A04_Camp_Creek__Drill_Seed_FY22_SOW.doc

RANGELAND DRILL SEEDING

CAMP CREEK SEEDING PROJECT 2022

SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

I. General Information and Requirements

A. Description of Work – Work consists of seeding designated area with the kind of seed and equipment described in the Work Data Sheet (Attachment A)

B. Specifications Requirements - It is required that areas shown on the Work Location Maps and described in the Work Data Sheet (Attachment A) be seeded in accordance with these specifications and such other terms and conditions as are made a part hereof.

Staking - The Government will provide georeferenced maps to the contractor defining areas to be seeded. The Contractor is required to protect all section corners, benchmarks, and other markers and stakes flagged by the Government. In case of destruction or removal by the contractor, they will be replaced by the Government and actual cost for replacement will be deducted from payment due the Contractor. The Contractor shall also avoid areas flagged (pin flags, flagging, etc.) by the Government to preserve historical, archaeological, paleontological, wilderness, or other resources.

Cultural considerations - Because cultural resources may be present in the area, project activities and any other action which causes disturbance of the earth’s surface shall be limited to those areas approved by the BLM. Deviations from routes flagged or shown on the drawings are not allowable without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall insure that he, his employees, or his representatives do not collect or disturb historic or prehistoric artifacts in accordance with the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (43 CFR 7). Should the condition of the cultural resources in the area be altered during construction due to unauthorized activity by the Contractor or his employees, the Contractor shall be responsible for all costs of mitigating the cultural resources involved. If deterioration of the archeological sites is found to be occurring during the construction phase, work on the project shall be terminated until a data recovery plan is prepared and completed in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act (36 CFR 800). The Contractor shall immediately bring to the attention of the Contracting Officer any and all cultural resources including, but not limited to, historic and prehistoric sites or artifacts, buried artifacts, and buried features such as fire pits, burials, and house floors discovered as a result of drilling operations. The Contractor shall immediately suspend all activities in the immediate vicinity that might harm the object(s), notify the Contracting Officer, and shall leave such discoveries intact until instructed to proceed by the Contracting Officer.

Seeding Operation

a. Rate of Seeding - Seed shall be distributed at the rate stated in the Work Data Sheets or as directed by the Contracting Officer or the Contracting Officer’s Representative (CO/COR). Some seeding rates may be slightly reduced due to availability of seed.

b. Coverage - Unless otherwise directed by the COR, all seeding shall be done on the contour. Seed shall be applied at the rates designated in the Work Data Sheet or as directed by the COR. Average depth of cover over seed shall be as designated in the Work data sheet or as directed by the COR. Areas excluded from seeding operations within the work site boundaries shall not be included in the acreage computed for payment.

c. Contractor shall keep a written log with daily entries indicating the dates and number of bags of each type of seed picked up at the designated sites. The log shall also show the date, time, and number of bags of each type of seed loaded into each set of drills and the timing of daily lubrication intervals. This log shall be kept current at all times and shall be available for inspection by the Government at the work site during all working hours.

d. Feeder openings of seeding equipment shall be checked at sufficient intervals to ensure proper operation and even distribution of seed at all times. If at any time inspections of equipment reveals that feeder openings or seed tubes are plugged or other mechanisms of the seeding equipment are not operating properly, the Contracting Officer may require reseeding of that portion of the area that the Government determined was not properly seeded. The Government will deduct the cost of additional seed needed to reseed areas improperly seeded by the Contractor from payments due the Contractor.

e. Unless otherwise directed by the COR, seeding shall not commence under conditions when the seed cannot be properly covered with soil, such as snow, when ground is frozen, or when soil contains excessive moisture. In case such conditions are encountered in the seeding operation, the Contractor shall notify the COR within twenty-four (24) hours.

f. Government-Furnished seeding equipment shall not be drawn at a speed greater than three (3) miles per hour during seeding operation, unless authorized by the COR. Seeding equipment being towed (roaded) between work sites shall be taken out of gear or shall have drive chains or gears removed to prevent seed feeders and agitators from operating. Seeding equipment shall not be towed (roaded) at speeds greater than twenty-five (25) miles per hour.

g. Seeding operations will be permitted only during daylight hours.

h. Upon completion of the contract, Government-Furnished seeding equipment shall be returned to a specified location in good working condition. Spare parts shall be delivered to the BLM warehouse office as directed by the COR upon completion of the work or termination of the contract. Upon completion of drilling operations, Contractor must clean the BLM furnished drill seed boxes and seed feeds thoroughly, scoop out and re-sack seed left in boxes, and set the feed adjustments wide open and pull the drills until empty of seed.

