Sol_140P5426Q0043_Attach__0001-SOW.pdf

Sol 140P5426Q0043 Attach. 0001-SOW

TITLE: Everglades National Park – UAS-Based Treatment of Outlier Invasive Plant Populations (Shark Valley / L-67 Extension Canal Project Area)

PROJECT OBJECTIVE: The objective of this contract is to conduct targeted detection, mapping, and treatment of outlier populations of invasive plants within the Shark Valley area of Everglades National Park, with a primary focus on Melaleuca quinquenervia and Lygodium microphyllum. Treatment operations will utilize Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to improve access to remote or otherwise difficult-to-access locations and to increase the efficiency and precision of invasive plant management operations.

In addition to supporting invasive plant management objectives, this project is intended to evaluate the operational feasibility, logistical considerations, and applicability of UAS-based herbicide treatment methods within the Everglades environment. Information generated through this contract may be used to inform future invasive plant management operations and potential expansion of UAS-supported treatment methodologies.

SCOPE: The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), herbicides, adjuvants, dyes, personal protective equipment (PPE), transportation, data collection equipment, and all other materials necessary to complete the work described in this Statement of Work (SOW), unless otherwise specified.

Work under this contract shall include:

• Project planning and coordination

• Site access and staging

• UAS-based detection and mapping operations

• Precision herbicide treatment of target invasive plant species

• GPS and operational data collection

• Reporting and documentation requirements

Compliance with all applicable Federal, state, Department of the Interior (DOI), National Park Service (NPS), and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements

The Contractor shall complete mapping coverage of designated treatment areas and apply treatment to all detected target invasive plant species identified during mapping operations within the project area.

CONFIDENTIALITY: The information developed under this purchase order is the property of the U.S. government and shall be kept in strict confidence.

PERFORMANCE PERIOD: The performance period for this contract shall begin October 1, 2026, and remain active through June 30,2027.

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION: The work described in this contract shall be referred to as:

UAS-Based Treatment of Outlier Invasive Plant Populations – Shark Valley / L-67 Extension Canal Project Area

I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK

Project Area and Conditions The project area is located within the Shark Valley region of Everglades National Park, including areas west of the L-67 Extension Canal (Figure 1). The dominant habitat consists of freshwater marsh and wet prairie systems with scattered tree islands and hardwood hammocks. During the performance period, site conditions may range from dry to completely flooded with standing water above the ground surface.

Project areas may require canal-based staging and remote access operations. Access may require coordination with the National Park Service (NPS) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), including gate access and Right-of-Way permitting, as applicable.

Figure 1. Everglades National Park-UAS-Based Treatment of Outlier Invasive Plant Populations (Shark Valley / L-67 Extension Canal Project Area) for FY2026 shown on the map. The project area boundary is outlined in yellow. The total boundary area to be swept is ~2,087 acres, the estimated infested acres (colored grid cells) are 814 acres. The estimates canopy acres density of the infested acres is ~20 acres. All these numbers are within the yellow boundary on the map.

Figure 2. Close up of the project area. The project area boundary is outlined in yellow. The total boundary area to be swept is ~2,087 acres, the estimated infested acres (colored grid cells) are 814 acres. The estimates canopy acers density of the infested acres is ~20 acres.

Pre-Quote Site Visit A pre-quote site visit is scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

Participants shall meet at the L-67 Extension gate on the south side of U.S. Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail), approximately 12 miles west of the intersection of Krome Avenue and U.S.

Highway 41.

Meeting-point coordinates: UTM Zone 17, Easting 532715, Northing 2849248.

Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended. Participants will follow the Government lead truck along the L-67 Extension levee to the project area. Participants shall remain with the group and comply with all Government access and safety instructions. See the attached project area map.

Offerors shall RSVP no later than Friday, September 4, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (noon), using the contact information and submission method identified in the RFQ.

Target Invasive Plant Species Primary target invasive plant species proposed for treatment under this contract include:

• Melaleuca quinquenervia

• Lygodium microphyllum

Other invasive plant species, including additional Florida Invasive Species Council (FISC) Category I and II invasive plant species, may occur within the project area and may be documented during mapping and reconnaissance operations; however, treatment of incidental invasive plant species is not required unless otherwise directed by the CO.

