A04 PWS_FY21 FL Invasive Plant IDIQ _0001.docx

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Background/Introduction

Invasive native and non-native invasive ('exotic') plants are species that man has intentionally or unintentionally introduced into an area outside their natural range. The invasion of invasive and non-native invasive plants is one of the most serious threats facing National Wildlife Refuges today. If invasive and non-native invasive plants are not actively managed or controlled, the integrity of floral and faunal resources Cspecies, when dominant, affect native plant and wildlife abundance and diversity, seriously impact habitat restoration projects, and disrupt ecosystem function. Invasive native and non-native invasive plant species of concern include cattail, Phragmites, air potato, Australian pine, Bischofia, Brazilian pepper, carrotwood, climbing cassia, Chinese tallow tree, Cuban bulrush, earleaf acacia, Java plum, knickerbean, lead tree, Melaleuca, moonvine, Japanese and Old World climbing fern, Pinus spp. (native pine), Quercus spp. (native oak), Sabal spp. (cabbage palm), Salix spp. (native willow), water hyacinth, water lettuce, weeds, and assorted non-native invasive grasses such as Burma reed, cogongrass, Guinea grass, Napier grass, natal grass, and para- and torpedo grass. The species listed above are for reference purposes only. Florida currently has over 85 Category 1 and 2 non-native plant species, respectively, listed as detrimental to Florida habitats and native and threatened and endangered wildlife. Identified target species shall include both aquatic and terrestrial plant species, native invasive and non-native invasive plants, and control shall include both ground (primary) and aerial (limited) treatment methods. Contractors should have the technical capability to provide treatment for a diverse array of invasive, non-native, and non-native invasive plants.

The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans. In 2003, the FWS developed a National Strategy for Management of Invasive Species. This strategy recognized that an aggressive invasive species prevention and control program is the only way the Refuge System can effectively carry out its mission, and outpace the rapid expansion of the threat of invasive and/or non-native ('exotic') pest plants. Invasive and non-native invasive plant management projects are designed to restore native vegetation, and improve the diversity of native habitats as part of over-arching habitat improvement and conservation plans specific to each individual refuge and/or hatchery.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is soliciting for the services of responsible contractors to provide crews, equipment, herbicides, and supplies for the control, removal and treatment of invasive native, non-native, and non-native invasive plants via approved ground application techniques on all Florida National Wildlife Refuges.

The MATOC will cover all current Florida National Wildlife Refuges, and furthermore, shall apply to any newly established, or future acquired refuge lands when applicable.

Work Locations: All Florida National Wildlife Refuges

General Information/Work Requirements/Scope of Performance

General: This requirement is a non-personal service for ground treatment of invasive native and non-native invasive ('exotic') plants on the Florida National Wildlife Refuges and Fish Hatcheries. The Contractor shall control, treat and remove native invasive and non-native, invasive vegetation, including Category 1 & 2 state-listed invasive plants, using approved ground and aerial treatment methodologies, and approved herbicide Current Control Technologies (CCTs). Ground treatment shall be the primary treatment method employed; however, vendors should have the ability to secure through sub-contracting avenues, aerial services (limited) when conditions warrant or aerial treatments are requested. Aerial treatments of native and non-native invasive plants will only be approved by the Site Manager (SM) in consultation with the Contracting Officer (CO) and Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). The Government will not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. As such, any sub-contractor and/or employees of the Contractor shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn, is responsible to the Government.

The Contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform work services as defined in this Performance Work Statement (PWS) and subsequent task orders (TO) except for those items specified as government furnished property and services. It is imperative that the Contractor possess the necessary skills and specialized equipment to complete all work specifications.

The Contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract.

For all Florida NWRs: It is estimated that 99% of all projects shall utilize traditional ground treatment methodologies and Contractor-supplied equipment such as airboats, 4x4 trucks, ATVs, UTVs such as Argos, tractors, jon boats and/or swamp buggies to access delineated project treatment areas. Any projects requiring aerial treatment will be addressed on a case by case basis, and shall require the approval of the Refuge Manager (RM) or SM with mutual concurrence of the COR and CO. No exceptions will be permitted. Aerial treatments are expected to comprise ≤1% of total task order awards over the five year lifespan of the FWS Florida Invasives IDIQ.

For expansive wetland refuges where the vast majority of the project area is flooded, or where water level conditions warrant and treatment requires the use of airboats as the primary transportation mode: a minimum of three airboats and crews shall be provided by the Contractor for each task order. Non-inclusive examples of such refuges includes A.R.M. Loxahatchee NWR Strazzulla Marsh unit, Chassahowitzka NWR and Ten Thousand Islands NWR.

