Performance_Work_Statement.docx

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

NOXIOUS WEEDS MULTI-FOREST IDIQ

Section 1 - GENERAL

1.1 Background

The Forest Service is in need of invasive weed chemical application services to treat various populations of designated noxious or invasive weeds. The purpose of this contract is to secure designated invasive weeds chemical application services in a manner that ensures elimination and/or control of designated noxious or invasive weeds. The services secured with this contract will focus on the need to provide adequate invasive weed chemical application techniques during a period of time when environmental conditions are most favorable to insure effective treatment of designated noxious or invasive weeds. The chemical applications should occur during a period of time when environmental conditions are most favorable to ensure successful treatment.

1.2 Scope of Contract

The solicitation is for noxious or invasive weeds chemical application services on the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests.

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, supplies (including chemicals), and incidentals to perform all application necessary on the areas specified at the issuance of each task order.

This contract is a Performance-based, Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract with a Base and Four (4) one (1) year options.

1.3 Location and Description

Specific locations, maps, and unit description data for treatment areas will be provided in each task order.

1.4. Accessibility

Project area maps show road access. Projects are either immediately along roads or close to them.

1.5 Boundaries

Boundaries of each project site will be provided in each task order.

Section 2 – DEFINITIONS

2.1 Definitions:

Arizona State Applicators License: Vendor must have a valid Arizona Department of Agriculture Commercial Applicator Certification.

ADA: Arizona Department of Agriculture

Application: Means which or interval of chemical treatment of a given area.

Boom attachments: Equipment attachments with spray nozzles to spray evenly in treatment areas

Backpack sprayers: Spray equipment capable of being carried on a person’s back, with handgun for spot treatment

Buffers: Specified areas of no treatment around sensitive areas.

Chemical Treatment: Action of applying specific chemicals (herbicides to unwanted plants).

Contract Time. See Period of Performance.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): The COR is the on-site contract administrator for the Contracting Officer (CO). The duties and responsibilities of a COR are defined in the letter of designation issued by the Contracting Officer.

Delivery point: The point identified for delivery of Chemical Application supplies and other supplies will be the site at which chemical application is needed.

Handgun Attachments: Equipment attachment that is hand operated for spot spray treatment

Hand treatment: Chemical treatment of a target areas using backpack/ handgun application of chemicals.

Herbicides: Chemicals used to treat unwanted plants (target plants)

Invasive Species: Defined as a species that is nonnative (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm to human health (Executive Order 13112).

Non-motorized equipment: Equipment powered by means other than a motor

Noxious Weed: A legal term applied to plants regulated by Federal and State laws, such as plants designated as noxious weeds by the Secretary of Agriculture or by the responsible State official. Noxious weeds generally possess one or more of the following characteristics: aggressive and difficult to manage, poisonous, toxic, parasitic, a carrier or host of serious insects or disease, and being not native or new or not common to the Unites States or parts thereof. (Forest Service Manual 2080.5, Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974, PL 93-629, as amended).

Period of Performance: All calendar days allowed for completion of contract work. Includes all days of the week including weekends and holidays.

Primary Species: Several of the Noxious or Invasive weed species to be treated are leafy spurge, spotted knapweed, Russian knapweed, diffuse knapweed, Dalmatian toadflax, whitetop, yellow starthistle, Scotch thistle, musk thistle, bull thistle, tamarisk, Russian olive, tree of Heaven, giant reed, cheatgrass, and Japanese brome. Other Noxious or Invasive weed species as identified may also be treated.

Quality Assurance: The actions taken by the Government to assess the Contractor’s results to determine that they meet contract requirements. Procedures as outlined in the following will be adhered to. FSH 2109.14 (Pesticide-Use Management and Coordination Handbook, CHAPTER 50 (Quality Control Monitoring and Post-Treatment Evaluation)

Quality Control: Those actions taken by a Contractor to control the production of outputs to ensure that they conform to the contract requirements. The methods for inspecting for quality control are described in the Contractor’s Quality Control Plan (QCP).

