6.Addendum D Noxious Weed Treatments_SIMON.pdf

Simon Stewardship IRSC Solicitation 12363N21Q4021 Black Hills National Forest, SD Mystic Ranger District

ATTACHMENT – ADDENDUM D

NOXIOUS WEED TREATMENTS

SECTION I – DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

The Black Hills National Forest is actively working to reduce invasive plant species across the forest in an effort to foster productive and sustainable use of the National Forest Systems Lands and improving the condition of the forests and grasslands while fostering a good neighbor relationship with private landowners bordering national forest lands.

This statement of work consists of treating targeted invasive plant species (noxious weeds), and providing treatment data, including GPS/GIS data. Treatments will target leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) which is abundant in meadows, near roadways, drainages and springs. The contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, supplies, services, permits, licensing, supervision, workman’s compensation, unemployment insurance, and transportation to accomplish weed treatment and inventory. Equipment being used for the requirements under this contract shall be cleaned prior to entering the Forest and cleaning may be required between sites (refer to clause 30 of solicitation).

1.1. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Services are to be performed during the growing season of target plants, generally beginning on or around June 1st of each year with the growing season ending around September 30 of any given year. Work shall commence when target plants are actively growing, and weather conditions make them most susceptible to herbicide effects as per the manufacturers’ recommendations.

1.2 QUALIFICATIONS: The Contractor and employees shall be experienced in noxious weed and invasive weed management, plant identification, and herbicide application and knowledge of GIS/GPS.

Regardless of project area, the Contractor and employees should be proficient in identifying target and non-target species in all stages of development. Contractor shall comply with all South Dakota state laws, certifications and applicator licensing requirements prior to treating noxious weeds.

1.2.1 Personnel: The Contractor and employees should possess a basic knowledge of regional sensitive plant species, the Forest’s species of local concern, and identification of these plants in all stages of development. Upon request, the Forest Service may provide training and assistance required for sensitive plant identification prior to each field season.

SECTION II – TECHNICAL STANDARDS:

2.2.1 BOOM SPRAYER: Spray equipment capable of delivering a minimum of 20 gallons per acre. A minimum of 20 gallons of carrier per acre is required. Boom sprayers shall be equipped with an identifier system to minimize swath overlap such as a ribbon or flagging system. ATV boom-less nozzles are not considered as boom sprayers.

2.2.2 BOOM SPRAYING: Broadcast application of herbicide with larger equipment in amounts ranging from 20 – 25 gallons of water/herbicide mixture per acre. A Truck, ATV, or trailer boom type sprayers may be used in other broadcast applications. Generally, a truck, ATV, or trailer boom type sprayers are limited to areas that are open and free of trees or brush. If the Contractor chooses to use boom sprayers and during inspections it is found that weeds are being missed, the Contractor shall be directed to use equipment that meets the requirements of the PWS.

2.2.3 FLAGGING STANDARDS: The Contractor shall mark the perimeters of weed areas and weed points where herbicide treatment has occurred. Flagging will remain in place until the COR/inspector has completed field survey and will be removed by the COR as unit is accepted.

2.2.4 GIS and GPS: Method of collection of data to record where treatment and types of plant species are located in the treatment areas.

2.2.4.1 FIELD SURVEY OPERATIONS AND PROCEDURES:

The final product is an ARC-Map GIS polygon shapefile containing all weed spraying sites.

Small and linear sites may be mapped as a point or line; however, they must be converted into polygons of the correct dimensions.

Attributing Information:

All weed spraying sites will be attributed with all system generated items plus the following user defined items:

“date", "site id", "plant code”, "task order number", "examiner", "infested area size", "unit of measure", "dom_spec_density", "canopy cover percent", chemical treatment, other treatment.

For each sub-species of weed within a site, the following attributes are required; "plant code”, "infested area size", "unit of measure", "sub_spec_density", "sub_spec_canopy cover percent".

2.2.4.2 GIS LAYER:

All weed spraying sites or inventory site will be combined into one ARCGIS polygon shapefile with attributes and provided to the Government. Shapefile will be referenced to the North American Datum, 1983 (NAD83) in the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM), zone projection will be determined by general location of geographic area. Coordinates will be reported in meters. (Note: If using Trimble PFOffice software use the NADCON Conus Datum).

2.2.5 HERBICIDE: Herbicides with a half-life of over 90 days may not be used on any lands included under this contract. All herbicides used must be EPA and State approved. The Contractor will inform the CO at the pre-work what herbicides are being planned and will inform the CO during the contract of any changes in herbicides.

See Exhibit A for list of approved herbicides under this contract. Any chemical that the Contractor requests to use and it is not on the approved list will need prior approval from the CO prior to application.

