Attach 1_Hoosier Dams Herbicide Treatment Statement of Work.pdf

Hoosier Dams Herbicide Treatment

Dam Herbicide Contract Statement of Work

Introduction/Background

The Hoosier National Forest is in south-central Indiana and contains approximately 203,000 acres of National

Forest System (NFS) lands. The two zones are the Brownstown Ranger District and the Tell City Ranger

District. Brownstown Ranger District includes Brown, Jackson, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, and Orange

Counties. Tell City Ranger District includes Dubois, Crawford, Orange, and Perry Counties. In the Tell City

District the Forest Service owns and operates 6 large dams. This contract is to help maintain the trees and brush that grow up on the mowed and riprap portions of the dam facilities. The attached exhibits for each dam show the areas that will be treated on each site. The specifications below will provide direction and details on the treatments for the different locations along with other conditions of this contract.

General Treatment Specifications

The treatment for various patches of woody species will depend on factors such as, location, patch size, the time of treatment. Woody plant treatments may include the use of hand methods, machinery, and chemicals to eliminate woody species in the treatment areas. Only the use of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved, non-restricted use chemicals are to be used. Other EPA approved herbicides may only be acceptable with prior approval of the contractor officer representative (COR).

The Contractor shall provide all expertise, labor, supervision, services, herbicides, carriers or adjuvants, materials, equipment, tools, supplies, transportation, licenses, permits, worker personal protective equipment

(PPE), and incidentals necessary to perform the required work, for which the desired outcome is in strict accordance with the standards in the contract. The Contractor shall perform and accomplish the work in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances. Contractors shall use selective herbicides or a selective method to reduce damage to surrounding water bodies. The Performance

Work Statement will list any additional necessary requirements.

Herbicide applicators shall use typical herbicide concentrations according to all EPA approved manufacturer herbicide directions. The Contractor will mix herbicides in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and any applicable laws or regulations. Application operations shall be conducted as indicated on the herbicide label, including approved concentrations, rates/acre, and environmental conditions. Only chemicals labeled for aquatic use in or adjacent to water bodies shall be used for this project, such as the aquatic formulation of glyphosate

(Rodeo ® or equivalent product) and/or Imazapyr.

The Contractor is responsible for the cleanup of any spills and will notify the COR immediately of any spills that occur. The contractor must have herbicide labels and copies of safety data sheets (SDS) of chemicals used on site. The contractor must provide copies or notification by telephone or email of herbicide labels and SDS of chemicals to the COR prior to the start of work.

This contract does not allow any indiscriminate broadcast applications that would have application directly onto water surfaces. Where appropriate, vehicle or ATV/UTV/OHV mounted sprayers is permissible to apply herbicides. Other spot spraying typically involves the use of backpack sprayers or other hand techniques. Use of suitable dye is required to indicate where applicators have sprayed or used herbicides. Contractors cannot use

ATVs with liquid cargo tanks exceeding 15 gallons.

For woody trees, shrubs and vines over 1 inch in basal diameter, the stems will be cut at ground level and immediately sprayed with herbicide. Other work will involve foliar herbicide application to smaller stemmed woody vegetation in the specified areas. Foliar application will occur after full leaf expansion and applicators will apply herbicides in a systematic fashion to provide coverage to all woody vegetation leaves in the areas specified. Contractor shall apply foliar spray in such a manner to thoroughly wet foliage, but not to the point of runoff to avoid runoff into the local water bodies.

Contractor will conduct treatments to at least 95% of the specified project area(s) of the target vegetation as identified in the Performance Work Statement and Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. Contractor will conduct treatments at a sufficient interval and concentration to meet or exceed the kill rate of 90% for all target vegetation (refer to Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan); or values specified in the Performance Work

Statement.

The Contractor shall progressively accomplish the work at a rate that will result in completion of the work within the time specified as determined by the final accepted work schedule for the awarded contract.

Forest Service COR or Contract Inspectors may conduct visual inspection of woody treatments on site to check on their progression to ensure the Contractor is following the specified requirements of the contract. The COR may conduct random inspections and sampling to verify acceptable kill rates to target woody vegetation. At the discretion of the COR, the Forest Service will accept work based on visual inspection, to confirm kill rates to target vegetation.

Recordkeeping and Daily Logs/Diary

Minimum record requirements include copies of hazardous material handling certificates, copies of safety data sheets (SDS) of chemicals used, and the location of the waste site and/or use destination locations. SDS and product label must be provided to the COR digitally before work begins.

