Attachment 1_GHMC General Statement of Work.docx

February 2024

GENERAL STATEMENT OF WORK

USDA APHIS RANGELAND GRASSHOPPER

AND MORMON CRICKET SUPPRESSION

PROGRAM AERIAL APPLICATION

Table of Contents

GENERAL STATEMENT OF WORK

1.0 General

Firm fixed price (FFP) contracts are contemplated for Grasshopper/Mormon Cricket liquid and solid bait applications on an as needed basis.

This General Statement of Work lists general specifications, terms, and conditions applicable to any contracts for any Grasshopper/Mormon Cricket liquid and solid bait aerial applications.

1.1 Definitions

Contracting Officer (CO) – The CO has the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings. The CO is responsible for ensuring performance of all necessary actions for effective contracting, ensuring compliance with the terms of the contract, and safeguarding the interests of the United States in its contractual relationships.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) – The Contracting Officer will designate an individual to serve as the COR. The COR will be the Contracting Officer’s Representative with delegated authority to monitor the performance, evaluate work as it progresses, and inspect/accept completed work on behalf of the Government.

Aerial Treatment Manager (ATM) (also known as Aerial Program Manager (APM)) – The COR may designate an individual to serve as the ATM and report directly to the COR. The ATM is responsible for the overall daily activities during an aerial application program.

Contractor’s Representative (CR) –The CR has full authority to make decisions for the Contractor and direct the Contractor’s operations.

Airport, as used in this Statement of Work (SOW) and in each solicitation, means any airport, airstrip, or work site where the Contractor will load the aircraft during contract operations.

Reporting airport means the airport to which the Contractor shall deliver the aircraft for inspection and acceptance to the contract.

A job is defined as the total gallons or lbs. requested at one time to be applied within the treatment location. Additional work is considered a new job.

The treatment location is defined as the geographical area identified in the solicitation (frequently a county is the geographic area).

Day, as used in this SOW, means calendar day. Operations may be conducted 7 days per week and may include holidays.

Operational hours are defined as those hours during a day when the COR has cleared the aircraft for application operations.

Total swath width is defined as the total width of the discharged material in one swath run of an aircraft; the distance between opposing, i.e., leftmost and rightmost, measured deposits.

Effective swath width is defined as the width of the discharged material in one swath run of an aircraft at which the measured application rate exceeds 50% of the target application rate; additionally defined for this Statement of Work as being approximately 75 percent of the total swath width.

Assigned swath width is defined as the width used for calibration of the application equipment. For more details, see Tables 1 and 2.

1.2 Contract Types and Description

A. Rangeland Treatment will be a Full-Service Contract where the Contractor will provide all aircraft, insecticide, and diluents (including oil, water (with a pH of 7 or less for liquid Carbaryl), etc.) personnel, facilitating equipment, and service. The type of insecticide and reporting date will be stated in the solicitation. The chemical treatment will be applied to rangeland.

B. Grasshopper/Mormon Cricket Program for Rangeland Border Protection will be a Full-Service Stand-By on an as needed basis, where the Contractor will provide all aircraft, personnel, facilitating equipment, and service. As part of the Full-Service Contract, the Contractor will furnish the diluents, including oil, water (with a pH of 7 or less for liquid Carbaryl). The chemical treatment will be applied to rangeland adjacent to cropland. The COR or ATM will coordinate treatment areas to allow for efficient use of the Contractor’s resources and will inform the Contractor a minimum of 72 hours in advance. The Contractor must make satisfactory progress in completing the treatment service as determined by the COR or ATM.

In this SOW, all contracts will be referenced as follows:

1.3 Offeror Schedule

Offeror to furnish all Aircraft, Personnel, Facilitating Equipment, and services that fully comply with all terms and conditions of the contract.

1.4 Aircraft Categories

The Aircraft Categories (Tables 1A-C, 2A-C, and 3A&B) have been established to facilitate program planning for desired aircraft based on the insect life cycle, timing of application, support personnel, adequate airport space, required aircraft performance, length and strength of runways, taxiways and ramps, and the elevation and type of terrain to be treated.

1.5 Traditional Uniform Coverage

Tables 1A-C and 3A&B list aircraft by category, the assigned swath width for traditional uniform coverage treatments with Diflubenzuron, Chlorantraniliprole, Malathion, liquid Carbaryl, and Carbaryl in bait form, and the stainless steel (SS) flat fan spray tip size required for the liquid insecticide used.

1.6 Reduced Agent and Area Treatments (RAATs)

Tables 2A-C list aircraft by category, the assigned swath widths for RAATs treatments with Diflubenzuron, Chlorantraniliprole, Malathion, and liquid Carbaryl, and the stainless steel (SS) flat fan spray tip size required for the liquid insecticide used.

