A04-Schedule_of_Services-SOW_Invasive_Weed_Treatment.pdf

SOLICITATION 140L4322Q0125

2022-2023 WEED CONTROL SERVICES,

BLM – NORTHWEST OREGON DISTRICT

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

Item No.

Description Qty. Unit Unit Price

Total Amount

001 Herbicide Spot Spray, Low Density 967 acres $

002 Herbicide Spot Spray, Medium Density 339 acres $ 003 Herbicide Spot Spray, High Density 3 acres $ 004 Roadside Herbicide Backpack Spot Spray, Low 39 miles $

005 Roadside Herbicide Backpack Spot Spray, Medium

200 miles $

006 Roadside Herbicide Backpack Spot Spray, High

24 miles $

007 Manual Pull and Scatter, Low Density 88 acres $ 008 Manual Pull and Bag, Low Density 1 acres $ 009 Mechanical Cut & Scatter, Low Density 344 acres $ 010 Mechanical Cut & Scatter, Medium

Density 101 acres $

011 Mechanical Cut & Scatter, High Density 115 acres $ 012 Supplemental Walking in Rate 92 miles $

GRAND TOTAL: $

SECTION C – STATEMENT OF WORK

INVASIVE WEED CONTROL AND INVENTORY

C.1.0 GENERAL

C.1.1 Introduction - The Northwest Oregon District of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) requires land treatment services to treat invasive plants along roadsides and off roads in but not limited to grasslands, woodlands, and conifer stands; on landings, waysides, gravel, and rock borrow pits;

and along roads and trails. Treatment methods may include manual, mechanical, or chemical (herbicide) treatments (see C.3.0 Definitions for descriptions of methods).

C.1.2 Historical Background - Current federal and state laws and policy requires agencies to control and prevent further spread of invasive plant species. Invasive plant control on selected sites is needed to protect native and desirable plant communities on federal lands and to control the spread of invasive plants onto private, county, and state lands. Invasive plants are non-native aggressive plants with the potential to cause significant damage to native ecosystems and or cause significant economic losses. The most well-known invasive plants are legally declared Noxious Weeds as they are injurious to public health, agriculture, recreation, wildlife and any public or private property.

C.1.3 Scope of Work –

The BLM Northwest Oregon District includes 5 Field Offices within its boundaries (Cascades, Marys Peak, Siuslaw, Tillamook, and Upper Willamette). For this contract there will be 6 Field Office Work Packages, each with an associated office (2 packages for Cascades). Each Field Office Work Package will have its own COR and/or Project Coordinator.

The objective of all 6 Field Office Work Packages in this contract is to locate and treat state listed noxious weeds and other invasive plant (weed) species designated by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), using a designated combination of manual, mechanical, and chemical methods following the terms, specifications, and provisions of this contract and each Field Office Work Package. Acceptable contract performance will be based on a thorough treatment of the targeted weeds herein specified. Work quality will be inspected according to the specifications present in the contract. Treatment methods may include: 1) manual methods – hand pulling, hand cutting, grubbing, or weed wrenching; 2) mechanical methods – weed-eating, chain sawing, or mowing; and 3) chemical methods –spot spraying, or a combination of these methods (e.g., cut and spray). Cut or pulled plants may be scattered, piled, or bagged and hauled to designated disposal sites per COR direction, which depends on species and treatment timing. Each treatment item shall be for a targeted invasive plant density level (low, medium, or high). Each Field Office Work Package will list the target species and density level for a unit or linear feature targeted for treatment. Documentation to be completed by the contractor will include recording treatment information for each site.

C.1.4 Applicable Directives for Project - The proposed project work shall be done in accordance with the Northwestern and Coastal Oregon Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan (2016). The proposed work shall be done in accordance with Integrated Invasive Plant Management for Northwest Oregon District EA (2018). This proposed project work will also occur in accordance with the 2007 Programmatic EIS for Vegetation treatments using herbicides on Bureau of Land Management Lands in 17 Western States, the 2010 Record of Decision for the Final Environmental Impact Statement on Vegetation Treatments Using Herbicides on BLM Lands in Oregon and the 2016 Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement. This contract will incorporate all pertinent approved chemicals, application rates, and adjuvants as allowed by 2020 Northwest Oregon District Pesticide Use Proposal (ORN000_20_001_P).

C.1.5 Noxious/Invasive Weeds List - The noxious weed invasive plants list is based on the 2019 Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) Noxious weeds. Field Office Work Packages will have target species for each site that may include ODA noxious weeds or additional non-native species for each specific site.

C.1.6 Location of Project Areas - All treatment areas are within the BLM, Northwest Oregon District, within 100 miles of at least one of the following: Northwest Oregon BLM Office, Tillamook Field Office, or the Springfield Interagency Office. A Northwest Oregon District Contract Vicinity Map is included in Attachments 1.

C.1.7 Project specific maps will be available at the prework for each Field Office Work Package.

C.1.8 Treatment Sites

C.1.8.1 Treatment sites vary in size from less than 1/4 acre to many acres or 1/10 of a mile to many miles. Project treatment sites will be marked on maps provided by the Government. The areas may be marked on the ground with flagging or other means of identification as designated at the pre-work. All pdf maps are available with Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates imbedded and are useable on navigation maps, such as Avenza, to assist the Contractor in locating sites.

C.1.8.2 Treatment sites will be of two types, 1) a polygon (a unit of some acreage) or 2) a line or linear feature like a road or trail. Most treatment sites are categorized by acres. Linear features (roads and trails) will be categorized by miles.

