Attachment_1_-_PWS_PFO_Herbicide_Application_1_APR_25.pdf

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT – Pocatello Field Office Performance Work Statement

PFO Noxious Weed On-the-Ground Herbicide Application F-1

1. General

1.0 General: This is a non-personal services contract to provide for herbicide application 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 Pocatello Field Office (PFO) Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is acquiring services for herbicide application to treat noxious and invasive weed species on rangeland sites within the PFO. The purpose of this request is to secure services for on-the-ground herbicide application of noxious/invasive species. The Contractor shall furnish all chemicals, labor, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, supplies, and incidentals; and perform all work necessary to complete applications, in accordance with the Detailed Specifications in this contract, and the Herbicide Label(s).

Only BLM-administered lands will be treated under this contract (Note that portions of one project area will be labeled as “United States of America” on maps).

1.2 Background: The project is divided into six (6) locations within the PFO. Specific invasive species treatments will be located within these locations. The division of the project into separate locations allows for efficient invasive species management for mobilization and logistics efforts.

1.3 Objectives: The objective of this service is to reduce noxious weeds within the six (6) project locations. Due to the differing plant life cycles of noxious weeds that occur in the PFO, the projects with Dyer’s woad and whitetop (which bolts and blooms in the early spring) take priority and need to be treated before other sites are treated and areas with higher elevations take last priority in treatment order as the noxious weeds flower later in the season at higher elevations.

1.4 Scope: The work under this contract includes application of herbicide at the specified rate over 1,000 total acres. The Contractor shall conduct herbicide application procedures safely, while strictly adhering to all guidance, instructions, and restrictions located within the herbicide label along with the herbicide application restrictions of the State of Idaho.

The Contractor shall follow Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines for application of herbicides (if applicable).

1.5 Period of Performance: Application operations will begin on or after April 28, 2025 as soon as weather and ground conditions are favorable to maximize the effects of the chemicals and continue until all areas are treated. The Contracting Officer’s representative will notify the contractor that favorable conditions have been met and the contractor shall be prepared to commence spraying operations within 3 calendar days of notification. All operations shall be completed no later than September 30, 2025. The Contractor agrees to work diligently to complete the application of the herbicide. Partial workdays will be counted as full days of performance time. Project areas have varying required performance timelines specified below that fall within the overall performance period.

Contract Estimated Start Date: April 28, 2025

Project Area Required Period of Performances:

Two-and-a-Half Mile: April 28, 2025 - July 31, 2025 Blackrock: May 5, 2025 - June 15, 2025 Indian Rocks: May 5, 2025 - June 15, 2025 Morgan's Bridge: June 1, 2025 - June 15, 2025

Project Area Estimated Start Dates:

North and Stump Canyons: June 1, 2025

Bear Hollow: June 1, 2025

Contract Required End Date: September 30, 2025

1.6 General Information

1.6.1 Hours of Operation: Spraying Operations will be permitted only during daylight hours. The Contractor will be allowed to work seven days per week. Work will not be permitted on Federal holidays, unless authorized by the COR.

1.6.2 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.

1.6.3 Place of Performance: The project is divided into six (6) project areas on BLM-administered lands within the PFO. Specific invasive species treatments will be located within these locations.

Blackrock Canyon Project Area Approximate Acreage: 290 acres Location of Work Site: Treatment area consists of three treatment polygons. Treatment sites are located in Bannock County at 112.3280085°W 42.8219617°N, 112.3358971°W 42.8063093°N, and 112.3254991°W 42.8027507°N (see Location Map). They are located just north of Blackrock, ID which is a few miles southeast of Pocatello, ID and can be accessed by N Blackrock Canyon Rd.

Description of Work Site: A large portion of the treatment sites are a part of the Blackrock recreation area. Caution should be used as recreators will most likely be present on the trails. This area has grass and some shrubs and juniper within the treatment area. About 98% of the work site includes slopes ranging from 20% to 60%. The elevation is an average of 4900 feet.

Large portions of the treatment site cannot be accessed with ORVs and will need to be treated on foot with reel line sprayers or backpack sprayers.

Noxious Weeds Present: Dyer’s woad (Isatis tinctoria), whitetop (Lepidium draba), houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale), musk thistle (Carduus nutans), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), common mullein (Verbascum Thapsus), and moth mullein (Verbascum blattaria).

