Attachment_1_SOW_140P8324Q0067.pdf

RFQ 140P8324Q0067 Invasive Plant Treatment

Attachment 1 Scope of Work Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve

National Park Service

Scope of Work

Reducing invasive annual grasses with herbicide at

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

I. General Description of Work

This contract is for application of specified herbicides at Craters of the Moon National

Monument and Preserve (CRMO; The Monument) a unit of the National Park Service, located in east central Idaho at 1266 Craters Loop Road, Arco, ID 83213.

Tasks are related to reducing and/or eliminating invasive annual grasses and secondary invasive weedy forbs by use of herbicide in 204 acres of previously burned areas adjacent to Highway 26 between milepost 232 and 235 within the Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve.

Due to the rugged terrain and special designations prohibiting off road vehicle use, the fire scar areas must be treated with backpack sprayers only, but roadsides can be utilized for use of hose reel mounted to truck or Utility Task Vehicle and for staging of water tanks. Additional tasks include written reports of all work conducted.

Confidentiality: The information developed under this contract is the property of the U.S.

government and shall be kept in strict confidence.

Period of Performance: From the time of award through December 31, 2025, conducted in 2 application phases: 1) Application 1: Within 1 month of rain or early-season snowfall

(approximately September 15-October 15) in 2024. 2) Application 2: Within 1 month of rain or early-season snowfall (approximately September 15-October 15) in 2025.

Contacts: The following individuals are to be contacted with any questions, concerns, and issues regarding this contract. No other individuals are authorized to make decisions regarding the contract during any portion of the work. Only the CO can make changes to the contract. By responding with a bid proposal, the contractor understands and agrees to these terms.

Contracting Officer (CO): Quinn Rankin

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): Gordon Dicus

Park (CRMO) Representative: Linda Manning

II. Scope of Work Requirements

General: Herbicide application best practices: This contract is for the following:

1) Base Requirement: Golden Chariot Fire area (180 burned acres) - Application of Indaziflam herbicide within the burned area along Hwy 26 adjacent to park headquarters and provide written reports of work completed in 2024. Herbicide application is expected to occur during a suitable window of time approximately between September 15, 2024 and October 15, 2024, and no later than November 15, 2024.

Follow-up spot application between September 15, 2025 and November, 2025 of Indaziflam where needed in locations that did not respond to application phase 1, based on re-growth of cheatgrass during 2025. Re-growth and remaining infestations will be assessed and mapped by

NPS during summer 2025 and provided to the Contractor. If secondary invasive species are discovered and/or dense patches of cheatgrass remain through the 2025 growing season, a mixed application of NPS-approved herbicides (i.e., Indazaflam and Imazapic) and application rates appropriate for the specific species present will be required during the second application period in Autumn 2025.

For this project to be successful, the following best practices must be adhered to 1) Indazaflam

(Rejuvra) must be applied prior to the onset of fall rains and wetting that trigger germination of cheatgrass (evident as white-phase germination; Rejuvra has little immediate effect once germinating seeds show green tissues) and 2) not too early in summer. The best timing will be immediately before the first wetting event follow dry summer conditions that can penetrate soils to ~1-2 cm or about 1" and be followed by a few days of cloudy or additional rain conditions. 3)

Consistent Rejuvra application rates of 5 ounces per acre are optimal, therefore calibration of application devices and individual applicator crew is necessary to understand variation in efficacy and overall project outcome these data must be provided to NPS in addition to standard herbicide application log files.

2) Option A: Moon Fire area (24 acres) - Application of Indaziflam herbicide within the burned area along Hwy 26 adjacent to park headquarters and provide written reports of work completed in 2024.

Herbicide application is expected to occur during a suitable window of time approximately between September 15, 2024 and October 15, 2024, and no later than November 15, 2024.

2) Follow-up spot application between September 15, 2025 and November, 2025 of Indaziflam where needed in locations that did not respond to application phase 1, based on re-growth of cheatgrass during 2025. Re-growth and remaining infestations will be assessed and mapped by

NPS during summer 2025 and provided to the Contractor. If secondary invasive species are discovered and/or dense patches of cheatgrass remain through the 2025 growing season, a mixed application of NPS-approved herbicides (i.e., Indazaflam and Imazapic) and application rates appropriate for the specific species present will be required during the second application period in Autumn 2025.

For this project to be successful, the following best practices must be adhered to 1) Indazaflam

(Rejuvra) must be applied prior to the onset of fall rains and wetting that trigger germination of cheatgrass (evident as white-phase germination; Rejuvra has little immediate effect once germinating seeds show green tissues) and 2) not too early in summer. The best timing will be immediately before the first wetting event follow dry summer conditions that can penetrate soils to ~1-2 cm or about 1" and be followed by a few days of cloudy or additional rain conditions. 3)

Consistent Rejuvra application rates of 5 ounces per acre are optimal, therefore calibration of application devices and individual applicator crew is necessary to understand variation in efficacy and overall project outcome these data must be provided to NPS in addition to standard herbicide application log files.

