QandA 12FPC325Q0042 New Mexico Vegetative Maintenance.docx

12FPC325Q0042

USDA-NRCS New Mexico Vegetative Maintenance Services Questions and Answers

Tree and Vegetation Treatment

· Will treatment involve stump cutting or complete tree removal?

Answer: Per statement of work, many areas contain sensitive plants where heavy equipment will not be allowed. For this reason, cut stump with herbicide application will be required on the larger trees on approximately 91 acres. Smaller trees, generally less than 6-feet tall, may be treated with foliar or basal bark herbicide application. In areas where sensitive plants are not found, heavy equipment may be used to pull/excavate trees with roots. The statement of work has been revised with a map that shows where heavy equipment is not allowed. Herbicide application is expected with cut stump but it may be possible that herbicide would not be allowed within a certain distance of the water in the 2 large lakes. Within the no-herbicide buffer, only hand cutting would be performed.

Contractors may provide a bid that only includes hand treatment or a combination of hand and mechanical treatments.

· If mechanical treatment is used, will it include pulling, piling, and burning?

Answer: Cut and pulled trees must either be piled, chipped or masticated at approved locations. The statement of work has been revised with maps that show the approved locations.

· What percentage of vegetation removal is required to qualify for payment?

Answer: Per statement of work, the targeted removal is 90-100%. NRCS expects that all large trees will be removed. However, there may be trees around the lakes that are difficult to reach and there may be small trees that are missed in the thick vegetation.

· Are there priority areas?

Answer: Yes. The priority areas are where sensitive plants are present. However, for this solicitation, the quote must encompass the entire treatment area that is mapped in the statement of work.

· Are fence lines eligible for cutting or spraying?

Answer: Cutting Russian olive up to fence lines as much as possible is required. Contractors must use their best judgment on how far from a fence to cut to avoid damaging a fence.

· If spraying is used, what precautions are necessary to avoid affecting neighboring trees?

Answer: Neighboring trees are not a problem. Minimizing damage to nontarget vegetation is accomplished by adjusting method of application and spraying during low wind and heat. For example, Garlon 4 volatizes about 86 °F and 2,4-D also has low volatility.

· Does NRCS have surveys as to what is heavy, medium, and light density acres on the site?

Answer: A map of relative density is provided in the statement of work. Transects were not used to arrive at densities. These were mapped based rough visual of aerial imagery.

· The project is 150 acres but plan on 70 acres in the cost estimate. Are there scattered trees that need treatment across the whole 150-acre project area?

Answer: Yes. There is approximately 80-acres where there is little to no Russian olive, but these acres are expected to be scouted and any Russian olive or salt cedar that are found would be treated.

· You indicate that spraying can only occur during optimal environmental conditions - Moderate 60 degrees to 80 degrees, relative humidity 65-90 percent, and 3 to 7 mph. In Santa Rosa September, October, and November are the windiest months with an average wind speed 8.5. 11.6, and 13.3 and temperature 53/85, 43/75, and 32/63 degrees. Are we locked into these conditions? These conditions limit the window of work each day.

Answer: The statement of work has been revised to specify that these optimal conditions must be followed within 50 feet of water’s edge. All other areas must follow restrictions on the herbicide label.

Equipment and Access

· Can UTVs or other vehicles be used to guide or assist equipment?

Answer: Yes, UTV’s and other vehicles may be used only on approved roads. These are mapped on the revised statement of work. NRCS may add more approved roads where vehicles may travel after visually inspecting the area for protected plant species.

· Is equipment storage allowed on the property when the contractor is offsite?

Answer: Yes, at the approved “piling” areas shown in the revised statement of work. Equipment left onsite is at Contractor’s own risk.

· Where will the designated staging areas be located?

Answer: Equipment may be parked at the approved “piling” areas shown in the revised statement of work.

· Where is the private land and are there restrictions with using the private road?

Answer: The private road and parking area near Rock Lake may be used to drive on, but not for parking or staging.

Herbicide and Mulching Guidelines

· Are there specific herbicides that are prohibited?

Answer: No. Any herbicide allowed for use by the label may be used. Products labeled for wetland use must be used when required by the label. An herbicide-free buffer around the lakes may be determined. This will be determined in discussion with Rock Lake hatchery and other agencies.

· If mulching is part of the treatment, what is the maximum allowed mulch layer thickness?

Answer: The statement of work has been revised to show where chipped or masticated material may be spread. Where allowed within the treatment area, the mulch layer shall be no more than 2-inches thick. In the drier, upland area, which is roughly outside the treatment area, the chipped material may be left in piles or spread more than 2-inches thick.

Environmental Considerations

· Will buffer zones be established around lakes or other water bodies?

Answer: Trees around the lakes are expected to be removed via hand cutting. An herbicide-free area has not yet been determined. This will be determined as soon as possible.

· For trees located at the water’s edge, do they need to be removed down to the waterline?

Answer: Trees around the lakes up to the waterline are expected to be removed via hand cutting. Branches and trunks overhanging the water will need to be tied prior to cutting to avoid dropping them in the lakes.

· What is the protocol for dead or downed trees—do they need to be cleared?

Answer: All cut and pulled trees must be either chipped, masticated or piled at approved location. Please see revised statement of work.

· How will woody debris be managed or disposed of?

Answer: Please see revised statement of work.

· Will archaeological clearances be completed before treatment begins?

Answer: Yes. NRCS plans to have cultural surveys completed this fall in the areas where mechanical pulling of trees is permitted.

Species and Eligibility

· What threatened or endangered plant species are present in the area? Where are they located?

Answer: Please see revised statement of work.

· Is mesquite considered a brush species eligible for payment if removed for access?

Answer: Yes. Clearing vegetation in the approved roads and to access the salt cedar in the eastern pond is part of the project cost.

Contracting Requirements

· Will the contractor need to add the landowner as an additional insured on liability insurance? Answer: Property/treatment area is a conservation easement owned by the Federal Government. Federal Government is self-insured, but this does not prevent contractors from obtaining applicable insurance in the event their machinery/equipment is to be stored on site and/or causes damage to government property.

· The wage determination sheet requires an hourly wage of $17.75. Is this correct for the project? Answer: Any/all questions regarding wage rates should be directed to the Department of Labor for clarification and guidance. Wage rates provided are estimates and for informational purposes only.

· What is the expected timeline for treatment?

Answer: Late September to early October 2025 is the expected start date. The expected end date is March 2026 if no delays are encountered with weather or other required consultations.

· Will payment be allowed in phases or upon full project completion?

Answer: NRCS will certify completed work monthly.

· Is pricing based on competitive bidding or a fixed price per unit?

Answer: The bid is based on the entire treatment area, not a per acre basis and will be a Firm Fixed Price contract when awarded.