A04_SOW_40539328.docx

Statement of Work (SOW) As of July 25, 2021

Contractor Name:

1. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) / Project Inspector (PI).

a. Primary COR.

Organization:

Address:

Phone Number:

E-Mail Address:

b. Primary PI.

Organization:

Address:

Phone Number:

E-Mail Address:

2. Project Title: Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument (GCPNM)Invasive and Noxious Vegetation Treatment.

3. Background: This acquisition is designed to provide noxious weed control under the general guidelines and authority in the Carlson-Foley Act. The goal of this acquisition is to purchase $30,000.00 worth of treatment over the course of one field season (2022), toward the eventual eradication of invasive and noxious vegetation on portions of the GCPNM (Monument). The exact acreage of infested areas which needs treatment is uncertain because noxious weed populations are typically affected by past treatments, and other environmental factors. Approximately 300 acres of land on the Monument are infested with invasive, non-native weeds (these acres may not all be included in the SOW, and therefore no expectation of treating acres outside of SOW).

4. Objectives: Provide no less than 90 percent of the target plants in the project area before plants set seed. Herbicide treatment of thistles must be done before the flower starts opening. “Open” flowers are defined as those showing any reddish or purplish color.

5. Scope of Work: This contract will be awarded on a cost per acre quote to treat described invasive vegetation in Target Area 1 and noxious weeds in Target areas 2 and 3. Approximately 30 to 50 acres could be treated by broadcast spraying and the remaining acres would be spot treatment. The priority is Target 1 and 2 (described below). These Target areas will require a combination of herbicide broadcast and spot treatments. The third priority is described by road numbers and shown on attached Target Area Maps. These areas are within the described areas of the Monument in the Northwest corner of Arizona. Treatments may be combination of broadcast and spot treatments. Treatment of all grass and forb (as described for Target 1) would be accomplished with Glyphosate. All other invasive treatments would be with mixture of Tordon and 2,4-D.

Target 1: Mount Dellenbaugh Administrative Site

· Approximately 2 acres.

· Treat all grass and forb vegetation in graveled parking area (approx. 0.25 acre)

· Treat all grass and forbs between cabins and paved sidewalk, including septic area between cabins and covered parking (approx. 0.2 acres)

· Treat all grass and forbs growing in roadway and around outbuildings (approx.0.75 acre)

· Treat all invasive plants growing in ditch meandering within administrative site and flowing into adjoining meadow (approximately 50 feet)

Target 2: Road 1664 (spur road from Road 103 to Mount Dellenbaugh Administrative Site)

· Approximately 0.6 miles

· Treat all invasive plants along roadsides and in road.

Target 3: From the intersection of Road 1664 and 103, target invasive along road and other identified locations with priority given to non-native thistles (Scotch, Canadian, and bull). Priority areas beyond Targets 1 and 2 are roadways leading away from the target. For example, Lake Flat is a higher priority than McDonald Flat. Other roads to focus on primarily Scotch Thistle and Russian Knapweed (indicated on map):

· Rd.#1620 in the NE portion of the Monument.

· #1619 in the NE portion of the Monument.

· #1046 comes of Rd.# 103 (Dellenbaugh Rd).

· #1700, spurs off #1046.

· #1019 (Twin Point Rd.)

· #1045 (Whitmore Canyon/Overlook Rd.)

An infestation of Scotch thistle of approximately 30–50 acres with a high density is located along the #1619 and #1620 roads. These areas could be treated with a broadcast sprayer from a truck or utility task vehicle (UTV). The remaining infestations are scattered throughout the Monument varying in size and density, i.e., ponds, drainages, roadsides, and other disturbed areas. These areas would best be treated using UTV’s both broadcast and spot treatments.

Reporting: for each herbicide used in project/treatment area, including;

· Total Amount Used

· Actual area treated

· Amount of dry or wet lbs. applied

5.1 Task Areas:

· Task Area 1: - Technical/Management Approach

· Task Area 2: - Herbicides

· Task Area 3: - Pesticide Application Report (PAR)

· Task Area 4: - Quality Assurance Plan

6. Specific Task:

6.1 Task Area 1 – Technical/Management Approach: The responsibilities of the contractor shall include all personal, materials, and equipment required to complete the project. This includes herbicides (see below), herbicide application equipment, fuel, and any other associated tools and equipment. It is recommended that the contractor supply pressurized spray equipment mounted on a truck, UTV, and all-terrain vehicle capable of broadcast and spot treating. The contractor will provide the proper and legal safety and personal protective equipment needed to complete treatments. Project area is remote without cell service. Suitable communication device such as a satellite phone or satellite text device is advised.

