140L4324Q0005__-_Combined_Synopsis_Soliciation_Noxious_and_Invasive_Plant_Treatment_Services.pdf

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with FAR parts 13.5 and additional information included in this notice.

The Bureau of Land Management intends to award Multiple Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contracts for Invasive Weed Control and Inventory Services as represented in the Performance Work Statement. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2023-06, effective date 12-4-2023.

This requirement is being solicited as a 100% Small Business set-aside. The Government will award an IDIQ contract resulting from the comparative evaluation of quotes received in response to this solicitation in evaluating price and past performance.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Request for Quotation: 140L4324Q0005

North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS): 115310 Size Standard: $11.5M

Competition: 100% SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE

QUOTES DUE: February 26, 2024, 10:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Request for Information/ Questions Due: February 9, 2024 @ 10:00 AM Pacific Time

Email to: dfobbs@blm.gov

Business Information:

Business Name: ___________________________

SAM UEI Number: _________________________ mailto:dfobbs@blm.gov

PRICE SCHEDULE

1. Refer to Attachment 13, IDIQ Pricing Schedule – Invasive Weed Control and Inventory

2. The applicable wage determination will be incorporated at the task order level.

IDIQ Contract Minimum and Maximum Values

Referenced FAR Clause, 52.216-22 (Indefinite Quantity), the following minimum and maximum values are provided for the purpose of paragraph (b) of the clause:

(a) The Maximum value of each contract awarded is $7,300,000.00.

(b) There will be a single minimum guarantee per contract. The minimum guarantee per contract is $2,500.00.

This value represents the promise of the minimum quantity of work guaranteed under the contract. The minimum guarantee may be satisfied by one (1) task order or the cumulative value of multiple task orders and/or modifications. The minimum guarantee shall not to be misconstrued as a lump sum payment if the minimum.

The ordering period for the IDIQ contract is expected to begin on 4/1/2024 to 3/31/2029.

TASK ORDER PLACMENT PROCEDURES

1.0 ORDERING

This contract is open to the Bureau of Land Management unless the placement of orders using the Service First Authority is approved by the Contracting Officer. Ordering activities shall follow the procedures of this section when placing an order against this contract pursuant to FAR 16.505. All orders shall comply with the terms and conditions set forth in the contract. The ordering agency is responsible for ensuring all necessary protocols and coordination, as well as proper procuring, administering and terminating warrant authorities, are in place for the issuance, administration and closeout of a task order.

1.1 The Contractor shall participate on all competitive MATOC requests for quotes (RFQ) for new task orders in accordance with clauses 52.216-19 Ordering and 52.216-22 Order Limitations and shall be given fair opportunity in accordance with FAR 16.505(b)(1) unless excepted by FAR 16.505(b)(2). Streamlined procedures, including oral presentations, may be used. For orders that do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), the Contracting Officer need not contact each of the multiple awardees under the contract before selecting an order awardee if the Contracting Officer has information available to ensure that each awardee is provided a fair opportunity to be considered for each order. The competition requirements in Part 6 and the policies in Subpart 15.3 do not apply to the ordering process.

For orders that exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, a competitive RFP will be issued. Unless otherwise specified in the task order RFP, quality is considered to have been evaluated at the Base MATOC level. The following contractors are included under this MATOC:

[MATOC award information to be incorporated upon award]

MATOC No. MATOC Firm DUNS No. Address Email Telephone Facsimile

1.2 Applicable Rates. The task order shall utilize price rates of the current ordering period the task order is awarded within given delivery does not exceed the date specified in clause 52.216-22 Indefinite Quantity. When a task order RFP is issued, the Contractor may elect to propose competitive pricing to capture bulk or economic pricing discounts but in no event shall exceed the Base MATOC unit price rates.

1.3 Award of the task order will be made to the responsible Contractor on the basis of award subject to FAR 16.505(b)(1). Unsuccessful MATOC contractors will be notified.

1.4 All task orders shall include a price schedule, statement of work that includes a description of work to be performed, location of work, period of performance, deliverable schedule, applicable performance standards, and any special requirements. To the maximum extent practicable, the agency requirements shall be performance-based statements.

1.5 The ordering agency shall document price reasonableness and any other required justifications prior to award, to include contract action reporting in the Federal Procurement Data System – Next Generation (FPDS-NG) system.

1.9 Oral task orders are authorized under this contract. The Contracting Officer shall ensure funds are available at the time task order is issued and shall obligate funds and confirm oral orders in writing within [insert #] days after award.

1.6 Upon award of the task order and modification thereof, the ordering agency shall furnish a copy of the task order award and any modifications to the IDIQ Contracting Officer via email at blm_or_so_952_mail@blm.gov within three

(3) days of an award.

1.7 The ordering agency Contracting Officer may elect to designate a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) from its own activity. In such event, the Contracting Officer shall ensure that all training and certifications are valid prior to designation through the life of the order.

1.8 The ordering agency is responsible for payment and disbursement, to include disputes and claims.

1.9 The ordering agency is responsible for maintaining the task order file and file disposition.

1.10 The ordering agency shall report any litigation, illegal activity, or any other serious criminal or civil matters that arise in the performance of the task order, immediately to the IDIQ Contracting Officer.

