Attachment_1_-_Pine_Creek_Mowing_PWS_14_May_24.pdf

Performance Work Statement Pine Creek Mowing

1. General: This is a non-personal services contract to provide for vegetation management services. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the providers performing these services. Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn, is responsible to the Government.

1.1. Description of Services/Introduction: The Upper Snake Field Office of the Idaho Falls District, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is soliciting agricultural services (mowing) to restore native range and improve wildlife habitat on the Pine Creek North/Dry Canyon North Properties. The Contractor shall provide all personnel, labor, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform vegetation management services as defined in this Performance Work Statement (PWS).

1.2. Background: The Pine Creek Restoration Project is a mowing treatment for weed control. The treatment areas are previously cultivated land seeded in the fall of 2023. Treatment areas are flat to gently rolling with slopes generally less than ten percent and are easily traversable with agricultural tractors.

1.3. Objectives: The purpose of the Pine Creek Restoration Project is the reestablishment of native vegetation on previously cultivated land to restore native range and improve wildlife habitat. The properties have previously been drill seeded with native seed. The mowing treatment will increase the potential for success of the seeding and aid in restoration efforts by removing/controlling early successional and weedy species that compete with the seeded native plant species for limited resources.

1.4. Scope: The scope of this treatment is mowing for weed control on 510 acres of the Pine Creek Bench Project Area.

1.5. Period of Performance: The planned period of performance for this contract is June 17, 2024 – June 30, 2025.

Mowing operations will begin on or after mid-June of each respective year as soon as weather and ground conditions are favorable for site accessibility. The Contracting Officer’s representative will notify the contractor that favorable conditions have been met and the contractor shall be prepared to commence mowing operations within 3 calendar days of notification. All mowing operations shall be completed no later than June 30th of each respective year.

Estimated dates for this project are:

Start Date: June 17, 2024 End Date: June 30, 2024

Start Date: June 16, 2025 End Date: June 30, 2025

1.6. General Information:

1.6.1. Federal Observed Holidays: In addition to any holidays declared by Executive Orders, the following Federal Legal Holidays are observed:

New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day

1.6.2. Hours of Operation: Mowing operations shall be permitted during daylight hours, Monday- Friday, unless additional working hours are authorized by the Contracting Officer.

1.6.3. Place of Performance: The Pine Creek Bench project is located in Bonneville County approximately 27 miles west of Idaho Falls, Idaho and about 5 miles northwest of Swan Valley, Idaho. Only BLM-administered lands will be treated under this contract. General-purpose maps are included with the solicitation to give the minimum information needed for a contractor’s project bid.

Once the project is accepted by the contractor, maps will be provided by and agreed upon by BLM and the contractor. See location maps for the general location of project area and access.

1.6.4. Notification of Schedule: The Contractor must attend the pre-work conference and provide a written performance plan, including crew size and schedule, prior to beginning work.

1.6.5. Pre-work Conference: A pre-work conference will be held prior to commencement of work.

The meeting will be held at the Upper Snake Field Office. The Contractor will be notified in advance of meeting time and date. The purpose will be to review required work, specifications, payment, and administrative provisions of the Contract. The Contractor and the persons responsible for coordination for the work (Crew Representative/Foreman) shall be present at the meeting. The Contractor shall be prepared to summarize and explain procedures planned for the project and provide a schedule to meet the time frames of the project to include establishing the plan for communication for the 2025 service. At this time a work schedule showing dates, locations, equipment, and employees working on this project shall be provided by the Contractor to the COR.

1.6.6. Progress Reports: Contractor will provide weekly progress summaries, during treatment, to the

BLM Representative (COR and/or PI). Regular communication between BLM Representatives and the Contractor is required to help alleviate any problems or potential delays.

1.6.7. Project Boundary Marking: The location and access to the unit(s) are shown on the vicinity and unit map(s). The edge of the 200 foot boundary off the road will not be flagged but the beginning and ending points of the mow areas will be flagged. Not all unit boundaries may be marked, it will be up to the contractor to identify and verify boundaries in the field using maps and electronic devices to stay within the unit(s).

1.6.8. Access: Legal public access to the project area is identified on the project reference maps provided in the solicitation package. Contractor will assume responsibility for any additional access if desired.

If roads or any type of access become subject to damage, because of adverse weather conditions or other natural and or political reasons, the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) will relay information to the contractor, and a Stop Work Order may be implemented by the Contracting Officer (CO) until other access can be decided.

