2021 Amador Herbicide combined Synopsis Solicitation.pdf

Combined Solicitation and synopsis FY21 Amador RD Herbicide Release

127EAS21Q0021

The Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service, Southwest Zone, CAS2 office and the Eldorado National Forest, requires services for Herbicide Release on the Amador Ranger District. This is a combined/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in part 12.6, as supplemented in with additional information included int his notice.

This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. It is the contractor’s responsibility to be familiar with the applicable clauses and provisions. The clauses may be accessed in full text at these address:

https://www.acquisition.gov/far

This is solicitation no. 127EAS21Q0021, 2021 Amador Herbicide, a Request for Quotes (RFQ) and is 100% Total Small Business Set Aside. The NAICS code is 115310 Support Activities for Forestry. The size requirement for this NAICS Cod is 8 Million. The government intends to award a Firm Fixed price award or awards. The government reserves the right to award to other than lowest priced.

Closing April 23, 2021, 4:00 PM PS.

Projected Award date is April 30, 2021

Item No.

Description Unit Minimum Quantities

Maximum Quantities

Unit price

Min Price

Maximum price

10001 Release planted areas 509 acres

Gallon 7635 12752

10002 Release planted areas 90 acres

Gallon 1245 2076

10003 Release brushcut areas 66 Acres

Gallon 1265 1915

10004 Release untreated areas 706 Acres

Gallon 9985 16945

10005 Fuelbreak maint.

510 acres

Gallon 5460 10740

Totals

1. Responses for quantities less than those listed in the numbered items may be rejected.

2. Responses without prices for each item and sub-item may be rejected.

3. Contractor will provide the estimated minimum herbicide gallon amount for each unit.

4. Award will be made by the item. Items may be awarded to separate contractors.

5. If more than one item is awarded to one contractor, then contract time will run concurrently.

Must have active SAM account upon submission of quote.

Contractor information:

Signature:____________________________ Phone:_______________________________ Vendor:______________________________ Email: _______________________________ Address: _____________________________ POC:_________________________________

DUNS:_________________________

AS PER THE GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS IN ATTACHMENTS AND THE FOLLOWING

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Contractor Responsibility: Except as otherwise specified under 1.2 and 1.4, the contractor shall furnish the necessary personnel, supplies and transportation to perform the services and insure that the designated areas present a clean, healthy, orderly and well-kept appearance.

Estimated Start Date & Contract Time:

Date/Time Start May 5, 2020

Contract Time June 30, 2021

Licenses & Insurance The contractor shall obtain the insurance and licenses listed here; (see also Section L, Notices to Offerors and Respondents).

Other: Worker’s Compensation Insurance: The Contactor shall provide evidence of Worker’s Compensation Insurance or a written explanation as to why the Contractor is exempt from the requirement. NOTE: The Contractor working alone is not required to carry the insurance

COMMENCEMENT PROSECUTION, AND COMPLETION OF WORK (FAR 52.211-10) (APR 1984)

The Contractor shall be required to (a) commence work under this contract within 5 calendar days after the date the Contractor receives the notice to proceed, (b) prosecute the work diligently, and (c) complete the entire work ready for use not later than May 30, 2020.

C. DESCRIPTION/ SPECIFICATIONS/ STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 Scope of Work

Description of Work: The intent of this contract is to secure services for ground, broadcast spray application of herbicides according to the attached specifications. The goal of this contract is to control woody shrubs, grasses and forbs, to provide a suitable environment for the survival and growth of planted conifers. Any amount over the minimum estimate up to the maximum estimate is at the sole discretion of the COR and shall be based on vegetation type, vegetation amounts, vegetation heights, and the unit needs. See Attached table 1 with item breakdown.

Contractor Responsibility: The Contractor shall provide everything-including, but not limited to, all equipment, supplies, transportation, labor, and supervision-necessary to complete the project, except for that which the contract clearly states is to be furnished by the Government.

Before work may begin the Contractor shall designate, in writing, at least one person on site with authority to act in case of the Contractor’s absence from the work site. The Contractor shall list the extent of authority this representative will have on the job. The Contractor or authorized representative shall be on the project area whenever work is in progress and shall act as a non-working supervisor. In the absence of the Contractor, this authorized representative shall receive orders and instructions from the Contracting Officer and shall take such action as is required to keep the job in progress under the terms of the contract. The Contractor and authorized representative(s) shall have an oral command of both the English language and the language common to the crew(s).

C.2 Project Location & Description

Location: The Amador Ranger District office is located at 26820 Silver Drive, Pioneer, CA 95666, approximately 18 miles east of Jackson, CA on State Highway 88. All work sites are within approximately 1 hour travel time from the district office.

Description: Treatment units in Items 1 through 4 are regeneration stands resulting from the 2004 Power Fire. Item 5 treatment units are fuel breaks in the same general vicinity, with similar vegetation species.