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

INVASIVE WEED CONTROL AND INVENTORY

C.1.0 GENERAL

C.1.1 Introduction - The Coos Bay, Medford, Northwest Oregon, and Roseburg Districts of Bureau of

Land Management (BLM) are contracting for land treatment services to inventory for, document, and treat nonnative invasive plants. This is for a 5-year duration. Work will occur along roadsides and cross-country in ecosystems including but not limited to grasslands, chaparral, oak woodlands, and conifer forests; on landings, waysides, gravel, and rock borrow pits; and along roads and trails. Treatment methods may include manual, mechanical, or chemical (herbicide) treatments (see C.3.0 Definitions for descriptions of methods).

C.1.2 Historical Background - Current federal and state laws and policy requires agencies to control and prevent further spread of non-native invasive plant species. Non-native invasive plant control on selected sites is needed to protect native and desirable plant communities on federal lands and to control the spread of invasive plants onto private, county, and state lands. Invasive plants are non-native aggressive plants with the potential to cause significant damage to native ecosystems and or cause significant economic losses. Noxious weeds are nonnative invasive plants that are designated by the County-, State-, or federally listed as injurious to public health, agriculture, recreation, wildlife, or any public or private property.

C.1.3 Scope of Work - The objective of this contract is to locate and treat state listed noxious weeds, or other invasive plant (weed) species designated by the botanist, invasives specialist, and/or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), using manual, mechanical, and chemical methods following the terms, specifications, and provisions in this contract. Acceptable contract performance will be based on a thorough treatment of the targeted weeds herein specified. Work quality will be inspected according to the specifications present in the contract. Treatment methods may include: 1) manual methods – hand pulling, hand cutting, grubbing, or weed wrenching; 2) mechanical methods – weed-eating, chain sawing, or mowing; and 3) chemical methods – herbicide wiping/wicking or spot spraying, or a combination of these methods (e.g., hack and squirt, cut-stump, and spray). Cut or pulled plants may be scattered, piled, or bagged and hauled to designated disposal sites per COR direction, which depends on species and treatment timing. Seeding with native seed or mulching with weed-free straw or hay may be required after treatment is completed. Each treatment item shall be for a targeted invasive plant density level (low, medium, or high). Each task order will list the target species and density level for a unit or linear feature targeted for treatment. Documentation to be completed by the contractor will include recording information about invasive plant populations treated, details about treatment methods, date, temperature, wind speed and direction, etc.

C.1.4 Applicable Directives for Project - The proposed project work shall be done in accordance with the Northwestern, Coastal, and Southwestern Oregon Record of Decision and Resource Management Plans (2016) (RMP/ROD p. 80), Roseburg District Invasive Plant Management Plan (2022), Integrated Invasive Plant Management for Northwest Oregon District (2018), Integrated Invasive Plant Management for the Coos Bay District Environmental Assessment (2018), Integrated Invasive Plant Management for the Medford District (2018) and the Aquatic Restoration Biological Opinion (ARBO II). This proposed project work will also occur in accordance with the 2007 Programmatic EIS for Vegetation treatments using herbicides on

Bureau of Land Management Lands in 17 Western States and the 2010 Record of Decision for the Final Environmental Impact Statement on Vegetation Treatments Using Herbicides on BLM Lands in Oregon and the 2016 Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement. This contract will incorporate all pertinent Standard Operating Procedures (Attachment 3), approved chemicals, application rates, and adjuvants as allowed by BLM.

Future BLM Policy or guidelines pertaining to invasive plant treatments will be incorporated into this contract and subsequent task orders will update those changes provided they do not require additional work beyond the scope of this contract. If compliance with the new policies would incur additional costs to the Contractor, the BLM will cancel the Contract or negotiate adjustments to the awarded bid prices with the Contractor. Potential policy changes could include new herbicides or adjuvants available for use or changes in the list of target plants.

C.1.5 Noxious/Invasive Weeds List - The noxious weed invasive plants list may change annually but will remain similar to the one in Attachment 1. The Contractor will be given an updated list during the pre-work for each task order as needed.

C.1.6 Location of Project Areas - All treatment areas are located in Western Oregon, within 100 miles of the Coos Bay, Medford, Northwest, and/or Roseburg District BLM Offices. A vicinity map and sample units are included in Attachments 2 and 10. Sample project area maps for treatment sites prior to award will be available upon request to the COR. Project treatment sites will be provided with each task order.

C.1.7 Treatment Sites

C.1.7.1 Treatment sites vary in size from less than 1/10 acre to many acres. Project treatment sites, other than those easily identified by ground features, will be marked on maps provided by the Government. The areas may be marked on the ground with flagging or other means of identification as designated at the pre-work. All pdf maps are available with Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates imbedded and are useable on navigation maps, such as Avenza, may also be provided to assist the Contractor in locating sites.

C.1.7.2 Treatment sites will be of two types, 1) a polygon (a unit of some acreage) or 2) a line or linear feature like a road or trail. Most treatment sites are categorized by acres. Linear features (roads and trails) will be categorized by miles.