Application rates and products applied to various species of noxious weeds are dependent upon plant and stage of plant growth. When working in riparian/wetlands, the Contractor shall use aquatic type herbicides.

A blue dye in the herbicide shall be used to identify location of treatments.

2.2.6 MIXING SITE: All mixing and rinsing during the operational period if needed will take place in the field within the treatment areas at a distance no less than 100’ from any stream course, trees, or crops.

All mixing and rinsing prior to the start of each season or at the end of the season, shall be prohibited on any Federal Lands included under this contract.

2.2.7 SPOT SPRAYING: Spray herbicide directly onto target plants only and avoid spraying other desirable plants. These applicators range from motorized rigs with Spray hoses to backpack sprayers, to hand-pumped spray, which can target small infestations with minimal overspray on to non-targeted species.

2.2.8 SPRAY EQUIPMENT: All spray equipment shall be accurately calibrated to ensure herbicide is applied according to manufacturer’s recommended application rates.

SECTION III – PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT TASKS AND CRITICAL SUBTASKS

3.3.1 TASK NOXIOUS WEED TREATMENT –

The Contractor shall treat weeds with appropriate chemicals and use according to the manufacturers label directions.

Utilize the appropriate application method to meet the objectives of the task.

Contractor is responsible for the effects of herbicide residue on non-target species as well as problems that could arise from drift of herbicide.

Flag the perimeter of treatment area. Flags will remain in place until the Government has completed the field inspection.

DATA SUBMITTAL (Applicator’s Report): The Contractor shall provide all digital data on a CD or submitted electronically to designated COR, field data files, final GIS layer, and applicator records, completion of units to be inspected. Inaccurate or incomplete data will be returned to the Contractor for corrections.

3.3.2 NOXIOUS WEED TREATMENT: With water available. The Contractor shall treat weeds according to the manufacturers label directions. Contractor may use existing water sources for mixing purposes. Contractor must use back flow protector when drafting out of any Government water source.

SECTION IV – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

4.1 CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL PLAN (QCP)/CONTRACTOR SELF INSPECTIONS

The Contractor shall provide and maintain an inspection system acceptable to the Government covering the services under this contract. Services include customer satisfaction, treatments performed, workmanship, mapping documentation, and material furnished or utilized in the performance of services. Complete records of all inspection work performed by the Contractor shall be maintained and made available to the Government during contract performance.

4.2 GOVERNMENT QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN (QASP)

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) is to ensure that the requirements of the contract are met through the monitoring of the Contractor Quality Control efforts and verification of the services provided.

If any of the services do not conform to 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 reworking, the Government may:

a. Require the Contractor to take necessary action to ensure that future performance conforms to contract requirements; and

b. Reduce the contract price to reflect the reduced value of the services performed

4.2.1 GOVERNMENT INSPECTION OF SERVICES

Surveillance will be performed through:

Visual inspections Random plot sampling Verification of data

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 will perform inspections and tests in a manner that will not unduly delay the Contractor(s) work.

Treatment inspections are for the sole benefit of the Government and shall not release the Contractor of the responsibility of providing quality control measures to assure that the work strictly complies with the contract requirements.

4.2.2 ACCEPTABLE QUALITY LEVEL (AQL)

Acceptance of work will be based on compliance with all Specifications corresponding to the appropriate task(s) in Section III; refer to the Performance Requirements Summary in Section V.

Work meeting the AQL described in the Requirements Summary Table will receive a satisfactory performance rating.

4.2.3 UNSATISFACTORY WORK

If work quality falls below the AQL described in the Requirements Summary Table, the COR will request a re-work if possible. Unsatisfactory deliverables shall be reworked to obtain satisfactory work quality.

In the event that work is performed that is contrary to the requirements, the Government is not liable for costs incurred by the Contractor during negligent performance that is without the fault or negligence of the Government.

4.2.4 RE-INSPECTION

If the AQL is not being met, and a need for re-inspection of the Contractor’s services arises, the following procedures will be implemented:

a. If the Contractor has not met the AQL described in the Performance Requirements Summary, Section V of this Statement of Work, the Contractor will be required to go back and complete missed or unsatisfactory areas.

b. The Contractor will be charged for any costs of inspection if services, for which the Contractor is requesting inspection, are not ready at the time specified by the Contractor.

The Contractor will be charged for re-inspection of work that fails the first re-inspection (Allow one re-inspection without charge). Refer to Section V of Appendix A for Re-Inspection costs.

SECTION V – PAYMENT METHODS

Full Payment will be made for completed and accepted units meeting or exceeding the AQL. Payment may be made for units below the AQL less any deductions for any nonconforming or unacceptable performance as noted below.