The Contractor must secure one's own transport of ground crews to be furnished by the Contractor. Each ground crew shall consist of one crew supervisor (supervisor must be English speaking) and no more than eight (8) crew members per supervisor. The crew supervisor shall be able to communicate with ground crew members in a common language.

The ground crew supervisor must be a licensed herbicide applicator, and shall be responsible for data collection, herbicide application and inventory, herbicide safety procedures, and any additional crew members. The ground crew supervisor and all crew members shall have navigation equipment such as a hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS) unit, to mark areas of treatment for submittal to the SM and/or and Government Representative (GR). All targeted plants, or population of such plants, shall be treated and treatment sites recorded at each designated location before proceeding further. The Refuge COR/GR shall provide technical support concerning species treatments for each delineated work area shall technical support be requested by the Contractor. Under no circumstances shall a non-approved herbicide or combination thereof, be used without the knowledge or permission of the COR or RM. Note: all herbicides used in the treatment of native invasive and non-native invasive plants shall be approved prior to performance of work.

Contractor shall comply 100% with the agreed upon work plan. Method of treatment and targeted species shall vary dependent upon each task order. Applications must be at the appropriate rate suggested by the manufacturer and in accordance with the label. All work shall comply with the work statement, EPA standards, CCTs and herbicide label restrictions.

Objective: To provide herbicide control, treatment, and removal of invasive native, non-native and non-native invasive vegetation within delineated project boundaries (to be determined by individual TO awards).

CPerformance Standard (all units): The Contractor shall treat 100% of all targeted native invasive and/or non-native invasive vegetation within delineated treatment area (s), and, shall achieve a 95% control rate four (4) months post-treatment – applies to all treatment methodologies. The Contractor shall treat 100% of the delineated treatment area or as defined in Government supplied maps. Acceptance criteria will be identified in each PWS, TO, and Quality Control Plan (QCP) associated with each individual TO.

Type of Contract: Contractor will be awarded a Best Value-Price per Acre firm fixed price contract under a multiple award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. Individual contract will consist of a five- year period (base year and four option years). Option years are not guaranteed. Exercising an option year is contingent on available funding, and the Contractor's performance on task orders of the previous years.

Period of Performance: The period of performance shall be identified within each individual task order's PWS or Scope of Work (SOW).

Place of Performance: Florida National Wildlife Refuges and Fish Hatcheries and associated sub-units including newly designated units.

Treatment Unit: Size and complexity dependent upon individual task order

Acceptance Criteria (all projects/units): 100% of delineated project area surveyed and treated, 100% of targeted vegetation treated, and 95% control four months (120 days) post treatment.

Surveillance Methods:

Regularly scheduled inspection/review of work

Inspection of materials, equipment, and chemicals

Contractor logs/reports

Unscheduled site inspections to document project progress

COR/GR logs and reports

Payments:. Payments will be withheld until final inspection by refuge COR or GR to determine effects on target vegetation to ensure work standards and acceptance criteria have been achieved. Payment will be released following completion of the project and when it is determined that acceptance criteria have been achieved. Partial payments may be negotiable per individual task order, award amount and project complexity as determined by the CO, SM and the COR following consultation.

Incentives: None

Non-compliance with or not meeting the acceptance criteria identified in the PWS, SOW or TO will result in adverse action.

A positive performance rating will be given for overall satisfactory work performed.

Startup

The Contractor shall provide the Service's CO and COR with the following access numbers: Office (Headquarters) telephone; cellular numbers for all supervisors working on FWS projects, and, a dedicated FAX line number. These items shall be in good working condition at all times. Additionally, electronic mail (email) addresses for pertinent contractor personnel shall be provided to FWS.

The Contractor shall be familiar with the project location, existing conditions, and make every effort to attend any scheduled site visits prior to submitting a proposal. In the event that a Contractor misses the scheduled site visit, it is the sole responsibility of the Contractor to secure permission from the RM, SM, or GR to access the project treatment area, and assess invasive and exotic plant infestation levels or coverage in order to submit accurate bids.

The Contractor shall have sufficient equipment and personnel to treat large acreage of invasive native and non-native invasive vegetation in multiple locations simultaneously.

All work conducted and any access to government facilities between Monday and Friday unless approved in advance by the FWS. Any changes to the work schedule must be approved in advanced by the GR, RM and COR.