The project area may contain:

• Schinus terebinthifolius

• Casuarina equisetifolia

• and other FISC Category I and II invasive plant species.

Purpose This project emphasizes targeted detection, mapping (Part I, and precision treatment of targeted and discrete invasive plant infestations and outlier populations (Part II) rather than broad-acre or broadcast-style aerial herbicide application. UAS operations conducted under this contract are intended to support precision treatment capabilities within remote or otherwise difficult-to-access Everglades environments.

II. SCOPE OF SERVICES –PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

Schedule

1. The Contractor shall provide a proposed project schedule that includes:

o anticipated mobilization date, o estimated completion date, o expected number of field operational days, o planned non-working periods, o and estimated treatment sequencing within project areas.

2. The Contractor shall coordinate all operational scheduling with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) prior to initiating field operations.

3. Any significant schedule changes, operational delays, or weather-related interruptions shall be documented and communicated to the COR as soon as practicable.

Planning and Staging Prior to mobilization, the Contractor shall provide the following for Government review and approval:

• A site-specific technical approach describing:

o UAS operational methodology, o mapping workflow, o treatment approach, o and flight operations procedures.

• Proposed staging and access locations, including:

o canal-based launch and recovery areas, o vehicle access points, o and operational support areas.

• Proposed herbicide products, application methods, adjuvants, and drift minimization measures.

• A site-specific safety plan consistent with all applicable OSHA, FAA, DOI, and NPS requirements.

• Emergency response and spill response procedures.

The Contractor shall maintain all staging locations in a clean, organized, and secure condition throughout the performance period.

Mapping and Detection Operations (Part 1) The Contractor shall conduct UAS-based mapping and reconnaissance operations sufficient to achieve complete survey coverage of designated treatment areas.

Mapping operations shall:

• identify and document target invasive plant infestations,

• support treatment planning and operational navigation,

• and provide spatial documentation of surveyed areas.

The Contractor shall:

1. Map 100% of designated treatment areas identified by the Government. (Figure 1).

2. Utilize GPS-enabled UAS platforms capable of collecting spatially referenced operational data.

3. Document detected target invasive plant infestations within mapped treatment areas.

4. Provide GPS track logs and associated spatial data compatible with ArcGIS Pro or equivalent GIS platforms. This includes a shape file that includes the invasive plant species, location (in UTM and datum NAD 83), estimated size of the infestation (acres), and estimated density of the invasive plant infestation: (Single =1, (0.1- 5%=2, 6%-25%=3, 26%-50%=4, 51%-75%=5, 76%-95%=6, 96%-100%=7).

Mapping and treatment operations may occur concurrently where operationally appropriate.

Treatment Operations (Part II)

The Contractor shall conduct direct and targeted UAS-based herbicide treatment operations for:

• Melaleuca quinquenervia

• Lygodium microphyllum

Treatment operations shall emphasize:

• precision application,

• treatment of discrete infestations and outlier populations,

• and minimization of herbicide drift and non-target impacts.

The Contractor shall:

1. Apply treatment to all detected Melaleuca quinquenervia and Lygodium microphyllum identified during mapping operations within designated treatment areas.

2. Conduct treatment operations under environmental conditions appropriate for safe and effective herbicide application.

3. Utilize treatment methods that minimize impacts to non-target vegetation, wildlife, park infrastructure, and sensitive resources.

4. Avoid broadcast-style aerial spraying unless specifically authorized in writing by the Government.

5. Provide GPS/GIS compatible tracklog of flight path flown with spray-on and spray-off information equivalent to an AG-NAV-like system. UAS must be equipped with a Geographic Positioning System (GPS) capable of submeter accuracy as well as an AG-NAV-like system.

6. A copy of the applicator’s Florida Pesticide Applicator License.

7. Proof of all insurance required by the solicitation and resulting award. This SOW does not establish separate UAS-specific insurance types or limits. Any UAS-specific coverage required by the Contracting Officer will be stated in the solicitation or resulting award. Proof of required insurance shall be submitted before field or flight operations begin.

The Contractor may utilize adaptive operational methods as necessary to safely and effectively complete treatment objectives within varying Everglades environmental conditions.