Reduced Agent and Area Treatments (RAATs) was developed to help reduce the cost of materials and application when managing grasshoppers and Mormon crickets on rangeland habitats, and is expected to yield percent population reductions that are relatively similar to traditional uniform coverage applications. Historically, RAATs spacing was based on using the assigned RAATs swath widths in Tables 2A-C and then utilizing skip swaths (non-directly treated area) of no more than 100 feet (Diflubenzuron, Chlorantraniliprole, and liquid Carbaryl) and 25 feet (Malathion). When these recommended skip swaths are used, the resulting percent population reduction is about 2-15% lower compared to traditional uniform coverage treatments. Examples: based on Tables 2 A&B, when using a Category C fixed-wing aircraft and Diflubenzuron, Chlorantraniliprole, or liquid Carbaryl, it will be calibrated for an assigned swath width of 150 feet and a skip swath of 100 feet, yielding a total spacing of 250 feet. Based on Table 2B, when using Malathion and the same category of fixed-wing aircraft as before, it will be calibrated for an assigned swath width of 150 feet and a skip swath of 25 feet, yielding a total spacing of 175 feet.

Note that some of the spray material will be displaced by normal environmental conditions and deposited into the 100/25-foot skip swath areas described above. Therefore, relatively little movement from the target pests is needed to encounter these deposits. However, as the skip swath is increased beyond the recommended 100/25 ft., the lower the amount of spray material that will be deposited into the skip swath area and the greater the movement of the target pests that will be needed to encounter the deposits.

For reasons of logistics and/or further reduction in costs the COR or APM may increase the spacing in RAATs treatments (extended RAATs). However, such action may further reduce the percent population reduction that was experienced using RAATs with the recommended 100/25-foot skip swaths described above (2-15% lower population reduction compared to traditional uniform coverage treatments). Consider the following examples using Diflubenzuron, Chlorantraniliprole, or liquid Carbaryl:

Traditional Uniform Coverage Treatment (Tables 1A&B): A system calibrated for an application rate of 1 fl. oz. of insecticide per acre that uses an assigned swath width of 120 ft. (all Category C fixed-wing aircraft) will yield 100% coverage and an average of 1 fl. oz. of insecticide per acre.

Standard 50% RAATs Treatment (Tables 2A&B): A system calibrated for an application rate of 1 fl. oz. of insecticide per acre that uses an assigned swath width of 100 ft. (most Category D fixed-wing aircraft) and recommended skip swath of 100 ft. (total spacing of 200 ft.) will yield 50% coverage (treated/total spacing = 100 ft./200 ft.) and an average of 0.5 fl. oz. of insecticide per acre.

Standard 60% RAATs Treatment (Tables 2A&B): A system calibrated for an application rate of 1 fl. oz. of insecticide per acre that uses an assigned swath width of 150 ft. (all Category C fixed-wing aircraft) and recommended skip swath of 100 ft. (total spacing of 250 ft.) will yield 60% coverage (treated/total spacing = 150 ft./250 ft.) and an average of 0.6 fl. oz. of insecticide per acre.

Extended 50% RAATs Treatment* (Tables 2A&B): A system calibrated for an application rate of 1 fl. oz. of insecticide per acre that uses an assigned swath width of 150 ft. (all Category C fixed-wing aircraft) and a skip swath of 150 ft. (a “true” 50% skip, but 50 ft. beyond the recommended 100 feet, total spacing of 300 ft.) will yield 50% coverage (treated/total spacing = 150 ft./300 ft.) and an average of 0.5 fl. oz. of insecticide per acre.

*The Extended 50% RAATs Treatment example with assorted fixed-wing aircraft is currently the preferred RAATs option for many federal government-organized treatments of rangelands because percent population reduction results have been sufficient.

TABLE 1A: LIQUID TREATMENTS

TRADITIONAL UNIFORM COVERAGE TREATMENT – FIXED WING AIRCRAFT

DIFLUBENZURON AND CHLORANTRANILIPROLE

LABEL/GH-MC EIS* APPLICATION RATES

12-31 fl. oz.

Total Volume Formulation/Acre 32 fl. oz.

Total Volume Formulation/Acre

SS FLAT FAN SPRAY TIP SIZE***

CATEGORY C - FIXED WING

CATEGORY D - FIXED WING

*EIS refers to the 2019 Environmental Impact Statement for the APHIS Rangeland Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket Suppression Program

**Assigned swath width is equal to effective swath width, which is approximately 75 percent of the total swath width.

***SS = Stainless Steel and acceptable flat fan spray tip nozzles are: Spraying Systems Co. TeeJet flat fan spray tips and Transland CP Products CP11TT equipped with the appropriate flat fan spray tips. For at least the 8003 from both companies (Spraying Systems Co. TP8803-SS vs. Transland CP11TT equipped with 8003), PPQ-Science & Technology (S&T)-led studies have demonstrated statistically comparable droplet size, effective swath width, and efficacy at orientations of 90° (perpendicular with terrain) and 0° (parallel). Despite overall similarities, a Spraying Systems Co. nozzle at 90° is still recommended when possible due to the combined abilities of emitting droplets of more uniform size and emitting a more uniform/reliable effective swath width, and because this combination has been the standard for all S&T experiments.