Indian Rocks Project Area Approximate Acreage: 62 acres Location of Work Site: Treatment site is located in Bannock County at 112.2162889°W 42.6826623°N (see Location Map). The site is located about one mile north of McCammon, ID.

Description of Work Site: The treatment site consists of extremely rocky lava fields. Areas of the treatment might not be accessible with ORVs. The elevation is an average of 4700 feet.

Noxious Weeds Present: Dyer’s woad (Isatis tinctoria), whitetop (Lepidium draba), houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale), black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger), and common mullein (Verbascum Thapsus).

Two-and-a-Half Mile Project Area Approximate Acreage: 145 acres Location of Work Site: The treatment area consists of two treatment polygons. Treatment sites are located within Bannock County at 112.3817536°W 42.9621576°N and 112.3762095°W 42.9500907°N (see Location Map). They are located about five miles northeast of Pocatello, ID and is accessed via W 2 ½ Mile Rd.

Description of Work Site: The area was most recently burned by fire in 2022 and has grass, little to no shrubs, woody debris, and includes both live and dead juniper stands. Two and a Half Mile Creek runs through a portion of the treatment site. About 95% of the work site includes slopes ranging from 30% to 60%. The elevation is an average of 5200 feet. Large portions of the treatment site cannot be accessed with ORVs.

Noxious Weeds Present: Scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium), rush skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea), houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale), and knapweed (Centaurea spp.).

Morgan’s Bridge Project Area Approximate Acreage: 84 acres Location of Work Site: The treatment area consists of four treatment polygons. Treatment sites are located in Bingham County at 111.9196329°W 43.0540272°N, 111.9274978°W 43.0716445°N, 111.9295520°W 43.0624334°N, and 111.9277026°W 43.0613104°N (see Location Map). The treatment area is located close to the Morgan’s Bridge

BLM Campground located in Morgan, ID, which is located about 30 miles northeast of Pocatello, ID. All four treatment sites are located next to the Blackfoot River. The two most common routes of access are via Lincoln Creek Rd from the west from Blackfoot or Fort Hall or via Lincoln Creek Rd from the southeast from Soda Hills and past the Blackfoot Reservoir.

Description of Work Site: One treatment site (111.9196329°W 43.0540272°N) consists of approximately five (5) acres on a rocky lava field in an area that was recently burned and contains some burned woody debris. This area is inaccessible to ORVs. The other three treatment sites are mostly flat and accessible with an ORV with some sloped areas around the edges of the treatment sites that may require foot or line access.

Noxious Weeds Present: Musk thistle (Carduus nutans), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare), houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale), and common mullein (Verbascum thapsus).

Note: ONLY five (5) acres of the Morgan’s Bridge treatment area will include chlorsulfuron. Refer to the location map to determine which areas will include or not include chlorsulfuron in the herbicide mix.

North and Stump Canyons Project Area Approximate Acreage: 260 acres Location of Work Site: The treatment area consists of two treatment polygons. Treatment sites are located in Oneida County at 112.4649038°W 42.1919761°N and 112.4146584°W 42.1825934°N (see Location Map).

The treatment area is located about 10 miles west of Malad City, ID. The treatment area can be accessed from the east via Washington Wds Rd/300N or from the south via W 2000 S and then turning onto a BLM route #625.

Description of Work Site: One of the treatment sites (112.4649038°W 42.1919761°N) was a previous timber sale area. This area consists of forested mountain slopes with slopes of 30% to 60%. There are shrubs and woody debris within the treatment site. The other treatment site (112.4146584°W 42.1825934°N) consists of mountain slopes with some stands of trees next to the treatment. Sloped portions of the treatment can range from 30% to 60%. This treatment site has grass and some shrubs.

Large portions of both treatment sites cannot be accessed with ORVs.

Noxious Weeds Present: Musk thistle (Carduus nutans), bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare), houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale), black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger), and common mullein (Verbascum thapsus).

Bear Hollow Project Area Approximate Acreage: 159 acres Location of Work Site: The treatment area consists of two treatment polygons. Treatment sites are located in Power County at 112.7025396°W 42.3673849°N and 112.7142750°W 42.3645831°N (see Location Map).

The treatment area is about 15 miles north of Holbrook, ID and can be accessed via turning on to BLM Route #902 off of S Bull Canyon Road and then on to BLM Route #963.

