FY 2026 Chatt-Oconee Veg Contract

Chattahoochee-Oconee NFs, Oconee Ranger District & Conasauga Ranger District

SCOPE OF WORK (a)

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, Oconee Ranger District

Counties: Putnam, Jones, Jasper, Oglethorpe & Greene Counties, Georgia

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

1.1(a) 1(a) Scope of contract (Wildlife Midstory Treatment)

It is the intent of this contract to secure services for wildlife midstory by a foliar and/or

Hack and spray. No materials, labor, supervision, or equipment will be furnished by the

Government.

1.1(a) 2(a)Scope of contract (Site Preparation) (ORD)

It is the intent of this contract to secure services and products for site preparation treatment on harvest areas impacted by catastrophic insect damage by foliar spray and/or cut surface treatment on salvaged sites. No materials, labor, supervision, or equipment will be furnished by the Government.

1.1(a) 3(a)Scope of contract (Mechanical Site Preparation) (ORD)

It is the intent of this contract to secure services and products for site preparation treatment on harvest areas impacted by catastrophic insect damage by mechanical, chainsaws and/or brush saws to treat salvaged sites. No materials, labor, supervision, or equipment will be furnished by the Government.

1.2(a) Project Location

Areas to be treated are located within the boundaries of:

National Forest: Chattahoochee- Oconee

District: Oconee

County(ies): Putnam, Jones, Jasper, Oglethorpe & Greene

State: Georgia

See attached Project Maps for locations of project sites. All area boundaries are marked with orange paint or flagging.

1.3 Order of work

The government reserves the right to determine the sequence of the areas worked.

Period of Performance

Estimated Start Date: August 1, 2026

Contract Duration: 3 months

Completion Date: October 31, 2026

Pre-Bid Tour

No pre-bid tour is scheduled. Contact the COR for questions. Or see SAM.gov for changes.

1.4(a) Contractor Furnished Property

1. Cut Surface Release Herbicide: The spray solution to be used will consist of the mixture as listed below for Triclopyr. Only hardwoods or other broadleaf vegetation will be needed to be sprayed. A dye will be added to the spray mixture to ensure coverage.

2. Water needed for mixing herbicide, personal hygiene and equipment cleaning may be obtained from the Oconee Work Center.

3. The contractor will be responsible for mixing the herbicide solution, ad supplying the herbicide for this contract.

4. Foliar Spray: All live trees and brush less than or equal to 6 feet in height shall be treated by foliar spray using a 4 percent solution off triclopyr amine.

Primary Herbicide:

Treatment Herbicide Lbs ai/gal % solution Gallons of spray/acre

Lbs ai/acre

Cut Surface

(Wildlife

Midstory)

Triclopyr

(amine)

3.0 50 2.5 3.75

Foliar

(Wildlife

Midstory)

Triclopyr

(amine)

3.0 4 25 1

Foliar

(Site prep)

Triclopyr

(ester) &

Imazapyr

4 2% (ester)

1%

(Imazapyr)

12 0.96 (ester)

0.48(

Imazapyr)

Alternative Herbicide:

Treatment Herbicide Lbs ai/gal % solution Gallons of spray/acre

Lbs ai/acre

Cut Surface

(Wildlife

Midstory)

Imazapyr 4.0 50 0.2 0.40

Foliar Imazapyr 4.0 1 10 0.45

(Wildlife

Midstory)

*Alternative herbicide can be used upon COR request. Coordination will be discussed after contract awarded or pre-work meeting.

1.5 Licensing and Insurance Requirements

Refer to FAR 52.236-7. Permits and responsibilities in Section I. Contractors are required to comply with rules of Georgia Department of Agriculture 40-21, Pesticide use and

Application. Requirements include a Pesticide Contractors License, Commercial

Applicator’s license and financial responsibility.

C.02 (a)TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

2.1 Equipment

Herbicide Spraying:

Low-volume hand operated backpack sprayers with a .2503 flat fan nozzle or equivalent

(prior approval by Contracting Officer Representative)

2.2 (a) 1(a)Treatment of Areas (Wildlife midstory)

Cut Surface and Foliar Spray:

Cut Surface Release:

All sweetgum, yellow poplar, maple, elm, and cherry stems between 1-5 inches in diameter at breast height (4.5 ft above ground level) will be cut and sprayed with herbicide. No oaks, hickories, dogwoods, or persimmon trees will be cut. All slash will be lopped and scattered so not to exceed 3 feet in height within 50 feet of all public roads.