C.1.7.3 Treatment areas along roads will be an average of 30 feet wide, measured 15 feet from the pavement or road edge on each side. The treatment area will include the road edge, turnouts, ditch, landings, land cut and fill slopes. This equates to 3.64 treatment acres per mile of road. In some cases, widths will be wider on some roads (e.g., 50 feet wide), and this width will be identified on treatment maps issued with the task order. If the average width of the treatment area along a road is greater than 30 feet, the area would be recalculated in acres using the actual length (miles) times the width.

C.1.7.4 The BLM may designate certain areas as no-treatment zones, such as special status plant sites or other special areas. These areas will be marked on the maps given to the Contractor and marked in the field with designated flagging.

C.1.7.5 Linear features or habitat areas to be inventoried or monitored will be marked on maps in such a way as to be identifiable in the field. Flagging or GPS coordinates may be used to assist the Contractor with locating these areas.

C.1.7.6 Treatment sites are shown on maps at a scale generally no larger than 1:12,000. Treatment maps will be issued with each task order and provided to the Contractor. Aerial photos may be included to help identify the sites.

C.1.8 Access

C.1.8.1 Access will be by both improved roads (paved/gravel) and unimproved roads (dirt) which may require four-wheel drive vehicles. Some units or portions of units do not have direct road access.

C.1.8.2 Walk-ins may be necessary up to one-fourth (¼) mile. Infrequently, especially behind closed gates/roads, treatment sites will take more than ¼ mile to access on foot and contractors will be paid an additional cost (Item 37) to walk into these sites, on a per mile or fraction of a mile basis.

C.1.8.3 Use of un-surfaced roads during wet months should be minimized to avoid damage. Vehicles shall not operate off system roads without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer, nor shall they by-pass any officially blocked road (barriers, locked gates, posted signs, rock/log/dirt, etc.) without approval of the COR. The Government assumes no obligation to do special maintenance to keep roads open. However, the Contractor may cut fallen trees or logs out of the roadway if they are blocking their access to a treatment area. Just the portion of the log or tree within the road prism may be cut, and the COR must be notified if cutting has occurred.

C.1.8.4 Private Lands – If the only access to a treatment site on BLM lands is across private lands, either on private roads or overland, the Contractor shall obtain permission to travel over private lands unless the Government has already obtained permission. Otherwise, the Contractor may be required to provide the COR with a written statement or written documentation of a verbal approval given by a named person with a phone number on a stated date and time that the Contractor has been granted permission for access. If the Contractor is unable to secure permission, the Contractor will let the COR know immediately and the COR will attempt to coordinate access with the Landowner. The Contractor shall not trespass across private lands. If the Contractor is not able to access an area, that unit may be exchanged for a similar unit or be dropped.

C.1.8.5 Gates - Some treatment sites may be behind locked gates. Locked gates shall remain locked at all times other than when the Contractor is passing through them. Keys for these gates will be available through the Administrative Office where the work is being conducted. A key for access to locked gates will be signed out on a DI-105 form, Receipt for Property, to the Contractor at the pre-work. The key shall be returned to the COR in a usable condition before final payment is made. The Contractor shall be charged $50.00 for each key lost or returned in an unusable condition.

C.1.8.6 In the event of a site/facility closure, the contractor shall not perform or make deliveries to the site/facility until it is reopened by the Government, unless otherwise instructed by the CO.

C.1.9 Vehicle Washing – Prior to entering BLM lands, Contractor vehicles shall be washed to remove all dirt, mud, grease, and plant parts that may carry noxious weed seeds or vegetative parts. The COR or Project Inspector shall inspect Contractor’s vehicles at any time during the duration of this contract. Vehicles that drive or park in roadside vegetation will be cleaned before returning to BLM lands. Vehicles body, undercarriage, wheel wells, grill, inside bumpers, frame, bed, etc.

shall be washed at least twice a month.

C.1.10 Mechanized Equipment – All mechanized equipment operations shall be limited to 35% slopes with allowances to 45% slope for short pitches up to 300 feet. All operations on granitic soils shall be limited to 25% slopes with allowances to 35% slope for short pitches up to 300 feet.

Mechanized equipment shall be cleaned before returning to BLM lands. All mechanized equipment shall be washed at least twice a month.

C.1.11 Use of Utility Terrain Vehicles and All-Terrain Vehicles – If an all-terrain vehicle is used, it shall be of such design that it will travel over rough, uneven terrain and not create wheel ruts and channels. ATVs or UTVs shall not have a spray tank greater than 25 gallons, no booms, and the vehicle, spray tank and sprayer shall meet with the approval of the COR prior to use. Only a handheld spray nozzle may be used to apply herbicide.

C.1.12 Spray Trucks – All spray equipment shall arrive at the site thoroughly cleaned and free of residual chemicals. All spray tanks will be cleaned after each use and tripled rinsed prior to the changing of chemicals. Trucks with spray reel/guns shall meet Oregon State Safety Standards and laws for herbicide application and meet with the approval of the COR prior to use. Boom sprayers may not be used.

