A04_SoW_BTL_Haz_Fuels_2024.pdf

Statement of Work

Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge (BTNWR) Salt Cedar on USFWS Lands

Roswell, NM

BACKGROUND

This Statement of Work summarizes the justification and payment to remove salt cedar from waterways and drainages on the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in southern New Mexico. This scope of work describes the terms and period of performance for a tree removal project for the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT NEEDS

The Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge aims to eradicate all salt cedar from the designated areas outlined in this Statement of Work (SOW). This project involves hand cutting with chainsaws, followed by herbicide treatment. All woody material and slash will be removed from the project area and refuge property by the contractor and disposed of to prevent the spread of salt cedar to unaffected regions. A 20-foot buffer, centered on the power lines, will be cleared for all lines within the unit. Identified roads will be cleared of all vegetation with a 10-ft buffer on either side. Stumps will be cut flush to ground level to facilitate vehicle access. The terrain is predominantly flat and bordered by refuge roads. The primary objectives are to eliminate all salt cedar from the specified areas, ensure waterways and drainages are clear of debris, reduce wildfire risk to wildlife habitats, enhance safety for FWS staff, and improve access and visibility.

Place of Performance The work to be performed under this contract will be performed at the Bitter Lake NWR. Job sites are located on the “South Tract” of the Bitter Lake NWR. The South Tract of the refuge is located to east of Roswell, NM adjacent to Highway 380. The nearest facilities are in Roswell. Highways 285 and 380 will be the most used highways in the area.

Scope of Work

The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform tree removal and/or herbicide application to all salt cedar trees identified in the attached maps. Ground-breaking equipment is not allowed. Herbicide chemicals and adjuvant will be provided by Bitter Lake NWR, but not the equipment to apply with. The refuge will provide the specific chemical mixtures to the contractor. The contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract and will have on-the-ground guidance project and planning guidance directed by refuge staff.

Objectives:

• Clear all salt cedar taller than 5 feet tall in identified areas with the use of chainsaws or brush cutters. Off existing roads, all materials will have to be carried to minimize ground disturbance in the area.

• All cut material will be hauled off the refuge property and disposed of properly by the contractor.

• Stump-cut trees will be followed up immediately with approved cut-stump herbicide treatments using handheld spray bottles and/or brushes. Greater than 100 feet from water a 18.48% solution of Triclopyr 4 and 80% methylated seed oil will be applied. Less than 100 feet from water a solution of 44.4% Triclopyr 3 will be applied (no adjuvants will be added to this mixture). Flagging will be set up prior to treatments to help the crew determine if they are in the 100-foot water buffer.

• Salt cedar shorter than 5 feet tall will be sprayed with a foliar sprayed/basal bark treatment. Greater than 100 feet from water a 18.48% solution of Triclopyr 4 with 80 % Methylated Seed Oil added as an adjuvant will be applied with a backpack spray wand. Within 100 feet of water a 1.5% Imazapyr solution will be applied with 0.5% of Li700 as an adjuvant. Spray herbicide cannot be applied when temperatures are above 90 degrees or applied when wind speeds are greater than 10 mph.

• Maintain proper safety and efficiency measures as directed by refuge personnel and crew leaders.

Period of Performance The period of performance for tree cutting and removal shall be September – December 2024 and January

– March 2025.

Table1. Operating Time Restrictions. An “X” marks periods of performance that are allowed.

UNIT Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

South X X X X X X X

Hours of Operation The Contractor is responsible for conducting business, between the hours of sunrise to sunset Sunday through Saturday except Federal holidays at the contractor’s option. The refuge hosts 3 youth managed deer hunts on 3 separate weekends by special draw in the South Tract in October, November, and December. The dates will be communicated with the contractor to ensure safety and all personnel will

Jacobsen, Carl D I'm updating this section with more specific information on the herbicide strategy to meet our section 7 requirements.

Landowski, Lindsey Why is this table showing different Units? I don't think this table is necessary since it is only on the South Tract for this project. The timeframe would be September - March.

Burris, Clyde J Updated Thanks need to be out on these specified weekends. In general, the South Tract is closed to all public access. The contractor must, at all times, maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this contract when the government facility is not closed. When hiring personnel, the contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the workforce are essential. The facility is closed on recognized Federal holidays. The contractor is not required to perform work on these holidays:

New Year’s Day, January 1st or the Friday preceding or Monday following.

Martin Luther King’s Birthday, 3rd Monday in January President’s Day, 3rd Monday in February Memorial Day, Last Monday in May Juneteenth, June 19th or the Friday preceding or Monday following.

Independence Day, July 4th or the Friday preceding or Monday following.

Labor Day, 1st Monday in September Columbus Day, 2nd Monday in October Veteran’s Day, November 11th or the Friday preceding or Monday following.

Thanksgiving Day, 4th Thursday in November Christmas Day, December 25th or the Friday preceding or Monday following.

Project Contact

Questions regarding the statement of work for this purchase shall be directed to:

Clyde Burris

505-506-0719

Clyde_burris@fws.gov

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

The Contracting Officer Representative (COR) is Clyde Burris who can be reach at 505-506-0719 or via email at clyde_burris@fws.gov. The COR monitors all technical aspects of the contract and assists in contract administration. The COR is authorized to perform the following functions:

• Assure that the contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract.

• Perform inspections necessary in connection with contract performance.

• Maintain written and oral communications with the contractor concerning technical aspects of the contract.

• Issue written interpretations of technical requirements, including Government drawings, designs, and specifications.

• Monitor the contractor's performance and notifies both the Contracting Officer and contractor of any deficiencies.

• Coordinate availability of government-furnished property and provide site entry of contractor personnel.

SPECIFIC TASK

The contractor shall remain in close contact with the FWS COR and Staff. The contractor is responsible to ensure all pertinent information is clearly understood. Contractor will:

• relay all the job task information to the workforce before the first day of work.

• follow all protocols for accessing the project area and avoidance areas as described by refuge staff.

• meet regularly with Refuge Staff to discuss the progress and plans for the following day.

• assist in changes and modifications to the plan and workday as needed.

• perform all the objectives as listed in “Scope of Work”.

• adhere to the daily schedule.

• follow all National Wildlife Refuge Rules and Regulations, including fire safety while on site.

Project Maps

Figure 1. Project area marked in red.

Figure 2. Bitter Lake NWR boundary and surrounding area.