Stump heights will not exceed 2 feet in height.

Foliar spray:

All sweetgum, yellow poplar, maple, elm, and cherry stems under 6 feet in height will be foliar sprayed. Any kudzu or privet found in the unit will also be treated using a direct foliar spray. Uniformly cover the foliage of the vegetation to be controlled with the spray solution. Do not over apply causing excessive runoff from the treated foliage. Avoid direct application to oaks, hickories, dogwoods, and persimmons.

Herbicide Usage Sheets

The contractor shall supply an herbicide usage sheet showing each day worked, amount of herbicide mixture used daily and area treated to the COR upon completion of each area

2.2 (b) 2(a)Treatment of Areas (Site preparation)

Foliar spray:

All sweetgum, yellow poplar, maple, elm, and ash stems under 6 feet in height will be foliar sprayed. Any kudzu or privet found in the unit will also be treated using a direct foliar spray. Uniformly cover the foliage of the vegetation to be controlled with the spray solution. Do not over apply causing excessive runoff from the treated foliage. Avoid direct application to oaks, hickories, dogwoods, and persimmons, unless COR makes changes in the field.

Herbicide Usage Sheets

The contractor shall supply an herbicide usage sheet showing each day worked, amount of herbicide mixture used daily and area treated to the COR upon completion of each area.

3(a)Treatment of Areas (Mechanical Site preparation)

Chainsaw and/or Brush saw Release:

All pines, brush and non-desirables woody stems (i.e. sweetgum, yellow poplar, maple, elm, and ash trees) will be cut. No oaks, hickories or persimmon trees will be cut unless agreed upon by COR. All slash will be lopped and scattered no less than 2 feet and not to exceed 3 feet in height within 50 feet of all public roads. Stump heights will not exceed 2 feet in height.

2.3 Vegetation not to be treated

The following vegetation will not have herbicide treatments under any circumstances.

• No vegetation within 15 feet of a private property line will be treated by cut surface treatment.

• Herbicide will not be applied within 100 feet of any lakes, wetlands, or perennial/intermittent stream.

• No soil active herbicide will be applied with 25 feet of ephemeral stream.

• Property boundary trees

• Vegetation designated by the C.O.R or inspector.

2.4 Inclement weather

Work will be stopped in the event of the following conditions:

1. Relative humidity of 20% or less.

2. Wind (at target) is greater than 15 mph.

3. Temperature 98 degrees Fahrenheit or above.

4. Rain forecasted 1 hours before application, during rain, or at least 1 hour after rain.

2.5 Requirements with Herbicide Use

The contactor is responsible for safe application of herbicide. All safety requirements listed on the herbicide label will be followed by the contractor.

OTHER PESTICIDE STANDARDS

(1) Permits and Responsibility for the Work

Contractor and/or its subcontractors shall, without additional expense to the Forest Service, be responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses certifications and permits, including a valid GA Commercial Pesticide Applicator License, and adhering to municipal laws, codes, and regulations in connection with the use of pesticides under this contract.

Contractor will be responsible for full compliance with all applicable provisions of the EPA Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS), 40 CFR Part 170.

(2) Training

Contractor and/or its sub-contractor will instruct each applicator crew member in the safe use of the herbicide(s) to be applied so as to protect themselves and the environment. The suggested areas to be covered are safe handling and proper application, transportation, storage, and disposal of the containers as shown herein. Techniques of eye wash and personal hygiene should also be part of the training.

(3) Transportation of Herbicides

Contractor and/or its sub-contractor is legally responsible for the safe transportation of herbicides.

Contractor and/or its sub-contractor shall follow travel routes designated by the Forest

Service when transporting herbicides from the public road system to the treatment sites.

Transport vehicles shall be parked inside the treatment site or in an area designated by the

Forest Service.

Transportation of herbicides used on this contract shall be in accordance with label instructions and the general approved and accepted procedures for safe transportation of herbicides. The following precautions should be taken by the Contractor/sub-contractor to prevent spills, accidents, injury or theft:

1. Transport herbicides in the cargo compartment of a truck or other vehicle away from the passenger compartment.

2. No personnel should ride in the back of a vehicle with the herbicide.

3. All herbicide containers should be tied down or otherwise constrained to prevent breakage or spillage.

4. Pesticides should not be transported in the same compartment with food or clothing.

5. If any herbicide is spilled in-or-from the vehicle it should be cleaned up at once.

6. Unlocked herbicides should not be left unattended.

(4) Handling and Application of Herbicides

Personnel handling herbicides should wear protective clothing and/or equipment as recommended by the herbicide manufacturer. Herbicide shall not be applied or equipment cleaned outside of areas designated by Forest Service.