Description of Work Site: The treatment area is a previous timber sale location. The area consists of forested mountain slopes with slopes of 20% up to 60%. The area has shrubs and woody debris within the treatment sites. Large portions of the treatment cannot be accessed with ORVs.

Noxious Weeds Present: Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare), musk thistle (Carduus nutans), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), Scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium), houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale), and common mullein (Verbascum thapsus).

1.6.4 Pre-work Conference: Prior to commencement of work, a meeting may be requested by the Contracting Officer to be attended by the Contractor, the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), and the Project Inspector(s). The meeting will be held at the Pocatello Field Office at a time mutually agreeable to the Contractor and the Contracting Officer to discuss the work schedule and to familiarize both parties with the responsibilities of each under this contract. At this time the Contractor shall provide to the COR a written "work progress plan" that details dates, locations, equipment, and employees to provide for orderly completion of the work within the contract performance time. This work schedule must be acceptable to the Government. At a minimum, the schedule must reflect a work progress rate equal to the available amount of contract performance time.

1.6.5 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 herbicide application. Invoices shall reflect only those costs indicated in the Price Schedule. All expenses relating to maintenance and operation of equipment shall be considered in the all – inclusive pricing.

Contractor may submit for payment after completion and verification by the COR of each of the six (6) project areas. Contractor will be paid unit price for unit of issue by quantity for each project area. The Contract will be considered completed and all payments due when all areas furnished to the Contractor by the Government have been sprayed to the standards specified. Test for uniformity will be made at the time of spraying, and final completion of the contract will be determined by these tests.

1.6.6 Project Boundary Marking: The location and access to the unit(s) are shown on the vicinity and unit map(s). The unit boundaries will NOT be identified by flagging, 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).

1.6.7 Notification of Cessation or Restart of Work: The Contractor will have personnel on project site prior to commencing daily application, during application, and will notify COR or Project Inspector of changing weather conditions. The COR or Project Inspector will allow Contractor to continue or stop application if weather factors dictate. The Contractor shall stop operation if inclement weather conditions (wind or rain) exceed label recommendations during the spraying operation. The COR or Project Inspector will give the permission to restart, approximately one (1) hour from notification of conditions, depending on the location of the project.

1.6.8 Personnel 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’s applicators shall hold a current Idaho Professional Applicator License in the Agricultural Pesticide Category or Regulated Pests Category. The Government will inspect each applicator for their current Idaho Professional Applicator’s License in the Agricultural Pesticide or Regulated Pests Categories before work on this contract.

1.6.8.1 Key Personnel: The following personnel are considered key personnel by the Government: Applicators and work crew 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.

1.6.8.1.1 Applicators: Shall be furnished by the Contractor and shall meet certification requirements of Idaho Regulations for this type of work. Applicators must hold a current Idaho Professional Applicator License in the Agricultural Pesticide Category or Regulated Pests Category.

1.6.8.1.2 Work Crew: Shall be furnished by the Contractor for handling and mixing the herbicide and the loading/unloading of equipment.

Mixers and Loaders shall hold a Mixer/Loader certification of training. The Contractor shall furnish the necessary qualified mechanics for maintenance of equipment and shall furnish all fuel, oil, and service required for operation of equipment and vehicles.

All expenses relating to maintenance and operation of equipment shall be included in the unit price bid per acre for herbicide spraying.

Work crews should be well trained in noxious weed identification in Idaho for all stages of plant development.

Work crews should be trained with the use of GPS units.

1.6.9 Camping: Camping on agency-administered lands will only be allowed on site(s) pre-approved by an authorized officer. Some camp sites including designated 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. 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.

1.6.10 Detailed Unit Information: Minor amenities such as gas and diesel can be found in Pocatello, Blackfoot, McCammon, Malad City, and at other stops along I-15. The closest hospitals are the Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello, ID and Bear River Valley Hospital in Tremonton, UT. All travel distances vary and are dependent on vehicles, speeds, and work location within the prospective project areas.

1.6.11 Risk and Damages: The Contractor shall assume all risks in connection with performance of the contract and shall be liable for any and all damages to persons or property in connection with the prosecution of the work, including the applicator or other employees of the Contractor.

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2. Definitions

2.1 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.

2.2 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.

2.3 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.

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

2.5 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.

2.6 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.

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

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

2.9 Active Ingredient: The chemicals in an herbicide which control the targeted noxious weed species.

2.10 Adjuvant: An inert material added to an herbicide formulation or tank mix to increase the effectiveness of the active ingredient.