Obligations of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)

The Government will identify and direct the Contractor to the treatment areas, plants to be controlled, and will provide the Contractor with project or treatment area maps, appropriate Universal Daily Progress Reports (U-DPRs), and other information to locate work sites, and will provide technical assistance with regards to specific projects including herbicides, recommended and approved treatment techniques. However, the Contractor shall ultimately be responsible for meeting Acceptance Criteria as identified in the PWS, Performance Requirement Standards, QCP and special requirements under individual task order.

The Government will provide all or a portion of the following, if available, dependent upon the location of performance and the delineated project treatment unit: the latest Systematic Reconnaissance Flight (SRF) maps (LOX only) indicating the current estimated infestation levels of targeted species by 1 kilometer square grid cell (247 acres) or portions thereof where applicable, and include information on the unit's and species past treatment history, and/or the Government will provide GIS or Google Earth-generated maps or other mapping software format, past treatment history, infestation level text description, estimated infestation levels or total percent coverage of targeted species, and any other information to enable Contractors to submit an accurate price quote.

The Government will coordinate work assignments with the Contractor utilizing the COR, GR, or SM.

The Government will inspect treatment areas and approve control services and invoices for payment.

Obligations of the Contractor

The Contractor shall provide on-site ground crew supervisors that are certified by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) in the Aquatic and Natural Areas Management pesticide categories as part of the work force. All on-site ground crew supervisors must be English speaking, and, at a minimum, shall be certified in the Aquatics and Natural Areas Management pesticide category prior to contract execution. The ground crew supervisor/certified applicator shall supervise a maximum of eight (8) field staff at any given time, unless specified otherwise in the TO. A copy of each supervisor's FDACS certification shall be provided to the CO and the RM/SM prior to initiation of on-site supervisory duties. At the time of quote submission for each TO, the Contractor shall assign a ground crew supervisor(s) to each project that shall be on-site at all times during control operations until project completion. The ground crew supervisor shall be identified as the Contractor's primary contact for that project, shall be required to review and execute the task assignment, and complete the TO within the specified Period of Performance (POP) as stated in the PWS of the TO. The ground crew supervisor shall be capable of communicating with crew members in a common language.

The same crew, unless the Government requests a change in personnel for performance or other reasons, shall be utilized for the duration of each task order until completion to maintain project continuity.

Failure to maintain the same crew for the duration of the task order performance period could result in receipt of a 'cure' notice, a negative performance rating, cancellation of option years or default. Repeated violations of crew continuity will be considered grounds for IDIQ default and may result in a final negative performance rating.

Ground Crew Supervisors shall be responsible for: 1) coordination with the FWS COR and SM on a daily/weekly basis; 2) completion of Universal Daily Progress Reports (U-DPR) in full to be submitted weekly or bi-weekly, or at SM, RM or COR's request; 3) all control activities and safety on project sites; 4) assuring that all contract crews are knowledgeable of, and remain within property and treatment boundaries; 5) assuring appropriate herbicide labels, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and a copy of the fully executed task order with maps are on site at all times; 6) assuring every effort is made to avoid damage to native vegetation and wildlife; 7) assuring area is secured and left in state of condition equivalent to or better than prior to commencement of work activities; and 8) for the completion of final project summary report.

The Contractor, upon issuance of a TO, shall initiate control operations at the specified project location within thirty (30) days (standard), or date specified within PWS/SOW of the execution of the task. If the Contractor fails to start work within the time period designated, the FWS shall have the option to terminate, or cancel the contract, and assign the task to another contractor.

The Contractor shall be allowed to subcontract ground control work outlined in an executed TO with prior approval of the FWS. The Sub-contractor shall meet the same qualifications as the primary Contractor. All sub-contracted tasks shall be approved at the discretion of the RM, his or her designee, after consultation with the CO or the designee as listed in the contract or identified in individual TO (s). The FWS shall retain the right, at all times, to disqualify any Sub-contractors for a specific task for the government's convenience. Sub-standard work or 'default' by any Sub-contractor shall be reflected in the performance rating of the primary Contractor.

All equipment used shall be in good repair and operating condition at all times, and be in compliance with all federal, state, and local vehicle/vessel regulations or OSHA regulations. All equipment shall meet all safety standards as established for that piece of equipment. All equipment shall be operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. All equipment shall be equipped with all appropriate safety guards as specified by the manufacturer. The FWS shall reserve the right to request replacement of equipment or personnel if deemed to be unsafe, or operating in an unsafe manner at any time. The Contractor shall not be able to recover costs incurred in the event equipment and/or personnel are deemed by the FWS to be unsafe.

The Contractor shall properly dispose of all herbicides and adjuvant containers off-site as governed by the State of Florida's Pesticide Laws, Policy or Regulations.