1.6.9. Notification of Cessation or Restart of Work: The Contractor will notify the Contracting

Officer's Representative (COR) at least 3 days before they plan to start operations. Contractor will also notify the COR whenever he intends to cease operations for one or more days and will tell the COR at that time when they plan to resume operations.

1.6.10. Progress Inspections/Meetings: The Government COR and/or PI will make periodic visual inspections. Inspection will consist of documentation of the treated areas. Documentation will be based upon compliance with the contract specifications. The Contractor shall require his or her Crew Representative to be present during the inspections. COR and/or PI will discuss all deviations from specifications with Crew Representative as soon as possible when deviations from specifications are found. The Contractor shall correct any deficiencies noted and the project will be re-inspected by the COR.

1.6.11. Personnel/Equipment Requirements: The Contractor must always maintain an adequate work force to ensure timely completion of the work and is responsible for the crew knowing the requirements of the contract. The crew is also responsible for maintaining a safe working environment following OSHA standards. The Contractor will furnish all tools, labor, supervision, equipment, materials, supplies, transportation, training, and incidentals necessary to accomplish the task in accordance with the specifications provided within the designated performance time. The Contractor shall service and maintain such equipment as necessary to maintain satisfactory progress on the work.

1.6.11.1. Key Personnel: The following personnel are considered key personnel by the

Government: One Contractor Representatives (foreman) must be designated by the Contractor. A Contractor Representative must be on-site always directing work. This person must be fluent in English and will also serve as an on the ground contact person for the COR/PI. Failure to maintain a Contractor Representative will result in suspension of work until an acceptable on-the-ground Contractor Representative is provided. A maximum of five (5) days will be allowed to produce a qualified Contractor Representative. Failure to do so within five days may result in the Contracting Officer (CO) issuing a Suspend Work Order. CO and COR must be informed of any changes of Contractor Representative. The contractor will furnish a legible list of all contract employees (last name, first name) to the assigned COR. If there are any changes to the list of contract employees during the life of the contract a new list will be provided to the

COR.

1.6.12. Vehicle Access and Use: Project site is accessible in dry conditions with two wheel drive, high clearance vehicle. In wet conditions four wheel drive high clearance vehicle may be needed. Public or private access roads damaged by the contractor shall be restored, at the contractors’ expense, to the same condition they were at the commencement of work.

If roads or any type of access become impassable or subject to damage, because of adverse weather conditions or other natural and/ or social reasons, the COR will relay information to the Contractor, and a Stop Work Order may be implemented by the CO until other access can be obtained.

Undercarriages of all vehicles will be cleaned before entering the treatment areas to avoid spreading noxious weeds.

1.6.13. Camping: Camping on agency-administered lands will only be allowed on site(s) pre-approved by an authorized officer. Camping areas for crews will be identified and surveyed for cultural resources prior to use of that camp location. Some camp sites have been identified and cleared for use, ask the COR for details. The Contractor shall maintain all camping areas in an orderly and sanitary manner. The ordering and maintenance of portable toilets and dumpsters is the responsibility of the contractor. In the equipment maintenance area, special precaution shall be taken to contain spilled fuel, lubricants, and wash water. All fire regulations and restrictions shall be followed. All garbage and refuse shall be removed from the camp site(s) by the Contractor and disposed of offsite before final payment is made.

1.6.14. Fire Prevention/Suppression: Contractor shall ensure all equipment diesel and/or gas engines are equipped with an approved spark arrester. Spark arresters shall meet the requirements of the U.S. Forest Service Spark Arrester Guide, dated May 1985. Have one shovel and a minimum of one 10 pound ABC fire extinguisher for each tractor. Shovel and fire extinguisher must be accessible to operator. The contractor shall:

1.6.14.1. Comply with all applicable State and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to water quality in connection with any operations under this contract.

1.6.14.2. Take every reasonable precaution not to pollute or obstruct any stream (including dry streams), lake or reservoir on or near the project area in connection with any operations under this contract. If contractor’s operations cause pollution or obstruction of any stream, lake or reservoir on or near the designated mowing area, contractor shall notify the authorized officer immediately, and will correct the condition to the satisfaction of the

BLM.

1.6.15. Emergency Services: Contractor shall have a means of communicating with fire dispatch (for example: satellite phone, text capable SPOT/Garmin device, cell phone WITH SERVICE) within 10 minutes of a fire start at all times during operational shift.