C.1.8.3 Treatment areas along roads will be an average of 30 feet wide, measured 15 feet from the center of the road or 15 feet from the road edge on each side. The treatment area will include the road edge, turnouts, ditch, and cut and fill slopes. This equates to 3.64 treatment acres per mile of road. Unless otherwise specified in a Field Office Work Package.

C.1.8.4 The BLM may designate certain areas as no-treatment zones, such as Special Status plant sites or other special areas. These areas will be marked on the maps given to the Contractor and marked in the field with designated flagging.

C.1.8.5 Linear features or habitat areas to be inventoried will be marked on maps in such a way as to be identifiable in the field. Flagging or GPS coordinates may be used to assist the Contractor with locating these areas.

C.1.8.6 Treatment sites are shown on maps at a scale generally no larger than 1:12,000. Treatment maps will be issued with each Field Office Work Package and provided to the Contractor. Aerial photos may be included to help identify the sites, if requested.

C.1.9 Access

C.1.9.1 Access will be by both improved roads (paved/gravel) and unimproved roads (dirt) which may require four-wheel drive vehicles. Some units or portions of units do not have direct road access.

C.1.9.2Walk-ins may be necessary up to one-fourth (¼) mile. Infrequently, especially behind closed gates/roads, treatment sites will take more than ¼ mile to access on foot and contractors will be paid an additional cost (Item 012) to walk into these sites, on a per mile basis.

C.1.9.3 Use of un-surfaced roads during wet months should be minimized to avoid damage. Vehicles shall not operate off system roads without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer, nor shall they by- pass any officially blocked road (barriers, locked gates, posted signs, rock/log/dirt, etc.) without approval of the COR or Project Coordinator. The Government assumes no obligation to do special maintenance to keep roads open. However, the Contractor may cut fallen trees or logs out of the roadway if they are blocking their access to a treatment area. Just the portion of the log or tree within the road prism may be cut.

C.1.9.4 Private Lands – If the only access to a treatment site on BLM lands is across private lands, either on private roads or overland, the Contractor shall wait for permission from the COR or Project Coordinator before crossing private lands so The Government can coordinate access with the Landowner. The Contractor shall not trespass across private lands. If the Contractor is not able to access an area, that unit may be exchanged for a similar unit or be dropped.

C.1.9.5 Gates - Some treatment sites may be behind locked gates. Locked gates shall always remain locked other than when the Contractor is passing through them. Keys for these gates will be available through the COR or Project Coordinator where the work is being conducted. A key for access to locked gates will be signed out on a DI-105 form, Receipt for Property, to the Contractor at the pre-work. The key shall be returned to the COR in a usable condition before final payment is made. The Contractor shall be charged $50.00 for each key lost or returned in an unusable condition.

C.1.10 Vehicles

C.1.10.1 Mechanized Equipment and Vehicle Washing – Prior to entering BLM lands, Contractor equipment and vehicles shall be washed to remove all dirt, mud, grease, and plant parts that may carry noxious weed seeds or vegetative parts. Equipment shall be inspected by the COR. Vehicles and equipment shall be washed at least twice a month.

C.1.10.2 Mechanized Equipment – All mechanized equipment operations shall be limited to 35% slopes with allowances to 45% slope for short pitches up to 300 feet. All operations on granitic soils shall be limited to 25% slopes with allowances to 35% slope for short pitches up to 300 feet.

C.1.10.3 Use of All Terrain Vehicles – If an all-terrain vehicle is used, it shall be of such design that it will travel over rough, uneven terrain and not create wheel ruts and channels. ATVs shall not have a spray tank greater than 15 gallons, no booms, and the vehicle, spray tank and sprayer shall meet with the approval of the COR prior to use. Only a handheld spray nozzle may be used to apply herbicide.

C.1.10.4 Spray Trucks – Trucks with spray reel/guns shall meet Oregon State Safety Standards and laws for herbicide application and meet with the approval of the COR prior to use. Boom sprayers may not be used.

C.1.11 Fuel and Herbicide Spill and Containment

C.1.11.1 Fueling power equipment and ATVs shall be conducted a minimum of 150 feet away from live streams and rivers. All spills, leaks or solid emissions from equipment shall be removed from daily work areas and properly disposed of at Contractor’s expense. Equipment shall be kept in proper running order to prevent spills, leaks, or solid emissions. Contractor shall keep a fuel spill response kit readily available on site throughout the duration of work and be trained and knowledgeable in its use.

C.1.11.2 All Herbicides will be used ‘Consistent with labeling’ and BLM requirements (such as approved formulations, adjuvants, and application rates) and will adhere to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) concerning use, labeling, licensing, storage, and cleanup.

Only herbicides listed in the Field Office Work Packages and included in the 2020 Pesticide Use Proposal listed in Attachment 2 & 3 shall be used in this contract.

C.1.11.3 Herbicides, dyes, or adjuvants shall not be dumped on BLM or private lands during the implementation of this contract. While conducting herbicide treatments, the Contractor shall only clean backpack sprayers, hoses, or other equipment containing herbicide mixtures on BLM lands, not on private lands (other than Contractor’s). Rinsate shall only be poured in areas free of vegetation, such as gravel pits or on untreated noxious weed patches where no non-target plants would be impacted. No equipment shall be rinsed within 100 feet of a water body.