Stands range from 4,000’ to 7,000’ in elevation. Aspect varies but is predominantly south-facing. Slope varies and contains significant steep (>35%) areas. The stands have received varying combinations of treatments since the fire, including but not limited to mechanical site preparation, tree planting, hand or mechanical cutting of woody brush, herbicide treatment, and precommercial thinning. Woody brush in areas can be significantly large and dense. Woody brush species include but are not limited to deerbrush and whitethorn (Ceanothus spp.), whiteleaf & greenleaf manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.), chokecherry and bitter cherry (Prunus spp.), gooseberry & sierra currant (Ribes spp.), and bearclover (Chamabaetia foliolosa). In areas where the brush is too tall to spray overhead, pulling the brush to the ground or down in order to spray is expected.

Some stands have recent precommercial thinning and/or brushcutting slash. Trees in these stands consist primarily of planted conifers but will include residual young growth and natural regeneration which may differ in size and species from the planted trees. Some areas, including have mature timber overstory.

All conifers planted and natural within the treatment units must be protected from herbicide.

The project is divided into 5 items as follows:

Item 1 consists of 509 acres of stands planted or interplanted in the spring of 2021. In addition to relatively large and easily seen crop trees, there will be numerous small and relatively hard to find first year seedlings requiring protection from herbicide application. Woody vegetation has been recently treated but will be in various states of regrowth.

Item 2 consists of 90 acres of stands planted or interplanted in the spring of 2019. In addition to relatively large and easily seen crop trees, there will be numerous small and relatively hard to find young seedlings requiring protection from herbicide application. Woody vegetation has been recently treated and relatively little remains to treat. The majority of target vegetation will be herbaceous.

Item 3 consists of 66 acres of stands which were brushcut by hand in the summer of 2018. There will be significant slash on the ground from the cut vegetation. Cut vegetation is expected to be regrowing rapidly. These areas are generally well stocked with relatively large and easily seen crop trees, with few small seedlings to protect.

Item 4 consists of 706 acres of stands which have not received recent treatment. They will have widely varying stocking of crop trees and amounts of woody brush species.

Item 5 consists of 510 acres of fuelbreaks which have had varying degrees of hand or mechanical pretreatment of understory vegetation. Most areas have an overstory of mature timber and relatively few crop trees to protect.

For descriptions of the differing treatment prescriptions, see C.9 Supplemental Specifications, “Herbicide Prescriptions”. For stand specific information, see C.9.1 Supplemental Specifications Data Table.

Boundaries of treatment units will be designated by description by the Contracting Officer’s personnel on site at the time of treatment. Boundaries will generally be identifiable features on the ground, such as property lines, roads, ridges, drainages, or the residual tree line. Boundaries may also be indicated with blue and white striped flagging.

Exclusions (non-work areas): Protected Areas will be designated both inside and outside the boundaries of treatment units. Protected areas will be designated by the Contracting Officer’s personnel. They may be designated by description, by contract map, by flagging on the ground, or combination thereof. No treatment shall occur within protected areas. Contractor personnel are prohibited from entering protected areas. Acreage of protected areas within treatment units may be deducted from stand (payment) acreage.

For more information, see C.9 Supplemental Specifications, “Protected Areas”.

Accessibility: Work areas are generally accessible by standard pickup. Four-wheel drive vehicles may be beneficial in improving the access points of any given treatment unit. It is the Contractor's responsibility to reach the work site when it is ready for treatment. The Contracting Officer will determine the access routes which may be used.

Any prospective contractor desiring an explanation or interpretation of the solicitation, drawings, specifications, etc., must request it in writing from the Contracting Officer soon enough to allow a reply to reach all prospective contractors before the solicitation closing date. Oral explanations or instructions given before the award of a contract will not be binding.

In no event shall contractor’s failure to inspect the site constitute grounds for a claim after contract award. (See Section L, FAR 52.237-1, Site Visit.)

Exclusions (Non-Work Areas): Known exclusion areas are flagged within the work areas and are labeled CA on unit maps. See Section J Unit Maps for CA location.

Accessibility: All work areas are accessible by standard pickup. Four-wheel drive vehicles may be beneficial in improving the access points of any given treatment unit. It is the Contractor's responsibility to reach the work site when it is ready for treatment. The Contracting Officer will determine the access routes which may be used.

Any prospective contractor desiring an explanation or interpretation of the solicitation, drawings, specifications, etc., must request it in writing from the Contracting Officer soon enough to allow a reply to reach all prospective contractors before the solicitation closing date. Oral explanations or instructions given before the award of a contract will not be binding.

C.3 Maps

Maps included in Section J are general in nature and are not to be considered as definitively identifying locations.

C.4 Estimated Start Date & Contract Time

Estimated Start Date: May 5, 2021

Number of Calendar Days Required: 30 Days

See also Section F

C.5 Restrictions on Work

Work may be performed at any time during the period of the contract, except as outlined here. Nothing in this part shall be construed to take away any of the Government's rights under the Suspension of Work Clause (52.242-14).

Restrictions are as follows:

1. In accordance with the fire plan, if included in Section J.

2. When the Contracting Officer (or designated representative) determines that adverse weather has made access too dangerous or that continued vehicular travel would cause unacceptable road damage.