Task 1. Application of herbicide

The contractor will apply Indazaflam and other NPS-approved herbicides required to reduce the threat of cheatgrass and other secondary invasive plants across the two burn units (Base

Requirement – Golden Chariot Fire 180 burned acres and Option A – Moon Fire at 24 burned acres identified on the attached maps. Use of mechanized travel is prohibited outside of the highway/roadway right of way. The contractor will supply all equipment, materials, and supplies.

When applying herbicide the following requirements must be implemented:

• A minimum of one person per crew must have an Idaho state-issued pesticide applicator’s license.

• Utilize only the following herbicides: Rejuvra. Other NPS-approved herbicides may be applied in application phase 2.

• Adhere to herbicide label instructions, including recommendations on plant phenology and weather conditions. Appropriate surfactants (e.g., Methylated Seed Oil) will be mixed with active ingredients per manufacturer’s instructions during phase 2 if Imazapic or other herbicides are used, subject to labeled manufacturer requirements.

• For Rejuvra, a carrier rate of 30-40 gallons per acre will be used, and application rate of 7 ounces of Rejuvra per acre. Appropriate spray techniques and equipment to achieve an even rate of application is required. Calibration among application devices and applicator staff is required and log files will be provided to NPS in order for assessment of phase 2 requirements and general project efficacy to be evaluated.

• Due to park wilderness management restrictions, application equipment is limited to hand-pump backpack sprayers. Cordless battery wand sprayers are acceptable.

• Spray only when weather conditions are conducive to prevent overspray and drift.

• Avoid non-target species during herbicide application.

• All herbicides used must include non-toxic tracking dye.

• Herbicide application signage shall be placed in all areas treated where the public is likely to come into contact with herbicide, e.g. parking lots, picnic areas, trails.

• Do not store any herbicide at CRMO without written approval from NPS.

• Select existing hardened surfaces or disturbed sites for staging/mixing areas. To reduce the potential for spills, impervious material such as bucket or plastic sheet, shall be placed beneath mixing areas in such a manner as to contain any spill associated with mixing/refilling.

• An Emergency Spill Response Plan and spill kit must be on-site when herbicide treatment occurs. This plan needs to include project safety planning, methods of clean-up of accidental spills, and information about the contents of spill kit and its location.

• Herbicide use reporting logs shall document amount, active ingredient, date, weather conditions, and location of all applications. Reports are due to the COR with 30 days of application.

III. Quality Standards

Quality Standards shall be in accordance with the base contract and as described below.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The contractor will be responsible for its employees at all times. The NPS expects full compliance with National Park Service regulation and quality standards listed in this task order.

The contractor is to assume this responsibility. In most instances the contracting project manager is expected to be on site daily while work is occurring.

All Contractor, Subcontractor and employees will attend NPS orientation meetings presented by

NPS prior to beginning work. Notify the COR and CO 14 days prior to beginning work and 7 days before adding staff so orientation can be scheduled.

Contractor will notify the COR and CO a minimum of 48 hours prior to entry of vehicles and equipment.

All equipment shall be decontaminated clean and free from soils and invasive species seeds before leaving the site. Cleaning shall occur along roadsides to avoid contamination of treated areas and adjacent intact habitat. Cleaning will include all gloves, hand tools, tanks, hoses, and truck beds. Vehicles and equipment may be inspected by NPS staff prior to entry to the work site.

Dirty vehicles will not be permitted into the park.

Confine all operations to work limits described in this task order. Take precautions to protect adjacent built and natural features and choose work methods and procedures that will mitigate the risk of damaging areas outside the scope of work. Do not break, crack, or damage edges of pavement or concrete. If damages do occur, report to the COR and CO. Contractor will repair damages in preference to replacement in kind. Contractor will proceed with restoration or replacement of damaged items only after direction is provided by CO. Prevent damage to natural surroundings. Repair or replace damaged trees and plants. Repair to architectural and landscape elements will be done at no additional expense to the Government. If damage occurs outside the work limits, revegetate, and repair or replace damaged trees and plants, using approve native seed and/or plants at no additional expense to the NPS.

The contractor will understand that its employees will be work alongside, near, and in some cases on the road. Proper safety protocols will be the responsibility of the contractor. Follow all pertinent safety standards for work zone safety and traffic control safety. During all operations, the contractor will be required to wear safety clothing or vests and proved bright orange traffic cones and signs per MUTCD standards. Both should be placed so that oncoming traffic has plenty of warn that work is being conducted ahead. Work will not be permitted at night and is restricted to 30 minutes after sunrise and 30 minutes prior to sunset.