C.1.11.4 Any herbicide spill shall be cleaned up following an approved spill plan provided by the contractor. All herbicide spills shall be reported to the COR immediately.

At a minimum, Contractor shall: Take immediate action to minimize spill contamination, pending the arrival of containment personnel and equipment.

a. Immediately plug leak at the source herbicide container.

b. Immediately confine spill to a holding area.

c. Secure available equipment and personnel to construct ponding areas to prevent the herbicide spill from reaching any waterways.

d. After taking emergency procedures for containment, begin clean-up and disposal operations.

e. Notify the necessary local, state, and federal authorities - i.e., help can be received from:

Chemical Transportation Emergency Center (Chemtrec) 800-424-9300 - Emergencies only or Oregon Emergency Response System (OERS) (800) 452-0311. Northwest Oregon BLM District HAZMAT Officer at 541-729-6971 Additional contact may be added on the Field Office Work Package level.

C.2 SUPERVISOR AND CREW REQUIREMENTS

C.2.1 Workforce - The Contractor shall always maintain an adequate combination of work force and equipment to ensure timely completion of the work. Supervisors and Crew members must be able to identify invasive species targeted for treatment.

C.2.2 Supervisor Requirements - The Contractor shall designate one supervisor for each crew who can communicate with the COR/CO and is knowledgeable and experienced in invasive weed control services and weed identification as required by this contract. Any changes in supervisory designations shall be submitted in writing to the COR at least 24 hours prior to the change taking effect. The supervisor shall know the requirements of the contract including technical requirements and unit locations and shall always have a copy of the contract at the site during all operations. The COR will not act as a supervisor to the crew.

C.2.3 Supervisors - Persons designated by the Contractor as supervisors must perform in that capacity.

The supervisor must, therefore, effectively direct the crew by (1) making periodic inspections of the crew’s work, (2) advising them as to deficient work, and (3) providing instructions for correcting such deficiencies. This person shall be able to communicate in speech and writing with the CO and COR. Any group of people without a supervisor will not be considered a crew.

C.2.4 Safety - State safety regulations require that crew members shall not work alone. The Contractor shall always provide crew members with access to emergency transportation. All workers shall abide by all State safety regulations pertaining to the use of herbicides.

C.2.5 Pre-work conferences. A pre-work conference will be held between the contractor and the government prior to work starting, to ensure a clear understanding of the scope of the contract, the sequence of work, timing and type of progress reports required, submission times for Pesticide Application Records (PAR), documentation requirements, inspection, and payment schedules.

C.2.6 Work Plan - The Work Plans are set within each Field Office Work Package; additional details may be determined by the COR at the pre-work. Certain treatment sites may be designated a high priority requiring earlier completion than other areas.

C.2.7 Field Office Work Packages and Pay Items. Field Office Work Packages includes a work plan of designated treatment sites. Contractor will work with designated COR/Project inspectors for each package regarding the work plan, schedule, inspection and pay for line items designated in the Field Office Work Package.

C.2.8 For payment purposes, the smallest unit of payment is .25 (¼) acre, or .1 (1/10) mile for linear features.

C.3.0 DEFINITIONS

Chemical (herbicide) treatments – Application by Oregon State Commercial Pesticide Operator/Applicator licensed individuals* of BLM-approved herbicides (Attachment 4) to herbaceous or woody plants designated by the BLM using a backpack sprayer, or truck- or ATV-mounted hoses. Truck mounted sprayers with extension hoses may be used along roads with COR approval. Contractor must demonstrate that the spray pattern and pressure that can avoid excessive damage to desirable plant species. i.e., low pressure and small spray pattern. All herbicide treatments must be conducted following herbicide label directions, BLM application rates, and all other policies and guidelines pertaining to their use. *Contractor must show proof of pesticide applicator license for Agriculture (herbicide) and Rights-of-Way (and Forestry for Coos Bay District only) categories for all supervisors / foremen, and preferably crew members.

Density levels - An evaluation of the percent cover (area occupied by a plant in a specific location) that require varying amounts of time and effort to treat. The density level is based on the estimated number of plants present at the time of treatment. It is an average of the percent cover of plants in the treatment area. For example, a “low” infestation may have several clusters of plants but no plants in the rest of the treatment area.

Low concentrations consist of a few scattered plants, patches, clumps, or concentrations, generally less than

20% ground coverage within each treatment site.

Medium concentrations consist of many plants, patches, clumps, or concentrations of specified species that have approximately 21 to 59% ground coverage within each treatment site.

High concentrations consist of large, dense, heavy, concentrations of the specified species that have 60% -

100% ground coverage within each treatment site with only a few or occasional open areas.

GPS – Global Positioning System

Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) - A mapping coordinate grid system based upon one of many different mapping projections. The BLM in Western Oregon currently uses a projection in UTM Zone 10, US Datum of 1983 (CONUS NAD83). The data is displayed in meters easting and northing. The Contractor will be advised if this UTM projection changes and will be required to use the new projection.

Grubbing – Consists of digging up and removing the entire plant from the ground, including underground portions of the root system capable of re-sprouting. For most species this means 2 to 6 inches of the root system is also removed.

Herbaceous plant – A plant with little or no woody tissue.

Invasive Plant – A non-native aggressive plant with the potential to cause significant damage to native ecosystems and/or cause significant economic losses.

Manual Methods – Manual methods of weed control can include but are not limited to hand weeding or pulling; weed wrenching (using a weed wrench tool); cutting with hand saws or pruners; or grubbing with shovels, picks, or other hand tools.