The Contractor shall be responsible to exercise care and protect all native vegetation at the project site. The Contractor shall be responsible for the restoration or replacement of all damaged native vegetation to the satisfaction of the FWS, at no cost to the FWS. Tree limbs, which interfere with equipment operation and are approved for pruning by the designated site manager, shall be neatly trimmed in accordance with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z133.1: A Tree Care Operations-Pruning, Trimming, Repairing, Maintaining and Removing Trees, and for Cutting Brush.

The Contractor shall be responsible for and repair, replace, or restore to original condition all property damaged as a result of any activity by the Contractor or any Sub-contractor to the satisfaction of FWS. This shall include, but is not limited to, soil grade disturbance resulting from heavy equipment, stump removal, pavement surface, turf areas, mixing zones, man-made structures and equipment.

The Contractor shall be responsible for providing applicators with all supplies and equipment to safely conduct aquatic and upland invasive and non-native invasive plant control operations. This shall include vehicles, airboats, 4x4 trucks, and watercraft for transportation to work sites, GPS equipment for collecting site positions, herbicides and adjuvants, sprayers, machetes, hand tools, chainsaws, brush cutters, safety equipment, potable water, and suitable communications capability to facilitate operational coordination and safety of crew members. Contractor-supplied airboats, all-terrain vehicles, trucks, watercraft, and buggies shall be required to transport crews and supplies to and from treatment sites.

The Contractor shall be responsible for treatment of 100% of the delineated project area, 100% of target vegetation identified in the project PWS and within the treatment area (s) designated within any supplemental treatment area maps. All control efforts shall be at least 95% effective in preventing re-sprout of all target vegetation, unless specified in the TO. If a 95% kill rate is not achieved for any area of the project after four (4) months following project completion, one additional thorough treatment of the targeted plant species and delineated treatment area listed under Project Goals or Work Specifications shall be the responsibility of the Contractor at no expense to the Government. Failure to comply with a request for re-treatment may result in a negative performance rating or evaluation or default from the IDIQ.

Unless stipulated otherwise, the Contractor shall furnish and supply all herbicides, adjuvants, surfactants and spray additives needed to perform all FWS invasive plant control operations as specified in the PWS, SOW, or each individual TO. The Contractor shall ensure each herbicide and adjuvant is approved for use at the FWS facility where control operations shall take place.

The herbicides, adjuvants, surfactants and spray additives to be provided and applied by the Contractor may include, but are not limited to, the following:

(w) Habitat

The above list is for general reference purposes only.

Herbicides, Adjuvants and/or Surfactants (HAS) shall be approved by the Service's RM/SM prior to use. Prior to commencement of control work, the Contractor shall provide an herbicide list to the RM/SM and COR for approval. All HAS shall be approved through the FWSs' Annual Pesticide Use Proposal (PUPs) process. The Contractor shall not use any HAS that have not been approved for use on the designated National Wildlife Refuge/Hatchery through the PUPs process, or as stipulated in the TO. HAS listed above are for reference purposes only. Any HAS approved at the field level by the RM, or by the Region 4 IPM Coordinator for a specific NWR can be utilized. Any Refuge shall reserve the right to advise the Contractor to utilize a different herbicide than which may have been proposed for usage. The Contractor shall be held liable for any property or vegetation damages or wildlife injury or poisoning, resulting from the use of 'non-Service approved' HAS.

Herbicides shall be EPA/FDACS registered or have the appropriate Florida Special Local Needs (SLN) Section 24 (c) FIFRA registration. Herbicide and SLN labels shall be in possession at all times. ALL HERBICIDES SHALL BE USED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EPA LABEL. The Contractor shall be held liable for any penalties, fines, or damages resulting from the misuse or improper application of herbicides including damage to native vegetation, or aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. All herbicides shall/are to be provided by the Contractor, as needed, depending on the type of vegetation to be treated unless otherwise indicated.

The Contractor shall supply equipment to meter chemicals and water mixtures, and shall provide mixing and loading equipment and water. Water hauling services will be required. The Contractor must be capable of calibrating equipment to the final application rate specifications. *NOTE: All equipment and personnel must be able to work at semi-remote and semi-primitive sites (i.e., no electrical or water hookups, bathrooms, or other facilities available).

The FWS shall reserve the right, at its option, to furnish any or all of the herbicides and spray additives to the selected Contractor to conduct approved invasive or non-native invasive plant control operations.

FWS shall be obligated to reimburse the Contractor for only those activities detailed in the PWS, SOW or TO; no exceptions shall be permitted.