Riparian areas: Areas within a water-influence zone, characterized by different vegetation than dry sites

Soil-saturating Rain: Receiving sufficient moisture so that the upper levels of the soil profile are totally filled with water

Soil Surface: The area of soil exposed to direct sunlight

Single Treatment: One time per year application of chemical herbicides on a target area.

Varied Topography: Treatment will be in areas ranging from relatively flat meadow bottoms to steep slopes.

Vehicle-mounted sprayers: Spray equipment mounted on some type of vehicle

Wilderness Areas: Congressionally designated lands with special management requirements.

Section 3 –HERBICIDES

3.1 Safety Requirements and General Provisions

3.1.1 Label Directions

The Contractor and all application personnel are required to review, understand, and follow the herbicide label recommendations, requirements, precautions, and prohibitions. The Contractor shall carry and have within easy access during all spraying operations, a label and MSDS for the herbicides being used.

3.1.2 Equipment

All equipment will be in good mechanical condition and will be inspected prior to work. The spray pattern, application rates and calibration shall be checked before beginning the job and at least once during the project or more frequently if deemed necessary by the Forest Service. Calibration calculations shall be provided to the Forest Service as requested during the operating season. The contractor will inspect equipment daily for leaks and suspend operations until all leaks are repaired.

3.1.3 Storage of Herbicides

The Contractor will remove all herbicide containers from the National Forest and dispose of them in accordance with all local, state and federal requirements.

3.1.4 Environmental Hazards

Contractor shall be aware of environmental hazards which affect chemical application:

Environmental Hazards are described in the following Forest Service publications: FSH 2109.14 (Pesticide-Use Management and Coordination Handbook, Chapter 40 (Storage, transportation, and Disposal) and Chapter 60 – Spills, Incidents, and Accidents) (http://fsweb.wo.fs.fed.us/directives/fsh/2109.14/). In addition, the Final Environmental Statement for Integrated Treatment of Noxious or Invasive Weeds (2004), Appendix B, gives direction on the following: Design Features, Best Management Practices, Required Protection Measures and Mitigation Measures. (http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/nepa/index.shtml#Jan31.1)

3.1.5 Herbicide Spill Plan

The Contractor will notify the CO or COR immediately if a spill occurs. The spill plan will be provided before issuance of the Task Order. All spray operations and herbicide transport vehicles will have standard adequate spill containment and cleanup materials and equipment.

3.2 Required Herbicide and Adjuvants

The Contractor shall provide all chemicals required to complete this project.

Vendor will apply only those herbicides that are approved for use by the Forest Service. Herbicides will be applied in accordance with label directions and meet all requirements for legal applications as well as those listed in the Final Environmental Impact Statement for Integrated Treatment of Noxious or Invasive or Invasive Weeds on the Coconino, Kaibab, and Prescott National Forests.

Treatments areas often require changing herbicide to meet the requirements and restrictions of the product labels, to be effective on the weeds present, to be responsive to different site conditions and to minimize damage to non-target vegetation.

Dye/Marker: A water-based dye or other approved color marking system will be used at the direction of the Forest Service to further identify target species and area that have been sprayed. Dye amount in the herbicide must be visible on the sprayed sites for a minimum of 48 hours after application.

3.3 Herbicide Treatment Standards

The acres to be sprayed each year range from a minimum of 100 acres to a maximum of 2000 acres per forest. The Chemical Application operations will be prohibited when:

A. Average wind velocity exceeds ten (10) miles per hour for broadcast applications.

B. Frost, snow, or ice covers target plants.

C. Precipitation (rain or snow) is expected to be received in quantities sufficient to wash chemicals off plants within the rainfast interval indicated on the label, or when precipitation is sufficient to cause chemicals to be washed into open water sources.

D. Emergency closures such as Fire Restrictions.

E. Non-compliance with contract F. The herbicide is being used in a manner inconsistent with its labeling

The Chemical Application operations will be restricted when:

A. Low Relative Humidity conditions will be mitigated using droplet size and surfactants B. In areas near live water and riparian areas, chemical applications will be restricted to those herbicides registered for use in those areas, and buffer zones will be followed.