Mechanical Methods – Mechanical methods include the use of gas or electric powered machines for physical removal of invasive plants, such as weed-eaters, chainsaws, or mowers.

New Invader – A weed species new to the area, often heavily targeted for total eradication before populations get very large.

Noxious Weeds – Plants found on the State of Oregon Noxious weed list found at www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/Weeds/OregonNoxiousWeeds/Pages.law.aspx . Site specific species will be included in the Field Office Work Packages and will be reviewed with the contractor at the pre-work. Not all weeds will be targeted for all treatment sites.

PAR – Pesticide Application Record – A legally required record of herbicide application that is filled out within 24 hours of treatment. Information required include the herbicide formulation, adjuvants, carrier, and the amount (amount of product as well as total amount of mixture output) used, the weed species sprayed, dates and times of application, names of applicators, etc.… (See Attachment 6). The Contractor shall complete a paper copy of the PARs and turn them in the COR or Project Inspector within 1 week of application.

Patch of Weeds – A weed patch is defined as a cluster of weeds of at least 10 herbaceous weeds (e.g., yellow star thistle), or 2 woody plants (e.g., Scotch broom).

Pulling – Physical removal from the soil of an entire plant of the designated species with the root system attached.

Road prism - The entire area of a road between the outer edge of the fill slope and the top of the cut slope.

Road Widths – A distance averaging 15 feet (slope distance) on either side of the edge of the road surface to be treated. This includes, but is not limited to the road edge, ditches, fill slopes, cut banks, and turnouts.

Root Crown - The point where the root and stem of a plant meet and the primary vascular anatomy changes from a stem to a root. This is also the transition point between the stem and the root.

http://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/Weeds/OregonNoxiousWeeds/Pages.law.aspx

Scattered – Scattering cut weeds consists of distributing the pulled or severed target plant within the general project area to a height not to exceed three feet above the surface of the soil, unless directed otherwise by the COR.

Scoured channel – A water channel showing annual scouring due to water movement that has exposed soil, gravel, or rock. Water may or may not be present within the channel during contract implementation.

Slash – Stems, limbs, foliage, etc. that has been freshly cut, pulled, or grubbed by the Contractor.

Target (targeted) species: A plant species that is a target or goal of an inventory, treatment, or control effort.

Woody plant – A plant with woody tissue, e.g., stems and branches and usually persisting more than one growing season. e.g., shrubs and trees.

C.4.0 CONTRACTOR AND GOVERNMENT PROVIDED ITEMS

C.4.1 Contractor Furnished Items

C.4.1.1 The Contractor shall furnish all necessary labor, equipment, transportation, training, supervision, materials (including herbicides and adjuvants as specified by the BLM), and incidentals necessary to perform the weed control as specified herein.

a) License – Oregon State law requires the Contractor to hold a current valid Commercial Pesticide

Operator/Applicator License to apply or supervise the application of herbicides. Oregon pesticide license categories should include Agriculture-Herbicide and Right-of-Way. At a minimum, the supervisor of every crew shall hold a current Commercial Applicator license and crew must hold a minimum of Pesticide Apprentice or Immediately Supervised Pesticide Trainee License. Crew will be directly supervised by a fully licensed applicator or operator following Oregon State law.

b) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for crew members for herbicide and tool use, including chainsaws needed to cut incidental wind thrown trees blocking roads to gain access to sites.

c) A written safety plan with procedures and emergency contact numbers in the event of an accident or other emergency. The safety plan should be supplied to the supervisor or crew leads along with a radio or phone.

d) Herbicide Labels, Pesticide Use Proposal and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for herbicides and adjuvants always planned for use with each crew.

e) Materials, including, but not limited to:

1. Reference information to aid workers in proper identification of weeds.

2. Approved herbicides on BLM lands (see Attachment 2 and C.5.5.10 for Government approved herbicides)

3. Approved spray adjuvants on BLM lands (see Attachment 3, for BLM approved adjuvants)

4. Water – Clean water for mixing herbicides from a Municipal source must be transported to the field. Drawing water from creeks, rivers, or ponds is not permitted unless it is processed with a filtering system that removes all dirt particles and other contaminants. Transportation and storage of water for mixing must meet with the COR’s approval.

5. HI-LIGHT blue dye for adding to herbicide tank mixtures.

6. Tools for pulling and cutting weeds, including but not limited to hand saws, weed wrenches, pruners, shovels, chain saws, weed ‘whackers’ etc.…

7. Heavy-duty black plastic bags that are a minimum of 4 mil thick or thicker for bagging weeds.

8. Spray equipment in good working condition and meeting the COR’s approval.

9. Materials needed for filling out forms and mapping infestations and treatment areas in the field.

f) GPS receiver to obtain or find locations of treatment sites. Apps such as Avenza are highly recommended.

g) Herbicide Spill Containment Kit and Written Spill Plan

A Spill Containment Kit shall be present at all treatment sites and will include sufficient absorbent material to contain all herbicide and herbicide mixture on the site, plus such items as shovel, hoe, garbage bags, paper towels, hose clamps, duct tape, and hand tools sufficient to stop any leaks and contain spills.