3. The COR on site will determine whether target vegetation is in an appropriate stage of growth for the herbicide application to be effective.

4. Work shall be performed only when the forest Service COR, Inspectors are present on the work site.

5. The Contracting Officer will determine the sequence in which each stand will be treated.

6. Each stand shall be completed prior to starting work on the next stand.

7. Recommended crew size. More than one crew may be required in order to complete the work within the specified performance period. Crew Size recommended is 9-12 workers, plus one foreman and one mixer/loader per crew. Each crew must have a dedicated batch tank.

8. The Contracting Officer will determine the sequence in which each stand will be treated. Each stand shall be completed prior to starting work on the next stand.

10. Specific stands or portions thereof may have a limited operating period (LOP) during which work may not be performed. See C.9 Supplemental Specifications for details. These restrictions may be lifted based on field review at the time of treatment.

C.6 Licenses and Insurance

The contractor shall obtain the insurance and licenses listed here.

MSPA Card (Form WH510): This contract does require the contractor to be registered with the US Department of Labor as a Farm Labor Contractor If contractor is using H2B/MSPA employees. The Contractor shall provide a current MSPA Certificate/Form or legible copy.

Licensing and Safety Requirements: The Contractor shall have a current State of California Agriculture Pest Control Operator License including Category "E" (Forest), and Pest Control Business License, prior to the award of contract. The Contractor shall register this State License with the appropriate County Agriculture Commissioner(s) prior to beginning work.

The Contractor shall be required to provide the following:

1. Required permits.

2. Complete and file all reports, with a copy to the Contracting Officer.

3. Complete any other incidental requirements.

The Contractor's authorized representative(s) on site must, at a minimum, be a State of California Applicator Certificate (QAC).

The Contractor shall comply with the State of California Safety Orders found under the California Administrative Code and with the requirements of the Federal Worker Protection Standards (40 CFR, part 170). For further information regarding licensing requirements contact the California Department of Pesticide Regulation at (916) 445-4038, or online at www.cdpr.ca.gov.

C.7 Camping and Housing

Camping is not permitted in US Forest Service campgrounds. Contract will not be permitted to camp elsewhere on US Forest Service land. Camping on Forest Service land is not a right; permission may be revoked for failure to comply with the terms of the permit. Any non-compliance will result in suspension of work until compliance is achieved.

C.8 Technical Requirements

C.8-1 Definitions

Clean Water: Water having low turbidity (less than 5.0 NTU), low to moderate hardness (less than 150 ppm CaCO3), and an acid pH (less than 7.0). It must be visibly clear and free of all foreign material, soil particles, and organic matter – including but not limited to silt, sand, sediment, algae, and vegetative debris.

Crop Tree: The healthiest, most vigorous, well-formed conifer seedlings or saplings meeting the spacing and species mix guidelines that were used to plant the stand.

Herbicide: The concentrate before mixing occurs.

Herbicide mixture: The mixed herbicide, water, surfactant, and dye.

Stand: A discrete treatment area given a unique number on the contract detail maps and in the Supplemental Specifications Data Table.

Streamcourse: A defined channel where water flows during some portion of the year. The three types of streamcourses are as follows:

Perennial – a streamcourse that flows water throughout the year.

Seasonal – a streamcourse that flows water throughout the wet season and through a portion of the dry season.

Ephemeral – a streamcourse that flows only in direct response to recent rainfall or snowmelt.

Target Vegetation: All vegetation except crop trees and excluded vegetation.

Tree Damage: An unacceptable level of herbicide exposure or physical damage resulting from the contractor’s operation. Any of the following will be considered tree damage:

1. Herbicide mixture or physical damage affecting more than 25% of the green crown.

2. Evidence of any amount of herbicide or physical damage on the terminal leader.

3. Any physical damage to the bole or stem of the tree.

Triple Rinse: Filling the empty container at least 1/4 full of clean water, replacing the container lid, shaking vigorously for at least 30 seconds, and immediately pouring contents from the container into the batch tank, and repeating this for a total of three times.

Woody Brush: Non-tree form vegetation having hard woody stems as opposed to soft herbaceous stems.

C.8-2 Specifications

Work Methods:

General:

The Contracting Officer will determine the sequence in which each stand shall be treated. Each stand shall be completed prior to moving on to the next stand. The contractor shall flag a line with orange flagging to delineate the sprayed portion of any partially completed stand at the end of each day.

The Contractor shall keep his crew organized so that treatment units are covered systematically without skipped areas. The Contractor shall not scatter his crew over different parts of the stand.

The Contractor shall be responsible for training his employees in the proper techniques to be used during application of herbicides and safety procedures to be followed when handling herbicides.

Application:

The Contractor shall apply the herbicide mixture to all target vegetation in each stand. The application shall be uniform. All surfaces of the target vegetation shall be covered, including the interior of dense woody brush species. See Section J, Exhibit A for examples of acceptable and unacceptable application coverage.

The Contractor shall keep equipment in good operating condition maintaining flow rate and nozzle pressure. Application of herbicide mixture shall be made with a nozzle pressure of 15 psi.