C.1.13 Fuel and Herbicide Spill and Containment

C.1.13.1 Fueling power equipment, UTVs and ATVs shall be conducted a minimum of 150 feet away from live streams and rivers. All spills, leaks or solid emissions from equipment shall be removed from daily work areas and properly disposed of at Contractor’s expense. Equipment shall be kept in proper running order to prevent spills, leaks, or solid emissions. Contractor shall keep a fuel spill response kit readily available on site throughout the duration of work and be trained and knowledgeable in its use.

C.1.13.2 All Herbicides will be used ‘Consistent with labeling’ and BLM requirements Add list as attachment (such as approved formulations, adjuvants, and application rates) and will adhere to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) concerning use, labeling, licensing, storage, and cleanup. All herbicide use will comply with Standard Operating Procedures (Attachment 3).

C.1.13.3 All applicator equipment will follow BLM and State best management practices for cleaning equipment. Contractor will only empty equipment on BLM or private lands during the implementation of this contract. While conducting herbicide treatments, the Contractor shall only clean backpack sprayers, tanks, hoses, or other equipment containing herbicide mixtures on BLM lands. Contractor shall not clean or rinse equipment on private lands (other than Contractor’s).

The liquid obtained from rinsing pesticide containers and application equipment shall only be sprayed in areas free of vegetation, such as gravel pits or on untreated noxious weed patches where no non-target plants would be impacted. No equipment shall be cleaned or rinsed within 100 feet of a water body.

C.1.13.4 Any herbicide spill shall be cleaned up following an approved spill plan provided by the contractor. All herbicide spills shall be reported to the COR immediately.

At a minimum, Contractor shall:

a. Take immediate action to minimize spill contamination, pending the arrival of containment personnel and equipment.

b. Immediately plug leak at the source herbicide container.

c. Immediately confine spill to a holding area.

d. Secure available equipment and personnel to construct ponding areas to prevent the herbicide spill from reaching any waterways.

e. After taking emergency procedures for containment, begin clean-up and disposal operations.

f. Notify the necessary local, state, and federal authorities - i.e., help can be received from:

Chemical Transportation Emergency Center (Chemtrec) 800-424-9300 - Emergencies only or

Oregon Emergency Response System (OERS) (800)452-0311 BLM District HAZMAT Officer as specified on the task order.

C.2 Supervisor and Crew Requirements

C.2.1 Workforce - The Contractor shall maintain an adequate combination of work force and equipment at all times to ensure timely completion of the work. Supervisors and Crew members must be able to accurately identify invasive plant species targeted for treatment. The Contractor must hold a valid Commercial Pesticide Operator’s and Applicators License with appropriate categories with the State.

C.2.2 Supervisor Requirements - The Contractor shall designate one supervisor for each crew who can communicate with the COR/CO and is knowledgeable and experienced in invasive weed control services and weed identification as required by this contract. Any changes in supervisory designations shall be submitted in writing to the COR at least 24 hours prior to the change taking effect. The supervisor shall know the requirements of the contract including technical requirements and unit locations and shall have a copy of the contract at the site at all times during all operations. The COR and Project Inspector will not act as a supervisor to the crew.

C.2.3 Supervisors - Persons designated by the Contractor as supervisors must actually perform in that capacity. The supervisor must, therefore, effectively direct the crew by (1) making periodic inspections of the crew’s work, (2) advising them as to deficient work, and (3) providing instructions for correcting such deficiencies. This person shall be able to communicate in speech and writing with the CO and COR. Any group of people without a supervisor will not be considered a crew.

C.2.4 Safety - State safety regulations require that crew members shall not work alone. The Contractor shall provide crew members with access to emergency transportation at all times. All workers shall abide by all State safety regulations pertaining to the use of herbicides.

C.2.5 Pre-work conferences. A pre-work conference will be held with the contractor prior to work starting, to ensure a clear understanding of the scope of the contract, the sequence of work, weather conditions that may affect or preclude treatment, treatment timing and type of progress reports required. The Contractor will abide by to the BLM inspection, and payment schedules.

C.2.6 Sequence of Work - The sequence of work shall be determined by the COR at the pre-work and may be subject to change. Certain treatment sites may be designated a high priority requiring earlier completion than other areas.

C.2.7 Task Orders and Pay Items. When task orders are issued for treatment items, the Contractor has

21 calendar days from the Start Work date to notify the Government of their non-concurrence with the Government estimate of density levels for treatment units. After 21 days, the Government density estimate will determine the pay item. Task orders will include maps of treatment sites showing units (with acres), and linear segments (roads and trails) showing miles and average width and other items identified in C.4.2 (Government Furnished Items).

For payment purposes, the smallest unit of payment is .25 acre (1/4 acre), or 1/10th of a mile for linear features.

C.3.0 DEFINITIONS

Chemical (herbicide) treatments – All herbicide applicators will be licensed by the by Oregon

State. The Contractor will hold a current valid Commercial Pesticide Operator, Applicator License with appropriate categories and be licensed to use BLM-approved herbicides (Attachment 4) to control herbaceous or woody plants. Equipment for treatment will be designated by the BLM (e.g., use of backpack sprayers, truck mounted spray tanks- or ATV/UTV, mounted hoses, or wicking/wiping techniques). Truck mounted sprayers with extension hoses may be used with COR approval. Contractor must demonstrate that the equipment has been calibrated, spray pattern and calibrated pressure (gallons per acre delivery rate) is capable of avoiding excessive damage to desirable plant species. i.e., low pressure and small spray pattern. All herbicide treatments must be conducted following herbicide label directions, Standard Operating Procedures including BLM application rates, and all other policies and guidelines pertaining to their use. Contractor must show proof of pesticide applicator license categories for Aquatic, Agriculture , Demonstration and Research, Forestry, Regulatory Weeds, and Rights-of-Way for all supervisors, foremen, and preferably crew members.