The Contractor shall be responsible for the collection of treatment data including treatment date, treatment location, treatment method (hand-pulled, mechanical, or herbicide), number of plants/acreage treated, herbicide brand name, formulation and volume used, number of applicators, and hours worked, and shall be liable for completing a standard Universal Daily Progress Report (U-DPR); to be provided to selected Contractor prior to execution of the TO. Fields listed above are for reference purposes only.

The Contractor shall submit on a weekly (minimum) basis daily GPS track logs to the RM/SM if requested, and/or identified in individual TOs. This request shall be part of the Performance Requirements Standards and/or Quality Assurance/Control Plan (QA/QCP), and enables the COR and SM to track the progress of the Contractor's treatments, and thoroughness of the Contractor's coverage of the delineated treatment area.

The Contractor shall be responsible, at any time, to provide updates and reports to FWS staff on all FWS exotic-related task orders concerning invasives or non-native plant control, removal or treatment on FWS lands. Information shall include date operations were performed, location (Lat./Lon., UTM), task order number, gross acres covered, infested acres treated by species, number and type of species hand pulled, total herbicide/surfactant volume used, individual herbicide volumes (concentrate used)/totals per project, total mix applied, supervisor and crew hours by project or by species if applicable, equipment hours, etc. The provided list is for reference purposes only. The SM or COR can provide more detailed information to the Contractor for what's required for the Comprehensive Project Summary Report. If applicable, DOI and/or 'State’ agencies may provide database and U-DPR training upon request and on an annual or semi-annual basis.

At the completion of the project and pre-invoice, the Contractor shall provide a final Comprehensive Project Summary Report detailing the information identified in 5.13.2 above.

The Contractor shall be responsible for entering all information from the U-DPRs into an appropriate (Contractor supplied or provided) data tracking system, i.e., MS Access or Excel that shall have querying and report-generating capabilities to aid in the completion of the Comprehensive Project Summary Report. Final project reports are utilized by the FWS to complete Annual Pesticide and Chemical Usage Summary reports so accurate data entry on the part of the Contractor is deemed critical.

The Contractor shall provide and possess an Accident, Health and Safety Plans to mitigate mishaps and to ensure OSHA compliance and shall be responsible for providing a copy to the FWS upon written or oral request at any time. The Safety Plan should be current at all times.

The Contractor shall provide workers with all necessary OSHA-approved Personal Protective Equipment. Hazards to be considered include chainsaw use, falling trees and limbs, herbicide exposure, heat exhaustion and stress, biting insects, stinging venomous insects and snakes, and poisonous plants such as poison ivy. Appropriate precautions, including daily safety briefings, shall be implemented by the Contractor.

The Contractor shall ensure that all crew members (project supervisors, crew supervisors, laborers) are ‘E-Verified’, registered U.S. citizens, and/or shall ensure that all Contractor staff possess the necessary government-approved documentation (work visa, ‘green card’) enabling them to work as Contractors for the U.S. Government-Department of Interior (FWS).

The Contractor shall implement ‘decontamination protocols’ for all personnel and equipment prior to their introduction on any refuge or hatchery lands as mandated to complete an assigned task order. The Contractor shall work with the COR and RM/SM to designate a specific decontamination site. Decontamination protocols shall also be implemented when moving personnel or equipment within a project area. ‘Decontamination protocols’ shall include, but not be limited to, pressure washing of vehicles and equipment with mild bleach solution to ensure spore and seed removal or sterilization, and the use of disposable clothing such as Tyvek® suits and rubber or latex gloves for personnel. To mitigate for additional spread, clothing shall be changed prior to entering new areas to conduct non-native plant control operations. The Contractor shall be responsible, at their own expense, for treating any new invasive or non-native invasive plant species, or infestations that were accidentally, or intentionally introduced due to faulty ‘decontamination protocols’, or due to control or non-control measures separate of any existing task orders. The COR and RM/ SM shall decide if any new infestations were the result of Contractor (s) control activities or Contractor negligence. The Contractor shall make a concerted effort to adhere to ‘Decontamination’ protocols to ensure personnel and equipment are clean and free of non-native seed and spore and vegetative material to prevent the spread and establishment of any new or existing native invasive or non-native invasive plants. The Contractor shall submit and possess a ‘Decontamination’ plan. Failure to comply with decontamination procedures and protocols shall constitute grounds for TO cancellation, failure to be considered for future project awards and/or IDIQ default.

All Contractor personnel who directly participate in the administration of, or in field treatments of a specific project, shall be required to participate in the pre-award/post award conference meeting – no exceptions shall be granted. Mishaps occurring due to critical information not being relayed to Contractor personnel assigned to a TO may affect future contract awards.