Herbicide Products and Restrictions

All herbicide products, formulations, adjuvants, dyes, application rates, and application methods are subject to Government review and approval before use. Active ingredients likely to be approved, when proposed in an appropriate aquatic formulation, include:

• Glyphosate — aquatic formulation; water-soluble amine salt

• Triclopyr — aquatic formulation; water-soluble amine salt

• Imazapyr — aquatic formulation; water-soluble amine salt

• Imazamox — aquatic formulation

Herbicides containing the following active ingredients shall not be proposed or used under this contract:

• Hexazinone

• 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)

The Contractor may propose other herbicides that do not contain hexazinone or 2,4-D. Any alternative is subject to prior written Government approval. All herbicide handling, mixing, loading, application, storage, transport, and disposal shall comply with the product label, applicable permits, and all federal, state, DOI, and NPS requirements. The label is the law, and no application method or rate may exceed or conflict with label directions.

UAS Operational Requirements The Contractor shall:

• Operate all UAS in accordance with applicable FAA regulations and requirements.

• Ensure all UAS pilots possess valid FAA Remote Pilot Certification.

• Utilize GPS-enabled UAS platforms capable of precision navigation and spatial data collection.

• Conduct all launch and recovery operations from stable and safe locations.

• Maintain visual line-of-sight (VLOS), unless otherwise authorized by the FAA.

• Monitor environmental and weather conditions continuously during operations.

• Suspend operations during unsafe conditions, including excessive wind or severe weather.

The Contractor shall coordinate operational activities with Everglades National Park Dispatch (305) 242-7740 or number provided by the COR and applicable flight following (850)-523-8616 or number provided by the COR procedures prior to field operations.

Site Access and Operational Coordination Operations may require coordination with:

• National Park Service (NPS)

• South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)

The Contractor may be required to:

• obtain SFWMD gate access keys,

• obtain applicable Right-of-Way permits,

• coordinate access through locked gates,

• and comply with all applicable access restrictions.

Vehicles, trucks, and ATVs/UTVs, shall remain on approved roads, levees, and designated operational access routes unless otherwise authorized by the Government.

There are no airboat trails within the proposed project area outlined in yellow on the project map. Airboats are not approved and shall not be used within the proposed project area.

Any other access method must comply with the approved technical approach, designated access routes, and Government direction.

III. DELIVERABLES AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Daily Progress Reporting (DPR)

The Contractor shall maintain daily operational records documenting work completed under this contract. Information shall be collected daily and submitted to the COR monthly and prior to invoicing unless otherwise directed.

Daily reporting shall include, at a minimum:

• Date of operations

• Project area

• Applicator and crew supervisor

• Number of operational personnel

• Operational hours

• Species treated

• Number of plants or estimated treatment area

• Herbicide products, rates, and quantities applied

• Adjuvants and dyes utilized

• Equipment utilized

• Transportation method

• Weather conditions during operations

• UAS operational metrics

GPS and Spatial Data

The Contractor shall collect and submit GPS and spatial data associated with mapping and treatment operations.

Required spatial deliverables shall include:

• Treatment boundaries

• GPS track logs

• UAS flight paths, where available that include spray-on and spray-off status

• Mapped target infestations

• Treatment status information

All spatial data shall:

• utilize UTM Zone 17N, NAD83 datum,

• be compatible with ArcGIS Pro,

• and be submitted in shapefile, geodatabase, or other Government-approved GIS format.

GPS and operational data shall be submitted monthly and prior to invoicing unless otherwise directed by the COR.

UAS Operational Metrics

The Contractor shall provide operational metrics associated with UAS treatment activities, including:

• Total flight time

• Number of flights conducted

• Estimated treatment area covered

• Launch and recovery locations

• Herbicide brand name and volume applied

• Weather conditions during operations

• Operational constraints encountered

• Equipment limitations or failures

• Deviations from planned operations

Operational reporting generated under this contract may be utilized by the Government to evaluate UAS treatment feasibility and operational efficiency for future invasive plant management activities.

Final Report

At the completion of the contract, the Contractor shall provide a final summary report that includes:

• Total mapped acreage

• Total treatment acreage

• Summary of target invasive plant infestations identified

• Summary of herbicide usage

• Summary of UAS operational activities

• Operational observations and constraints

• Lessons learned and recommendations, if applicable

IV. QUALITY STANDARDS

All work performed under this contract shall comply with applicable Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, permit conditions, and label requirements.