Density levels - An evaluation of the percent cover (area occupied by a plant in a specific location) that require varying amounts of time and effort to treat. The density level is based on the estimated number of plants present at the time of treatment. It is an average of the percent cover of plants in the treatment area. For example, a “low” infestation may have several clusters of plants but no plants in the rest of the treatment area.

Low concentrations consist of a few scattered plants, patches, clumps, or concentrations, generally less than 20% ground coverage within each treatment site.

Medium concentrations consist of many plants, patches, clumps, or concentrations of specified species that have approximately 21 to 59% ground coverage within each treatment site.

High concentrations consist of large, dense, heavy, concentrations of the specified species that have 60% - 100% ground coverage within each treatment site with only a few or occasional open areas.

GPS – Global Positioning System

Base (reference, control) Station – A GPS receiver set up at a known location; that is, a point whose Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates and elevation are known.

CEP (circular error probable, 2-dimensional) – statistical measure of accuracy. It implies the probability that 50% of the positions obtained will fall within a circle of the specified radius.

PDOP (Position of Dilution of Precision) – PDOP is an indicator of the satellite’s geometry in relation to the user’s GPS receiver location. The smaller the number, the better the geometry; therefore, the better the position.

Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) - A mapping coordinate grid system based upon one of many different mapping projections. The BLM in Western Oregon currently uses a projection in UTM Zone 10, US Datum of 1983 (CONUS NAD83). The data is displayed in meters easting and northing. The Contractor will be advised if this UTM projection changes and will be required to use the new projection.

Grubbing – Consists of digging up and removing the entire plant from the ground, including underground portions of the root system capable of re-sprouting. For most species this means 2 to 6 inches of the root system is also removed.

Herbaceous plant – A plant with little or no woody tissue.

Invasive Plant – A non-native aggressive plant with the potential to cause significant damage to native ecosystems and/or cause significant economic losses.

Manual Methods – Manual methods of weed control can include but are not limited to hand weeding or pulling; weed wrenching (using a weed wrench tool); cutting with hand saws or pruners; or grubbing with shovels, picks, or other hand tools.

Mechanical Methods – Mechanical methods include the use of gas or electric powered machines for physical removal of invasive plants, such as weed-eaters, chainsaws, or mowers.

New Invader – A weed species new to the area, often heavily targeted for total eradication before populations get very large.

VMAP – (Vegetation Mapping Action Portal) is the BLM geodatabase used to record information on invasive plant surveys, inventory, monitoring, and treatments of plant populations. The geodatabase consists of a series of feature datasets which are downloaded in Arc Field Maps on a mobile GPS unit. The Contractor will obtain a geoplatform account provided by the BLM to enter data into a series of fields for each of these activities. Locations of weed surveys, infestations, and treatments are also mapped using VMAP. The BLM will provide the Contractor with the VMAP database on an SD card and will provide training in data collection using the geodatabase.

Noxious Weeds – Plants found on the State of Oregon Noxious weed list found at http://plants.usda.gov/java/noxious?rptType=State&statefips=41. The sample target invasive plants species list for BLM can be found in Attachment 1. The weed list may change annually but will remain similar to the 2023 list. Updated lists and direction about which invasive plants to target will be given to the Contractor at the pre-work for each task order. Not all weeds will be targeted for treatment.

PAR – Pesticide Application Record – A legally required record of herbicide application that is filled out within 24 hours of treatment. The Contractor shall complete a paper copy of the PARs as well as entering the information in the VMAP geodatabase. Information required include the location of site (latitude/longitude/township/range/section), dates and times of application, names of applicators, wind speed, temperature, rh, herbicide formulation and rate, adjuvants, carrier, and the total amount of mixture applied, calibrated rate of equipment, invasive plant species sprayed, etc. (See Attachment 6).

Patch of Weeds – A weed patch is defined as a cluster of weeds of at least 10 herbaceous weeds

(e.g., yellow star thistle), or 2 woody plants (e.g., Scotch broom).

http://plants.usda.gov/java/noxious?rptType=State&statefips=41

Pulling – Physical removal from the soil of an entire plant of the designated species with the root system attached.

Road prism - The entire area of a road between the outer edge of the fill slope and the top of the cut slope.

Road Widths – A distance averaging 15 feet (slope distance) on either side of the edge of the road surface to be treated. This includes, but is not limited to the road edge, ditches, fill slopes, cut banks, and turnouts.

Root Crown - The point where the root and stem of a plant meet and the primary vascular anatomy changes from a stem to a root. This is also the transition point between the stem and the root.

Scattered – Scattering cut weeds consists of distributing the pulled or severed target plant within the general project area to a height not to exceed three feet above the surface of the soil, unless directed otherwise by the COR.