2.11 Drift: The movement of airborne particles by air motion or wind away from the intended target area.

2.12 Emergence: The act of a germinating seedling breaking through the soil surface.

2.13 Endangered Species: Plant or animal species that are in danger of extinction through all or a significant part of their range.

2.14 Label: All written, printed, or graphic matter on or attached to pesticide containers as required by law.

2.15 Rate: The amount of active ingredient or acid equivalent applied per unit area or other treatment unit.

2.16 Threatened Species: Plant or animal species that are not in danger of extinction but are likely to be classified as Endangered within the foreseeable future.

2.17 Sensitive Species: Plant or animal species (as designated by the Idaho BLM State Director) that are managed by the BLM to ensure that agency actions do not contribute to the need to list any species as Threatened or Endangered in the future.

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3. Government Furnished Property and Services

3.1 If the Government desires that dye be used for marking sprayed areas, it will be provided by the Government. Any unused dye with be returned to the Government upon completion of the contract.

3.2 The Government will provide work location maps for the site that is to be treated with herbicide.

3.2.1 Work sites will NOT be marked by the Government with flagging.

3.2.2 The Government will provide GPS perimeter data of the boundaries of all sites that are to be treated with herbicides.

3.2.3 The Government with provide work location maps for the sites that are to be treated with herbicide.

3.3 The Government with furnish the BLM Daily Pesticide Application Record forms to be filled out by the Contractor at least once daily.

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4. Contractor Furnished Items and Services

4.1 Equipment Requirements:

4.1.1 The Contractor shall furnish properly equipped equipment with applicators experienced in applying herbicides in rough featureless terrain. The Contractor shall service and repair their equipment as necessary to maintain satisfactory progress on work. Contractor is responsible for all costs incidental to equipment move-in and move-out associated with the project.

4.1.2 The Contractor shall furnish sufficient equipment to satisfactorily spray the designated areas in the time specified as required in the Detailed Specifications.

Equipment shall be capable of traveling at moderate speed to give proper control and distribution of herbicide. Equipment shall have communications with the Government by using cell phones. Contract will not commence until communication is established. Equipment shall have radios with radio frequencies designated by the Project Inspector as a backup communication.

4.1.3 The Government will have the option to inspect the Contractor's equipment and work before, during, and after completion of this contract.

4.1.4 Spray Equipment: All services will be done on-the-ground with ATV’s, UTV’s, or by foot with backpack sprayers. Some areas may be reached off roads with a hose reel, but no overland off-road mechanized travel is authorized unless specified by the government. Backpack sprayers or reel lines shall be used in areas not accessible by ground vehicles or in designated non-motorized areas.

4.1.4.1 Spray Tanks: Spray solutions of the product shall be mixed, stored, and applied using only stainless steel, aluminum, fiberglass, plastic, or plastic-lined steel containers.

4.1.4.2 Spray Nozzles: Contractor shall furnish a nozzle type that is designated for the intended application. Refer to the Label for proper nozzles to comply with Drift Management Section.

4.1.4.3 Booms: Contractor shall furnish non-rust booms.

4.1.4.4 Rate of Application: Apply the spray solution in properly maintained and calibrated equipment capable of delivering the desired volume.

Controlling drift is the responsibility of the Applicator. The contractor shall adhere to the application rate the Government has determined for each site. The rate will be within the rates specified on the products label.

1.0 ounce of chlorsulfuron per acre (except where marked to be excluded from the mixture)

7.0 fluid ounces of aminopyralid per acre

1.0 quart of 2, 4-D per acre 10 to 40 gallons of water carrier per acre Non-ionic Surfactant – mixed and applied according to the label

ALTERNATE: 34 fluid ounces of premixed aminopyralid + 2, 4- D in place of separate products of aminopyralid and 2, 4-D.

4.1.4.5 Premix Option: The option, for premixed aminopyralid + 2, 4-D products, is given as an alternative to purchasing separate aminopyralid and 2, 4-D products. Contractor must choose ONE treatment option to use for the duration of the contract. The Contractor will make their choice when they submit their proposal.

4.1.5 Global Positioning System (GPS)

4.1.5.1 Tracking/Guidance: A Trimble GPS or equivalent data collection unit that is capable of recording points, lines, and polygons. A data dictionary or geodatabase with required input fields will be provided to the contractor by the Government for data collection units. Collected data will consist of species, location, and approximate size of infestation.