1.6.16. Protection of Improvements: The COR may order a cessation of work if vehicles are operated on roads within the work area when ground or weather conditions cause or lead to loss of traction or rutting. Such conditions usually develop where frozen ground is thawing, when snow is melting, and during or immediately following rainstorms. Ground disturbance will be reduced by tracking over an area one time, and then avoiding sharp tight turns that cause the soil and vegetation to be turned up. Any soil and ground disturbance caused by equipment during and after operations will be rehabilitated.

1.6.17. Salvage Rights: No salvage will be allowed.

1.6.18. Work stoppages: The Contractor agrees to work diligently to complete the mowing treatment. The

Government reserves the right to stop treatment operations at any time when conditions are considered sufficiently unfavorable to warrant stoppage. Stoppage shall continue until treatment operations are again authorized by the Government. Because of the nature of the work, any time for which work is suspended by the Government because of unsuitable conditions or phase II fire restrictions will not be counted against the contract completion time. However, no monetary compensation will be given to the Contractor by reason of such work suspension.

1.6.19. Completion of contract: The Contract will be considered completed and payment due when all work identified in the contract have been treated to the standards specified above.

1.6.20. Risk damages: The Contractor shall assume all risks in connection with performance of the contract and shall be liable for any or all damages to persons or property in connection with the execution of work by employees of the Contractor.

1.6.21. Invoicing: Invoices shall be submitted through IPP for payment, after services have been performed with supporting invoice on company letterhead and referenced purchase order number. Unit Costs offered must be “All-Inclusive” for materials, labor, transportation, surcharges, fees and services necessary and incidental to the provision of Mowing Services.

“All-Inclusive” pricing includes environmental fees, fuel surcharges, pick up, delivery, and all other services necessary and incidental to the required work. There will be no additional costs or special service charges. Invoices shall reflect only those costs indicated in the Price Schedule.

1.6.21.1. Measurement and Payment: Measurement for payment for mowing will be the number of acres satisfactorily completed in accordance with these specifications.

Payment will be made at the unit price per acre specified in the Bid Schedule, and shall include cost of all work described in these specifications. All measurements will be based on horizontal distances. Inspection will consist of a minimum of one (1) spot check per mile with a tape measure from the side of the road.

F-2 Definitions

1. Contractor: A supplier or vendor awarded a contract to provide specific supplies or service to the government. The term used in this contract refers to the prime.

2. Contracting Officer (CO): A person with authority to enter into, administer, and or terminate contracts, and make related determinations and findings on behalf of the government. Note: The only individual who can legally bind the government.

3. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): An employee of the U.S. Government appointed by the contracting officer to administer the contract. Such appointment shall be in writing and shall state the scope of authority and limitations. This individual has authority to provide technical direction to the Contractor as long as that direction is within the scope of the contract, does not constitute a change, and has no funding implications. This individual does NOT have authority to change the terms and conditions of the contract.

4. Deliverable: Anything that can be physically delivered but may include non-manufactured things such as meeting minutes or reports.

5. Equipment: A tangible item that is functionally complete for its intended purpose, durable, nonexpendable, and needed for the performance of a contract. Equipment is not intended for sale and does not ordinarily lose its identity or become a component part of another article when put into use. Equipment does not include material, real property, special test equipment or special tooling.

6. Key Personnel: Contractor personnel that are evaluated in a source selection process and that may be required to be used in the performance of a contract. When key personnel are used as an evaluation factor in best value procurement, an offer can be rejected if it does not have a firm commitment from the persons that are listed in the proposal. The prime contractor is responsible for performance of all subcontractors.

7. Quality Control: All necessary measures taken by the Contractor to assure that the quality of an end product or service shall meet contract requirements.

8. Subcontractor: One that enters into a contract with a prime contractor. The Government does not have privity of contract with the subcontractor.

F-3 Government Furnished Property and Services

3. The Government will provide the following items to the Contractor:

3.1 Provide various USGS 7.5-minute quadrangles (1:24,000 scales) or GIS equivalent with project area boundaries clearly identified.

3.2 An Avenza map file will be provided that delineates the treatment perimeter. The BLM will flag all cadastral survey monuments and other avoidance areas depicted on the Avenza treatment map.