Scoured channel – A water channel showing annual scouring due to water movement that has exposed soil, gravel, or rock. Water may or may not be present within the channel during contract implementation.

Slash – Stems, limbs, foliage, etc. that has been freshly cut, pulled, or grubbed by the Contractor.

Target (targeted) species: A plant species that is a target or goal of an inventory, treatment or control effort.

Wicking or Wiping – Techniques of applying herbicide using hand-held applicators. Herbicide is brushed on the leaves, stem, or other plant parts or herbicide is wiped on the stem after scraping or breaking the outer layer which better facilitates absorption of the herbicide. The intent is to limit contact of the herbicide to just the target plant and to treat plants more effectively with impenetrable outer layers. This method is used to treat noxious weeds located adjacent to waterways or special status plant sites with herbicides to prevent herbicide drift or on plants with a tough bark or leaves (e.g., Scotch broom).

Woody plant – A plant with woody tissue, e.g., stems and branches and usually persisting more than one growing season, e.g., shrubs and trees.

C.4.0 CONTRACTOR AND GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS

C.4.1 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS

C.4.1.1 The Contractor shall furnish all necessary labor, equipment, transportation, training, supervision, materials (including herbicides and adjuvants as specified by the BLM), and incidentals necessary to perform the weed control as specified herein.

a) License – Oregon State law requires the Contractor to hold a current valid Commercial

Pesticide Operator/Applicator License to apply or supervise the application of herbicides. Oregon pesticide license categories should include Agriculture, Aquatic, Demonstration and Research, Forest, Regulatory Weed, and Right-of-Way) . At a minimum, the company will hold a Commercial Operator license, the supervisor of every crew shall hold a current Commercial Applicator license and crew must hold a minimum of Pesticide Apprentice or Immediately

Supervised Pesticide Trainee License. Crew will be directly supervised by a fully licensed applicator or operator following Oregon State law.

b) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for crew members for herbicide and tool use, including chainsaws needed to cut incidental wind thrown trees blocking roads to gain access to sites.

c) A written safety plan with procedures and emergency contact numbers in the event of an accident or other emergency. The safety plan should be supplied to the supervisor or crew leads along with a radio or phone.

d) Herbicide Labels, Pesticide Use Proposal and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for herbicides and adjuvants planned for use with each crew at all times.

e) Materials, including, but not limited to:

1. Reference information to aid workers in proper identification of weeds.

2. Approved herbicides on BLM lands (see Attachment 4 for Government approved herbicides)

3. Approved spray adjuvants on BLM lands (see Attachment 5, for BLM approved adjuvants)

4. Water – Clean water for mixing herbicides from a Municipal source must be transported to the field. Drawing water from creeks, rivers, or ponds is not permitted unless it is processed with a filtering system that removes all dirt particles and other contaminants.

Transportation and storage of water for mixing must meet with the COR’s approval.

5. HI-LIGHT blue dye for adding to herbicide tank mixtures.

6. Tools for pulling and cutting weeds, including but not limited to hand saws, weed wrenches, pruners, shovels, chain saws, weed ‘whackers’ etc.…

7. Heavy-duty black plastic bags that are a minimum of 4 mil thick or thicker for bagging weeds and black plastic of the same thickness for covering piles.

8. Spray equipment in good working condition, calibrated, and meeting the COR’s approval.

Hand applicators for wiping.

9. Materials needed for filling out forms and mapping infestations and treatment areas in the field.

f). GPS receiver to obtain or find locations of treatment sites. Required settings are UTM Zone

10 North, NAD 83, in meters. Each crew must have a mobile GPS unit with Arc Field Maps 23.1.1software and ArcMap loaded on the unit in order to collect data in the VMAP geodatabase. The BLM will provide the Contractor with a Secure Digital (SD) card with the Service First toolbar and a check-out version of VMAP.

g). Herbicide Spill Containment Kit and Written Spill Plan. A Spill Containment Kit shall be present at all treatment sites and will include sufficient absorbent material to contain all herbicide and herbicide mixture on the site, plus such items as shovel, hoe, garbage bags, paper towels, hose clamps, duct tape, and hand tools sufficient to stop any leaks and contain spills. The contractor shall provide the Government with an herbicide spill plan. In case of a spill, the contractor will immediately implement the spill plan and notify the COR.

h). Signage/Placards - In areas designated as high public use by the COR (recreation sites, trail heads etc.), the Contractor shall post pesticide warning signs that inform the public of herbicide use, what was sprayed, when it was sprayed, and when reentry is allowed. The signs shall be placed where they are visible to the public. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to place the signs prior to treatment and retrieve the signs after the reentry period has elapsed.

i) Weed Identification - Information pertaining to the identification of noxious weeds is the responsibility of the Contractor. The COR is available to verify the identification of new weed species, but ultimately the crew supervisors must know the target weed species and direct and train the crew on weed identification. The crew supervisor should have access to books such as “Weeds of the West” or other reference materials to ensure proper weed identification of the target species.

C.4.1.2 Permits - Oregon State law requires a permit to operate power driven machinery. Permits must be obtained from the State Forestry Office in Central Point, Oregon (or at other State Forestry offices) prior to the operation of power-driven machinery, including chainsaws. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Pesticide General Permit (NPDES PGP) required by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), allowing spraying of aquatic formulation herbicides within 3 feet of water, will be obtained by the BLM.