4.1.5.2 Coordinate System: GPS data will be recorded in UTM NAD 1983 Zone 12N and uncorrected GPS files will be submitted to the COR upon project completion.

4.1.5.3 Project Log: GPS tracklog lines will be recorded at all times where inventories or treatments are conducted.

4.1.5.4 Mapping: The contractor is required to log GPS locations of treated infestation areas according to the BLM NISIMS Data Standard, summarized below.

National Invasive Species Information Management System (NISIMS) Business Rules for GPS Mapping

1. Each infestation represents only one species; therefore, infestations may overlap. If multiple species are identified, then multiple infestation records should be generated.

2. Infestations of the same species must be 40 yards or 120 feet apart to be a unique infestation. Infestations closer than 40 yards (120 feet) shall be treated as one infestation.

3. When collecting a point stand in the center of the feature.

4. Do not allow a polygon to intersect itself. End or complete feature before reaching starting point.

5. Infestation points need to have an appropriate size class associated with each point:

a. Less than 0.10 acre

b. 0.10 – 0.50 acre

6. Infestations larger than 0.5 acre in size need to be mapped as a polygon.

4.1.5.5 Memory/Battery: Must be capable of storing and operating up to 8 hours of continuous project log data.

4.2 Loading Facilities: Use of any loading area, federal, state or private land, shall be arranged by and at the discretion and risk of the contractor.

4.2.1 Base of Operations: The Contractor shall provide such loading facilities as may be required for competent performance of contract. If loading sites are described in the Detailed Specifications or shown on the Work Location Map, the Government makes no warranty as to their availability or condition. Use of any loading area shall be arranged by and at the discretion and risk of the Contractor, and the Government shall not be held responsible for any loss, mishap, or accident due to conditions of any loading facility used. Any applicable fees for loading facilities are the responsibility of the Contractor. If Contractor wishes to use BLM land, this must be approved in advance by the Contracting Officers Representative (COR) or Project Inspector. The Contractor shall provide appropriate warning signs for traffic if roads are used as loading sites.

4.3 Materials

4.3.1 Herbicide Requirements: The Contractor shall be responsible for purchasing, securing, and providing all herbicides necessary to complete the specifications of this contract. Any unused herbicide will be turned into the Government upon completion of the contract.

4.3.1.1 Salient Features of Herbicide:

• Must be registered for use in Idaho by the respective state regulatory agency.

• Must be on the BLM’s approved herbicide list.

• Supply fluid herbicides in 1- or 2.5-gallon containers.

• Common names/Active Ingredients:

o Chlorsulfuron o Aminopyralid o 2, 4-D Amine o Alternate: Premixed aminopyralid + 2, 4-D Amine in place of separate products of aminopyralid and 2, 4-D Amine.

• Required Acid Equivalents/Active Ingredients:

o Chlorsulfuron should be 75 percent active ingredient.

o Aminopyralid should be at a concentration of 2.0 pounds acid equivalent per gallon.

o 2, 4-D Amine should be at a concentration of 3.8 pounds acid equivalent per gallon.

o If chosen, premixed aminopyralid + 2, 4-D Amine should be at a concentration of 0.41 and 3.33 pounds acid equivalent per gallon, respectively.

4.3.2 Adjuvant Requirements: The Contractor shall be responsible for purchasing, securing, and providing all adjuvants necessary to complete the specifications of this contract. If a surfactant is identified under the Detailed Specifications, the Contractor shall be responsible for supplying and properly mixing the surfactant to label specifications. Any unused surfactant will be turned into the Government upon completion of the contract.

4.3.2.1 Salient Features of Surfactant: A high-quality non-ionic surfactant of at least 80% active principal will be used at manufacturer’s recommended rates in the tank mix. Contractor shall supply all surfactant to be used.

Contractor is responsible for disposal of mixed surfactant.

4.3.2.2 Drift Agents: Drift agents may be used. If a drift control additive is used, read and carefully observe the cautionary statements and all other information appearing on the additive label. The Contractor shall provide the drift agent. Controlling drift is the responsibility of the Contractor.

4.3.2.3 Dye: If the Government desires that dye be used for marking sprayed areas, it will be provided by the Government.