When using Diflubenzuron, Chlorantraniliprole, or liquid Carbaryl formulations, it is strongly suggested that the Spraying Systems Co. #4514-20 brass slotted nozzle strainer or similar be used to minimize buildup on the strainer and plugging of spray tips.

TABLE 1B: LIQUID TREATMENTS

TRADITIONAL UNIFORM COVERAGE TREATMENT – FIXED WING AIRCRAFT

CARBARYL & MALATHION

LABEL/GH-MC EIS*

APPLICATION RATES

16-32 fl. oz.

8 fl. oz.

Total Volume Formulation/Acre

SS FLAT FAN SPRAY TIP SIZE***

CATEGORY C - FIXED WING

CATEGORY D - FIXED WING

*EIS refers to the 2019 Environmental Impact Statement for the APHIS Rangeland Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket Suppression Program

**Assigned swath width is equal to effective swath width, which is approximately 75 percent of the total swath width.

***SS = Stainless Steel and acceptable flat fan spray tip nozzles are: Spraying Systems Co. TeeJet flat fan spray tips and Transland CP Products CP11TT equipped with the appropriate flat fan spray tips. For at least the 8003 from both companies (Spraying Systems Co. TP8803-SS vs. Transland CP11TT equipped with 8003), PPQ-Science & Technology (S&T)-led studies have demonstrated statistically comparable droplet size, effective swath width, and efficacy at orientations of 90° (perpendicular with terrain) and 0° (parallel). Despite overall similarities, a Spraying Systems Co. nozzle at 90° is still recommended when possible due to the combined abilities of emitting droplets of more uniform size and emitting a more uniform/reliable effective swath width, and because this combination has been the standard for all S&T experiments.

When using Diflubenzuron, Chlorantraniliprole, or liquid Carbaryl formulations, it is strongly suggested that the Spraying Systems Co. #4514-20 brass slotted nozzle strainer or similar be used to minimize buildup on the strainer and plugging of spray tips.

TABLE 1C: LIQUID TREATMENTS

TRADITIONAL UNIFORM COVERAGE TREATMENT – HELICOPTERS

DIFLUBENZURON, CHLORANTRANILIPROLE, CARBARYL, AND MALATHION

Total Volume Formulation/Acre 32 fl. oz.

Total Volume Formulation/Acre 16-32 fl. oz.

Total Volume Formulation/Acre 8 fl. oz.

Total Volume Formulation/Acre

CATEGORY A - HELICOPTERS

CATEGORY B - HELICOPTERS

CATEGORY C - HELICOPTERS

CATEGORY D - HELICOPTERS

*Assigned swath width is equal to effective swath width, which is approximately 75 percent of the total swath width.

TABLE 2A: LIQUID TREATMENTS

REDUCED AGENT & AREA TREATMENTS (RAATs) – FIXED WING AIRCRAFT

DIFLUBENZURON AND CHLORANTRANILIPROLE

LABEL/GH-MC EIS* APPLICATION RATES

12-31 fl. oz.

32 fl. oz.

SS FLAT FAN SPRAY TIP SIZE***

CATEGORY C - FIXED WING

CATEGORY D - FIXED WING

*EIS refers to the 2019 Environmental Impact Statement for the APHIS Rangeland Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket Suppression Program

**Assigned swath width is equal to total swath width.

***SS = Stainless Steel and acceptable flat fan spray tip nozzles are: Spraying Systems Co. TeeJet flat fan spray tips and Transland CP Products CP11TT equipped with the appropriate flat fan spray tips. For at least the 8003 from both companies (Spraying Systems Co. TP8803-SS vs. Transland CP11TT equipped with 8003), PPQ-Science & Technology (S&T)-led studies have demonstrated statistically comparable droplet size, effective swath width, and efficacy at orientations of 90° (perpendicular with terrain) and 0° (parallel). Despite overall similarities, a Spraying Systems Co. nozzle at 90° is still recommended when possible due to the combined abilities of emitting droplets of more uniform size and emitting a more uniform/reliable effective swath width, and because this combination has been the standard for all S&T experiments.

When using Diflubenzuron, Chlorantraniliprole, or liquid Carbaryl formulations, it is strongly suggested that the Spraying Systems Co. #4514-20 brass slotted nozzle strainer or similar be used to minimize buildup on the strainer and plugging of spray tips.