Contractor is responsible for a clean worksite. Any debris or garbage generated on sit is to be removed each day. Do not feed, approach, or disturb wildlife within Park boundaries. Any mishandling of garbage, trash, food, or other potential wildlife attractants will result in the responsible person, or Contractor, receiving a citation subject to fine. Remove from the project any person who receives more than one citation for food storage violations or any other violation within the Park.

Work will be completed in a manner that does not increase soil compaction and minimizes disturbance. Do not operate or park any vehicles or equipment off the paved roadway except in approved areas. Do not damage or otherwise impact any soils or vegetation other than the plants identified for treatment.

Work hours are from dawn to dusk. Working on weekends will need approval by the COR.

NON-NATIVE AND INVASIVE PLANT TREATMENTS

If the Contractor has concerns regarding meeting any of the following quality standards, the COR must be notified in writing with an explanation and possible corrective actions at the earliest opportunity. A determination of the most effective corrective action as mutually agreed upon will be made, which may result in a modification of this contract.

1. Species Identification: Crews must be knowledgeable of local plant species and able to identify native and non- native species.

2. Weed Prevention Protocol: Ensure all vehicles, gear, tools, equipment, personnel

PPE, etc. involved with or otherwise used in non-native plant treatment arrive to the project sites clean and free of off-site soil and organic debris. Efforts shall be made to ensure that seeds and/or vegetative propagules of invasive plants will be removed from clothing and equipment prior to leaving treatment sites. All vehicles, equipment, and tools are subject to inspection by CRMO staff prior to entry into CRMO. It is the contractor’s responsibility to contact the park and arrange for vehicle and equipment inspection with the NPS before entering park lands.

3. Treatment Timing and Efficacy: Contractor to provide treatment protocol for each species for approval by COR. Methods may include approved herbicides and manual removal. Conduct treatments at the appropriate time to eradicate plants and prevent further spread. Utilize proven, effective treatment methods.

4. Safety: All crew members shall wear a high-visibility vest at all times.

• Contractor shall inform NPS/COR within 48 hours of planning to perform treatments.

• All locations where herbicides are applied that have a likely potential for public entry (i.e. adjacent to parking lots, bathrooms, visitor center, park headquarters, along sidewalks/trails) must be posted with signs immediately prior to herbicide application. Signs shall remain in place for at least as long as required by the herbicide label. Signs will contain treatment date and time, target species, name of herbicide applied, restricted entry period if any, and a park contact number for any questions.

5. Herbicide Use Protocols:

• All product labels will be read and followed by herbicide applicators. It is violation of Federal law to use an herbicide in a manner inconsistent with its label.

• Herbicide application will account for meteorological factors such as wind speed, wind direction, inversions, humidity, and precipitation in relation to the presence of sensitive resources (native plants) near the treatment area and direction provided on labels.

• Herbicides will only be applied with meteorological conditions at the treatment site to allow for complete and even coverage and will prevent drifting of spray onto non-target resources or areas used by humans.

• Herbicides will be applied only during periods of suitable meteorological conditions. Herbicides should also not be applied during periods of dead calm

(this could indicate an inversion) or when wind velocity and direction pose a risk of spray drift.

• Herbicides will be applied using coarse sprays to minimize the potential for drift.

Combinations of pressure and nozzle type that will result in fine particles (mist) will be avoided. Thickeners will be added if the product label permits.

• Herbicides will be applied at the appropriate time based on the herbicide’s mode of action.

• Herbicides will be applied according to application rates specified on the product label.

• Safety protocols for storing, mixing, transporting, handling spills, and disposing of unused herbicides and containers are included in the plan will be followed at all times.

• Equipment must be maintained and calibrated on a regular basis, and at minimum of each season. Calibration must occur prior to an applicator operating new equipment or after equipment is repaired, or parts replaced, that would affect the application rate.

• During all applications, droplet size will be controlled to decrease the risk of herbicide drift to non-target species.

6. Document All Treatments: All herbicide treatment locations and a listing of weed species identified shall be defined by the weeding/planting unit (to be defined with NPS after award). GIS and other attribute data will be required for treated areas, and additional locations of high priority invasive species, including cheatgrass, and other state-listed noxious forbs and grasses. All weed documentation shall be provided to the COR by November 31 of each project year.

7. Deliverables and Progress Payment Schedules:

Payment

Description of Work Payment Amount

1 Submittal of treatment proposal(s) and proposed schedule to COR. Per COR acceptance, may submit request for payment.

25%

2 Completion of year 1 annual grass treatments and treatment report. Per COR acceptance, may submit request for payment.

50%

3 Completion of year 2 annual grass treatments and final treatment report. Per COR acceptance, may submit request for payment.

25%