Following these simple rules will help make the use of the herbicide safer for everyone:

1. Read the safety information on the label.

2. Wear the proper protective clothing.

3. Keep first aid equipment and supply of clean water readily available, including soap and eye wash equipment meeting OSHA regulations.

4. Don`t work alone.

5. Keep the container below eye level when pouring to avoid splashing or spilling any herbicide on the face or into the eyes.

6. If herbicides are spilled, stop immediately, wash out eyes if contaminated and remove contaminated clothing. Wash the skin thoroughly with soap and water.

Speed is essential. Once clean, put on clean protective clothing and equipment and clean up the spill. See a physician as appropriate.

7. Keep measuring cups and other equipment clean and properly stored when not in use.

8. Wash hands carefully before relieving yourself, eating, or smoking.

(5) Herbicide Spills

Contractor shall be responsible for all costs of damages, clean-up, and decontamination should a herbicide spill occur. A Spill Plan will be provided by the Forest Service at the pre-operations meeting or prior to commencing project work. Contractor/sub-contractor is responsible for providing a spill kit for project work. The spill kit shall be carried to project work areas daily. Recommended spill kit contents include:

• 2 pairs of nitrile gloves

• 1 pair of non-vented goggles

• 1 shop brush or whisk broom

• 6 polyethylene bags with ties

• 1-pint liquid detergent

• 1 polyethylene or plastic tarp

• 10 blank labels

• 1 ABC type fire extinguisher

• 30 lbs. absorbent material (kitty litter)

• 2 eyewash bottles (filled)

• 1 round point shovel

• 1 roll of flagging

• 1 roll of duct tap

If a spill occurs, every effort will be made to keep it from contaminating water and other off-site areas. The spill shall be cleaned up as quickly as possible. Appropriate Federal, State and local officials will be notified as appropriate. Herbicide spills shall be handled in accordance with the standard procedures for spill clean-up. (40 CFR 117) Forest

Service representatives delegated for the project shall be notified immediately of any herbicide spill or accident.

(6) Storing Herbicides

Herbicides used on this contract will not be stored or left overnight except at storage facilities approved by the Forest Service. Unused herbicides will be returned to the approved securely locked storage facility as designated by the Forest Service at the end of each work day.

(7) Disposal of Herbicide Containers

Contractor shall follow all label directions for rinsing empty herbicide containers prior to disposal. No empty containers will be left at the worksite and must be disposed of properly in accordance to the label.

Equipment Requirements:

Equipment used must be of sufficient power and size to cut stems ranging from 2 inches to 4.9 inches DBH. Brush cutters and chainsaws are the most practical implements to complete the required work.

Equipment operators must wear the required personal protective equipment when operating equipment including, but not limited to:

• Hearing protection

• Chainsaw chaps

• Helmet

• Safety Glasses

C.03 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

Inspections of work performance under this contract shall be made by the contracting office representative (COR) or the designated inspector as the work progress at such intervals as are necessary to insure compliance with the contract specification and provisions.

Upon completion of work on ana rea, the Contractor shall notify the COR that work on the area is completed and the COR shall make an overall inspection of the work completed. If the work completed is accepted, the Contractor shall proceed with work on the next area. If the work is not accepted by the COR, the Contractor shall complete any remedial work required prior to commencing work on the next area.

For the herbicide application component of this project, the Forest Service inspector shall inspect the herbicide application within 30 days of application. This should generally provide time for the effects of the herbicide to become evident. Indications of herbicide application and incipient mortality shall be evident by visual deterioration of the treated plants, including drooping, wilting, chlorosis, interrupted seed maturation, and drying of plant parts (stem, leaves, reproductive parts), beyond recovery. Inspections shall determine both the adequacy of coverage of the project area and the efficacy of the application to the target species.

Forest Service inspections will be documented on Daily Diaries and placed in the contract file. If work in part of an Area does not meet the Acceptable Quality Level given above, a Notice of Non-Compliance will be issued by the COR. The COR may issue other cure notices if work is not being performed in a timely manner or does not comply with contract specifications.