TABLE 2B: LIQUID TREATMENTS

REDUCED AGENT & AREA TREATMENTS (RAATs) – FIXED WING AIRCRAFT

CARBARYL & MALATHION

LABEL/GH-MC EIS*

APPLICATION RATES

16-32 fl. oz.

8 fl. oz.

Total Volume Formulation/Acre

SS FLAT FAN SPRAY TIP SIZE***

CATEGORY C - FIXED WING

CATEGORY D - FIXED WING

*EIS refers to the 2019 Environmental Impact Statement for the APHIS Rangeland Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket Suppression Program

**Assigned swath width is equal to total swath width except for Malathion, which is still equal to effective swath width.

***SS = Stainless Steel and acceptable flat fan spray tip nozzles are: Spraying Systems Co. TeeJet flat fan spray tips and Transland CP Products CP11TT equipped with the appropriate flat fan spray tips. For at least the 8003 from both companies (Spraying Systems Co. TP8803-SS vs. Transland CP11TT equipped with 8003), PPQ-Science & Technology (S&T)-led studies have demonstrated statistically comparable droplet size, effective swath width, and efficacy at orientations of 90° (perpendicular with terrain) and 0° (parallel). Despite overall similarities, a Spraying Systems Co. nozzle at 90° is still recommended when possible due to the combined abilities of emitting droplets of more uniform size and emitting a more uniform/reliable effective swath width, and because this combination has been the standard for all S&T experiments.

When using Diflubenzuron, Chlorantraniliprole, or liquid Carbaryl formulations, it is strongly suggested that the Spraying Systems Co. #4514-20 brass slotted nozzle strainer or similar be used to minimize buildup on the strainer and plugging of spray tips.

TABLE 2C: LIQUID TREATMENTS

REDUCED AGENT & AREA TREATMENTS (RAATs) – HELICOPTERS

DIFLUBENZURON, CHLORANTRANILIPROLE, CARBARYL, AND MALATHION

Total Volume Formulation/Acre 32 fl. oz.

Total Volume Formulation/Acre 16-32 fl. oz.

Total Volume Formulation/Acre 8 fl. oz.

Total Volume Formulation/Acre

CATEGORY A - HELICOPTERS

CATEGORY B - HELICOPTERS

CATEGORY C - HELICOPTERS

CATEGORY D - HELICOPTERS

*EIS refers to the 2019 Environmental Impact Statement for the APHIS Rangeland Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket Suppression Program

**Assigned swath width is equal to total swath width except for Malathion, which is still equal to effective swath width.

TABLES 3A&B: CARBARYL BAIT TREATMENTS*

Swath Width (Feet)

TABLE 3B

APPLE PUMICE

(CRUMBLES)

*See Attachment 4 for comprehensive information on aerial bait treatments

2.0 General Conditions and Specifications

2.1 Scope

The United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine, herein after referred to as the Government, requires aircraft, personnel, facilitating equipment, and services to apply insecticides.

2.2 Importance of Starting on Time

Offerors are reminded that there are numerous biological and entomological factors that determine the time and sequence of treatments. The importance of starting and completing a program within specified limits is critical. The objective of each program is to achieve the desired coverage of the designated geographic areas within specified time frames.

2.3 Gallons Plus or Minus Percent

Any offeror submitting an offer in response to a solicitation subject to this SOW acknowledges, without qualification, that he understands and agrees to apply the total gallons/lbs. specified in the Contract Specific Information, plus or minus 25% and will be made at the contract price per gallon/lbs.

2.4 Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and Aerial Treatment Manager (ATM) The CO will designate a representative who will have authority to secure orderly administration of each contract. The COR and ATM will have no authority to change the terms of the contract. The COR and ATM, if designated, will have satisfactorily completed PPQ’s Pesticide Training and Certification Program and meets all APHIS competency standards for certification as a certified pesticide applicator.

2.5 Reporting and Starting

Contract A: #1 - 4 applies as stated

Contract B: #1 - 3 applies as stated

#4 is changed to: Report and Start dates will be stated in the individual solicitation, or as mutually agreed upon by the Contracting Officer and Contractor. The 3-day advance notice is deleted. The days allowed for reporting will be determined by the number and type of aircraft involved.

1. The reporting date shown in each solicitation is an estimated date. The actual reporting date will be specified by the CO after award is made. The number of days prior to the official starting date will vary, depending on the number and category of aircraft involved, time required to brief pilots on the program and areas to be treated, and completing all preliminary arrangements to start the program on time. A Contractor who does not report on the official reporting date may, at the discretion of the CO, be charged liquidated damages. At the discretion of the CO, the Contractor may be terminated for default and be charged liquidated damages. Liquidated damages may be charged for that day and for each day thereafter until the Contractor, or in the event of termination, a new Contractor reports.