Unless due to an ‘Act of God’, the Contractor shall remain on site once a project has been initiated until the project is deemed completed, and furthermore, shall supply resources and personnel as stipulated in the submitted proposal. Failure to provide mandatory resources and equipment per the submitted proposal can and may impact future awards.

It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure the safety of the public when conducting all phases of the work operations.

The Contractor shall notify the RM or designated COR/GR/SR at least 48 hours prior to the commencement of work and application of pesticides.

The Contractor shall self-implement a QA/QCP prior to the start of each project in order to successfully meet Acceptance Criteria standards identified in each task order. It is the sole responsibility of the Contractor or Sub- to implement protocols to ensure successful completion of the assigned task. Repeated failures to meet TO Acceptance Criteria following a request for Government personnel to inspect shall result in adverse action taken by the Government against the Contractor.

Additional Contractor/Government obligations or requirements shall be listed in individual TOs.

Security

Security Requirements: The Contractor shall be responsible for abiding by all security requirements, and shall be responsible for obtaining all applicable security passes and/or clearances when operating on a site or in an area (s) that is designated as a ‘secure’ site. For reference purposes only, most units on Merritt Island NWR are designated as ‘secure’ sites by NASA and require the Contractor to secure special passes for all crew members.

Physical Security: The Contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all government equipment, information, and property provided for Contractor use (if applicable). At the close of each work period, government facilities, equipment and materials shall be secured.

Key Control (if applicable): The Contractor shall establish and implement methods of making sure all keys/key cards issued to the Contractor by the Government are not lost or misplaced and are not used by unauthorized persons. NOTE: All references to keys include key cards. No keys issued to the Contractor by the Government shall be duplicated. The Contractor shall develop procedures covering key control that shall be included in the QA/QCP. Such procedures shall include turn-in of any issued keys by personnel who no longer require access to locked areas, or upon completion of the TO. The Contractor shall immediately report any occurrences of lost or duplicate keys/key cards to the CO, COR and RM/SM.

In the event keys, other than master keys, are lost or duplicated, the Contractor shall, upon direction of the CO, re-key or replace the affected lock or locks; however, the Government, at its option, may replace the affected lock or locks or perform re-keying. When the replacement of locks or re-keying is performed by the Government, the total cost of re-keying or the replacement of the lock or locks, shall be deducted from the payment due the Contractor. In the event a master key is lost or duplicated, all locks and keys for that system shall be replaced by the Government, and the total cost deducted from the payment due the Contractor, or subtracted from the total contract amount due upon successful completion of the contract.

The Contractor shall prohibit the use of Government issued keys/key cards by any persons other than the Contractor’s employees. The Contractor shall prohibit the opening of locked areas by Contractor employees to permit entrance of persons other than Contractor employees engaged in the performance of assigned work in those areas, or personnel authorized entrance by the CO.

Lock Combinations (if applicable). The Contractor shall establish and implement methods of ensuring that all lock combinations are not revealed to unauthorized persons. The Contractor shall ensure that lock combinations are changed when personnel having access to the combinations no longer have a need to know such combinations. These procedures shall be included in the Contractor’s QA/QCP, and be coordinated through the RM/SM.

Special Conditions: If pertinent, these will be designated in individual TOs.

Work may be temporarily suspended during certain construction, or during or when conducting prescribed fire activities, during anticipated extreme weather conditions such as drought, or in anticipation of tropical storms or other severe weather event, or during low water or muddy conditions.

Water levels and high fire danger may prohibit access to delineated project areas during certain times of the year. The COR or RM/SM may re-assign Contractor crews to a different area on short notice should any Special Conditions warrant these measures. Notification shall occur verbally and in writing, and shall be mutually agreed upon by the CO, COR, SM, and the Contractor.

Weather and site conditions may interfere with the work completion schedule negotiated at the pre-award conference. The CO may halt work at any time upon written notice for conditions beyond the control of the Contractor. Should this result in significant time lost, an extension to the completion date will be granted following negotiations between the CO, COR, SM and the Contractor.

The Contractor and/or Project or Crew Supervisor shall exercise due diligence with respect to and with regards to coordinating control activities if adverse weather is expected or predicted. Future weather conditions (the next day’s and beyond) shall be evaluated nightly by the Contractor, their designated Project Manager, and the Crew Supervisor prior to planning and initiating exotic control activities for the next day or days ahead. Except in unusual or extreme cases, weather can be predicted fairly accurately.