4.3.2.4 Handling of Adjuvants: All drift agents, dyes, and surfactants shall be handled as chemicals.

4.3.2.5 No additional payment will be made to the Contractor for the use of Contractor-furnished drift agents or Government-furnished surfactant and dyes. These expenses shall be included in the unit price bid per acre for herbicide spraying.

4.3.3 Dust Abatement: Any material used for dust abatement, other than water, shall be approved by the COR prior to use.

4.4 Applicator Logs: The Contractor shall maintain a daily written log or Daily ‘Pesticide Application Record’. BLM daily pesticide application records need to be filled out daily within 24 hours of application. These logs or records shall be signed by the applicator operator(s) and turned into the COR or Project Inspector (PI) upon completion of each project area via email or hard copy within 10 business days. BLM pesticide application records will be provided by the Government at the contractor/contracting officer meeting.

4.5 Photos: Photos will be taken of each noxious weed species discovered at each project area. At least one photo per treated species will be required. The photo may be taken with a camera, cell phone, or other device, but the photo must clearly depict the distinguishable features of the plant to allow for identification. The photos shall reflect the weeds recorded in the Applicator Logs. Photos should include the location and the date taken.

4.6 Progress Reports: Contractor will provide weekly progress summaries 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.

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5. Specific Tasks

5.1 HERBICIDE APPLICATION: The Contractor shall spray designated areas in conformance with these specifications and the herbicide label. Unless otherwise specified, the Contractor shall furnish chemicals, equipment, labor, supplies, tools, supervision, materials, incidentals, and perform all work necessary to complete herbicide application in accordance with the performance work statement.

5.2 SUPPLY HERBICIDE: The Contractor shall be responsible for purchasing, securing, and providing all herbicides necessary to complete the specifications of this contract. Any unused herbicide will be turned into the Government upon completion of the contract.

(See PWS 4.3).

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6. Applicable Technical Orders, Specifications, Regulations, Manuals

6.1 Environmental Conditions:

6.1.1 Wind: Spraying shall not be done when the wind is greater than 10 mph constant or is less than 2 mph or as specified in the Label. The Contractor shall follow the Label Section on Spray Drift Management - Wind. Local wind can influence wind patterns. Every applicator should be familiar with local wind patterns and how they affect drift.

6.1.2 Relative Humidity: Refer to the product label when making applications in low relative humidity conditions. Measurements can be obtained from local National Weather Service.

6.1.3 Site Conditions: No treatment spraying will be allowed if conditions do not meet the label requirements. No treatment spraying will be allowed under the following conditions:

• Winds greater than 10 mph.

• During a rain or snow.

• Within 4 hours after a rain or snow, unless approved by the COR.

• When there is obvious surface run-off on work site.

• Will not be directly applied to water

• Applicators will not be allowed to broadcast spray within 25 feet of agricultural crops or residences

• If Stage II Fire Restrictions are implemented as outlined in the Idaho Fire

Restrictions Plan.

6.2 Herbicide Application:

6.2.1 Coverage: All noxious weed infestations within the designated boundaries of the project area shall receive uniform coverage with the herbicide except for areas excluded by the Government. Areas excluded from the spraying operation within the designated boundaries, will not be included in the acreage computed for payment. Any noxious weed infestations not covered by the Contractor shall be reapplied or compensated by suitable contract adjustment, at the option of and at no additional cost to the Government. Hand or spot applications on single plant sites and boom or hand applications on all infestations discovered will be required.

6.2.2 Rate of Spraying: Herbicide shall be applied at the application rate per acre according to the work data sheet. For liquid applications, the carrier (water) for the chemical will follow the label limits for ground application. The carrier (water) must be clean, free of dirt particles. Ditch water will not be considered clean. Contractor will be required to demonstrate that they can provide adequate and uniform coverage. Contractor shall furnish mixing equipment, suitable work crew, and perform mixing operation. Spray formulation shall be thoroughly mixed according to the Label and distributed over entire area. Distribution of herbicide shall not vary more than ten percent (10%) above or below the average distribution of herbicide per acre from that specified.

6.2.3 Application Paths: Shall be patterned to secure a uniform distribution of herbicide. The Contractor must keep applications within the perimeter of the Government provided shape file. Avoid overlapping, and no stripping shall be allowed. Overlapping, stripping, or areas sprayed outside of the perimeter will result in immediate stoppage of work. Corrective action shall be taken immediately by the Contractor to insure uniform and evenly spaced application paths and complete coverage of areas included in the spraying job. Applicators will not be allowed to broadcast spray within 25 feet of agricultural crops or residences. Spot spraying is allowed within 25 feet of an agricultural field to limit drift potential.