2. The starting date shown in each solicitation is an estimated date when all aircraft, personnel, and facilitating equipment must be ready to begin application. The official starting date will be specified by the CO when award is made and will be the latest date on which the Contractor must be fully prepared to begin application. (See Section IV, Paragraph H.)

3. A Contractor who does not fully qualify for acceptance on the official starting date may, at the discretion of the CO, be charged liquidated damages. At the discretion of the CO, the Contractor may be terminated for default and be charged liquidated damages. Liquidated damages will be charged for that day and for each day thereafter until all requirements are met. The amount charged will be the daily liquidated damages rate for each aircraft specified to report, even though one or more aircraft may have been qualified and accepted. The Contractor shall have assembled at the reporting airport all required aircraft, personnel, and facilitating equipment and be ready to begin spraying on the official starting date at the time specified by the COR or ATM. This includes the specified category and number of aircraft, each meeting the contract requirements; all pilots, each fully qualified; all aircraft loading and facilitating equipment; and loading and servicing personnel. No application for payment to the Contractor will be authorized until all of these requirements are met.

4. The CO will give the Contractor a minimum of 3 calendar days advance notice to report and start, unless a shorter interval is mutually agreed upon. The days allowed for reporting will be determined by the number and type of aircraft involved.

2.6 Operational Hours Allowed to Complete Program

1. Operational hours are defined as those hours during a day when the COR or ATM has cleared the aircraft for application operations. Operational hours will be charged to the last full half hour, beginning when the aircraft are cleared for takeoff and continuing until operations are shut down. Operational hours charged will include all time the aircraft are on the ground between trips but will not include aircraft loading time prior to the approved starting time or after operations are shut down.

2. The number of operational hours allowed on a program is based on the time the specified number of aircraft would normally need to complete the program. Example: It is estimated that a Category C aircraft should be able to spray at least 500 acres per operational hour. Thus, one Category C aircraft, at 500 acres per hour, would be allowed 100 operational hours to treat 50,000 acres; two C aircraft, at 1000 acres per hour (2 x 500), would be allowed 50 operational hours; and four C aircraft, at 2000 acres per hour (4 x 500), would be allowed 25 operational hours.

3. If, during an operational day, the COR or ATM suspends operations due to wind or other reasons, and then clears the aircraft to continue operations later in the day, the operational hours charged for that day will be for the total hours (to the last full half hour) used during those operating periods.

4. On an operational day when all aircraft on the program cannot operate for reasons beyond the control of the Contractor, a proportional adjustment will be made in the operational hours charged for that day. Such conditions would include (a) when one or more aircraft are grounded due to guidance failures, or (b) when one or more aircraft are grounded due to fog or poor visibility in their areas while others can operate. Example: If only two aircraft on a four aircraft contract can operate, the operational hours charged will be one-half of those used on that day.

5. When the contract acreage is increased, the operational hours allowed to complete the program will be increased proportionately.

2.7 Areas Not to be Treated

1. Areas not to be treated will be designated by the COR or the ATM.

2. The Contractor may conduct pre-application reconnaissance flights to ensure that pilots are familiar with program area boundaries, buffer zones, and any other areas that are not to be treated as designated by the COR or the ATM. Each pilot will be briefed thoroughly, and every effort must be exerted to avoid treating such areas.

3. All applications MUST and WILL BE conducted in a manner consistent with the insecticide labeling and requirements specific to the state (s) that operations will be conducted.

2.8 Performance Standards for Responsible Contractors

Upon completion of each contract, the COR will submit to the CO a Contractor Performance Evaluation Report, based on the following elements:

1. Obtaining the necessary Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and State Clearances, including certification as an applicator of restricted-use pesticides (certified pesticide applicator) when required, for all pilots and aircraft prior to the starting date. Contractor's compliance in a timely manner with all FAA regulations for maintenance and overhaul, all FAA airworthiness directives, and other applicable directives in force.

2. Pilots obtaining the proper certification for agricultural flying prior to the starting date.

3. Strict adherence to all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and State-approved label instructions for chemical and biological insecticides and compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local environmental laws and regulations in performance of the contract. This includes cleaning up chemical spills as needed and reporting them to the appropriate authorities.

4. Attitude of Contractor and contractor's personnel and their cooperation in following instructions, based on contract specifications.

5. Contractor's personnel reporting to work on time daily and remaining on the job until officially released.

6. Contractor reporting on date as directed and providing all required equipment, personnel, and facilities.

7. All equipment meeting contract requirements.

8. Avoiding repeated delays caused by malfunction of equipment or delays in loading between trips which affect the total overall length of time in performing the contract.

