2020_07_30 SOW_Clean Out ka.docx

Date: July 20, 2020 To: Karla Agurto and Dr. Ricardo Goenaga From: Mike Winterstein Subject: Statement of Work for Removal of Weed Vegetation for Selected Germplasm Sites Scope: The Plant Sciences Program at the USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Subtropical Horticulture Research Station (SHRS) in Miami, Florida is tasked with efficiently and effectively maintaining the safety, genetic integrity, health, and viability of subtropical and tropical ornamental genetic resources. The accessions at SHRS include several thousand plants that have been collected for over the past ninety years. Many of these accessions consist of ornamental, timber, medicinal, fruit trees, and Ficus species which produce multiple trunks or form large stands which are difficult to keep free of weedy vines, shrubs, or invasive trees from becoming established. Due to limited staff for the past several years, some of these areas have been severely neglected and the plots have become contaminated with vines including possum grape (Cissus sicyoides), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) and woody weeds such as Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolia). We are looking for an itemized quote for the 3 areas we want serviced depicted in Appendix 1.

Specifications: The SHRS Plant Sciences Program has identified approximately 50 acres (see Appendix 1: “SOW Clean Out Sectioned”) that could be contracted to have the vines and non-germplasm material removed. Most of the vines would be required to be eradicated by hand using clippers or loppers, cut at ground level, as to not cut into the trunks of vine infested trees (see Appendix 2: “SOW Vines Cut”). The lower canopy of each tree will be cut to a height of six feet for maintenance purposes (see Appendix 3, 4 & 5: “SOW 6 ft Canopy Removal”). Volunteer woody weed trees (such as Brazilian pepper) and palms could be removed with their roots or if that is not possible, the cut trunks treated with herbicide to prevent resprouting (see Appendix 6 & 7). All germplasm trees that are down (mostly due to Hurricane Irma) will be cut at the nearest sprouting branch to the ground (see Appendix 8 & 9: “SOW Sprouts on Fallen Trees”). All other parts of the trees will be removed. Appendix 10 shows the desired final product for all areas serviced.

In areas where germplasm is heavily infested with weed tree species SHRS personnel will be available to identify the material to be removed. All debris can be dumped onsite in the pit by the back gate (area will be shown to seller). SHRS staff would be on hand to answer any specific questions concerning details once cleanup operations have begun.

Seller must provide an onsite contact name and phone number to Karla Agurto, Administrative Officer (AO). The foreman must sign in everyday to building 89 for all the workers on the project and he/she must obtain and wear a visitors’ badge. Only the use of the front gate is authorized to enter and exit the location and at no time may anyone pick any fruit/germplasm from the tress or the ground. All work must be inspected by the AO or by someone designated by the AO, prior to the project marked complete or finished.

Seller is responsible for providing all materials and staff to perform the service requested and they must be in accordance with all local, state and federal codes and regulations. The station’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The station is closed on federal holidays.

Appendix 1 – Clean out Section

Appendix 2 – Vines Cut

Appendix 3 – 6ft Canopy Removal 1

Appendix 4 - 6ft Canopy Removal 2

Appendix 5 - 6ft Canopy Removal 3

Appendix 6 – Palm Removal 1 Appendix 7 – Palm Removal 2

Appendix 8 - Sprouts on Fallen Trees Mangos

Appendix 9 - Sprouts on Fallen Trees

Appendix 10 – Final Product Desire Look image6.jpeg image7.jpeg image8.jpeg image9.jpeg image10.jpeg image1.png image2.jpeg image3.jpeg image4.jpeg image5.jpeg