C.4.2 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS

The Government shall furnish the following:

a. District transportation maps and maps of areas to be surveyed or treated, generally 1:12,000 scale or larger (i.e., 1:5,000)

b. Copies of aerial photos may also be provided

c. Keys for locked BLM gates where necessary

d. Noxious weed flagging to flag infestation sites

e. Electronic and hard copies of Pesticide Application Record (PAR) and example of correctly completed form

f. Electronic and hard copies of Noxious Weed Reporting and Non-herbicide Treatment forms

g. Government furnished native plant seed, and weed free mulch as needed

h. Although the Contractor will typically supply herbicide and adjuvants, in certain situations the Government may provide herbicide and adjuvants.

j. Download of Service First Toolbar onto the Contractor’s mobile GPS unit

k. SD card checked out to the Contractor with a version of the VMAP geodatabase

l. Training in use of VMAP geodatabase, GPS, and data collection

m. NPDES PGP permit required by DEQ for spraying aquatic formulation herbicides within 3 feet of water if applicable

n. Hardcopies of the Pesticide Use Proposal(s) (PUP) , PUP numbers, and Environmental

Assessment (EA) numbers for entry in VMAP and PARs.

C.5.0 SPECIFIC TASKS

C.5.1 Records - The Contractor shall maintain treatment and survey records to allow the Government to monitor contract progress and to be accountable for work quality. Pesticide Applications Records (PARs) are required to be filled out by State Law within 24 hours of application and are used as the records for herbicide use. The Contractor shall turn in forms and the VMAP SD card on a weekly basis for inspection purposes, unless directed otherwise by the COR. A time and day for submitting paperwork will be established at the pre-work.

C.5.1.2 Data Collection, Forms, Mapping, and Flagging

Herbicide Treatments

a) FORMS – Unless directed otherwise by the CO, the Contractor shall fill out a paper Pesticide Application Record (PAR) within 24 hours of herbicide treatments. PARs with the corresponding maps shall be turned in weekly and reviewed by the COR. The PAR serves as written notice of completed herbicide units. All fields in the PAR form shall be filled out.

(See PAR in Attachment 6). A separate PAR shall be filled out for 1) each project area or road system treated and 2) for each day of treatment, even if the Contractor is working in the same project area as the previous day. More than one species may be included on the same PAR if they are treated in the same location with the same herbicide.

b) VMAP Database – Unless directed otherwise by the CO, in addition to recording herbicide treatments on PARS, the Contractor shall enter treatment data in the VMAP database. The CO may direct the Contractor to collect data using only the mobile VMAP forms, in lieu of paper PAR forms. The fields will be similar to those on the PARS form (Attachment 6). The Contractor shall also document the location of the treatment area in VMAP. The Contractor shall submit the SD card containing versions of the VMAP database to the COR on a regular basis, established by the COR at the pre-work. The BLM will provide training in data collection and use of the SD memory cards.

c) MAPPING – The Contractor shall submit the topographical map or aerial photo issued by the BLM with each PAR to show the area treated. Maps will generally be at a scale of 1:12,000.

The Contractor shall delineate the area(s) on the map that was treated with herbicide.

Treatments occurring in multiple sections will have multiple maps. When the Contractor maps weed populations during inventory surveys, they may include more than one species on a map, but they should clearly label the areas with the species’ name(s). The treatment areas shall be distinguishable on a black and white copy. Infestation and Treatment sites need to be relocatable either by accurate mapping, flagging, or with UTM coordinates.

d) FLAGGING – The Contractor shall hang Noxious Weed flagging provided by the Government to indicate where they have sprayed herbicides. For roadside treatments, they shall hang flagging at the beginning and end of treated areas. For polygons, they shall hang flagging in an area that can easily be seen from a distance. The Contractor shall write the date(s) of treatment on the flagging.

Non-herbicide Treatments

C.5.2.1 Treatments – shall occur in accordance with Field Office Work Packages. The contractor shall notify the COR/Project inspector 24 hours prior to initiating treatments.

C.5.2.2 Forms a) FORMS - For non-herbicide treatments (e.g., hand pulling) the Contractor shall fill out a Non-Herbicide Treatment Form (see Attachment 7) for each area species treated.

Information recorded on the treatment form includes the treatment date(s); the target species, including the acreage or size of the area treated, estimated number of plants, estimated percent cover for each species; the names of the persons doing the treatments; and the method used. If more than one population of a species is treated in a section and marked on a map, the Contractor shall number the populations on the map, accurately indicating the infestation perimeter, and include the corresponding population number on the Treatment form. The Contractor shall turn in Treatment forms weekly for inspection purposes. The Treatment form serves as written notice of completed non-herbicide treatments. The Contractor shall also enter non-herbicide treatment data in the VMAP database, digitize the treatment area, and submit the SD card containing the data on a regular basis, established by the COR during the pre-work. Data collected in VMAP will be similar to the field on the Non-Herbicide Treatment form. The CO may direct the Contractor to collect data using only the mobile VMAP forms, in lieu of paper forms.