The spray tip shall be kept from 12 to 24 inches from the target vegetation during application.

Tree Protection:

The contractor shall apply the herbicide mix in such a manner as to minimize tree damage. The crop trees in all stands shall be protected from herbicide mixture in the following manner:

Crop trees up 2 feet in height shall be physically shielded to protect the entire plant from herbicide spray (i.e., cones, shields, etc.). Protective equipment shall not damage the trees.

Crop trees taller than 2 feet shall be protected by directed spray application. Where there are multiple trees planted per spot, all trees on that spot shall be protected while the adjacent area is being sprayed.

For every 5 (or less) applicators there shall be one worker equipped with a clean Government supplied backpack sprayer full of clean water. Crop trees contaminated with any amount of herbicide mix shall be washed down within 1 minute of exposure. Wash down shall remove all traces of herbicide mix.

Other excluded vegetation shall be avoided by directed spray application. See C.9 Supplemental Specifications for a list of excluded vegetation.

Weather Restrictions:

Application of herbicide mix must be discontinued if the following critical weather parameters exist:

1. A forecast of 70% or greater chance of precipitation within 24 hours.

2. Conditions on-site indicate that precipitation is likely within 4 hours.

3. Target vegetation is wet with precipitation, dew, or other moisture.

4. Wind speed and/or air temperature exceed herbicide label requirements.

5. Wind speed in excess of 5 mph.

6. Temperature cold enough to freeze the herbicide mix in the nozzles.

Spraying shall be discontinued when wind speeds are in excess of 5 mph, or as otherwise specified on the product label, whichever limit is lower. Spraying shall also be discontinued whenever any amount of wind causes drift exposure to workers, crop trees, or protected areas.

The Contractor shall be responsible for monitoring weather conditions. In case of discrepancy between government’s monitoring of weather conditions and that of the contractor, the government’s measurement will prevail.

Cleanup:

The Contractor shall be responsible for washing and cleaning out all equipment at the end of each work day. The exact location for cleanup will be selected by the Contracting Officer.

The Contractor shall use soft material such as bristle to clean the nozzles. Wire shall not be used.

Under no circumstances shall sprayers, containers, clothing, personnel or other contaminated materials be washed in any stream, lake, reservoir, or other surface water.

Batching of Herbicide Mix:

Required Materials. The Contractor shall provide the following herbicides and adjuvants:

1. Herbicide: A liquid glyphosate herbicide formulation registered for forestry use in the state of California, containing at least 53.8% glyphosate active ingredient, and no other active ingredients or surfactants.

2. Surfactant: A nonionic alkylphenol ethoxylate based wetter/spreader surfactant registered for use in California, containing at least 90% principal functioning agents and not blended with any other surfactant.

3. Dye: A dark purple colored concentrated liquid water soluble marking dye labelled for use in pesticide applications.

All herbicides and adjuvants shall be provided in factory sealed containers no larger than 2.5 gallons each.

Prior to beginning work, the Contractor shall provide the Contracting Officer with all product names and registration numbers, and shall notify the Contracting Officer and provide the same information prior to any product changes during work.

The Contractor shall provide clean water for the wash down packs.

Contractor shall do all batching of herbicide mix and conform to label instructions and safety requirements.

A graduated container of at least one-half gallon in size shall be used to measure chemicals and surfactants during the batching operation.

All batching of herbicide mix will be done in the presence of the Contracting Officer or their representative at the work site. The Contractor shall use only water sources approved by the Contracting Officer. When drafting water into the clean water tank, the batch tank and any containers of herbicide concentrate shall remain at the approved batching location. The Contractor shall use only water sources approved by the Contracting Officer.

Batching sequence is as follows:

1. One half of the water for the mix shall be put in the batch tank.

2. The herbicide and colorants shall be put in the batch tank next.

3. Begin agitation.

4. Add the remaining water in the batch tank while continuing agitation.

5. The last ingredient to be added to the tank will be the surfactant.

The herbicide mix shall be under constant agitation in the batch tank to prevent separation. All mix shall be sprayed out. The mix shall not sit overnight in the batch tank or other equipment.

Storing and Transporting Herbicides:

All unattended herbicide concentrate shall be stored under lock and key in its original container.

The Contractor shall work with the Contracting Officer to ensure a minimal amount of herbicide mix is moved between units.

Disposal of Containers: The Contractor shall dispose of the containers in the following Federal, State, and County regulations in the disposal of the empty herbicide containers.

Herbicide Spills: If a spill occurs, the contractor shall:

1. Take action immediately to contain the spill.

2. Notify the Contracting Officers' Representative on site.

3. Be under the control of the Contracting Officer during the spill clean up.

4. Be liable for all costs of damages, clean-up, and decontamination.

Licensing and Safety Requirements:

The Contractor shall have a current State of California Agriculture Pest Control Operator License including Category "E" (Forest), and Pest Control Business License, prior to the award of contract. The Contractor shall register this State License with the appropriate County Agriculture Commissioner(s) prior to beginning work. The Contractor shall be required to provide the following:

1. Required permits.

2. Complete and file all reports, with a copy to the Contracting Officer.

3. Complete any other incidental requirements.

The Contractor's authorized representative(s) on site must, at a minimum, be a State of California Certified Pesticide Applicator.