Special Requirements: Progress will be monitored by BLM’s designated PI. The intent is for all plants to be killed prior to flowering and absolutely prior to seed production. No less than 90 percent of all plants on all sites within the identified perimeters must be killed by treatment with herbicide. A site is defined as anywhere at least one plant occurs. In the event more than 10 percent of a weed patch has gone untreated, the contractor must return to the site and complete treatment of the weeds within 3 days of being informed (if the percentage of live weeds remaining is 10 percent or less, the PI could elect to complete the control). If untreated acreage remains at the end of the contract, payment for the contract will be adjusted down by percentage of total acres which have not been treated when work is stopped. This percentage will be determined by the BLM Contracting Officer or the COR.

6.2 Task Area 2 - Herbicides: When treatment by herbicide is used, the following will apply (supplied by contractor):

All herbicides will be applied in accordance with (IAW) pesticide use proposals (PUPs) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) labels and in compliance with all guidelines and restrictions.

Herbicides and Application Rates: only the following herbicides are allowed for use: 2,4-D, Picloram, and Glyphosate. All herbicide, surfactants, and dyes used must be on the BLM approved list (contact the BLM Arizona District Office for listing). Surfactants and dyes must be used at the recommended rates and IAW the product label.

2,4-D

Intended Rate of Application: 1.5-2 pts/ac product at rosette or bolting stage; higher rates of up to 5.2 pts/ac may be necessary for spot treatments of actively growing thistle. Mixed rate with Picloram (below) has shown good results. Mix should be ½-1 pint of Picloram + 1 lbs. acid equivalent (ae) 2,4-D/acre.

Maximum Rate of Application: more than 1.9 lbs. ae/ac in any single treatment.

Picloram

Intended Rate of Application: 2-3 pts/ac product depending on growth stage of plants (see mix rate above).

Maximum Rate of Application: The maximum allowable rate of application 2 quarts/acre/yr. No more than 1 lb. ae/ac in any single treatment.

Glyphosate

Intended Rate of Application: 1-2 Pints/acre. This intended rate for spot application.

Maximum Rate of Application: 5 pints at 7 lbs. ae. This intended maximum rate for spot application.

Product substitutions: No substitutions or replacements of herbicides, adjuvants, or dyes are allowed without prior written BLM approval and submission/approval of a PUP.

Equipment/Spray Nozzles: Spray rigs shall be equipped with nozzles capable of uniform distribution at the specified rate.

Mixing Equipment: The treatment material shall be mixed according to the label and in a safe and knowledgeable manner. It may be mixed on site as needed.

Environmental Conditions: Application of treatment chemicals shall not be done when the wind velocity exceeds 6 miles per hour for 1 hour or more. Herbicide will not be applied when inclement weather conditions (rain, hail, sleet, and snow) are forecast within 12 hours following a planned treatment. Also, herbicide shall not be applied for at least 12 hours after receiving moisture from a storm. Herbicides shall not be applied when ground is frozen. Spraying operations will be permitted only during daylight hours.

Transportation of Herbicide: The contractor shall load and transport herbicide from the contractor's home base to the work site and between sites according to all applicable laws and regulations. Disposal of all used containers and other materials shall be done according to the label and local laws and regulations. Contractor will furnish BLM with a copy of the certification that the contractor and any employees who will apply chemicals are certified herbicide applicators. This certification must be supplied to BLM prior to starting work on the contract.

6.3 Task Area 3: - PAR: A PAR will also be completed daily by each spray crew. The PAR is a digital record of herbicide application which is required to be completed at the time of treatment. It includes herbicides or combinations of herbicides used, rates of application, how much was used, target species, dates and times of application, names of applicators, etc. The GPS data in a shapefile format and PAR will be furnished to the authorized representative prior to final payment.