The Contractor shall:

• Maintain a safe and professional work environment.

• Utilize personnel knowledgeable in south Florida native and invasive plant identification.

• Conduct operations in a manner that minimizes impacts to non-target vegetation, wildlife, and park resources.

• Maintain equipment in safe and operational condition.

• Ensure all personnel comply with applicable safety and herbicide handling requirements.

• Maintain clean staging and operational areas throughout the performance period.

All vehicles, equipment, and operational gear entering Everglades National Park shall be free of mud, plant material, invasive species propagules, and other potentially transportable biological material. The Government reserves the right to reject equipment determined to pose a contamination risk.

V. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

If required, the National Park Service may provide access NPS keys or other Government-furnished property necessary to access approved project areas.

The Contractor shall:

• maintain accountability for all Government-furnished property (Sign a property transfer/receipt form),

• return all issued property upon completion of the contract,

• and comply with any applicable security or property transfer requirements.

VI. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Access Coordination

The Contractor may be required to obtain:

• South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) gate access keys,

• applicable Right-of-Way permits,

• and any additional access authorizations necessary to conduct operations.

The Contractor is responsible for coordinating and maintaining all required permits and access authorizations unless otherwise directed by the Government.

Dispatch and Flight Coordination

The Contractor shall notify Everglades National Park Dispatch prior to entering and departing operational areas each day. Phone: (305) 242-7740 or number provided by the

COR.

The Contractor shall comply with all applicable flight following and operational notification procedures required by the Government. Phone: (850)-523-8616 or number provided by the

COR.

Threatened and Endangered Species Protection

The Contractor shall avoid impacts to threatened, endangered, and protected species and associated habitats.

Operational restrictions, buffers, or avoidance areas may be implemented by the Government during the performance period based on current resource conditions or updated species information. If the contractor detects threatened and endangered species of flora and fauna, follow instructions in the SOW.

The Contractor shall immediately notify the COR of any observed threatened or endangered species concerns encountered during operations.

Environmental Protection

• minimize impacts to native vegetation and park resources,

• avoid unnecessary disturbance to wetlands and sensitive habitats,

• and immediately report spills, environmental incidents, or resource damage to the

COR.

VII. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor shall comply with all applicable OSHA, FAA, DOI, NPS, Federal, state, and local safety requirements.

The Contractor shall provide:

• a site-specific safety plan,

• emergency response procedures,

• spill response procedures,

• and operational safety protocols prior to mobilization.

The Contractor shall:

• provide a safe and healthful workplace,

• ensure personnel utilize required PPE,

• allow Government safety inspections,

• and immediately correct unsafe conditions identified by the Government.

Emergency evacuation procedures shall include:

• emergency contact information,

• communication procedures,

• and routes to the nearest medical facilities.

VIII. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

1. Complete mapping coverage of 100% of designated treatment areas.

2. Detect and document target invasive plant infestations within mapped areas.

3. Apply treatment to all detected target invasive plant species identified during mapping operations.

4. Submit complete and accurate operational GPS, and report data required under this contract.

5. Conduct all operations in compliance with applicable safety, herbicide, aviation, and environmental requirements.

Measurable Treatment Success and Retreatment Obligations

The Contractor shall treat 100% of the target invasive vegetation identified within the project area and required by this SOW. Treatment records and spatial deliverables shall document the areas and target vegetation treated.

Control efforts shall achieve at least 60% effectiveness in preventing resprouting of treated target vegetation. For purposes of acceptance, the Government may evaluate treatment effectiveness at or approximately six months after completion of the initial treatment.

If the Government determines that a 60% kill rate has not been achieved in any treated portion of the project area, the Contractor shall perform one additional thorough treatment of the affected area at no additional cost to the Government. The retreatment shall be coordinated with the COR, comply with all herbicide-label, access, aviation, safety, environmental, reporting, and approval requirements of this SOW, and be completed within the schedule established by the Contracting Officer. No separate invoice or additional payment will be accepted for the required retreatment.

The no-cost retreatment obligation survives completion of the initial treatment and final payment for the initial work.

IX. DELIVERY SCHEDULE

The Contractor shall complete all work required under this contract no later than June 30, 2027, unless otherwise modified by the Government.