Unsatisfactory Work

In the event any of the work does not meet the specifications through the fault or negligence of the Contractor, such work shall, upon request of the COR, be made to conform to specifications by the Contractor at his expense. Cost of re-inspection by the

Government will be charged to the Contractor.

Basis of Payment

Payment will be made on the basis of the acreage stated in the Task

Order upon satisfactory completion of the work and acceptance by the Contracting

Officer.

OCONEE FY26 WILDLIFE MIDSTORY CUT SURFACE/FOLIAR HERBICIDE

SPRAY COMPARTMENT/STANDS

Compartment Stand Acres Start

Date

Finish

Date

114 1 28

114 17 51

114 18 14

114 19 19

114 20 38

114 21 31

144 12 67

144 19 25

145 6 11

145 10 2

145 13 33

145 14 52

145 15 31

145 25 19

145 26 36

Total Planned Acres 457

OCONEE FY26 SITE PREPARATION FOLIAR HERBICIDE SPRAY

COMPARTMENT/STANDS

Compartment Stand Acres Start

Date

Finish

Date

4 1 6

4 14 40

101 20 25

130 22 15

130 24 20

140 11 39

145 1 34

148 30 21

156 26 36

170 5 9

170 9 11

Total Planned Acres 256

OCONEE FY26 SITE PREPARATION MECHANICAL

(CHAINSAW AND/OR BRUSH SAW)

COMPARTMENT/STANDS

Compartment Stand Acres Start

Date

Finish

Date

170 5 16

170 9 10

Total Planned Acres 26

Contract Vicinity MAP

OCONEE FY26 WILDLIFE MIDSTORY CUT SURFACE/FOLIAR HERBICIDE

SPRAY MAP

OCONEE FY26 SITE PREPARATION FOLIAR HERBICIDE SPRAY

OCONEE FY26 SITE PREPARATION MECHANICAL

(CHAINSAW AND/OR BRUSH SAW)

SCOPE OF WORK (b)

FY26 RELEASE OF PINE & OAK SEEDLINGS

CHATTAHOOCHEE- CONASAUGA RANGER DISTRICT

Counties: Murray and Chattooga County, Georgia

C.01 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

1.1(b) 1(b)Scope of contract (Tree Release and Weed)(CRD)

It is the intent of this contract to secure services and products for site preparation treatment on harvest areas impacted by catastrophic insect damage by foliar spray and/or cut surface treatment on salvaged sites. No materials, labor, supervision, or equipment will be furnished by the Government.

1.2(b) Project Location

National Forest: Chattahoochee- Oconee

District: Conasuaga

County(ies): Murray and Chattooga orange paint or flagging.

1.3 Order of work

The government reserves the right to determine the sequence of the areas worked.

Estimated Start Date: August 1, 2026

Contract Duration: 3 months

Completion Date: October 31, 2026

WORK ITEM 01: TREE RELEASE-BASAL SPRAY/ FOLIAR OF WHITE OAK

SEEDLINGS- See Map 1

Areas to be planted are located within the boundaries of:

National Forest: Chattahoochee

District: Conasauga

County: Chattooga orange paint and/or flagging.

Item Area Comp/Stand Treatment Acres

01 01 923/01 STRAWBERRY

Tree release of white oak seedlings-Cut-stump/ foliar

TOTAL 40

Area 01 was planted with white oak seedlings in February of 2025. The site received a site prep burn in the spring of 2024. The vegetation surrounding the white oak seedlings is comprised of grasses, red maple, yellow-poplar and other woody competition.

Area 01 is located in Chattooga County, Georgia, off of West Armuchee road. It is approximately 15 miles from Dalton, Georgia. The area is accessible by road. Area terrain ranges from relatively flat ground to gently sloping ridges to steep hillsides and side-slopes with stump sprouting vegetation and regenerating pine saplings. See Appendix A map 1, attached.

