A04-CSNWR_Scope_of_Work_2024_Understory_Control.pdf

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge

23734 Hwy 1

McBee, SC 29101

Scope of Work

Herbicide Application for Forestry Project

1.0 General

The Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, McBee, SC, is seeking a qualified contractor for the Scope of Work outlined below. Performance period is July 15, 2024 through

September 30, 2024.

The successful bidder must be registered in SAM.gov (there is no charge to register) and invoice through an Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). Payment will be via EFT (electronic funds transfer).

Interested Bidders are encouraged to schedule a site visit with the Refuge Forester, Monday-

Friday, 8:00a.m. 4:00 p.m. before providing a quotation.

2.0 Purpose and Specifications

The purpose of this action is to enhance understory herbaceous vegetation by eliminating all undesirable woody vegetation, particularly scrub oak, sweetgum, inkberry, and natural pine regeneration. Herbicide damage to residual hardwoods and pines shall be avoided.

Understory woody vegetation reduction will be accomplished by applying a foliar application to all undesirable woody vegetation. Applications can be made by broadcast treatments utilizing modified skidder, or by backpack hand crew performing broadcast or spot treatments as needed to control target vegetation. All herbicide specimen labels, and specified rates below shall be followed.

The Refuge will supply all chemicals required for this Scope of Work. The Contractor shall supply all labor, transportation, supplies, supervision, and equipment to accomplish the work described above.

Herbicide Rates to be used per acre

Triclopyr (Garlon XRT)- 82 ounces

Aminopyralid (Milestone)- 7 ounces

Surfactant (Liberate)- 0.25% solution rate

Prior to application, the successful bidder and the refuge representative will conduct a coordination meeting to ensure the herbicide application-area is clearly defined and understood, and that job expectations are clearly defined.

2.1 Project Location

The project area is located on Carolina Sandhills NWR, 9 miles northeast of McBee, SC. From

McBee take Hwy 1 north 3.5 miles to Wildlife Drive. Follow Wildlife Drive 5 miles to RT9

(gravel). Take RT9 East 2.8 miles to RT4. Take a hard left on RT4 for 0.8 miles to RT4A. Go right on RT4A for 1.5 miles. The project location will be on the right, east of Mays Lake. See

Figure 1 for project area description and Figure 2 for project location. *Note: Most entrances on refuge are gated, therefore project area must be accessed from Wildlife drive and RT9.

2.2 Contractor Responsibilities

1. The Refuge Forester or agent must be contacted prior to beginning work.

2. All operations shall be conducted during daylight hours Monday through Friday.

Permission may be granted on a case-by-case basis for conducting operations on holidays or weekends.

3. All refuge wildlife is protected. No type of wildlife will be harmed or harassed.

4. Littering in any manner on the refuge is a violation of Federal Regulations. The entire work area shall be kept free of all forms of litter at all times. Specific attention shall be given to proper storage, maintenance and clean-up of petroleum based products.

5. Vehicles and other equipment will be operated in a safe manner. All state and county laws shall be adhered to.

6. Ensure the application area is clearly defined and understood. Only designated areas within the project area are to be sprayed. No activity is to occur outside of project area without prior approval.

7. Equipment is calibrated prior to application to ensure specified rates are applied.

8. Herbicide spillage will be avoided. Chemical spill kits shall be available during applications. Absorbent pads shall be used where tanks are filled to catch any spillage.

If spillage over 1 gallon occurs the contractor shall notify the refuge immediately. The contractor will be responsible for removing all contaminated materials and disposing of properly.

9. The permittee and employees will take all precautions to prevent forest fires. No open burning is permitted on the Refuge. If a fire does occur immediately call 911 and Refuge contact to report wildfire.

10. South Carolina’s Best Management Practices for Forestry will be followed as mandatory practices.

11. The Refuge Forester shall have authority to temporarily close all or part of the operation during inclement weather, a period of high fire danger, refuge hunts, safety reasons or any other reason deemed necessary.

12. All equipment will be removed from refuge property within 3 days of completing final closeout inspection by Refuge Forester.

3.0 Safety, Health and Environmental Compliance

In addition to requirements of these specifications, the contractor shall be responsible for meeting all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, and regulations, codes and similar requirements in relation to safety, personal protection, environmental, and transportation compliance with the Statement of Work.