Contractor will maintain an accurate daily treatment log of work activities and chemicals applied in each treatment areas per contract, with a copy made available to the COR at billing or upon request. At a minimum, the Contractor shall provide to the COR, a copy of the daily treatment log no later than upon submission of the final invoice. When invoicing for partial work payments, the Contractor shall provide information from the daily diary regarding the herbicide treatments done for the relevant specific contract line items (CLIN). The daily log must record the Contract Line Item, target species, chemical used (product name), quantity of herbicide (volume applied–including product and carrier/dilutant), application rate (active ingredient applied & unit of measure or percent solution), and adjuvant used (product name & rate applied, if any). The log will record weather information consisting of wind velocity (MPH), wind direction, air temperature (F), condition

(cloud cover), and precipitation (inches). Other log requirements include date, time of day (start time and stop time), treatment location, approximate acres treated, hours to complete task, type of application

(method/technique), name of licensed commercial applicator, other licensed applicators and non-certified applicators, type of equipment used, plus optional information such as any other miscellaneous notes or observations.

Equipment Cleanliness

Prior to starting work, the Contractor must clean all equipment used in woody control activities before entering the treatment areas. Project COR will inspect equipment on-site. Equipment must also meet FS fire and safety requirements. Equipment is to be inspected by the COR before work can begin. Equipment inspections must be scheduled with the COR a minimum of three business days prior to the requested date of inspection.

Cultural Resources

If artifacts or cultural materials are discovered during project implementation, cease work and notify the COR, and the heritage resource specialist at 812-276-4748. If human remains are discovered, cease work, notify the

COR, the heritage resource specialist, and secure the area.

Licensing and Certification

The Contractor and/or whoever will supervise the herbicide treatment must possess a current Indiana commercial pesticide applicators certification and license at the time of any herbicide treatments. This contract will require work under category 2 (Forest Pest Management) or category 6 (Industrial Weed Management).

The Contractor must also possess a current Indiana Commercial Pesticide Business License. Information on

Indiana pesticide certification is available at http://www.isco.purdue.edu/.

The Contractor, or subcontractor, shall ensure that there is either an Indiana pesticide licensed applicator on-site at all times of treatments or ALL on-site personnel applying herbicide MUST be registered technicians AND have access to immediate voice communication by telephone or radio with the licensed supervisor.

Inspections

The Contractor may set up the Work Plan and Schedule to include interim inspections; however, interim inspections will only be done upon completion of at least one line item (CLIN). The Contractor shall complete the CLIN work according to the approved Work Schedule then request an inspection by the COR. Contractors are reminded that some work, such as herbicide application, cannot be immediately inspected, because an appropriate time interval must pass before determining whether the AQL has been met.

Invoicing

Invoicing is tied to successful inspection of work. The Contractor may only invoice after the COR has inspected the line item(s) work and the work is determined to have met the AQL. This applies to both interim and final payments.

Safety Plan

The Contractor will provide a written safety plan that demonstrates how the contractor will ensure a safe work environment for themselves, their employees. The safety plan should include: 1) a chemical spill plan documenting internal procedures, in the event of a pesticide spill on-site or in transport, 2) documentation to substantiate that the Contractor has an ongoing safety training program, 3) documentation regarding any

Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) actions/citations issued against the Contractor within the previous three (3) years, to include follow-up measures or remedies taken by the Contractor. The same safety plan information is required of subcontractors.

ATV/UTV Use

Wet weather conditions may preclude the use of vehicles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles

(UTVs) or off-highway vehicles (OHVs) in off road areas along trails or fields for indefinite periods or possibly the entire area at certain times of the year. The COR will determine those conditions or locations that warrant cessation of vehicle or ATV/UTV/OHV use.

Contract Line Item Treatment Categories:

Trees, Shrubs and Woody Vines – Cut Stump Herbicide (over 1-inch basal diameter) & Foliar Herbicide -

(Selective or Non-selective Herbicide):

http://www.isco.purdue.edu/

Contractor will cut woody trees, shrubs and vines (greater than 1-inch basal diameter) and apply herbicide to the cut stumps. Cuts must be made as close to ground as possible. Foliar herbicide will be used on the remaining smaller, uncut vegetation. Work shall occur in specified locations and times as requested in the Performance

Work Statement (PWS). Spot foliar treatments will occur by hand spray guns or backpack type sprayers using either selective or non-selective herbicides as requested in the PWS. Typically, the contractor will accomplish brush cutting by using hand techniques, chainsaws and/or brush cutters. Contractor will apply herbicide at a sufficient interval and concentration to meet or exceed the kill rate on woody vegetation as indicated in the

QASP/AQL.

All cut vegetation over three inches diameter shall be hauled to designated site on maps. All smaller diameter vegetation can be scattered across the mowed portion of the site.