WORK ITEM 02: Tree Release – BASAL SPRAY/Manual Slash Down- Sumac Phase 1

Areas to be planted are located within the boundaries of:

National Forest: Chattahoochee

District: Conasauga

County: Murray

02 02 721/06 SUMAC

Tree release of shortleaf seedlings-Basal bark/Manual Slashdown

02 02 721/07 SUMAC

Tree release of shortleaf seedlings-Basal bark /Manual Slashdown

02 02 722/25 SUMAC

Tree release of shortleaf seedlings-Basal bark /Manual Slashdown

02 02 722/36 SUMAC

Tree release of shortleaf seedlings-Basal bark /Manual Slashdown

02 02 722/44 SUMAC

Tree release of shortleaf seedlings-Basal bark /Manual Slashdown

02 02 748/05 SUMAC

Tree release of shortleaf seedlings-Basal bark /Manual Slashdown

02 02 748/21 SUMAC

Tree release of shortleaf seedlings-Basal bark /Manual Slashdown

Total 113

WORK ITEM 03: TREE RELEASE – BASAL SPRAY/ Manual Slashdown – SUMAC 3

National Forest: Chattahoochee

District: Conasauga

County: Murray orange paint and/or flagging (color of flagging will be communicated at pre-work meeting).

03 02 749/39 SUMAC

Tree release of natural hardwood seedlings- basal bark/ Manual Slashdown

03 02 751/15 SUMAC

Tree release of shortleaf seedlings-Basal bark/ Manual Slashdown

TOTAL 21

Area 02 was commercially regenerated in 2019 and chemically site prepped and burned in 2020.

It consists of a regenerating shortleaf pine stand with competing loblolly and Virginia pine and hardwood competition. Vegetation to be treated consists of woody competition around planted shortleaf seedlings.

Area 02 is near Crandall, GA, off Hickory Ridge Road in Murray County. All areas are accessible by road, with some foot travel required. Area terrain ranges from relatively flat ground to gently sloping ridges to steep hillsides and side-slopes with stump sprouting vegetation and regenerating pine saplings. See Appendix A map 2, attached.

C.1 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

WORK ITEM 01: TREE RELEASE-BASAL SPRAY/ FOLIAR OF WHITE OAK

SEEDLINGS- See Map 1

VEGETATION TO BE TREATED

All live trees that are between 0.1”-3.0” in diameter in four (4) foot radius around the planted white-oak seedlings shall be treated with herbicide by basal/ streamline method.

VEGETATION NOT TO BE TREATED

• Oak

• Flowering species > 1” dbh left after timber harvest (dogwood, redbud, serviceberry)

• Orange painted boundary trees

• Stream course boundary trees w/ pink paint

• Heritage boundary trees w/ white paint

• FS property boundary trees w/ red paint

• Other trees designated by COR/Inspector

• No trees shall be cut within white and pink painted boundaries

Basal/ Streamline Procedure

Garlon 4 (forestry label) shall be applied in a 15-20 (17) percent solution in compatible vegetable-based oil (mixture hereinafter referred to as “herbicide”). Stems to be treated should be above 6 feet in height. A colored dye shall be added to herbicide solution as an aid to indicate foliar treatment. Herbicide shall be applied completely around stems 12-15 inches above groundline to the point of runoff.

Contractor shall apply herbicide with a compression pump backpack sprayer equipped with a nozzle capable of supplying a directed straight stream of herbicide. Care should be taken to not spray herbicide on on-target vegetation, including the planted shortleaf pine seedlings.

Foliar Procedure

All yellow poplar and maple stems under 2 feet in height will be foliar sprayed. Any kudzu or privet found in the unit will also be treated using a direct foliar spray. Uniformly cover the foliage of the vegetation to be controlled with the spray solution. Do not over apply causing excessive runoff from the treated foliage. Avoid direct application to oaks, hickories, dogwoods, and persimmons.

WORK ITEM 02: TREE RELEASE –BASAL SPRAY/ MANUAL SLASHDOWN

SUMAC PHASE 1- SEE MAP 2

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

VEGETATION TO BE TREATED

All live trees that are between 0.1”-3.0” in diameter in four (4) foot radius around the planted shortleaf seedlings shall be treated with herbicide by basal/ streamline method.

VEGETATION NOT TO BE TREATED

• Oak

• Flowering species > 1” dbh left after timber harvest (dogwood, redbud, serviceberry)

• Orange painted boundary trees

• Stream course boundary trees w/ pink paint

• Heritage boundary trees w/ white paint

• FS property boundary trees w/ red paint vegetable-based oil (mixture hereinafter referred to as “herbicide”). A colored dye shall be added to herbicide solution as an aid to indicate foliar treatment. Herbicide shall be applied completely around stems 12-15 inches above groundline to the point of runoff.

