Feet ¯

Legend Brush Management éééééééé éé Shrub planting Pool Area Disking WRP_Plan

Prepared with assistance from USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service

State and County: PA, Cumberland

Wetland Maintenance Map

SCALE: 1 INCH = 300 FEET

ALL ACREAGES AND BOUNDARIES ARE APPROXIMATE

Field 1

Field 2

Field 4

Field 3

Chadds

Mc Fa dd en

WRE Easement WRPO Practice Map

Customer(s): BERNARD V MORO

Date: 5/7/2019

Assisted By: Dan Ludwig Agency: USDA-NRCS Field Office: COATESVILLE SERVICE CENTER

200 0 200 400 Feet ¯

Legend !. Pollinator Patches

WRP_Plan Conservation Cover Tree/Shrub Establishment street_dm_l_pa029

Prepared with assistance from USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service

State and County: Chester, PA

SCALE: 1 INCH = 200 FEET

314 Brush Management 19.5 ac.

612 Tree/Shrub Establishment ac.

Potomac

WRE Easement Practice Detail Map

Date: 5/16/2018

Customer(s): Williams

State and County: PA, Northampton Co Approximate Easement Acres: 19.49 Legal Description:

Farm - Tract

Assisted By: Dan Ludwig Agency: USDA - NRCS Field Office: LEBANON TECHNICAL CENTER

200 0 200 400 Feet

A Legend

WRE…