General Requirements

a. Location and Access to Work Sites: The Government will provide work location maps for the sites that are to be treated within this contract. The Government will also provide GPS shapefiles with perimeter data of the boundaries of all sites that are to be treated. Staging areas located on BLM administered lands must be approved by the COR prior to usage. Staging areas will not be permitted in areas of existing sagebrush

b. Seeder Calibration: The Contractor shall calibrate seeding equipment prior to application on the project. The Government will supply seed for calibration. However, the seed may not be available until approximately two days prior to the approximate start date of the project. Seed not used for calibration shall be recovered for use on the project.

c. Seed: Once the Contractor has been issued the seed, contractor has accepted possession and shall be responsible for the protection of seed from loss or damage due to weather, rodents, insects, theft, or any other hazard. Any seed damaged or lost while in the custody of the Contractor will be replaced by the Government and actual cost to the Government for replacement will be deducted from payments due the Contractor. All empty seed bags shall be tied in bundles of 25 bags each. No tags, strings, or other trash shall be left in the bundled bags. All bags shall be available for counting by the Government. Empty seed bags which have been blown or otherwise scattered around the work site shall be picked up and bundled. All unused seed shall be returned to the BLM by the Contractor upon completion of work or termination of the contract.

d. Seeding Equipment: The Contractor shall lubricate and service seeding equipment daily or as directed by the Project Inspector. The Contractor shall furnish necessary lubricating equipment and proper lubricants. The Contractor shall check all bolts and nuts on the seeding equipment daily to ensure tightness and tighten them as necessary for proper operation. Contractor shall lubricate with proper lubricant at regular intervals. A good practice is to lubricate at noon and upon quitting when everything is warm, rather than prior to starting work in the morning. During longer days (12 to 14 hours), three lubes may be necessary

e. Repair to Seeding Equipment - The Contractor shall be equipped to make necessary field repairs to seeding equipment. A welding outfit and miscellaneous iron shall be included in the Contractor's repair equipment. The Government will furnish repair parts necessitated by normal wear or breakage not due to the fault or negligence of the Contractor. The Contractor shall install repair parts furnished by the Government for which no separate payment will be made. The Contractor is responsible for promptly repairing all flat tires. Cost of such work will be included in the unit bid price of the schedule items. Cost of repairs resulting from fault or negligence of the Contractor shall be borne by the Contractor and will be deducted from payment due under the contract. With the exception of those repairs resulting from or negligence of the Contractor, major repairs not repairable in the field will be made by the Government. No alterations or modifications in seeding equipment shall be made without approval of the COR. However, occasional adjustments in component parts of seeding equipment may be made by the Contractor as necessary to maintain proper operation.

f. Work Stoppages: The Government reserves the right to stop seeding operations at any time when seeding conditions are considered sufficiently unfavorable to warrant stoppage. Stoppage shall continue until seeding operations are again authorized by the Government. No monetary compensation will be given to the Contractor for work suspensions.

g. Hazards: Any hazards that would pose a danger to Contractor’s personnel or operating equipment should be identified and mitigated or avoided by the Contractor.

h. Environmental Consideration: The project site shall be cleaned up, and all refuse shall be removed and disposed of at an approved landfill.

i. Spills and Accidents: The Contractor shall be responsible if accidents and fuel spills occur. The Contractor shall report immediately spills and accidents to the BLM authorized officers and appropriate local authorities. The Contractor shall provide immediate treatment of contaminated or injured persons and seek professional medical attention when necessary. The Contractor shall control fuel spills quickly and shall secure additional help when the Contractor cannot effectively or safely handle the spill cleanup. Spills will be the responsibility of the Contractor and shall be cleaned up to the satisfaction of the local authorities.

j. Work Camp: Camping will be allowed during project implementation only at sites that have been approved in advance by the BLM. All fire regulations and permits shall be followed. All garbage and refuse shall be removed from the camp site by the Contractor within one week of project completion. In the equipment maintenance area, special precaution shall be taken to contain spilled fuel, lubricants, and wash water. Final payment will be reserved subject to inspection of these sites by the BLM and approval of site cleanup.

k. Completion of Contract: The contract will be considered completed, and payment due when all seed furnished to the Contractor by the Government has been seeded to the standards specified above; or when all areas designated under the contract have been seeded to specifications; or if performance under the contract is ordered to be terminated by the Government; and when the Contractor has furnished the Government with the Government-Furnished seeding equipment, spare parts, seed, and daily logs.

II. Government Furnished and Contractor Furnished Property

a. Contractor-Furnished Equipment and Supplies General - The Contractor shall seed designated areas in conformance with these specifications and the Work Data Sheet. Except as otherwise specified herein, Contractor shall furnish at the worksite all equipment, labor, supplies, and materials required to complete the work within the specified performance time. The Contractor shall service and maintain such equipment as necessary to maintain satisfactory progress on the work.

The Contractor shall furnish the necessary tractors with adequate drawbar horsepower, traction, and weight to pull the specified seeding equipment in rough, rocky terrain and adverse weather conditions. Operators skilled in the operation of the furnished tractors shall also be supplied by the Contractor. Tractors shall be furnished and maintained in good mechanical conditions throughout the term of the contract. The Contractor shall furnish the necessary qualified mechanics for maintenance of equipment and shall furnish all fuel, oil, and service required for operation of equipment and vehicles.