Contractor shall apply herbicide with a compression pump backpack sprayer equipped with a nozzle capable of supplying a directed straight stream of herbicide. Care should be taken to not spray herbicide on on-target vegetation, including the planted shortleaf pine seedlings.

Slash Down Procedure

Virginia pine and loblolly pine stems that are within the four-foot radius of the planted shortleaf pine seedlings may be slashed down manually. Stems between 1”- 4” may be slashed down, with the same specifications as above with the basal bark treatment.

WORK ITEM 03: TREE RELEASE – BASAL SPRAY/ MANUAL SLASHDOWN–

SUMAC 3

- SEE MAP 3

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

VEGETATION TO BE TREATED

All live trees that are between 0.1”-3.0” in diameter in four (4) foot radius around the planted shortleaf seedlings shall be treated with herbicide by basal/ streamline method.

VEGETATION NOT TO BE TREATED

• Oak

• Flowering species > 1” dbh left after timber harvest (dogwood, redbud, serviceberry)

• Orange painted boundary trees

• Stream course boundary trees w/ pink paint

• Heritage boundary trees w/ white paint

• FS property boundary trees w/ red paint vegetable-based oil (mixture hereinafter referred to as “herbicide”). A colored dye shall be added to herbicide solution as an aid to indicate foliar treatment. Herbicide shall be applied completely around stems 12-15 inches above groundline to the point of runoff.

Contractor shall apply herbicide with a compression pump backpack sprayer equipped with a nozzle capable of supplying a directed straight stream of herbicide. Care should be taken to not spray herbicide on on-target vegetation, including the planted shortleaf pine seedlings.

Slash Down Procedure

Virginia pine and loblolly pine stems that are within the four-foot radius of the planted shortleaf pine seedlings may be slashed down manually. Stems between 1”- 4” may be slashed down, with the same specifications as above with the basal bark treatment.

Public Water Source: Pick Up Time:

Conasauga Ranger District 07:00 – 9:00 am

Monday – Friday

Villanow Work Center 07:00 – 9:00 am

Monday – Friday

1.4(b) Contractor Furnished Property

Contractor will supply herbicide (s), including surfactants, adjuvant, and spray pattern indicators used on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests.

The specific herbicide to be used within a treatment area and application rate will be determined by the Forest Service and is described in Item C.1.

Contractor will be required to post “Public Notice” signs at each treatment area. The signs

(furnished by Forest Service) should be filled out with specific treatment information and posted

(usually stapled to a tree) in an easily seen location near the access point to each treatment area.

Contractor will be required to mix herbicides for each project work. Water for mixing/cleaning will be available at District Office. Contractor will mix and apply herbicides in accordance with the label directions and Worker Protection Standards (WPS).

Pre-Bid Tour No pre-bid tour is scheduled.

1.5 Licensing and Insurance Requirements

Refer to FAR 52.236-7. Permits and responsibilities in Section I. Contractors are required to comply with rules of Georgia Department of Agriculture 40-21, Pesticide use and

Application. Requirements include a Pesticide Contractors License, Commercial

Applicator’s license and financial responsibility.

C.02 (b)TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

2.1 Equipment

Herbicide Spraying:

Low-volume hand operated backpack sprayers with a .2503 flat fan nozzle or equivalent

(prior approval by Contracting Officer Representative)

2.2 (b)Herbicide Usage Sheets The contractor shall supply an herbicide usage sheet showing each day worked, amount of herbicide mixture used daily and area treated to the COR upon completion of each area

2.3 Vegetation not to be treated

The following vegetation will not have herbicide treatments under any circumstances.

• No vegetation within 15 feet of a private property line will be treated by cut surface treatment.

• Herbicide will not be applied within 100 feet of any lakes, wetlands, or perennial/intermittent stream.

• No soil active herbicide will be applied with 25 feet of ephemeral stream.

• Property boundary trees

• Vegetation designated by the C.O.R or inspector.

2.4 Inclement weather

Work will be stopped in the event of the following conditions:

1. Relative humidity of 20% or less.

2. Wind (at target) is greater than 15 mph.

3. Temperature 98 degrees Fahrenheit or above.

4. Rain forecasted 1 hour before application, during rain, or at least 1 hour after rain.

2.5 Requirements with Herbicide Use

The contactor is responsible for safe application of herbicide. All safety requirements listed on the herbicide label will be followed by the contractor.