The Contractor shall comply with the State of California Safety Orders found under the California Administrative Code and with the requirements of the Federal Worker Protection Standards (40 CFR, part 170). For further information regarding licensing requirements contact the California Department of Pesticide Regulation at (916) 445-4038, or online at www.cdpr.ca.gov.

C.8-3 Contractor-Furnished Equipment

Required Materials:

The contractor shall provide the following herbicides, surfactants, and dye:

1. Herbicide: A 53.8% glyphosate herbicide formulation without an integrated surfactant. E.g. Roundup Custom (EPA Reg. No. 524-343), or equivalent.

2. Surfactant: A nonionic NPE based surfactant. E.g. R-11 Spreader Activator (CA Reg. No 2935- 50142), or equivalent.

3. Dye: A purple colored water soluble marking dye. E.g. Colorfast Purple, or equivalent.

All herbicides and adjuvants shall be provided in factory sealed containers no larger than 2.5 gallons each.

Proposed equivalent herbicides, adjuvants, and dye may be substituted only as approved by the Contracting Officer. Contractor shall provide clean water for the wash down packs.

Required Equipment:

Backpack sprayers: Shall have an adjustable pressure regulator or a pressure gauge mounted on the spray wand from 15/1 bar -60/4bar PSI. Spray tip that sprays flat, with a 50 mesh screen. Spray tips shall reduce drift at lower pressures, better coverage at higher pressures and have 80° and 110° spray angles.

Plastic, brass, or aluminum spray tip nozzles shall not be used.

Batch tank – shall be a mixing tank equipped with a constant agitator, a sight level in good condition to measure tank volume, and a leveling gauge which will be adequate for leveling the tank in all directions.

The filler hose from the batch tank shall be equipped with a self-closing nozzle. The batch tank shall be in good condition, meeting all state requirements. The batch tank shall be mounted such that it can be moved and operated separately from the clean water tank; for example, mounted on a separate vehicle from the clean water tank, or mounted on a trailer.

Clean water tank – shall be a tank exclusively for clean water, having a back flow prevention device or proper air gap filling apparatus. The water tank and all drafting equipment must be free of pesticide and dye residue. Pesticides and dyes shall not be stored or transported in the same vehicle used to transport the clean water tank.

Locked storage area for herbicide and containers.

Spill kit containing a minimum of 25 pounds of absorbent material such as kitty litter, two 30 gallon, 4 mil polyethylene garbage bags with ties, and 2 shovels.

Trailer hitches used to tow equipment and trailers shall be securely mounted directly to the vehicle frame.

Bumper hitches shall not be used unless specifically designed and rated for towing heavy loads.

Contractor shall provide all other supplies and incidentals necessary to accomplish the required contract work while complying with herbicide label directions, pesticide application license requirements, and worker safety protection standards.

Calibration and Equipment Check:

Prior to and during work the Contracting Officer reserves the right to inspect, test, and approve equipment. For example, the Contracting Officer will check for cracked hoses, worn seals, and leaks.

Prior to and during work the Contracting Officer reserves the right to test and inspect the herbicide concentrate and mixture.

Prior to and during work the Contractor shall be required to calibrate his equipment in the presence of the Contracting Officer.

C.8-4 Government-Furnished Property

See Section G.

C.8-5 Public Safety

Forest Service personnel will be asking the following questions. The forest service is required to not allow Contractors showing symptoms to continue to work.

a) Have you, someone living in your household, someone with you, someone you have been in close or frequent contact with, or someone you are caring for been diagnosed with COVID- 19(Coronavirus) or had any contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19?

b) In the last 14 days, have you, someone living in your household, or someone with you have been in close or frequent contact with, or someone you are caring for returned from another country?

c) Do you currently have, or have you had within the last 24 hours, any cold or flu symptoms, including a fever greater than 100.4, shortness of breath, body aches and coughing? The Contractor shall be required to carry out all operations in a manner which ensures the safety of the Public.

C.8-6 Salvage Rights

There are no salvage rights under this contract.

C.8-7 Road Maintenance

The Contractor may be required to repair damage to any roads are which are used without the consent of the Contracting Officer.

C.9 Supplemental Specifications

Herbicide Mix Specifications:

For Item 1, the herbicide mix shall contain the following:

3% glyphosate herbicide formulation 1% nonionic surfactant 0.25% purple dye

100 gallons of herbicide mixture would thus be as follows:

95.75 gal clean water

3.00 gal glyphosate herbicide formulation

1.00 gal nonionic surfactant

0.25 gal purple dye

For Item 2, the herbicide mix shall contain the following:

1.5% glyphosate herbicide formulation 1% nonionic surfactant 0.25% purple dye

100 gallons of herbicide mixture would thus be as follows:

97.25 gal clean water

1.50 gal glyphosate herbicide formulation

1.00 gal nonionic surfactant

0.25 gal purple dye

For Items 3, 4, & 5, the herbicide mix shall contain the following:

5% glyphosate herbicide formulation 1% nonionic surfactant 0.25% purple dye

100 gallons of herbicide mixture would thus be as follows:

93.75 gal clean water

5.00 gal glyphosate herbicide formulation

1.00 gal nonionic surfactant

0.25 gal purple dye

Herbicide Application Prescription:

Apply at least the specified minimum gallons per acre of herbicide mix to target vegetation in each stand in a uniform manner that meets minimum acceptable foliar coverage as shown in Section J, Exhibit A.