Depending on the location, extent and size of treatment area, the contractor may use either backpack sprayers and hand techniques and vehicle or ATV/UTV/OHV mounted sprayers to apply herbicides. Other equipment such as tractors or skidsteers can be used as long as rutting does not occur.

The Contractor shall only apply herbicides that are aquatic approved. Herbicides that would suffice include aquatic formulation of glyphosate (Rodeo ® or equivalent product) and Imazapyr. All surfactants must be aquatic approved as well. Other EPA approved herbicides may be acceptable with prior approval of the COR.

Definitions:

1. Contracting Officer: A Forest Service employee with the authority to: enter into, administer, and terminate contracts, as well as issue determinations regarding such matters as claims.

2. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): A Forest Service employee that is appointed and officially designated by the Contracting Officer to assist the Contracting Officer with the technical matters related to contract administration. The COR will assist the Contracting Officer with surveillance of contractor performance.

3. Government Technical Monitor (GTM): A Forest Service employee designated by the Contracting

Officer or COR to perform surveillance of contractor performance.

4. Acceptable Quality Level (AQL): A suitable level of conformance based on an established percentage of defects.

5. Quality Assurance: Those actions taken by the Forest Service to assure services meet specified requirements.

6. Quality Control: Those actions taken by a Contractor to control the performance of services so that they meet the specified requirements.

7. Performance-Based Service Contract (PBSC): A contract which incorporates a results-oriented statement of work, describing the overall work to be accomplished (outcome/result), rather than explicitly describing how the tasks should be performed, to accomplish the work.

Performance Work Statement and Quality Assurance Plan:

Contract Line Item No. – Work Requirement

Task / Critical Sub-tasks Inspection requirements *Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) Monitoring

Method

Trees, Shrubs and Woody Vines

– Cut Stump & Foliar Herbicide Applications

Contractor will cut all basal diameters over 1 inch and apply herbicide to the cut stems of the target infestation(s). Smaller plants will be treated with foliar applications. Applicators will apply herbicide at a sufficient interval to meet or exceed the kill rate on target vegetation infestation(s). The cut treatment will occur in areas where shrubs/woody vines are greater than one-inch basal diameter.

At least 95% of woody vegetation was treated.

AQL determinations are made by the COR upon inspection of the work.

These determinations are unilateral and not protestable

Minimum 95% kill of woody vegetation

Visual

Removal of larger woody debris

All woody stems 3 inches or greater in diameter are to be moved to designated areas on corresponding dam map.

Smaller stems are to be scattered in mowed areas.

No stems 3 inches or greater left on dam face.

No stems of cut items in rip-rap areas.

These determinations are unilateral and not protestable

100% of stems over 3” removed from dam face.

95% of stem cuts removed from rip-rap areas.

Schedule (non-Line Item)

Timely Completion of the contract work

Per the Work Schedule, the Contractor will complete all work prior to the contract end date.

AQL determinations are made by the COR upon inspection of the work.

These determinations are unilateral and not protestable

All work must be complete by the end date of the contract and meet the AQL.

*Meeting the AQL for Line Items: Contractor(s) must reapply the required herbicide, or mechanical work, at their expense upon failure to meet

AQL values at the final inspection for each contract line item where the work performed failed to reach the minimum acceptable target kill of woody vegetation.

Performance Work Statement and Project Specifications for Dam Herbicide project:

Requirements:

The initial draft specific Work Plan and Schedule will indicate how the Contractor intends to meet the required Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) values, as well as the contract specifications, within the time allotted. The Work Schedule will provide dates of work for each Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) addressed, to include completion of all work before the required final date specified. The Contractor shall inform the COR of completion of each contract line item.

Upon issuance of the contract, the Contractor will then submit a final site-specific Work Plan and Schedule, including any changes in values or proposed chemical differing from the initial Work Plan for approval by the COR. The Contractor will inform the COR of any relevant changes to the technical specifications when performing work under the contract. The contractor will submit a Work Plan and Schedule, which optimizes the effectiveness of the foliar application for woody species.

As specified, the contractor will complete a daily dairy with information requested for each contract line item (CLIN) and provide a copy to the COR no later than with the final invoice.

The performance period for the Dam Herbicide contract line items (CLIN) is approximately 4 months beginning on the Date of Award and concluding on October 14, 2026, upon issuance of a Notice to Proceed. The performance period is inclusive of the time required for the contractor to submit all technical documentation, as well as the time for Forest Service review and subsequent approval of all required technical submissions.

Treat all species of woody trees, shrubs and vines that occur scattered throughout the identified areas.

Contractor will cut trees, shrubs, and woody vines (greater than 1 inch basal diameter) and apply herbicide to the cut stumps. Foliar herbicide will be used on the remaining smaller, uncut vegetation.