The contractor shall provide the Government with an herbicide spill plan. In case of a spill, the contractor will immediately implement the spill plan and notify the COR.

h) Signing - In areas designated as high public use by the COR (recreation sites, trail heads etc.…), the Contractor shall post pesticide warning signs that inform the public of herbicide use, what was sprayed, when it was sprayed, and when reentry is allowed. The signs shall be placed where they are visible to the public. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to place the signs prior to treatment, see example sign Attachment 6.

i) Weed Identification - Information pertaining to the identification of noxious weeds is the responsibility of the Contractor. The COR is available to verify the identification of new weed species, but ultimately the crew supervisors must know the target weed species and direct and train the crew on weed identification. The crew supervisor should have access to books such as “Weeds of the West” or other reference materials to ensure proper weed identification of the target species.

C.4.1.2 Permits - Oregon State law requires a permit to operate power driven machinery. Permits must be obtained from the State Forestry Office in Central Point, Oregon (or at other State Forestry offices) prior to the operation of power-driven machinery, including chainsaws. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Pesticide General Permit (NPDES PGP) required by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), allowing spraying of aquatic formulation herbicides within 3 feet of water, will be obtained by the BLM.

C.4.2 Government Furnished Items

The Government shall furnish the following:

a. District transportation maps and maps of areas to be surveyed or treated, available in paper or digital.

b. Copies of aerial photos may also be provided

c. Keys for locked BLM gates where necessary

e. Electronic and/or hard copies of Pesticide Application Record (PAR) and example of correctly completed form

f. Electronic and/or hard copies of Non-herbicide Treatment forms

g. NPDES PGP permit required by DEQ for spraying aquatic formulation herbicides within 3 feet of water if applicable

h. Electronic and/or hardcopies of the Pesticide Use Proposal(s) (PUP), PUP numbers, and Environmental Assessment (EA) numbers for entry in and PARs.

C.5.0 SPECIFIC TASKS

C.5.1 Herbicide Treatments

C.5.1.1 Treatments – shall occur in accordance with Field Office Work Packages. The contractor shall notify the COR/Project inspector at least 24 hours prior to initiating treatments.

C.5.1.2 Records - The Contractor shall maintain treatment records to allow the Government to monitor contract progress and to be accountable for work quality. Pesticide Applications Records (PARs) are required to be filled out by State Law within 24 hours of application and are used as the records for herbicide use. The PAR serves as written notice of completed herbicide units. All fields in the PAR form shall be filled out. (See PAR in Attachment 4). A separate PAR shall be filled out for 1) each project area or road system treated and 2) for each day of treatment, even if the Contractor is working in the same project area as the previous day. More than one species may be included on the same PAR if they are treated in the same location with the same herbicide.

C.5.1.3 Mapping – The Contractor shall submit the topographical map or aerial photo issued by the BLM with each PAR to show the area treated. Maps will generally be at a scale of 1:12,000. The Contractor shall delineate the area(s) on the map that was treated with herbicide. Treatments occurring in multiple sections will have multiple maps.

C.5.1.4 Caution Posters – Contractors will post Caution posters at the beginning of access sites that get high public access. Specific sites requiring access posters will be designated within each Field Office Work Package. See example Caution Poster on Attachment 6.

C.5.2 Non-Herbicide Treatments

C.5.2.1 Treatments – shall occur in accordance with Field Office Work Packages. The contractor shall notify the COR/Project inspector 24 hours prior to initiating treatments.

C.5.2.2 Forms - For non-herbicide treatments (e.g., hand pulling and mechanical) the Contractor shall fill out a Non- Herbicide Treatment Form (see Attachment 5) for each area species treated.

Information recorded on the treatment form includes the treatment date(s); the target species, including the acreage or size of the area treated, estimated number of plants, estimated percent cover for each species; the names of the persons doing the treatments; and the method used. If more than one population of a species is treated in a section and marked on a map, the Contractor shall number the populations on the map, accurately indicating the infestation perimeter, and include the corresponding population number on the Treatment form. The Contractor shall turn in Treatment forms weekly for inspection purposes. The Treatment form serves as written notice of completed non-herbicide treatments.

C.5.2.3 Mapping – The Contractor shall submit a topographical map or aerial photo (provided by the Government) with each Treatment form and with the treated area delineated. A single map can be used for multiple species provided it is legible; different sites, populations, or species are clearly identified; and populations can be distinguished on a black and white copy of the map.

C.5.3 Records

C.5.3.1 The Contractor shall review all forms and maps prior to submitting to the COR to ensure that all required forms are properly filled out and all information is clean, clear, and legible. Forms contaminated with chemicals or dye shall be rewritten. Maps with weed sites or treated areas shall be clearly delineated and must accompany PARs and Non-herbicide Treatment forms. Illegible maps shall be rewritten by the contractor. Forms and maps shall be paper clipped together, not stapled.

The COR may revise forms as needed, but they will be comparable to the forms included as attachments. If forms are revised, the COR shall provide the Contractor with the new forms in electronic and/or hard copy forms at the pre-work for each task order.

C.5.3.2 The Contractor shall be competent at reading topographic map, transportation maps, aerial photos and using GPS units to locate sites.

C.5.3.3 Treatment areas, for pay purposes, are calculated by GIS in acres for units and miles for linear features like roads and trails, with an average treatment width of 15 feet from the center of the road or 15 feet from the road edge.

C.5.3.4 Species List for Treatment – See Field Office Work Packages for site specific target species as designated by the COR or Project inspector, these may include ODA noxious weed species or other non-native species.

C.5.4 General Herbicide Requirements

C.5.4.1 All herbicide use shall follow herbicides labels. All herbicides and adjuvants used will be labeled for rights-of-way and non-crop use and will be on the approved BLM list found in Attachment 2.