9. The contractor's aircraft safety program. The utilization and fostering of good safety habits and attitudes in their employees.

10. Airport Selection: To select the airport(s) to be used and make the necessary arrangements with proper authority for:

11. Claims for damages brought against the Contractor concerning aerial application or any other operations have been addressed in a fair and timely manner.

12. All operational guidelines were followed.

2.9 Height of Flight

Unless otherwise stated on the pesticide label, application aircraft will fly at a median altitude of 1 to 1.5 times the wingspan of the aircraft whenever possible or as specified by the COR or the ATM.

2.10 Liabilities of Contractor and Government

The Government will not assume any responsibility whatsoever for loss or damage of equipment owned or operated by the Contractor, his agents, or employees or subcontractor or for the injury to or death of the Contractor, his agents or employees or subcontractor. The Contractor will be responsible for any negligent or wrongful acts or omissions of the Contractor, his employees, agents or subcontractors and employees or agents of the subcontractor(s) incident to the performance of this contract. The Contractor will hold and save the Government, its officers, and employees harmless from all liability for any death or damage to all persons (other than the liability of the Government to Agriculture employees directly engaged in performing work under this contract as provided under the Federal Employee's Compensation Act) or to real or personal property, including negligent use of spray material, which results from the operation of, or incident to, equipment furnished by the Contractor, or otherwise incident to performance of the contract. However, the Contractor will not be responsible for any negligent or wrongful acts or omissions of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, its employees, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's cooperators, or their employees.

3.0 Contractor Responsibility

3.1 Aircraft and Liquid Application Systems – (For Bait Applications See Attachment 4)

The Contractor shall provide the required number of aircraft with the following:

1. An insecticide dispersal system that has been cleaned thoroughly inside. All hoses shall be in good condition and shall be a chemical resistant type.

2. Leak proof insecticide tank(s) and spray system of corrosion resistant materials. Contractors are cautioned that insecticide may loosen some sealants and plug the spraying system. Sealants should be tested before use.

a. The tank(s) in each aircraft shall be installed so that the tank(s) will empty in flight and assure full flow to the pump. Sight gauges or other means shall be provided to determine the quantity in each tank.

b. A drain valve(s) shall be installed at the low point(s) on the spray system to facilitate the complete draining of all components (tanks, pump, plumbing, and spray booms) to recover unused insecticide while the aircraft is parked.

3. A pump that will provide the required flow rate during spraying operations to assure uniform flow and proper functioning of the nozzles.

a. For ULV, spraying systems with a pumping capacity that exceeds the discharge calibration rate shall have the bypass flow return to the tank bottom in a manner that prevents aeration and/or foaming of the spray formulation. Pumps utilizing hydraulic drive or other variable speed drives are not required to have this bypass, provided the pump speed is set to provide only the required pressure and the system three-way valve is used for on/off control at full throw position. Any bypass normally used to circulate materials other than for ULV will be closed for ULV spraying.

b. For suspensions and all formulations requiring agitation, a pressure agitation system of some type is required.

4. The spray boom shall be equipped with the quantity and type of spray nozzles specified (Tables No. 1A-C). The outermost nozzles (left and right sides) shall be equidistant from the aircraft centerline and the distance between the two must not exceed 3/4 of the overall wingspan measurement. Longer spray booms are acceptable provided they are modified in accordance with the sketch shown on attachment 3 to prevent the entrapment of air in the portion beyond the outermost nozzle. PPQ will accept the outer most nozzles between 60% and 75% of the wingspan. Aircraft that are not equipped with a drop type spray boom may require drop nozzles in the center section to prevent spray from collecting on the tail wheel assembly and horizontal stabilizer and position the spray tips into smoother air.

5. A positive on/off system that will prevent dribble from the nozzles.

6. A positive emergency shutoff valve between the tank(s) and the pump, as close to the tank(s) as possible. This valve shall be controllable from the cockpit which will minimize inadvertent loss of insecticide due to broken lines or other spray system malfunctions (see Section IV, Paragraph J).

7. Bleed lines in any point that may trap air on the pressure side of the spraying system.

8. An operational pressure gauge with a minimum operating range of zero to 60 psi and a maximum of zero to 100 psi visible to the pilot for monitoring boom pressure.

9. A 40-mesh in-line screen between the pump and the boom, unless otherwise specified, and nozzle screens as specified by the nozzle manufacturer.

NOTE: When using Diflubenzuron, Chlorantraniliprole, or liquid Carbaryl formulations, it is strongly suggested that the Spraying Systems Co. #4514-20 brass slotted nozzle strainer be used to minimize buildup on the strainer and plugging of spray tip.