No heavy equipment shall be utilized during extreme wet periods due to damage to native habitats and extreme soil disturbance. The use of heavy equipment for the purposes of mechanical removal of native and non-native invasive plants shall require the approval of the RM/SM, COR and CO.

Special Qualifications: If pertinent, these will be designated at TO level.

Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings: The Contractor shall agree to attend any post award conference or progress meetings convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 42.5. The CO, COR, GR/SR, and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the Contractor to review the Contractor's performance and/or status of work. At these meetings, the CO will apprise the Contractor of how the government views the Contractor's performance, and the Contractor will apprise the Government of problems being experienced, if any. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the Government.

Contracting Officer Representative (COR)/Government/Site Representative (GR/SR): The COR/SR will be identified by either separate letter or other form of notification. The COR or GR/SR monitors all technical aspects of the contract and assists in contract administration. The COR/GR is authorized to perform the following functions: assure that the Contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract; conduct scheduled and unscheduled inspections necessary in connection with contract performance; maintains an internal written daily log of the contractor performance and aspects related to the project; maintain written and oral communications with the Contractor concerning technical aspects of the contract; issue written interpretations of technical requirements, including Government drawings, designs, and specifications; monitor Contractor performance and notify both the CO and Contractor of any deficiencies; coordinate availability of government furnished property; provide site entry of Contractor personnel; and, approve payments to the Contractor following completion of the task order. A letter of designation issued to the COR, a copy of which is sent to the Contractor, states the responsibilities and limitations of the COR, especially with regard to changes in cost or price, estimates or changes in delivery dates. The COR is not authorized to change any of the terms and conditions of the resulting order or contract.

The designated station COR will be identified in each individual task order.

Key Personnel: The follow personnel are considered key personnel by the government: Contract Manager/Administrator, Project Manager/Supervisor and Crew Supervisor. The Contractor shall provide a Contract Manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate who shall act on behalf of the Contractor when the manager is absent, and shall be designated in writing to the CO. The Contract Manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract.

The FWS reserves the right to request the Contractor to replace any operating personnel or equipment used in the performance of this contract if the personnel or equipment are violating, or have violated, any state or federal laws, or are deemed to be unsafe. In this event, the Contractor shall immediately, upon written or verbal (to be later reduced to writing) communication from the FWS, provide replacements satisfactory to the FWS at no additional cost.

Identification of Contractor Employees: All Contractor personnel attending meetings, answering Government telephones, and working in other situations where their Contractor status is not obvious to third parties are required to identify themselves as such to avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public that they are Government officials. They must also ensure that all documents or reports produced by Contractors are suitably marked as contractor products or that contractor participation is appropriately disclosed. The Contractor personnel shall be required to obtain and wear badges (or company attire indicating name of company) in performance of this service.

Data Rights (if applicable): The Government has unlimited rights to all documents/material produced under this contract. All documents and materials, to include the source codes of any software, produced under this contract shall be Government owned and are the property of the Government with all rights and privileges of ownership/copyright belonging exclusively to the Government. These documents and materials may not be used or sold by the Contractor without written permission from the CO. All materials supplied to the Government shall be the sole property of the Government and may not be used for any other purpose. This right does not abrogate any other Government rights.

Applicable Directives

Contractor employees performing work directly onsite shall adhere to all local regulations, rules, and policies relating to the obtainment of proper clearances, building access, site access, and badges. If applicable - must complete background investigation, computer security, and records management training.

The Contractor must abide by all applicable regulations, publications, manuals, and local policies and procedures.

OSHA, 29 CFR 1910 (as applicable)

EPA regulations

The Contractor shall be responsible for acquiring and maintaining all federal, state and local licenses, certification, and permits as required including a Florida State Certified Pesticide Applicator License. If aircraft are to be utilized, the pilot must be a licensed pilot, i.e., certified to fly aircraft in the State where the work is to be performed, and be carded in the type of specific activity being requested, i.e., aerial application of herbicides. The Project Supervisor and/or Contractor employee performing chemical treatments of non-native invasive plants must be a Florida State Certified Pesticide Applicator. Aquatics and Natural Areas Management certifications are preferred for all contract personnel such as crew supervisors that are performing, or overseeing personnel performing chemical treatment to native invasive and non-native invasive plants. The Contractor shall be required to submit a copy of the licenses of all ‘key’ employees to the Contracting Officer prior to the pre-award meeting.

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act

Chapter 487, Florida Statutes

The Contractor (or their representatives) will not litter, and shall police and dispose of all litter at the end of each workday. Litter violations will be handled under Federal Code of Regulations 50 CFR 27.94(a), which carries fines ranging from $100.00 - $500.00 per incident upon conviction.