Both Minimum GPA and Application Coverage requirements must be met. If either one is not met, the Contractor may be required to retreat the stand such that both are met.

Target vegetation varies by item as follows:

Items 1 & 2: Target vegetation will be all live vegetation, woody and herbaceous, except crop trees and excluded vegetation.

Item 3 & 4: Target vegetation will be all woody brush species, whether previously cut or not.

Item 5: Target vegetation will be all woody brush species, whether previously cut or not, excluding bearclover.

Additional application prescription elements are as follows:

“Area” = Treat all target vegetation.

“Radius – 10’ +P” = Treat all target vegetation in a 10’ radius around all crop trees and hardwoods.

Where this would leave contiguous areas greater than 20’ in diameter untreated, treat all target vegetation except to leave untreated individual specimens representative of the woody brush species mix on approximately 20’ spacing, such that 90% of the total unstocked area is treated.

“Radius – 10’” = Treat all target vegetation in a 10’ radius around all crop trees and hardwoods.

“Radius – 8’” = Treat all target vegetation in an 8’ radius around all crop trees and hardwoods.

Note: All radius prescriptions will be treated as a minimum specification, meaning that any portion of the circle that measures less than the specified radius will be unacceptable. The radius will be measured from the edge of the bole, not the center.

See C.9.1 Supplemental Specifications Data Table for prescription information by stand.

Protected Areas (Exclusions):

Protected Areas will be designated both inside and outside the boundaries of treatment units. Protected areas will be designated by the Contracting Officer’s personnel. They may be designated by description, by contract map, by flagging on the ground, or combination thereof. No treatment shall occur within protected areas. Contractor personnel are prohibited from entering protected areas. Protected areas include but are not limited to the following:

Streamcourses and other water features:

Designation may be by description, or with white flagging. Limited streamcourse information appears on the contract detail maps. This information may not be complete. In the event the contractor encounters undesignated water features, the contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer’s personnel immediately, and proceed to implement the standard buffer width shown below. Distances are in feet from the high water mark on each side of the channel/feature:

Streams, perennial = 100’ Streams, seasonal, wet = 50’ Streams, seasonal, dry = 25’ Streams, ephemeral, wet = 25’ Streams, ephemeral, dry = 10’

Other resource protection areas:

The contract detail maps contain known resource protection areas. Additional areas may be designated at time of treatment. Flagging colors for these protected areas include pink & black checkerboard and pink & green combinations.

Invasive Plants:

Known invasive plant populations are shown on the contract detail maps. The contractor shall avoid disturbance in these areas as much as practicable during treatment. This includes parking, staging, batching, and other concentrated activities. These are not exclusion areas. Where they occur within treatment stands, these areas shall still be treated.

Excluded Vegetation:

California black oak (Quercus kelloggii) California hazelnut (Corylus cornuta) California nutmeg (Torreya californica) Elderberry (Sambucus spp.)

Canyon live oak (Quercus chrysolepis) Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia) Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) Western dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) Willow (Salix spp.)

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

C.8-4 Government-Furnished Equipment

FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address (es): www.aquisition.gov/far/

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

The Contractor is responsible for performing or having performed all inspections and tests necessary to substantiate that the supplies or services furnished under this contract conform to contract requirements, including any applicable technical requirements for specified manufacturers' parts. This clause takes precedence over any Government inspection and testing required in the contract's specifications, except for specialized inspections or tests specified to be performed solely by the Government.

52.246-4 Inspection of Services--Fixed-Price (AUG 1996)

1. Definitions. "Services," as used in this clause, includes services performed, workmanship, and material furnished or utilized in the performance of services.

2. The Contractor shall provide and maintain an inspection system acceptable to the Government covering the services under this contract. Complete records of all inspection work performed by the Contractor shall

Contractor Inspection Requirements (FAR 52.246-01)(APR 1984) be maintained and made available to the Government during contract performance and for as long afterwards as the contract requires.

3. The Government has the right to inspect and test all services called for by the contract, to the extent practicable, at all times and places during the term of the contract. The Government shall perform inspections and tests in a manner that will not unduly delay the work.

4. If the Government performs inspections or tests on the premises of the Contractor or a subcontractor, the Contractor shall furnish, and shall require subcontractors to furnish, without additional charge, all reasonable facilities and assistance for the safe and convenient performance of these duties.