10. Nozzle tip type and size shall be as follows:

a. The type and size are indicated in Table No. 1 of this SOW. It is strongly suggested that the nozzle direction is 90° (perpendicular with terrain) or 0° (parallel) when it is necessary to change droplet size. The nozzle direction will be specified by the COR or the ATM.

b. Nozzle tips for all insecticides shall be flat fan and made of stainless steel.

Note: SS = Stainless Steel and acceptable flat fan spray tip nozzles are: Spraying Systems Co. TeeJet flat fan spray tips and Transland CP Products CP11TT equipped with the appropriate flat fan spray tips. For at least the 8003 from both companies (Spraying Systems Co. TP8803-SS vs. Transland CP11TT equipped with 8003), PPQ-Science & Technology (S&T)-led studies have demonstrated statistically comparable droplet size, effective swath width, and efficacy at orientations of 90° (perpendicular with terrain) and 0° (parallel). Despite overall similarities, a Spraying Systems Co. nozzle at 90° is still recommended when possible due to the combined abilities of emitting droplets of more uniform size and emitting a more uniform/reliable effective swath width, and because this combination has been the standard for all S&T experiments.

c. Operating pressure will be 40 psi unless otherwise specified by the COR or the ATM.

d. All nozzles not in use shall be removed and the openings plugged.

3.2 Formation Flying

1. When aircraft are to be flown in formation, they must be capable of operating at the same speed and swath spacing. Pilots must have formation flying experience.

2. When formation flying is agreed upon by the COR or ATM and the Contractor's Representative (CR), each pilot will maintain a trail position no more than 1,000 feet from the closest aircraft.

3.3 Calibration and Swath Checks

To assure proper coverage and uniformity of application, calibration and swath checks will be conducted when there is a reason to believe that the spraying system does not produce the desired flow rate or a uniform pattern. Swath checks will be conducted prior to program start on all aircraft that are not listed on the aircraft category sheet. A total swath width will be determined for each model aircraft and an effective swath width equal to 75 percent of the total swath width will be assigned. All operational costs incurred in conducting these tests will be borne by the Contractor except that the Government will be responsible for the cost of the insecticide.

3.4 Congested Areas

For all flights over congested areas, the Contractor must comply with FAR Part 137.51 and 137.53.

3.5 Aerial Application Restrictions

1. Avoid residences and other premises whose occupants are opposed to their property being treated that have been identified by the COR or the ATM.

2. Do not apply insecticides directly to water bodies (defined herein as, but not limited to, reservoirs, lakes, ponds, pools left by seasonal streams, springs, wetlands, and perennial streams and rivers). Furthermore, provide the following buffers for water bodies: 500-foot buffer with aerial liquid insecticides and 200-foot buffer with aerial bait.

3. Whenever possible, plan aerial ferrying and turnaround routes to avoid flights over congested areas, water bodies, and other sensitive areas that are not to be treated.

4. To minimize drift and volatilization, do not conduct aerial applications when any of the following conditions exist in the treatment area: wind velocity exceeds 10 miles per hour (unless lower wind speed required under State law); air turbulence could seriously affect the normal spray pattern; and temperature inversions, which could exacerbate the potential for spray drift. Also, suspend aerial applications when the following weather conditions occur and will seriously impede insecticide efficiency: rain (present or imminent); fog; wet foliage; or soil/air temperature difference. When the soil temperature rises above the air temperature, the spray pattern normally starts breaking up, at which time treatment operations should cease.

5. Operations will be suspended at any time that weather conditions could jeopardize the safe and/or effective placement of the spray on target areas.

6. Do not apply while school buses are operating in the treatment area. Do not apply within 500 feet of schools or recreational facilities.

7. Protective clothing and equipment will be worn and used by all pilots, loaders, and field personnel, as specified on the label.

3.6 Radios

Each aircraft must be equipped with a fully operative two-way VHF radio capable of transmitting and receiving on 122.925 MHz for communications with program personnel or other means of radio communications approved by the COR or the ATM. The Contractor must provide the COR or ATM with a radio to allow communication with the pilot(s). In some cases, the solicitation may require VHF capable radios. If required, the radios must be VHF (150 to 174 MHz) band radios, be digital and narrow band (12.5 KHz) compliant. Contract personnel on hand must be able to program the radios to match local communication frequencies.

3.7 Cell Phone

Cell phones may be used, only on the ground to communicate with program personnel, and must be approved by the COR or the ATM.

3.8 Passengers

1. No passengers will be carried in application aircraft. Personnel will be limited to the necessary crew members.

3.9 Aircraft Guidance and Flight Data Logging System Requirements

When electronic guidance is requested by the Government the guidance equipment shall meet all contract requirements and be maintained in an operational state for the duration of the contract.