Work Time/Hours of Duty

Work will not be performed on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Hours of Operation: The Contractor is responsible for conducting business, between the typical hours of 7:00 am and 5:30 pm (reference individual task order for changes) Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government directed facility closings. Once work begins, pending ‘Acts of God’ or adverse weather, the Contractor shall maintain continuous work. Any weekend or holiday work shall require special permission, in advance, from the COR or RM/SM.

The Contractor must at all times maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within the PWS when the Government facility is not closed for the above reasons. When hiring personnel, the Contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the workforce are essential, and the same crews and field personnel shall be assigned for the duration of the task order.

Supplies, Materials, Equipment and Utilities

As a government agency dedicated to “working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people,” the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) strives to incorporate the most ecologically sound and environmentally beneficial technologies, materials, and practices into all aspects of planning and operations. To help achieve this mission and meet Executive Orders and DOI planning requirements, the FWS has implemented strategies to reduce the environmental impacts associated with procurement, lease acquisition, waste prevention and recycling, facility design, construction, operation and management, contracting and permitted commercial visitor services. These strategies have been collectively referred to as the FWS’s Green Procurement and Waste Prevention & Recycling Program (Greening Program) and are a part of the FWS’s overall approach to environmental management.

Government-Furnished Property and Services: The Government will not furnish any equipment required for the completion of this task unless stipulated within a TO.

Services/Supply: Reference individual TO.

Facilities: none

Utilities: none

Equipment: Storage of equipment and/or herbicides needed to complete the work shall be addressed prior to the start of the project, and approval shall be at the discretion of the RM, SM, and COR. No exceptions shall be allowed.

Materials: none

Supplies, Materials, and Equipment: Provided by the Contractor

All equipment to be used in the performance of work described herein is subject to the approval of the COR, RM and/or designated GR.

Supervision

In order to ensure performance and accomplishment of the work as outlined herein, the Contractor shall provide adequate and competent supervision at all times for all work to be accomplished by the Contractor’s employees. When contract work is in progress, supervisory personnel shall be available at all times to receive notices, reports, or requests from the RM, GR, and COR, or his/her authorized representative. At no time shall Government representatives direct or supervise the activities of the Contractor’s employees.

On-site Supervision - An on-site supervisor, with the ability to speak and understand English clearly, and with the authority to act for the Contractor on a day-to-day basis and to sign inspection reports and all other correspondence on behalf of the Contractor, shall be present at the work site at all times when contract work is in progress.

Supervisory Responsibilities - Supervisory responsibilities shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

Providing an adequate labor force; this includes the immediate replacement of personnel dismissed for cause, or leaving employment of their own volition.

Ensuring that Contractor personnel are properly trained to perform their assigned work in a proper, safe, and efficient manner, and ensuring that the proper supplies, materials, and equipment are on hand.

Taking action to prevent general carelessness by employees and/or abuse of facilities or equipment.

Establishing an effective and comprehensive safety program.

Indoctrinating employees to report fire, hazardous conditions, maintenance deficiencies and graffiti.

Continually ensuring that the conduct of the Contractor’s employees reflect favorably upon the Contractor’s and FWS organization(s).

Personnel Qualifications

Supervisory Personnel: All supervisory employees engaged in directing the work to be accomplished under this contract shall possess, at least with-in the last two years of recent, (within the past four years) experience in directing the subject service-type operations in a supervisory capacity for projects of the approximate size/scope under this contract.

The Contractor must have a ground crew supervisory staff that possesses the following qualifications:

Knowledge and five years of substantial experience in field identification and current control technologies of aquatic and upland invasive exotic plants common to Florida, including species on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council Category I & II lists.

Current Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services pesticide certification in the Aquatics or Natural Areas category. All ground crew supervisors shall obtain certification in the Aquatics and Natural Areas Management pesticide category within three months of contract execution.

Sound knowledge of ecological principles as they relate to vegetation management, and avoidance of non-target damages to desirable vegetation.

Current working knowledge of resource management methods, biological processes and vegetation control techniques.

Knowledge of data organization, record keeping and global position mapping (GPS) techniques.

Ability to communicate with crew members in a common language.

Ability to work under adverse physical and weather conditions, including high humidity and temperatures; inclement weather, exposure to poisonous plants and venomous reptiles, biting insect and in hostile terrain.

Ability to operate and conduct field maintenance of vehicles, spray and mechanical removal equipment, and to recognize and avoid hazards associated with operating such equipment.

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