C.5.4.2 Nozzle size/fan design will be set to the lowest application pressure (200 – 800-micron diameter droplets) to ensure adequate plant coverage with minimal drift. To minimize drift, the Contractor shall not apply herbicides when wind speeds exceed 10 mph, except in riparian zones where wind speed must be less than 5 mph.

C.5.4.3 In an effort to minimize the potential for offsite drift, the Contractor shall not apply herbicides when rainfall is imminent or when fog, snow or ice are present.

C.5.4.4 non-aquatic herbicides shall not be sprayed closer than 10-15 feet of water (springs, creeks, rivers, ponds, lakes) using backpack sprayers depending on the herbicide. Aquatic herbicides may be applied to noxious weeds or invasive species (as directed) using a backpack sprayer within the 10-foot buffer, accept Aquatic Triclopyr shall not be sprayed within 15 feet. Spray distances shall be in accordance with BLM and ARBO II regulations. Site specific treatments will be covered during the prework.

C.5.4.5 The Contractor shall not spray on BLM lands within 100 feet of any residence, as directed by the

COR.

C.5.4.6 For all herbicide applications, weeds will be sprayed at rates allowable by BLM, not necessarily per the chemical label (the two are often different, with the label rate being higher than that allowable by BLM), and must be approved by the COR. The COR may require the contractor to modify the rate of herbicide application during the contract, depending on the species being treated, the effectiveness of the treatment, and the conditions on the ground. In general, plants will be sprayed until wet, and the minimum amount of herbicide will be used to effectively kill the plant. Per acre rates will not exceed the maximum rates identified on C.5.5.10.

C.5.4.7 All equipment, backpack sprayers, ATV and vehicle-mounted nozzles, sprayers, and hoses will be in good working order. Nozzles shall be free of dirt, with tight fittings and seals in place to prevent leaking.

C.5.4.8 Herbicides shall not be applied when the ambient temperature exceeds the limits stated on the label.

C.5.4.9 Herbicides shall be securely transported to avoid all leaks or damage to containers. Transporting shall follow label requirements.

C.5.4.10 Herbicides allowed with average and maximum rates of acid equivalent per acre are available in Attachment 2

C.5.4.11 Herbicide handling, mixing, and loading

Herbicides will be used in strict accordance with the labels. The Contractor shall take all suitable measures to avoid the spill or release of undiluted product during the loading, transportation, and mixing phase of this project. This may include the use of a containment devise, such as a “pop-up” pool or similar device. All spilled herbicides shall be recovered and utilized as per application label specifications.

Mixers and loaders shall wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during mixing and loading operations following State Law.

To prevent gross errors in the field in mixing and application, regular testing of field calibrations (pumps and nozzles) and calculation shall occur to meet the ‘target pounds per acre’ and not exceed the maximum pounds per acre of chemical.

The contractor shall not wash out spray tanks in or near streams. Mixing and loading operations shall not occur in any area where an accidental spill would contaminate an aquatic body. During weed treatments, the Contractor shall not rinse equipment on private lands (other than their own property). Rinsate shall only be sprayed on untreated noxious / invasive weeds where no damage would occur to non-target species or in non-vegetated areas, such as gravel pits, where it will not run-off or enter any water body.

All chemical containers shall be disposed of at sites approved by the Oregon Department of Environmental quality. Chemical containers shall be triple-rinsed and punctured and shall not be disposed of in the contract area.

HI-LIGHT blue dye shall be added to the herbicide mix to aid in tracking which plants have been sprayed and for inspection purposes.

C.5.4.12 Only the adjuvants listed in Attachment 3 are allowed for use in herbicide mixtures on BLM lands.

The Contractor shall follow all label requirements when using adjuvants, including amounts used.

C.5.5. BID ITEMS - In addition to all specifications listed above, the following specifications shall also apply for each bid item.

C.5.5.1 Items 1-3: Herbicide Spot Spray:

Spot spraying with BLM approved herbicides listed in C.5.5.10 must occur using low nozzle pressure. The Contractor shall minimize damage to non-target plants while spraying.

The use of ATV-mounted spray hoses is subject to COR approval. They will generally be used behind closed gates or on roads that vehicles cannot access. ATVs will generally remain on existing roads and not leave the road prism; however, with approval by the COR, off-road ATV use may occur in weed patches in open grasslands / woodlands on shallow (<30%) slopes.

C.5.5.2 Items 4-6: Roadside Herbicide Spot Spray: Truck or ATV-mounted sprayers with extension hoses may be used along roads with COR approval, but the Contractor must demonstrate that the spray pattern and pressure can avoid excessive damage to desirable plant species. i.e., low pressure and small spray pattern. Only spot spraying may occur on targeted noxious weeds and care shall be taken to avoid non-target plants. All spray trucks will remain on existing roads and require two people present during all herbicide applications. Roadside spraying will normally be within the road prism (generally within 15 feet on each side of the ditch), although weeds may be treated outside the road prism depending on the length of the hose.

C.5.5.3 Item 7: Manual pull and scatter

Plants and seedlings less than 1 inch in stem diameter, except for blackberries, shall be hand pulled or removed using a hand tool and scattered on site, as directed by the COR or Project Coordinator. If the plant breaks, cut (grub or hoe) the plant below the root crown.