F-4 Contractor -Furnished Items and Services

4. Requirements: The Contractor shall treat designated areas in conformance with these specifications and the Detailed Specifications. Unless otherwise specified, the Contractor shall furnish all equipment, labor, supplies, and materials required to complete the job. The Contractor shall furnish properly equipped personnel experienced in operating the equipment to be used. The Contractor shall service and repair his/her equipment as necessary to maintain satisfactory progress on work. Contractor is responsible for all costs incidental to equipment mobilization and demobilization associated with the project.

4.1. Equipment Requirements: The Contractor will furnish all tools, labor, supervision, equipment, materials, supplies, transportation, training, and incidentals necessary to accomplish the task in accordance with the specifications provided within the designated performance time. The Contractor shall supply, service, and maintain such equipment (tractors, implements, transports) as necessary to maintain satisfactory progress on the work. Operators skilled in the operation of the furnished equipment shall be supplied by the Contractor. Equipment shall be furnished and maintained in good mechanical conditions throughout the term of the contract. The Contractor shall furnish all required fuel, oil, and lubricants for operation of all contractors furnished equipment (tractors, implements, transports).

4.1.1. Tractors: The Contractor shall furnish the necessary tractors with adequate horsepower, traction, and weight to accomplish the work requirements within the time limits specified by the government.

Rollover protection structures are required on equipment regardless of age, as defined in CFR1920- 1000-1002.

4.1.2. Implements: The Contractor shall furnish the necessary implements to accomplish treatment requirements (mowing) within the time limits specified by the government.

4.1.3. Motor Vehicles, Trailers, and Transports: The Contractor shall furnish motor vehicles for hauling equipment and personnel to and from the worksite. The Contractor shall not load or unload tractor(s) or other equipment on public highways unless authorized by the COR.

4.1.4. Mobilization: Includes all preparatory work and operations, including those necessary to the movement of personnel, equipment, supplies and incidentals to the project site; and for other work and operations which must be performed, or cost incurred prior to beginning work on the various items on the project site. All costs associated with mobilization will be incorporated into the cost of the contract.

4.2. Mowing Service:

4.2.1. Size of Project Area: It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor (i.e., knowledge and experience of the crew leader) to determine the quantity of work needed to meet specifications identified in this SOW. Acreage of the units were determined by calculations based on a GPS system from a tractor that completed the fall 2023 seedings. Mowing for weed control shall be performed in a uniform fashion across the entirety of the 510-acre project areas.

4.2.2. Height of Mowing: The height of mowing shall be between 8-12 inches, measured from the original ground surface. The cuttings/mulch will be left where cut and will be even with the normal plane of the ground surface and spread as evenly as possible.

4.2.3. Surface Conditions: Equipment shall not be operated when the soil is wet, and the equipment causes a three inch or greater rut. If such conditions are encountered, the Contractor shall stop work and notify the COR or PI.

4.2.4. Public access: The area to be mowed is open to public access and will remain so during the treatment.

F-5 Specific Tasks

5.1 Mowing: Work shall be performed onsite. Contractor shall provide all materials, equipment, labor, and tools necessary to perform the work. Perform mowing operations in accordance with the requirements identified in PWS 4.2.

F-6

6.0 Applicable Technical Orders, Specifications, Regulations, Manuals

6.1 Hydrology and Fisheries:

6.1.1 The contractor shall comply with all applicable State and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to water quality in connection with any operations under this contract.

6.1.2 Fueling of vehicles will be done outside of riparian areas (streams, wetlands, wet meadows, springs, etc.).

6.1.3 Take every reasonable precaution not to pollute or obstruct any stream (including dry streams), lake or reservoir on or near the project area in connection with any operations under this contract. If contractor’s operations cause pollution or obstruction of any stream, lake, or reservoir on or near the designated area, contractor shall notify the authorized officer immediately, and will correct the condition to the satisfaction of the BLM.

6.2 Archeological Concerns:

6.2.1 The excavation, removal, damage, and altering or defacing of cultural resources is protected under the Archeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) of 1979.

6.2.2 Any unauthorized collection, excavation, or destruction of archeological materials is also subject to civil penalties under ARPA.

6.2.3 The amount of the penalty will be the full cost of restoration and repair of archaeological resources plus the archaeological or commercial value of archaeological resources destroyed or not recovered.

6.2.4 If an obvious un-flagged constructed feature (i.e., rock wall or stone monument) is near a juniper tree to be cut, the tree must be dropped away from the feature and steps taken to avoid damaging the feature.