6.4 Task Area 4 - Quality Assurance Plan: The PI will make inspections as a basis for monitoring progress in relation to completion payments and to make recommendations for adjustments in work. The COR and PI will communicate regularly with the contractor or their designated representative and with on the groundwork crews.

The quality assurance plan is intended to measure the quality of goods and services purchased from the contractor. To accomplish quality assurance the Government may utilize surveillance measures in order to ensure that the contractor’s performance is acceptable. The criteria for determining task performance are timeliness, work omissions, and any re-work needed.

Quality Assurance Evaluation: Scheduled and unscheduled surveillance reports may be utilized to record any observable, recordable defects of the contractor’s performance. The resolution of any latent defects shall be IAW FAR Clause 52.246-04, Inspection of Services, Fixed Price, if included in the contract’s terms and conditions.

Level of surveillance: The level of surveillance shall be determined by the COR or PI. Increased or decreased surveillance of performance may be utilized in the performance of this contract.

Analysis of Results: A quality assurance evaluation shall summarize results from any observed and recorded defects in the contractor’s performance. If an evaluation indicates that the overall performance is unsatisfactory, the following actions may occur:

· A corrective action plan to improve performance may be issued.

· Increased surveillance.

· Payment deductions. Deductions are not penalties, but the cost incurred by the Government.

· Continued unsatisfactory performance shall result in termination of the contract.

Work Omissions: Major work omissions will result in an unsatisfactory rating. A major omission is a work requirement that if omitted or performed unsatisfactory would have a significant impact on the overall work requirement. Minor work omissions do not have a significant effect on the work requirement and may not result in an unsatisfactory rating.

Timeliness: Daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or one-time tasks shall be completed IAW the delivery schedule or delivery date. Any failure to complete the tasks shall result in a non-satisfactory rating.

Re-work needed: The contractor is allowed a reasonable time to perform any work that is identified as unsatisfactory or has not been performed. The Government reserves the right to allow another contractor to complete work identified as incomplete and may charge for costs incurred to complete the work by another contractor.

6. Performance Standards:

Methods of Surveillance:

100% inspection: Monthly, weekly, or daily observations and recorded reports indicating satisfactory or unsatisfactory performance of tasks may be used.

Planned Sampling: The Government may utilize scheduled evaluations resulting in an assessment of the contractor’s performance.

Ratings for performance and outcomes:

Excellent Performance:

· Favorable past performance recorded

· Lessened Surveillance

Acceptable Performance:

· Continued surveillance

Unacceptable Performance:

· Possible reimbursement of expenses incurred by the Government for non-performance may be assessed

· Corrective action plan issued

· Possible termination for default

7. Place of Performance: The work under this contract is located on BLM and NPS lands in Mohave County Arizona, in the GCPNM. Nearest services of any kind are located approximately 70 miles from Mt. Dellenbaugh project site and 40 miles from Sullivan Tank project site (Rds. #1619 #1620) to St. George Utah. Access to the work site is 70 miles of dirt road from St. George to Mt. Dellenbaugh project site and 40 miles of dirt road to Sullivan Tank project site (Rds. #1619 #1620) to St. George Utah (see attached map).

8. Period of Performance: The anticipated period of performance for this effort April 15, 2022 through June 10, 2022. The number of days estimated to complete the service after a notice to proceed is issued is 15-20 days.

9. Deliverables: Bids of per acre treatment with contractor providing the herbicide.

This contract would include creating polygons using Global Positioning System (GPS) showing the exact location of each area treated.

10. Government Furnished Information: PAR forms will be provided for the contractor to complete daily, along with maps of the treatment areas (Avenza ready pdf format or shapefiles). A suitable digital format containing the necessary information can be approved by COR.

11. Other Miscellaneous Requirements:

Greening/Recycling/Waste Prevention Efforts: IAW Federal efforts to reduce waste, the contractor shall also document all efforts related to recycling and waste reduction. Contractors shall provide products and services that include alternatives to hazardous waste; bio-based products; non-ozone depleting substances; recycled products; and environmentally preferable products as defined by the EPA. Preferred products and categories are listed on the EPA’s website: http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/procure/backgrnd.htm ). IAW provided federal acquisition regulations, please consider the cost of using environmentally preferred products when quoting for this solicitation.

SOW Attachment 1: Maps showing location of treatment area.