5. If any of the services do not conform with contract requirements, the Government may require the Contractor to perform the services again in conformity with contract requirements, at no increase in contract amount. When the defects in services cannot be corrected by reperformance, the Government may (1) require the Contractor to take necessary action to ensure that future performance conforms to contract requirements and (2) reduce the contract price to reflect the reduced value of the services performed.

6. If the Contractor fails to promptly perform the services again or to take the necessary action to ensure future performance in conformity with contract requirements, the Government may (1) by contract or otherwise, perform the services and charge to the Contractor any cost incurred by the Government that is directly related to the performance of such service or (2) terminate the contract for default.

E.1 Compliance With Specifications

If, during the performance of the contract, the Contracting Officer determines that work performance fails to comply with a specification or specifications, the Contracting Officer may issue a work order to the Contractor. The Contractor shall immediately correct performance to comply with the work order and the referenced specifications and shall rework as necessary all area worked that does not comply with the referenced specifications. Failure to correct unsatisfactory conditions may be considered non-compliance with the terms of the contract and may be grounds for contract termination.

E.2 Quality Control Plan.

E.2-1 The Contractor shall provide a general Quality Control Plan (QCP) with the technical proposal to include COID-19 Mitigation Measures.. The Contractor shall conduct quality control inspections on all aspects of work. The field inspections shall be performed on each sub-item listed in each task order.

Contractor Quality Control Inspection System

The Contractor shall identify the quality control inspection system it will use to ensure that contract specifications will be achieved. At no time shall the Contractor rely upon Government inspections to provide notification of unsatisfactory performance. The Contractor shall produce written inspection records in a format and at times and places satisfactory to the Contracting Officer. Inspection records shall be made available upon request of the Contracting Officer and be maintained until the date of contract closure. The Contracting Officer may observe the Contractor's inspection at any time and shall otherwise have unlimited access to the inspection data.

E.3 Government Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

Quality assurance will be based on meeting performance specification in section C.

E.4.1 Qaulity Assurance Informal Inspections

The Contracting Officer and/or his/her appointed representative may visit the work units to observe the Contractor's work and progress. Infomal visual inspection will beconducted daily and randomly thorughout the work day.

E.4-2. Unit Acceptance

The Contractor shall submit a unit to the Contracting Officer for acceptance only when the Contractor's inspections for quality control assure the work specifications have been met.

The Government may perform formal inspections to determine acceptance of the work units. Formal inspections will inspect at least two percent of the work unit on a random plot basis and will address the work specifications.

E.5 Sampling

Plots. At least one percent of each treatment area will be sampled by a random series of plots distributed over the entire area. Plot size will be: 1/50 acre

E.6 Specific Inspection Procedures

The Contracting Officer will make visual inspections while work is in progress for compliance with the terms of the contract.

Additionally, the Contracting Officer may make a systematic inspection using 1/50th acre (16.7 foot radius circle on a horizontal plane) plots to calculate an inspection quality based on application coverage and crop tree damage. Plots will be selected randomly and will not overlap. Sufficient plots will be taken to achieve a 1% sample of the treatment area (i.e. 1 plot for every 2 acres). Results will be recorded on inspection forms.

The quality of application coverage will be determined by observing the indicator dye or colorant on the target vegetation surfaces. To determine this, the inspection plots will be divided into four (4) quadrants on cardinal directions (North, South, East and West). Each quadrant will be examined for coverage. If more than 90% of the target vegetation surfaces within the quadrant have been treated to specifications, it will be considered acceptable. See also Section J, Exhibit A, Application Coverage.

To determine the percent satisfactory coverage, the number of acceptable quadrants will be divided by the total number of quadrants examined, then multiplied by 100 to give a percentage. For example, out of a total of 30 plots examined (120 quadrants), 112 quadrants received acceptable coverage:

112 / 120 x 100 = 93%

Tree damage will be determined by inspecting each crop tree on the inspection plot. Crop trees will have unacceptable levels of damage if the following occurs:

1. Herbicide mixture or physical damage affecting more than 25% of the green crown.

2. Evidence of any amount of herbicide or physical damage on the terminal leader.

3. Any physical damage to the bole or stem of the tree.

Tree damage will be determined by dividing the number of damaged trees by the total number of trees in all inspection plots. Percent of damaged trees in excess of 5% will be deducted from the inspection quality.

To calculate inspection quality, inspection plots will be grouped by stand, and then stands will be grouped in order of treatment until the total number of plots equals or exceeds 30. An inspection quality percentage will then be calculated for each such group. Results will be rounded to the nearest whole percent.

EXAMPLE INSPECTION QUALITY CALCULATION: Inspection of two stands yields 25 and 15 plots respectively, which are then grouped to exceed 30 plots. In the total of 40 plots, 152 of 160 quadrants are acceptable, and 12 of 200 crop trees are damaged. The overall inspection quality would be calculated as follows:

Application coverage = 152 / 160 X 100 = 95%

Crop tree damage = 12 / 200 X 100 = 6% - 5% = 1% deduction

Inspection quality = 95% - 1% = 94%

Inspection results will be available to the contractor upon request.

E.7 Acceptance.

