Wayne_Questions.pdf

PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE NOTES

AG-55N9-S-16-0005

WAYNE NATIONAL FOREST

NON-NATIVE INVASIVE PLANT CONTROL

A pre-proposal conference was held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at the Supervisor’s Office of the Wayne National Forest.

The following persons representing the Forest Service were present: Carrie Edwards (Contracting Officer – via telephone), Sierra Patterson (Forest Botanist – via teleconference), Trey Scott (Zone Botanist), Nick Galentin (Forestry Technician), Will Dienst (Natural Resources Staff Officer), Matt Wilson (Forestry Technician), and Gary Chancey (Public Affairs Staff Officer)

Solicitation Number AG-55N9-S-16-0005, Non-Native Invasive Plant Control was reviewed by Carrie Edwards. Trey Scott reviewed the Statement of Work. A site visit was also offered.

The following questions were raised during the meeting:

Who notifies adjacent landowners?

At this point it will be on the applicator of the herbicide to notify adjacent landowner.

Can generic herbicides be used instead of name brand?

Yes, expect that contractors will be using commercial grade herbicides and not off the shelf homeowners strength.

If equipment leaves the site will it need to be re-inspected again prior to returning to the contract area?

Possibly, will be a case by case decision.

How long does the period of control last in relation to when inspections are done?

Will visit to inspect area after a reasonable time has gone by for the efficacy of the herbicide to be visible. Will make a determination at that time on pass or retreat.

Are rubber tracked trucks allowed off road?

Case specific, must meet low ground pressure requirements.

Would two proposals (read task orders) have to be submitted to do two different treatments on the same site, say mowing and foliar spraying?

First thing to keep in mind is that when doing two different treatments in one location the only eligible contractors to bid on this had to give pricing for both treatments. Generally only one task order with the two treatment types will be issued.

What is our specification for the term “sparse” when used to describe weed coverage and ensuing treatment?

Sparse varies in % coverage. Don’t have a finite term to describe. After the successful contractors are selected and new work is bid out prices can vary up to the initial price bid. The initial bid price is considered a ceiling and something that the price can’t exceed.

When you get a treatment area with two species that require different herbicides to control, can you use tank mixes to treat them or will it be a two pass operation?

Typically we would have that specified before we issue a task order. Labeled approved tank mixes should be OK.

Will FS provide water sources?

At this time there are no water sources we have available so plan on hauling your own water.

Also water in creeks and rivers is highly acidic and may not mix well with the herbicides.

There is a mention of “piling”. Where would that be required?

Piling would be a limited situation. An example would be to pile material cut off of a trail, road or parking area.

Additional statements made:

• Will be requiring methylated seed oil instead of petroleum based products.

• For off road use of ATV/UTV’s will need a permit from the Forest Service. This amounts to a letter from either a District Ranger or the Forest Supervisor. FS Personnel will coordinate that.