Plants greater than or equal to 1 inch in diameter, including blackberries, shall be pulled by hand, or weed wrench, or cut with a hand saw, pruners, etc., and scattered on site, unless directed otherwise by the COR. If obstacles prevent cutting at ground level, stems shall be completely severed from the stump at the base of the plant below the lowest live limb and as low to the ground as possible using hand tools, as necessary.

C.5.5.4 Item 8: Manual pull and bag

When directed by the COR, the Contractor shall pull and bag small plants and seedlings less than 1 inch in stem diameter, except blackberries. The root system of the pulled plant shall remain attached to the pulled plant. If the root breaks, cut the plant below the root crown. Bagging pulled plants is generally done when plants are in flower or have plant parts that would re-sprout if left on site.

All plant parts will be bagged in contractor supplied plastic bags. The disposal of bags shall be at a site approved by the COR. As directed by the COR, flower-heads of certain herbaceous weeds may be bagged, rather than whole plants, leaving the vegetative portions of the plants on site.

Generally, plants with flowers shall not be pulled and scattered; the COR will advise if there are exceptions to these specifications.

C.5.5.5 Item 9-11: Mechanical cut and scatter

This treatment normally occurs on herbaceous or woody invasive species. Invasive plants shall be cut as close to the ground as possible, with a maximum stem height of three inches. Individual plants shall be scattered to keep slash depth less than two feet, but the roadbed should remain clear of plant debris.

C.5.5.6 Item 12, Supplemental walk-in rate (over ¼ mile one way)

This is a supplemental flat rate for walk-ins greater than ¼ mile from a point accessed by a vehicle to the treatment site. It covers costs associated with the longer transport time required for refilling sprayers, hauling seed etc.… It is per person, one way, on a per mile basis. For example, a walk-in of 1¼ mile one way would be paid 2 miles round trip (1 mile beyond the ¼ mile X2) Additional walk-ins will not be paid for lunch or other breaks.

C.5.5.7 Security of Equipment and Property - The Contractor may leave equipment at the work site, but it shall not contain herbicides. The Contractor shall be responsible if it should become lost, stolen, or damaged. All herbicide storage must be consistent with the label.

C.6.0 SURVEILLANCE PLAN

C.6.1 Inspection

C.6.1.1 Notice of planned treatment must be provided at least 24 hours in advance and paperwork submitted in a timely manner, as determined during the prework, to allow inspection of sites within an appropriate time. Units will be considered complete upon notification from the Contractor and receipt of forms and maps.

C.6.1.2 The Government may inspect completed units as a basis for acceptance of work prior to payments.

It may also provide recommendations to the Contractor to improve work quality while work progresses. The Contractor is responsible for providing the quality control to assure that work complies with the contract specifications.

C.6.1.3 The Government shall inspect a minimum of 10 percent of the treatment sites and surveyed areas to determine if Adequate Quality Level is met for payment.

C.6.1.4 Final acceptance shall be based upon an Adequate Quality level of work completed in accordance with the specifications on a site-by-site basis for each Field Office Work Package.

C.6.2 Adequate Quality Level

C.6.2.1 The Project Inspectors must be able to observe blue dye on at least 90% of target plants, or 70% mortality observed within expected range of time for results to become apparent (two to six weeks depending on species and treatment).

C.6.3 Unsatisfactory Work Quality

C.6.3.1 The following specification violations shall cause the treatment or survey areas to require a rework:

a. Untreated invasive plants within the target population. The Project Inspectors must be able to observe blue dye on at least 90% of target plants, or 70% mortality observed within expected range of time for results to become apparent (two to six weeks depending on species and treatment) or a rework shall be required.

C.6.3.2 The following specification violations shall cause the treatment or survey areas to require a reduction in pay:

a. Targeted invasive plants not treated according to Field Office Work Package specifications or according to herbicide labels. Due to the nature of invasive plant management, not all sites can be reworked once herbicides, manual or mechanical treatment has occurred, thus a pay reduction for work not completed in accordance with Field Office Work Package would be implemented at 25% reduction in pay per acre impacted.

b. Non-target species treated non-incidentally (desired vegetation misidentified and treated as target species). Due to the nature of vegetation, there is no fix once herbicides, manual or mechanical treatment has occurred on desired vegetation, thus a pay reduction for work not completed in accordance with Field Office Work Package would be implemented at 25% reduction in pay per acre impacted.

Violation Summary Remedy

Untreated invasive plants within the target population. Less than 90% treated or less than 70% mortality. Rework

Targeted invasive plants not treated according to specifications or herbicide labels.

Reduction in pay: 25% reduction per impacted acre.

Non-target species treated non-incidentally. Reduction in pay: 25% reduction per impacted acre.

C.6.3.3

If the quality of the work is not raised to acceptable levels or if incorrect treatments were applied as described in C.6.3.2 (a) or (b) after written notification, the COR may accept the work in accordance with FAR 52.212-4(a), the Government may seek an equitable price reduction as determined in C.6.3.2 or adequate consideration for acceptance of nonconforming services.

C.7.0 PAYMENT

C.7.1 Payment will be made on the acres or miles treated or surveyed and will be based on Government inspection results. Acres are measured by horizontal GIS mapping.

C.7.2 The Contractor shall be paid a minimum of ¼ acre for polygons and a minimum of 0.1 mile for linear segments.