The following clauses which affect acceptance are incorporated by reference in Section I:

Responsibility for Supplies, Clause 52.246-16 Use and possession, Clause 52.236-11

Work will be deemed acceptable when the government’s visual inspections show acceptable performance and sample plot data indicate a work quality of 90% or higher.

E.8 Government Inspections

Government inspections are for the purpose of satisfying the Government that the services are acceptable and do not relieve the Contractor of the responsibility for maintaining quality control.

The Contracting Officer's Representative or designated inspector will conduct all inspections. The Contractor (or designated representative) is encouraged to be present to observe inspections. Summary results will be made available on request.

Compliance Inspections: Visual compliance inspections will be made on a periodic basis. Such inspections are not final and do not constitute acceptance by the Government.

Final Inspections. Final (formal) inspections for payment will be made on completed sub-items only.

Contractor shall request final inspections in writing and give the Forest Service at least two working days advanced notice. Inspections will be completed within four working days after the notice is received if the work is not ready for inspection at the time specified by the Contractor, the cost associated with the inspection attempt may be charged to the Contractor.

Disputed Inspection The Contractor may request reinspection without rework if the results are unacceptable. Reinspection must be requested in writing within 48 hours after receiving written notice of the inspection results. Reinspection will be accomplished within five working days after receipt of the contractor's written request.

The same sampling and inspection procedures will be used, but new samples will be taken. The inspection pattern will be shifted so that new samples will not overlap previously inspected samples. Results will be rounded to the nearest whole percent.

If reinspection results are within five percentage points of the first inspection, the original inspection result will be used in determining acceptability and payment. If reinspection results are greater than five percentage points above or below the first inspection, the reinspection results will be used.

If the reinspection results are within five percentage points of the first inspection, the Contractor shall pay the actual costs of the reinspection.

Reinspection after Rework Where rework after a failed inspection may improve the inspection results, the Contractor may rework the area and request (in writing) a second inspection. The Government will charge to the Contractor the cost of this additional inspection. Reinspection will be accomplished within five working days after the notice is received. The results of the second inspection will be final, and no further rework will be permitted. Areas not ready for reinspection at the time specified by the Contractor will not be reinspected, and the results of the first inspection will be final.

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): www.acquisition.gov/far/

52.242-14 Suspension of Work (APR 1984)

Work Timing

The Contractor shall begin work within ___5_______ calendar days after the effective date of the Notice to Proceed and shall prosecute the work at a rate that will result in completion of all work within the following time frame:

Item No.1: Estimated Start Work Date/Contract Time (Calendar Days)

5 May 2021 30 Calendar days

AGAR 452.211-74 Period of Performance (FEB 1988)

The period of performance of this contract is from 4/5/2021 through 6/30/2021.

Items 1 & 2 vegetation is expected to be in treatable condition approximately 4/5/2021 through 5/1/2021.

Items 3, 4, & 5 vegetation is expected to be in treatable condition approximately 5/1/2021 through 6/30/2021.

Failure to begin work on schedule will make the contract subject to immediate termination for default.

Delays due to normal adverse weather, weekends, and holidays have been included in the calculation of contract time. The Government reserves the right to set the priority of items or subitems. Contractor shall complete all work on one subitem before proceeding to another.

If this solicitation has more than one numbered item, award of more than one item to one contractor will not change the start work dates or the amount of contract time; times will run concurrently.

Winter Shutdown

When winter weather sets in and the continuation of work is impractical, the Contracting Officer may authorize a total suspension until such time as work can proceed. During the period of total suspension, the calendar days elapsed will not be charged against the contract time.

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

Pre-work

Pre-work conference. Before work begins on service contracts, a pre-work conference is normally held to discuss the contract--especially the specifications, labor provisions, plan of work, and selected standard clauses. The pre-work meeting should be attended by an officer of the firm or someone designated in writing to act on behalf of the firm. The pre-work meeting may be waived at the discretion of the Contracting Officer.

Notice to Proceed.

A. No work may begin on this contract until the Contracting Officer has issued a Notice to Proceed.

Measurement

Methods of Measurement.

Acreage was measured on a horizontal plane using a Global Positioning System.

Remeasurement. Unless otherwise indicated by this contract, the contractor may request remeasurement of any quantities in Part B, when the units are acres or any linear measurement. The request must be made in writing and must be made within 10 calendar days of completing work on the unit in question. If remeasurement indicates a variance of five percent or less from the stated quantity, the Contractor shall pay for the actual cost of remeasurement and no adjustment will be made in the quantity as stated in Part B. If remeasurement indicates a variance more than five percent from the stated quantity, payment will be based on the remeasured quantity, and the Contractor will not be liable for the costs of remeasurement.

All remeasurements will be done by the Government. Remeasurement of acreage will be done with two people using a hand compass and ground measurement or by means of a Global Positioning System. This clause is not applicable to quantities listed as estimated quantities.

Payment

Payments and Deductions. Payment will be made for fully acceptable work at the prices bid in the schedule of items. In the event of extended non-work periods because of adverse weather, the Contracting Officer may authorize progress payments for partially completed sub-items on a case-by-case basis.