6.3 Special Status Plants:

6.3.1 All known Special Status Plant (SSP) Element Occurrence (EO) “avoidance areas/buffers” will be marked with flagging prior to and during treatment operations where impacts to SSP species may occur.

6.3.2 All-terrain vehicles (ATV) and utility task vehicles (UTV) will avoid SSP EOs during cross-country travel.

6.4 Boundary Marker Protection: The Contractor, their employees and equipment operators are required to protect evidence of the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) and related Federal property boundaries in accordance with federal law (18 U.S.C. § 1858). Boundary evidence includes, but is not limited to, General Land Office and Bureau of Land Management Cadastral survey corners, artificial and natural boundary monuments, witness corners, reference monuments, benchmarks, bearing trees and witness stones. Prior to commencing any ground disturbing activities, evidence of the PLSS and other survey corner monuments will be marked for protection. In the event of disturbance or destruction of Federal boundary evidence, the responsible party shall immediately report the incident, in writing, to the authorized official, and actual cost for rehabilitation or reestablishment will be deducted from payment due the Contractor or responsible party.

6.5 Safety

6.5.1 Equipment must meet OSHA standards.

6.5.2 It is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure for the safety of employees and general public during treatment. The treatment area will remain open to public access and as such, the contractor must remail vigilant at all times during treatment implementation and equipment operation.

6.5.2.1 Should public safety become a concern, the contractor shall stop all operations and work with the COR/PI to resolve the issue.

6.5.3 Primarily for purposes of fire prevention and control, the Contractor shall comply with the following provisions:

6.5.3.1 The Contractor shall comply with all the applicable Idaho State Fire Prevention Laws, Rules, Regulations, and Standards.

6.5.3.2 All equipment will have the following:

6.5.3.2.1 A serviceable chemical “ABC” fire extinguisher of at least 10-pounds minimum capacity. Such fire extinguisher shall be filled and in operating condition.

6.5.3.2.2 A shovel in good condition with not less than a three (3) foot handle and a blade not less than seven and three-quarters (7 3/4) inches wide.

6.5.4 Fuel Storage: Storage of flammables and combustibles may occur on site. Storage of flammable and combustibles shall follow State and Federal Regulations.

6.5.4.1 Only approved containers and portable tanks shall be used for storage and handling of flammable liquids. Approved safety cans or Department of Transportation approved containers shall be used for the handling and use of flammable liquids in quantities of 5-gallons or less, except that this shall not apply to those flammable liquid materials which are highly viscid (extremely hard to pour), which may be used and handled in original shipping containers. For quantities of one gallon or less, the original container may be used, for storage, use and handling of flammable liquids.

6.5.4.2 Safety can shall mean an approved container, of not more than 5-gallons capacity, having a spring-closing lid and spout cover and so designed that it will safely relieve internal pressure when subjected to fire exposure.

6.5.4.3 Storage areas shall be kept free of weeds, debris, and other combustible material not necessary to the storage.

6.5.4.4 At least one portable 10-pound (minimum) “ABC” fire extinguisher shall be located not less than 25-feet, nor more than 75-feet, from any flammable liquid storage area located outside.

6.5.4.5 Areas in which flammable liquids are transferred at one time, in quantities greater than 5-gallons from one tank or container to another tank or container, shall be separated from other operations by 25-feet distance or by construction having a fire resistance of at least 1-hour. Drainage or other means shall be provided to control spills. Adequate natural or mechanical ventilation shall be provided to maintain the concentration of flammable vapor at or below ten percent of the lower flammable limit.

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 1

DELIVERABLES

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 2

PERFORMANCE

TASK INSPECTION

ITEM

INSPECTION METRIC PASS Acceptable

Quality level Perform mowing services Para 5.1.

Length Height of mowing Between 8 in -12 in measured from original ground surface

95% visual compliance with specs

DELIVERABLE FREQUENCY REFERENCE MEDIUM/FORMAT SUBMIT

TO

Performance/Work Plan

Once 1.6.5 By email in PDF format or hard copy

COR

Crew Manifest Once, and as needed when crew manifest changes.

1.6.11.1 Key

Personnel

By email in PDF or scanned or hard copy

COR

Safety Briefings and Plan

Once, or as needed for updates

1.6.15 Emergency Services

By email in PDF or scanned or hard copy

COR

Progress Reports Weekly 1.6.6 By email in PDF or scanned or hard copy

COR