b) MAPPING – The Contractor shall submit a topographical map or aerial photo (provided by the Government) with each Treatment form and with the treated area delineated. A single map can be used for multiple species provided it is legible; different sites, populations, or species are clearly identified; and populations can be distinguished on a black and white copy of the map. The Contractor shall mark the map with the species treated and population numbers if applicable. Treatment sites need to be relocatable either by accurate mapping, flagging, or with UTM coordinates. The Contractor shall also document the location of the treatment area in the VMAP geodatabase.

c) FLAGGING – The Contractor shall hang Noxious Weed flagging provided by the Government to indicate where they have treated weeds. For roadside treatments, they shall hang flagging at the beginning and end of treated areas. For polygons, they shall hang flagging in an area that can easily be seen from a distance. Using a Sharpie or other type of permanent marker the Contractor shall write the date(s) of treatment on the flagging from the knot down.

Weed Surveys

a) FORMS – For weed surveys, the Contractor shall complete a Noxious Weed Inventory Report (see Attachment 8). Information recorded shall include the survey dates, surveyors’ names, location, and findings (including but not limited to species, abundance, density, pattern of infestation, etc.). When noxious weed sites are detected, the Contractor shall complete a Noxious Weed Site Report Form (see Attachment 9) The Contractor shall also record information about the survey in the VMAP database. The COR will establish a schedule for turning in the forms and VMAP SD card during the pre-work. The CO may direct the Contractor to collect data using only the mobile VMAP forms, in lieu of paper forms.

b) MAPPING – The Contractor shall submit a topographical map or aerial photo (provided by the Government) of the area surveyed, with the survey routes drawn in. A separate map should be marked with the weed sites discovered during the survey and attached to the Noxious Weed Site Report form. More than one map should be submitted with weed sites if there are too many sites or species to be legible on one map. The Contractor shall also enter survey, infestation, and location data in the VMAP geodatabase. The CO may direct the Contractor to collect data using only the mobile VMAP forms, in lieu of paper forms and maps.

c) FLAGGING – The Contractor shall hang Noxious Weed flagging provided by the

Government to indicate where they have treated weeds. For roadside treatments, they shall hang flagging at the beginning and end of treated areas. For polygons, they shall hang flagging in an area that can easily be seen from a distance. The Contractor shall write the date(s) of treatment on the flagging from the knot down.

C.5.1.3 The Contractor shall review all forms and maps prior to submitting to the COR to ensure that all required forms are properly filled out and all information is clean, clear, and legible. Forms contaminated with chemicals or dye shall be rewritten. Maps with weed sites or treated areas shall be clearly delineated and must accompany PARs, Non-herbicide Treatment forms, Noxious Weed Inventory Report forms, or Noxious Weed Site Report forms. Illegible maps shall be rewritten by the contractor. Forms and maps shall be paper clipped together, not stapled.

The COR may revise forms as needed, but they will be comparable to the forms included as attachments. If forms are revised, the COR shall provide the Contractor with the new forms in electronic and hard copy forms at the pre-work for each task order.

C.5.1.4 The Contractor shall be competent at reading topographic and transportation maps and aerial photos and using GPS units to locate sites. They shall also be competent using GPS units to collect UTM coordinates for documenting new sites on Report forms. The BLM will provide training in the use of the VMAP geodatabase for data collection.

C.5.1.5 Treatment areas for pay purposes are calculated by GIS in acres for units and miles for linear features like roads and trails, with an average treatment width specified.

C.5.1.6 Species List for Treatment – See Attachment 1 for the list of noxious weeds and invasive species that may require treatment, as designated by the COR. This list is subject to change as the State of Oregon lists new species as ‘Noxious weeds,’ as new State noxious weeds are found within the project area, or as the BLM identifies invasive species that are targeted for control.

C.5.2 General herbicide requirements

C.5.2.1 All herbicide use shall follow SOPs (Attachment 3) and herbicides labels. All herbicides and adjuvants used will be labeled for rights-of-way and non-crop use and will be on the approved BLM list found in Attachment 4. However, the Contractor needs to confirm at the beginning of each year which herbicides are included on the current Pesticide Use Proposal and may be used that year. As new chemicals are approved for BLM use, the Contractor will be notified in the pre-work.

C.5.2.2 Nozzle size/fan design will be set to the lowest application pressure (200 – 800 micron diameter droplets) to ensure adequate plant coverage with minimal drift. To minimize drift, the Contractor shall not apply herbicides when wind speeds exceed 10 mph, except in riparian zones where wind speed must be less than 5 mph.

C.5.2.3 In an effort to minimize the potential for offsite drift, the Contractor shall not apply herbicides when rainfall is imminent or when fog, snow or ice are present Imminent rainfall is a 50% chance or higher of precipitation within an hour. Different formulations have different rain fast time requirements. Rain fast is defined as the time required between the application and rain for the herbicide to preform effectively. The Contractor shall follow all rain fast restrictions in accordance with the label.

C.5.2.4 Non-aquatic herbicides shall not be sprayed within 10 feet of water (springs, creeks, rivers, ponds, lakes) using backpack sprayers or within 25 feet using vehicle mounted sprayers.