Avoid broadcast herbicide application (use spot treatment instead) where target species occur only sporadically in a dominant cover of non-target plants. Avoid herbicide injury to trees and other woody species.

Signs will be posted at access points to let the general public know to avoid contact with herbicides. List the date of treatment, the re-entry period, the herbicide used, and a name and phone number of who to call for more information.

Spray drift shall be avoided. Use nozzles with large droplet sizes (no fine mist) and do not broadcast/boom spray when sustained winds exceed 10 miles per hour.

No spraying shall be done inside ditches containing water (do not spray into, on or over water).

Spraying shall not occur while it is raining or snowing. The Contractor shall take all reasonable precautions to avoid spraying if it appears that precipitation sufficient to wash herbicide(s) off target species or into open water may occur within the rainfast interval indicated on the herbicide label or within 3 hours of herbicide application if not indicated on the herbicide label.

Buffer strips may be designated by the Forest Service during operations to protect rare plants, amphibians, or water-influenced areas. No spraying shall occur within these designated buffer strips.

When spraying herbicide to the water’s edge, spray with your back to the water. Spray away from the water, not towards it.

Do not use Tordon within 50 feet of water or sub-irrigated land; only use herbicides and surfactant approved for aquatic use in these areas. Do not spray herbicide into, over or on water. It is illegal to use a herbicide in a manner inconsistent with the label's instructions

The Contractor shall provide and maintain work procedures which will safeguard the public and Government personnel, as well as the Contractor’s own personnel. The Contractor shall be expected to use reasonable safety procedures and equipment while operating on National Forest lands.

Off-road treatment may be by UTV/ATV (or similar low impact vehicle), backpack sprayer, or pack animal. Treatment method will not create any new permanent wheeled tracks in the soil. Treatment activity and techniques will not contribute to measurable or noticeable erosion, extensive or intensive (localized) soil disturbance or long term physical damage to desirable vegetation.

The contractor will keep spray rigs and equipment appearing neat, professional and organized. Dye stains on the rigs, tanks, and employee clothing will be kept to a minimum by regular cleaning. It is important during this project to project a professional image and to demonstrate that the herbicide applications are performed carefully, professionally and without spillage.

3.4 Herbicide Records

Federal and State laws require record keeping for all applications of pesticides on public lands. The Contractor shall provide complete, accurate, and detailed records throughout the duration of the contract and provide the Government with legible, readable copies of such records on Forest Service provided forms. The contractor must submit application records to the Contracting Officer Representative within 14 days of applying herbicide to the site.

Upon completion of each project or unit of work on the contract, and prior to or accompanying each invoice, the Contractor shall provide the Government with herbicide application records (complete one form for each day, type of herbicide mixture used, and amount applied at each unique area as shown on the maps from the task order) and a map showing where the herbicide record pertains to.

The Contractor will notify the COR within 48 hours of discovery and record GPS locations of all new weed species observed.

If new weed patches are found that are not on the Government provided maps, the Contractor needs to notify the Contracting Officer prior to treatment of any area not listed in the Task Order.

The contractor shall not spray any area not specifically identified in the Task Order without direction of the Contracting Officer.

3.5 Chemical Handling and Care

The Contractor must present ADA Pesticide Applicators License and certificate of insurance to the COR/Inspector before work may begin.

Vendors must meet all regulations established by the Arizona Department of Agriculture (ADA) for licensed pesticide contractors.

Herbicides and additives shall be transported in a manner that will prevent spills.

Herbicide pouring and mixing operations will not occur within 150 feet of private lands, public trailheads or campgrounds, or any open water source.

Contractor shall not alter the chemicals It is a violation of federal law to use an herbicide in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.

3.6 Chemical Application Inspection

The Contractor must provide a quality control plan that outlines inspection procedures. The contractor must provide documentation and notify the COR after completing a treatment and inspection on a site before continuing to the next site. These procedures will be required in order to proceed with the next treatment.