OTHER PESTICIDE STANDARDS

(1) Permits and Responsibility for the Work

Contractor and/or its subcontractors shall, without additional expense to the Forest Service, be responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses certifications and permits, including a valid GA Commercial Pesticide Applicator License, and adhering to municipal laws, codes, and regulations in connection with the use of pesticides under this contract.

Contractor will be responsible for full compliance with all applicable provisions of the EPA Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS), 40 CFR Part 170.

(2) Training

Contractor and/or its sub-contractor will instruct each applicator crew member in the safe use of the herbicide(s) to be applied so as to protect themselves and the environment. The suggested areas to be covered are safe handling and proper application, transportation, storage, and disposal of the containers as shown herein. Techniques of eye wash and personal hygiene should also be part of the training.

(3) Transportation of Herbicides

Contractor and/or its sub-contractor is legally responsible for the safe transportation of herbicides.

Contractor and/or its sub-contractor shall follow travel routes designated by the Forest

Service when transporting herbicides from the public road system to the treatment sites.

Transport vehicles shall be parked inside the treatment site or in an area designated by the

Forest Service.

Transportation of herbicides used on this contract shall be in accordance with label instructions and the general approved and accepted procedures for safe transportation of herbicides. The following precautions should be taken by the Contractor/sub-contractor to prevent spills, accidents, injury or theft:

1. Transport herbicides in the cargo compartment of a truck or other vehicle away from the passenger compartment.

2. No personnel should ride in the back of a vehicle with the herbicide.

3. All herbicide containers should be tied down or otherwise constrained to prevent breakage or spillage.

4. Pesticides should not be transported in the same compartment with food or clothing.

5. If any herbicide is spilled in-or-from the vehicle it should be cleaned up at once.

6. Unlocked herbicides should not be left unattended.

7.

(4) Handling and Application of Herbicides

Personnel handling herbicides should wear protective clothing and/or equipment as recommended by the herbicide manufacturer. Herbicide shall not be applied or equipment cleaned outside of areas designated by Forest Service.

Following these simple rules will help make the use of the herbicide safer for everyone:

1. Read the safety information on the label.

2. Wear the proper protective clothing.

3. Keep first aid equipment and supply of clean water readily available, including soap and eye wash equipment meeting OSHA regulations.

4. Don`t work alone.

5. Keep the container below eye level when pouring to avoid splashing or spilling any herbicide on the face or into the eyes.

6. If herbicides are spilled, stop immediately, wash out eyes if contaminated and remove contaminated clothing. Wash the skin thoroughly with soap and water.

Speed is essential. Once clean, put on clean protective clothing and equipment and clean up the spill. See a physician as appropriate.

7. Keep measuring cups and other equipment clean and properly stored when not in use.

8. Wash hands carefully before relieving yourself, eating, or smoking.

(5) Herbicide Spills

Contractor shall be responsible for all costs of damages, clean-up, and decontamination should a herbicide spill occur. A Spill Plan will be provided by the Forest Service at the pre-operations meeting or prior to commencing project work. Contractor/sub-contractor is responsible for providing a spill kit for project work. The spill kit shall be carried to project work areas daily.

Recommended spill kit contents include:

• 2 pairs of nitrile gloves

• 1 pair of non-vented goggles

• 1 shop brush or whisk broom

• 6 polyethylene bags with ties

• 1-pint liquid detergent

• 1 polyethylene or plastic tarp

• 10 blank labels

• 1 ABC type fire extinguisher

• 30 lbs. absorbent material (kitty litter)

• 2 eyewash bottles (filled)

• 1 round point shovel

• 1 roll of flagging

• 1 roll of duct tap

If a spill occurs, every effort will be made to keep it from contaminating water and other off-site areas. The spill shall be cleaned up as quickly as possible. Appropriate Federal, State and local officials will be notified as appropriate. Herbicide spills shall be handled in accordance with the standard procedures for spill clean-up. (40 CFR 117) Forest Service representatives delegated for the project shall be notified immediately of any herbicide spill or accident.

(6) Storing Herbicides

Herbicides used on this contract will not be stored or left overnight except at storage facilities approved by the Forest Service. Unused herbicides will be returned to the approved securely locked storage facility as designated by the Forest Service at the end of each work day.

(7) Disposal of Herbicide Containers

Contractor shall follow all label directions for rinsing empty herbicide containers prior to disposal.