Spot foliar treatments will occur by hand spray guns or backpack type sprayers using aquatic approved herbicides. See attached maps for locations where cutting and herbicide applications are to occur.

All stems over 3 inches will be moved to designated areas on each dam map. Remaining woody debris is to be scattered in mowed areas. Cut stems of any size are NOT to be left in rip rap areas on the dam face.

Only aquatic approved herbicides are allowed to be used on this project. This project requires the use of an aquatic approved herbicide for all sites.

Considering the potential for possible inadvertent harm or death to aquatic organisms, careful application of herbicides and minimizing any inadvertent harm by possible overspray or equipment use is necessary to provide protection to water, and moist soils within the area.

The Contractor also shall furnish with their technical submission:

1. Names of staff and their documented education or experience in identifying local desirable native plants, including any rare species, that will work on the contract

2. Names of staff and their past work experience performing similar herbicide application in projects near rare plants and/or their habitat that will work on the site cjhamilton Highlight

CONTRACTOR INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears, no advance payments will be authorized. Unless otherwise noted, contractors shall submit invoices for payment as follows:

A. If the work performance period cited in the individual contract is 30 days or less, the contractor shall submit an invoice to the government at the end of the performance period. No partial payments are authorized.

B. If the work performance period cited in the individual contract is greater than

30 days partial payments may be authorized on a monthly basis and upon acceptance of the work.

SECTION H--SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

AGAR 452.237-74 Key Personnel (FEB 1988)

(a) The Contractor shall assign to this contract the following key personnel: Project

Manager(s)/On-Site Foremen/Lead and ensure they have proper licensure according to state requirement: http://www.isco.purdue.edu/.

(b) The Contractor shall make no substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death, or termination of employment. The Contractor shall notify the

Contracting Officer within 15 calendar days after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required by paragraph (c) below.

(c) The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the Contracting Officer. Proposed substitutes should have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The Contracting Officer will notify the

Contractor within 15 calendar days after receipt of all required information of the decision on substitutions. The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.

In addition to the Experience Questionnaire and providing Line-Item pricing, the Offeror shall also provide the following:

1) PERSONNEL: Provide the list of employees who will work on the project, and documentation to substantiate the requisite certification and licensing(s).

A. SUBCONTRACTORS: The same information is required of all proposed subcontractors.

B. **FAILURE TO SUBMIT EMPLOYEE(S) AND SUBCONTRACTOR

EMPLOYEE(S) STATE OF INDIANA (OR RECIPROCAL) LICENSING

CERTIFICATION FOR HEBICIDE TREATMENT (REFERENCE:

SECTION C.5) WILL RESULT IN THE PROPOSAL BEING DEEMED AS

http://www.isco.purdue.edu/

NONRESPONSIVE. OFFEROR AND SUBCONTRACTOR(S) SHOULD

SUBMIT A COPY OF EACH EMPLOYEE CERTIFICATE**.

2) WORK PLAN and SCHEDULE: The offeror will provide a description of methods to be used to reach the desired woody plant kill rate. This plan should include herbicides to be used, the application rates (percent active ingredient), herbicide carriers and adjuvants. The Plan should also provide a list of the equipment to be used, both motorized and non-motorized.

A. SUBCONTRACTORS: The same information is required of all proposed subcontractors.

3) SUBCONTRACTOR(s): Provide the name and address of any subcontractor(s) (or partner/joint-venture entity) that will be used on this project. Also include the type of work that the subcontractor will accomplish. If the intent is to allow the subcontractor to work without direct oversight by the offeror, then the subcontractor shall also furnish a safety plan and quality control plan, as described below.

PAST PERFORMANCE NOTE: If an offeror has limited or no relevant project information, this should be addressed in the technical proposal. The

Forest Service recognizes that an offeror may have minimal experience. In this instance, it is advised that the offeror address how they intend on insuring successful completion of the work, for example: subcontracting certain aspects of the project.

SECTION M--EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

AWARD DETERMINATION:

In response to this solicitation, the Forest Service intends to award based on best value to the government. All evaluation criteria will be weighted evenly.

An offeror must price all line items.

The offeror is required to submit a response to all technical information requested in Section H.

Failure to submit a complete technical response may result in proposal not being considered further for potential award. However, failure to submit employee (s) and subcontractor employee(s) State of Indiana (or reciprocal) licensing certification for herbicide treatment will result in the proposal being deemed as nonresponsive and not considered further for award.

Likewise, failure to submit employees training/experience in identification of native plants and prior experience working in areas with rare plants will be deemed as nonresponsive and not considered further for award.