C.8.0 CONTRACT TIME

The Contractor shall schedule a prework with the government COR within one (1) week of the contract being awarded. Start of work will be determined at that time depending on the time of year and weather. The Contractor shall continue performance of the work under the contract without delay or interruption except by causes beyond his control as defined by contract clauses, or by the receipt of a "Suspend Work Order" issued by the Government. Failure to do so may be cause for action under the "Termination for Cause" clause. The Contractor shall complete all work required within the time specified on the task order and in the Schedule of Items.

C.8.1 All work shall be completed within 1 year of Award or as directed in Field Office Work Package.

C.8.2 The Contractor shall preform no preliminary work prior to receipt of the awarded contract or the pre-work.

C.9.0 FIELD OFFICE WORK PACKAGES and ATTACHMENTS

Field Office Work Packages PACKAGE A: Cascades Field Office A PACKAGE B: Cascades Field Office B PACKAGE C: Marys Peak Field Office PACKAGE D: Siuslaw Field Office PACKAGE E: Tillamook Field Office PACKAGE F: Upper Willamette Field Office

Attachment 1: Northwest Oregon District Contract Vicinity Maps (Site specific maps will be made available at the prework)

Attachment 2: Herbicides Approved for Use on Northwest Oregon District BLM Attachment 3: Adjuvants Approved for Use on Northwest Oregon District BLM Attachment 4: PAR form Attachment 5: Non-Herbicide Treatment Form Attachment 6: Caution Poster

PACKAGE A: Cascades Field Office – A

COR/Project Coordinator:

James Hughes – Cascades Field Office Phone 503-375-5668. e-mail jbhughes@blm.gov

Item

No.

Description Est.

Qty.

Unit

Herbicide Spot Spray, Medium Density 64 Acre

003 Herbicide Spot Spray, High Density 3 Ac 004 Roadside Herbicide Backpack Spot

Spray, Low 9 miles

006 Roadside Herbicide Backpack Spot Spray, High

12 Miles

12 Supplemental Walk In 4 Miles

CASCADES A (CAS A) STATEMENT OF WORK

1.0 CAS A - GENERAL

1.1 Introduction/Location

The Cascades Field Office, Northwest Oregon District, Bureau of Land Management is contracting for land treatment services to control non-native plants and to promote of survival of desirable native plants and animals. Sites occur across the Cascades Field Office, as far north Hwy 26 and south to Hwy 20. This work will occur between May and August of 2023.

1.2 General Description of Work

Herbicide Spot Spray, Medium and High Density (Acre): Work includes spot treating various invasive species (blackberry, scotch broom, ivy, knapweed, knotweed, and false brome) within various project sites while avoiding non target species. Work includes recording all Pesticide Application Reports (PAR) within 24 hours of application.

Roadside Herbicide Spot Spray, Low and High Density (Mile): Work includes spot treating various invasive species (blackberry, scotch broom, ivy, knapweed, perennial pea vine, knotweed, and false brome) within road prisms while avoiding non target species. Work includes recording all Pesticide Application Reports (PAR) within 24 hours of application or weekly PAR package to allow timely inspection of treatments.

1.3 Locations of Projects

Herbicide Spot Treatments (acre) Cemetery Road: T6S R1E S25

Marmot Canals: T02S R05E S13, 14, & 15, Marmot Dam: T02S RO5E S13

Roadside Herbicide Spot Spray (mile)

Bi County: T6S R1E, T7S R2E T11S R1E Roads

1.4 Boundaries of Project Area

Boundaries are not flagged because the general extent of weeds present at treatment sites determines the treatment boundary. The Contractor shall always keep track of their location, using the maps provided, and are responsible for being within designated treatment sites.

Specific treatment units will be discussed at prework.

1.5 Access

1.5.1 Treatment sites are generally accessible by roads. Road surfaces include paved, gravel, gravel with detritus, and natural surface (soils range from sandy to clay) and road conditions vary from good to poor. It is recommended that the Contractor use a 4x4 vehicle with high clearance and/or tire chains may be needed. Road systems may have rocks or trees that have fallen into the road and will need to be removed.

Side roads can be very brushy and are not necessarily drivable.

1.5.2 Some treatment sites may be behind locked gates. Contractors will be issued a key for gates with a BLM lock.

1.6 Camping on BLM Administered Land

Camping is not authorized under this Field Office Work Package.

1.7 Use of All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)

ATVs will be allowed in the project areas.

1.8 Invasive plants

To prevent the spread of invasive plants, all equipment and vehicles will be cleaned off prior to entry onto Government lands. Removal of all dirt, grease, and plant parts that carry noxious weed seeds or vegetative parts is required and may be accomplished with a pressure hose. In addition, Contractor's equipment shall be cleaned prior to all subsequent moves if operations have been in an area known to have noxious weeds.

1.9 Fire Precautions

Comply with all Oregon State Forestry Department fire regulations.

2.0 CAS A - CONTRACTOR-FURNISHED ITEMS

2.1 The Contractor shall provide all services, documents, tools, materials, equipment, transportation, supervision, and labor required to perform all mechanical and herbicide applications as listed in the contract and under this Task Order.

3.0 CAS A - GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY

3.1 The government will furnish the Contractor the following materials, supplies, property, or services at the prework:

a. Treatment Plan (see Attachment A)

b. Map Packet (available at prework)

c. Summary of allowable pesticides (see Attachment B)

d. Keys to access BLM gates as needed. The Contractor is liable for lost or damaged keys. Current replacement value is $50 per key for gate specific keys or $500 for a master key. Final Payment will be withheld until keys are returned.

3.2 The Contractor shall be liable for all lost or damaged…