3.7 Cleanup and Disposal

The Contractor shall insure that containers or tanks used for herbicide application are not washed out within 150 feet of private lands, wells or open water: springs, ditches, streams, ponds, or lakes. The contractor will follow all State, Federal and label regulations involving rinsing and washing procedures.

SECTION 4 – GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

Government Furnished Property and Services:

The property and services that will be provided by the Government are as follows:

Final Environmental Impact Statement for Integrated Treatment of Noxious or Invasive Weeds on the Coconino, Kaibab, and Prescott National Forests.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/coconino/landmanagement/projects/?cid=stelprdb5346183&width=full#Jan31.1

* For some remote treatment areas (e.g., North Kaibab Ranger District), Forest Service may provide water via portable tank from which contractor can draft water. Contractor will be responsible for providing water pump.

When water shall be used as a carrier, the contractor needs to supply. The Forest Service will help to identify possible sources of water at nearest Forest Service Administrative Sites. Contractor will be responsible for hauling water.

SECTION 5 – CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS/SERVICES

5.1 Quality Control:

Contractor shall prepare and submit a Quality Control Plan. Contractor shall inspect their work in accordance with the accepted Quality Control Plan.

5.2 Work Plan and Schedule:

The Contractor shall prepare a work plan and schedule that demonstrates that work will be completed within the performance period described in Section F. A supplementary plan and schedule shall be provided after issuance of a task order, but 10 days before start work.

Vendor will keep a daily log containing hours worked, date of application, site, weather conditions, herbicide used, formulation and approximate area treated.

The Contractor shall update the work plan as work is in progress to account for changes; and the updated work plan may be accepted by the Contracting Officer.

Prior to commencement of work, the Contractor shall attend a meeting to discuss the contract terms, work performance requirements, and safety. Also at this meeting such items as work progress schedule, quality control, camping/worksite plan, and fire prevention plans shall be finalized in writing.

SECTION 6 – FIRE CONTROL

6.1 Contractor’s Responsibility for Contractor-Caused Fires:

The Contractor, whether or not directed by the Forest Service, shall immediately extinguish, without expense to the Government, all fires on or in the vicinity of the project which are caused by Contractor's employees, whether set directly or indirectly as a result of Contractor operations. The Contractor may be held liable for all damages and costs of additional labor, subsistence, equipment, supplies, and transportation resulting from fires set or caused by the Contractor's employees or resulting from contract operations.

6.2 Fire Protection Requirements - Fire Plan:

At all times during closed fire season period, as specified by State law, the Contractor shall comply with each of the following provisions to the extent applicable to his operation under the contract.

6.3 Fire Tools:

The Contractor will provide for each employee in the contract area at least one approved hand tool of a type appropriate in the contract area, such as shovel, pulaski, or ax. Tools required and furnished below shall count toward fulfillment of the above requirement. Where additional tools, beyond those required below, are to be provided, the Contractor shall seal such tools in one or more boxes painted red and marked "Tools for Fire Only." All tools required herein shall be kept sharp and in good serviceable condition and maintained at locations to be designated by the Forest Service.

6.4 Fire Extinguishers and Tools on Mobile or Stationary Equipment:

Each unit of powered equipment used in connection with this contract, including automobiles, trucks, tractors, etc., shall be equipped with serviceable tools and fire extinguishers as follows:

a. One - fire extinguisher, dry chemical type of not less than 2-1/2 pound capacity with 4 BC or higher rating.

b. One - shovel, round point #0 lady or equal.

c. One - ax, 2 pounds or over, 26-inch minimum length, or one pulaski.

d. One - water container (at least 1-gallon capacity), not required with stationary equipment.

6.5 Smoking:

Smoking shall not be permitted within the contract area except on surfaced or dirt roads, at landings, within closed vehicles, in camps, or at other posted places, and shall never be allowed while working or traveling on foot. Smoking may also be curtailed based on restrictions placed on the general public and contractors due to fire danger.