No empty containers will be left at the worksite and must be disposed of properly in accordance to the label.

Equipment Requirements:

Equipment used must be of sufficient power and size to cut stems ranging from 2 inches to 4.9 inches DBH. Brush cutters and chainsaws are the most practical implements to complete the required work.

Equipment operators must wear the required personal protective equipment when operating equipment including, but not limited to:

• Hearing protection

• Chainsaw chaps

• Helmet

• Safety Glasses

C.03 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

Inspections of work performance under this contract shall be made by the contracting office representative (COR) or the designated inspector as the work progress at such intervals as are necessary to insure compliance with the contract specification and provisions.

Upon completion of work on ana rea, the Contractor shall notify the COR that work on the area is completed and the COR shall make an overall inspection of the work completed. If the work completed is accepted, the Contractor shall proceed with work on the next area. If the work is not accepted by the COR, the Contractor shall complete any remedial work required prior to commencing work on the next area.

For the herbicide application component of this project, the Forest Service inspector shall inspect the herbicide application within 30 days of application. This should generally provide time for the effects of the herbicide to become evident. Indications of herbicide application and incipient mortality shall be evident by visual deterioration of the treated plants, including drooping, wilting, chlorosis, interrupted seed maturation, and drying of plant parts (stem, leaves, reproductive parts), beyond recovery. Inspections shall determine both the adequacy of coverage of the project area and the efficacy of the application to the target species.

Forest Service inspections will be documented on Daily Diaries and placed in the contract file.

If work in part of an Area does not meet the Acceptable Quality Level given above, a Notice of

Non-Compliance will be issued by the COR. The COR may issue other cure notices if work is not being performed in a timely manner or does not comply with contract specifications.

Unsatisfactory Work

In the event any of the work does not meet the specifications through the fault or negligence of the Contractor, such work shall, upon request of the COR, be made to conform to specifications by the Contractor at his expense. Cost of re-inspection by the Government will be charged to the

Contractor.

Basis of Payment

Payment will be made on the basis of the acreage stated in the Task

Order upon satisfactory completion of the work and acceptance by the Contracting Officer.

The Forest Service will monitor progress of Contractor to determine that work meets performance standards. Visual observation will be used. In addition, the COR/Inspector shall take standard 1/100th acre inspection plots by random sample. Each Area will be inspected separately, and the results will not be averaged.

For the herbicide application component of this project, the Forest Service inspector shall inspect the herbicide application within 30 days of application. This should generally provide time for the effects of herbicide to become evident. Indications of herbicide application and incipient mortality shall be evident by visual deterioration of the treated plants, including drooping, wilting, chlorosis, interrupted seed maturation, and drying of plant parts (stem, leaves, reproductive parts), beyond recovery. Inspections shall determine both the adequacy of coverage of the project area and the efficacy of the application to the target species.

Forest Service inspections will be documented on Daily Diaries and placed in the contract file.

If work in part of an Area does not meet the Acceptable Quality Level given above, a Notice of

Non-Compliance will be issued by the COR. The COR may issue other cure notices if work is not being performed in a timely manner or does not comply with contract specifications.

Upon completion of an Area and notification by the Contractor, the COR or designated Inspector shall make an overall inspection of that Area. If a need for remedial work prior to acceptance is reflected by the COR/Inspector`s overall inspection, or by plot sample results, such remedial work will be performed before the Contractor moves to the next Area (if applicable). Contractor will not receive payment for unaccepted work until remedial work has been completed and accepted by COR/Inspector. If the inspection results in acceptance of the Area, the Contractor may immediately proceed with work on the next area(if applicable).

Performance Assessment Methods and Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL)

Task AQL Method of Assessment Penalty for Not

Meeting AQL

Items 1-3 -Tree release – basal bark-

STRAWBERRY

Minimum 90 percent of vegetation to be treated is treated properly and in accordance with technical specifications.

Visual inspection by

COR or Inspector and use of random plots data within five days of manual treatments, excluding weekends and federal holidays.

Visual inspection by

COR or Inspector and use of random plots data within 30 days of herbicide application.

Contractors not meeting the AQL at the final inspection will be required to perform remedial work prior to acceptance and payment. Such remedial work shall be performed at the

Contractor’s expense.

If the AQL is not achieved after

Contractor performs remedial work, a 2 percent reduction will be made in the award price, and the government may require a third entry to correct unsatisfactory work at the Contractor’s expense.