Work Crew: Labor shall be furnished by the Contractor for handling and loading the seed. The Contractor shall furnish the necessary qualified mechanics for maintenance of equipment and shall furnish all fuel, oil, and service required for operation of equipment and vehicles. All expenses relating to maintenance and operation of equipment shall be included in the unit price bid per acre for seed application.

Motor Vehicles: The Contractor shall finish motor vehicles for hauling equipment and personnel to the worksite. The Contractor shall not load /unload equipment on public highways unless authorized by the Nevada Department of Transportation.

b. Government-Furnished Equipment Seed: Seed will be furnished by the Government at the location(s) described in the Work Data Sheet or agreed upon during the pre-work conference. The Contractor shall be responsible to protect seed from loss or damage. All seed shall be kept covered and off the ground to prevent seed bags from getting wet. Seed damaged or lost while in the custody of the Contractor shall be replaced by the Contractor at no additional expense to the Government. Seed will be issued to the Contractor, or their authorized representative, and signed for on DI-105 (receipt of property) form.

Seed Drills/Carts: The Government will furnish seeding equipment of the type and in the quantity and location described in the Work Data Sheet and signed for on DI-105 (receipt of property) form.

Protection of Property - The Contractor shall be responsible for all the Government-Furnished equipment as long as it is in his/her custody, and shall protect equipment and spare parts from loss or damage due to theft or any other cause. Worn or broken parts that are replaced by the Contractor shall be presented for inspection by the Project Inspector.

III. Measure and Payment

Measurement for payment for seeding will be the number of acres satisfactorily completed in accordance with these specifications. Measurements will be made from GPS Survey, aerial photographs, or maps at the discretion of the government. Islands of brush, rock, or other unseeded areas within the perimeter of the work site will be excluded from the total acres measured. Payment will be made at the unit price per acre specified in the Bid Schedule, and shall include cost of all work described in these specifications and in the Work Data Sheet. All measurements will be based on horizontal distances. Re-measurement of the acreage under this Contract will be made upon the written request of the Contractor. Request for re-measurement must be made in writing within 10 calendar days after seeding has been completed. If re-measurement indicates a difference of not more than 5% from the original measurement, the Contractor shall pay the actual cost of the re-measurement. Payments will be based on the second measurement where the difference between measurements is more than 5%. Where the difference is less than 5% the results of the first measurement will be used.

IV. Project Meetings

A. Pre-Work Conference - A pre-work conference will be held prior to the start of work, and within 15 days of Contract award. The Contractor and the Contracting Officer’s Representative will schedule a time for the meeting location, date, and time. The purpose of the meeting will be to review the required work, project locations, project specifications, work schedule, payroll, progress payments, and administrative provisions of the Contract. The Contractor and the persons responsible for coordination of the work shall be present at the meeting. The Contractor shall be prepared to summarize and explain procedures planned for the project.

B. Progress Meetings - Meetings may be called by either the Contracting Officer or the Contractor as deemed necessary. Meetings shall be held at the project site, or as determined by the Contracting Officer.

C. Final Inspection - The meeting shall be held at the project site, or as determined by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer’s Representative at least two (2) working days in advance of the completion date, as to allow the Government to schedule a final inspection of the project. The Contractor shall require his or her superintendent (if designated) to be present during the inspections. The Contractor shall correct any deficiencies noted and the project will be re-inspected by the Contracting Officer. Final payment of the contract will be held pending the completion of a satisfactory final inspection of the project.

V. Work Location

Hazardous Materials: No hazardous materials shall be stored or disposed of on-site. Fuel, oil, and grease needed for equipment maintenance during the working period may be stored on site where no leakage or spillage will contaminate the ground, preferably in spill containment barriers. No equipment maintenance will be performed within, or near, any stream channel or waters where petroleum products or other pollutants from equipment may enter these waters.

Spills: The Contractor shall prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants to the environment by reducing the chance of spills through safe operating practices, maintaining equipment, stopping the source of spills, containing and cleaning up spills, properly disposing of spill materials, and shall take appropriate corrective action as approve by the COR. The excavated contaminated materials will then be disposed of at a certified hazardous waste facility.

Staging/Storage: Staging/Storage area for equipment and materials should be located outside of streams or any wetland/riparian habitat areas. Any equipment or vehicles driven and/or operated within, or adjacent to streams or other water should be checked and maintained daily to prevent leaks.

Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas: No overland travel in any Wilderness or Wilderness Study Areas is allowed.

Washing Vehicles/Equipment: All vehicles/ground equipment being used on this project shall be steam cleaned or pressure washed prior to starting and/or ending project to prevent the spread of noxious weeds. The area used for this procedure must be pre-approved by the COR or PI.