6.6 Fire Plan:

Prior to initiating work on the contract area, during the closed fire season period, a fire prevention and suppression plan will usually be prepared. The Contractor and the Forest Service will jointly prepare this plan. Such plan shall include a detailed list of men and equipment at the Contractor's disposal for implementing the plan. The fire plan shall also specify additional measures and/or special requirements, such as:

Smoking and campfire restrictions, Powersaw restrictions and Industrial Fire Plan "C" (Hoot Owl) Camping restrictions, Area closures, and Forest closures, depending on what is necessary during periods of critical fire weather conditions.

7- PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY:

The following describes the major items in the contract with the incentives and deductions for the work described. Items below are included here as requirements.

Quality Control 5.1

Work Plan and Schedule 5.2 Work meets schedule as per the accepted work plan.

Chemical Application operations will not occur when:

Wind velocity exceeds ten (10) miles per hour for broadcast treatments.

Temperature inversion could lead to chemical volatization.

Frost, snow, or ice covers target plants.

Precipitation (rain or snow) is expected to be received in quantities sufficient to wash chemicals off plants within the rainfast interval indicated on the label of application, or when precipitation is sufficient to cause chemicals to be washed into open water sources.

Emergency closures such as Fire Restrictions.

Non-compliance

The herbicide is being used in a manner inconsistent with its labeling

In areas near live water and riparian areas, will be restricted to those herbicides and their mitigations listed for use in those areas.

Technical Specifications:

At a minimum, 90% of the invasive plants present in the project treatment area (each species needs to have this level of treatment effectiveness) will show mortality or physical signs of herbicide treatment such as wilting, curling or discoloration. Contract inspections will allow sufficient time for target plants to exhibit herbicide effects. If treatments are less than 90% effective then the contractor shall re-treat the area (and will not be paid for the second application).

If treatment effectiveness is obviously 90 % or better, then use ocular estimate and record observations of effectiveness for each weed species.

If treatment effectiveness appears to be less than 90 % then use the following method to monitor effectiveness. Establish a targeted random sample of 5-25 1 meter quadrats within the treatment polygon, number of frames will be proportional to polygon size.

Count the number of live and dead stems of target weed species if rhizomatous, and individual plants if not, for each weed species in the quadrat. The counting units are LIVE WEEDS and DEAD WEEDS. If there is a high density of weeds (either live, dead or both) and they are uniformly dense throughout the quadrat, you can subdivide the quadrat and count a subset.

Truck or Tractor Spraying – Generally applies to roadside spraying, which is defined as extending 35 feet on each side of the road centerline; one mile of roadside spraying is equal to 8.5 acres. Roads will be retreated as funding is available. The roadside spraying scheduled for herbicide treatment consists of both maintained and unmaintained, gravel and dirt system roads. The contractor may use a truck, tractor, or ATV. Many roadsides are nearly weed-free and will only need spot treatments. While most weeds are found on the road edge, it is not unusual to have to pull hose off the main road surface to spray cut and fill-slopes.

Some roads have restricted seasonal vehicle access or yearlong vehicle closures. The contractor will receive authorization to treat weeds behind these closures with vehicles as needed. The contractor may be asked to time treatment to avoid conflicts with other users in particular treatment areas.

OHV – Off Highway Vehicles only (such as an ATV or UTV) will treat weeds in areas with physical limitations (width of trail, rocks, and slopes too steep for truck), travel restriction, or other resource concerns. Weed infestations to be treated range from widely scattered to dense patches in meadows, and near riparian areas. When treating weeds on trails using an ATV, trails will be sprayed 35 feet either side of the trail and one mile of trail equals 8.5 acres of spraying. Annual acres to treat are estimates only and will vary with available funding.

Non-Motorized – Backpack or horse spraying includes treatment of areas that are too steep to access by motorized equipment or where motorized vehicle use is not acceptable. These are typically a short walk less than 1/2 mile, and some of the sites are very steep and rocky on slopes in excess of 40 percent.