5.1.1 FINAL PAYMENT

Before final acceptance, all areas, such as mixing and drafting sites, occupied by the Contractor in connection with the work shall be cleaned of all Contractor’s rubbish, excess materials, temporary structures, and equipment, and all parts of the work area shall be left in a neat and presentable condition.

A release of claims will be uploaded with the final invoice.

5.2.1 PAYMENT REDUCTIONS

5.2.2 Payments for tasks with stated minimum AQL or above

The Government expects to receive quality services. The minimum AQL is required to achieve a satisfactory performance rating. Full payment will be made for final work meeting at least identified AQL and above (As identified in Section IV.)

5.2.3 Payments for task with AQL between 1% and 10% below minimum AQL

If the task deliverable cannot or will not be reworked to achieve the minimum required AQL, payment of 90% of the unit price will be applied to tasks falling between 1% and 10% below identified AQL.

Example - 90% AQL is achieved on task with 95% AQL requirement (5% below minimum AQL.) Unit price is $10,000.00

10,000 x 90% = 9,000 price to be paid for unit.

5.2.4 Payments for task with AQL between 11% and 20% below minimum AQL

If the task deliverable cannot or will not be reworked to achieve the minimum required AQL, payment of 90% of the unit price will be applied to tasks falling between 11% and 20% below identified AQL.

Example - 75% AQL is achieved on task with 95% AQL requirement (20% below minimum AQL.) Unit price is $10,000.00

10,000 x 90% = 9,000 x 75% = $6,750.00 price to be paid for unit.

5.2.5 Payments for tasks with AQL below 21% minimum AQL

If the task deliverable cannot or will not be reworked to achieve the minimum required AQL, payment of 80% of the unit price times the actual AQL received will be made for AQL falling below 21% required AQL.

Example - 70% AQL is achieved on task with 95% AQL requirement (AQL is 25% below minimum AQL.) Unit price is $10,000.00

10,000 x 80% = 8,000 x 70% = $6,400.00 price to be paid for unit.

SECTION VI – PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

Task Requirement

Specification Reference

Acceptable Quality Level

(AQL)

Government Method of Assessment

Incentives and Deductions for

Meeting Standard Noxious Weed Treatment with water available

Weed treated in compliance with Manufacturer’s Directions:

Quantity of mixture used

Rate of application

Contractor is responsible for the effects of herbicide residue on non-target species as well as problems that could arise from drift of herbicide.

Treatment performed at temperatures less than 95 F and wind speeds less than 10 mph.

Drafting water sites cleaning/safety.

90% Acceptable level of performance thus resulting in 90% or more kill rate.

90% compliance manufacture label direction

Less than 20% loss of non-target species.

95% treatment is performed within temperature and wind speed requirements.

No more than One warning to fix any equipment leaks or clean-up drafting or mixing sites.

One warning or lack of flagging per treatment area.

100% visual inspection of reporting sheets.

Random Visual Field Inspections

Random plot sampling.

Random compliance checks of contractor inspection plots.

100% inspection of equipment

Random field inspection of drafting and mixing site(s)

+ Meeting or Exceeding AQL:

Payment made at the full quoted task order price.

Good Past Performance ratings.

Options exercised (if work is needed & have budget).

- Failure to meet

AQL:

Rework at Contractor’s expense.

Re-inspection charges are deducted from payment.

Total payment reduced by AQL deduction % if cannot meet AQL.

Loss of local water source

Task Requirement

Specification Reference

Acceptable Quality Level

(AQL)

Government Method of Assessment

Incentives and Deductions for

Meeting Standard Flag areas for identification purposes.

Data Submittal Complete treatment data table according to required standards and on a regular basis, provide Government with GPS data of treated sites

95% of spray records will be have no missing values. Applicator spray records shall conform to South Dakota State standards.

Visual Inspection of data

Exhibit A Approved Herbicides

Listed below are approved herbicides. Any chemical that the Contractor requests to use and it is not on the approved list will need prior approval from the CO prior to application. Application rates and products applied to various species of noxious weeds are dependent upon plant and stage of plant growth. When working in riparian/wetlands, the Contractor shall use aquatic type herbicides.

A blue dye in the herbicide shall be used to identify location of treatments.

Tordon 22K/2,4-D tank mix Curtail Banvel/2,4-D tank mix Vanquish/2,4-D tank mix Plateau Banvel Beads Rodeo Roundup Aquatic 2,4-D Escort Transline Phenoxy 088 Krenite S Redeem Telar XP Milestone Glyphomax Plus

2,4-D LV400

Habitat Other herbicides with a half-life less than 90 days if other requirements are met.