1. An operational Global Positioning System (GPS) and flight data logging software that will log and display the date and time of the entire flight from takeoff to landing and differentiate between standard flight and flight when the dispersal system is on/off. The system shall provide immediate deviation indications and sufficiently accurate to keep the aircraft on the desired flight path.

2. Compact moving map display with polygon feature that will alert the pilot when the aircraft is entering or exiting a specific geographic polygon and identify exclusions. The pilot must be able to navigate by and turn on and off dispersal systems based on these maps.

3. Software designed for parallel offset in increments equal to the assigned swath width of the application aircraft.

4. A course deviation indicator (CDI) or a course deviation light bar, must be installed on the aircraft and in a location that will allow the pilot to view the indicator with direct or peripheral vision without looking down. The CDI must be capable of pilot selected adjustments for course deviation indication with the first indication at 3 feet or less.

5. The system must display to the pilot the current swath number and cross-track error. The swath advance may be set manually or automatically. If automatic is selected, the pilot must be able to override the advance mode to allow repeat applications of single or multiple swaths.

6. The system must be equipped for flight data logging that has a system memory capable of storing a minimum of 4 hours of continuous flight log data with the logging rate set at one second intervals. The full logging record will include position, time, date, altitude, ground speed, cross-track error, dispersal on/off, aircraft registration number, pilot name, job name or number, and coordinate system including datum. The system must compensate for the lag in logging dispersal on/off. The system will display dispersal on/off at the boundary without a saw tooth effect. Must be capable to end log files, rename, and start a new log while in flight.

7. The Contractor must have the capability to print and display maps at the airport or airstrip. When viewed on the monitor or the printed hard copy, the flight path will clearly differentiate between dispersal on and off. The system must have the capability to zoom to any portion of the flight for viewing in greater detail and print the entire flight or the zoomed-in portion. The system must have a measure feature that will measure distance in feet between any two points on the monitor and it must be able to determine the exact latitude / longitude at any point on the monitor. A summary of acres protected, and gallons applied for each airplane will be made available.

8. Flight information software provided by the Contractor must have the ability to export flight logs in an ARC View GIS 10.x or higher format. See requirements below for more information indicating the exact file types and structure required. Each pilot will be required to submit a flight log file at the conclusion of each operational day or at any time requested by the COR or ATM via a flash drive or email as agreed upon by the Contractor and COR or ATM. The flight log will include position, time, date, altitude, ground speed, cross-track error, dispersal on or off, aircraft registration number, pilot name, job name or number, and coordinate system including datum. This data will be recorded at one second intervals or less. This process will be tested prior to chemical application to ensure compliance. Systems that do not demonstrate reliable logging will not be accepted for chemical application.

3.10 Requirements for receiving GPS navigation data from pilots

Please use the software that came with your navigation system to convert data to a GIS shapefile format. Examples of such software are Mapstar (Satloc), AirStar (Hemisphere), and NavView (AgNav).

GIS shapefiles are actually a set of files with the same file name but different extensions. There are usually 3-7 files associated with one shapefile. Four of these are required to be able to view and/or work with a shapefile in a GIS. The file extensions are as follows:

.shp – required .shx – required .dbf – required .prj – required .sbn .sbx .xml

Here is an example of what a set of files making up a shapefile might look like. This one is called SprayArea:

3.11 Flagging

When precision electronic guidance is not a program requirement, other methods of guidance such as flagging by individuals using flags, kytoons, mirrors, or high powered "Q" lights are acceptable. All flaggers must follow directions on the insecticide label for operating procedures and personal protective equipment. FREE FLYING WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.

3.12 Certification - State/Federal/Tribal

The Contractor must be certified by the FAA and comply with all applicable FAA regulations and applicable regulations of the state in which operations will be conducted.

1. Immediately upon award of a contract, the Contractor shall contact the appropriate office to identify all state requirements for aircraft and pilot certifications. Insurance and/or other requirements, including pesticide applicator certifications that apply, must be in effect prior to starting operations.

Treatments in Indian Country:

2. For commercial applicators with a current and valid state, tribal or federal certification or license who wishes to apply restricted use pestricides (RUPs) in Indian country (on any Reservation or on Trust lands), you must have proper EPA certification found at this site.

https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-applicator-certification-indian-country/how-apply-applicator-certification-under-epa-plan

3. Documents which shall be available at the reporting airport include all necessary documents to complete the "CONTRACT PILOT AND AIRCRAFT and ACCEPTANCE (PPQ Form 816)", Attachment 2, which include but not limited to: The FAA Agricultural Aircraft Operating Certificate, Aircraft Registration and Airworthiness Certificate, Aircraft and Engine Log Books, Government issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license), Pilot Certificate, Medical Certificate, Flight Review, State Pesticide Applicators License, and proof of insurance. Documents provided for proof of insurance shall clearly state:

a. The aircraft registration…