6.2.4 Swath Width: Effective swath width shall not exceed the maximum for adequate coverage of supplied application equipment.

6.2.5 Application Height: Herbicide dispenser shall be set at a height to obtain proper distribution and uniform coverage of herbicide on target species. Contractor shall follow Herbicide Label instructions on Spray Drift Management to obtain proper boom height.

6.2.6 Spray Drift Management: The interaction of many equipment and weather-related factors determines the potential for spray drift. The Contractor is responsible for considering all these factors when making application decisions. Avoiding herbicide application drift is the responsibility of the Contractor.

6.2.7 Sprayer Cleanup: Shall be conducted according to the label instructions. Avoiding contamination of the work site is the responsibility of the Contractor.

6.3 Government Testing:

6.3.1 Tests for Uniformity: The Government representative will make tests to determine uniformity of herbicide application. Randomly spaced water sensitive cards or collection trays will be utilized.

6.3.2 Tests for Rate of Application: Rate of application will be determined from test applications and strip tests made prior to commencement and/or during application operations to establish and maintain the desired application setting of the distribution mechanism. Should the Contractor wish to object in any way to the weight recording and/or ground recovery sampling done at any particular time by the Government, the Contractor shall be present in person or by authorized representative to voice said objections when weight recording and/or ground recovery samplings are done, and to agree upon new records and/or samples at the time, where after the weight recording and ground recovery sampling done by the Government shall be final and binding in the settlement of the contract.

6.3.3 Ensuring Compliance of Surveys: GPS data from the GPS units will be used to ensure compliance of surveys. GPS lines will be recorded during all times of survey. GPS data will be used to create an ArcGIS shape file to determine treated areas.

6.4 MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT

6.4.1 Method of Measurement:

6.4.1.1 Units: Application of herbicide solution will be measured and paid for by the number of acres sprayed to the nearest whole acre.

6.4.1.2 Measurement: Measurement for payment for spraying will be the actual area, in acres, within the designated boundaries satisfactorily sprayed in conformance with these specifications. Measurement will be made from either physical surveys of the areas or a computer-generated shapefile created in a GPS Guidance System at the option of Government. The shape file will be used in ArcGIS for final acreage measurement. Acreages will be computed from horizontal distances as shown on maps at the option of Government.

6.4.1.3 Remeasurement: Remeasurement of the acreage under this contract will be made upon the written request of the Contractor. The request for remeasurement must be made in writing within 10 calendar days after completion of the work. If remeasurement indicates a difference of not more than 5% from the original measurement, the Contractor shall pay the actual cost of the remeasurement. Payments will be based on the second measurement where the difference between measurement is more than 5%.

Where the difference is less than 5%, the results of the first measurement will be used.

6.4.2 Basis of Payment:

6.4.2.1 Payment: Payment will be made at the unit price per acre specified in the

Bid Schedule which is made a part hereof and shall include the cost of all work described in this paragraph and the Detailed Specifications, including any respraying, if such work is required. Contractor may request payment following Government Acceptance of each defined project area.

6.5 Safety:

6.5.1 Transportation of Herbicides: The Contractor shall be responsible for the transport of chemical herbicides used to fulfill the specifications of this contract to the Contractor’s loading site. The Contractor shall secure herbicide containers in mixing area to prevent spillage. The Contractor shall load and transport herbicide from the pickup point to the work sites and shall be responsible for its protection from loss or damage due to weather, rodents, insects, theft, or any other hazard.

Any herbicide damaged or lost while in the custody of the Contractor will be replaced by the Contractor and actual cost to the Government for replacement will be deducted from payments due the Contractor. All unused herbicides shall be returned to the Government by the Contractor upon completion of work or termination of the contract.

6.5.2 Protective Clothing and Equipment for Contract Employees Exposed to Herbicides: The Contractor shall supply protective clothing and equipment to contract workers that guarantee minimal exposure throughout the herbicide application process. The Contractor shall follow all advice on protective clothing and equipment which appears on the herbicide label and/or SDS documentation.

The Contractor shall make available cleanup facilities to contract employees exposed to herbicides or herbicide-contaminated equipment.

6.5.3 Storage of Herbicides: The Contractor will be responsible for the storage of all chemicals. Contractor required to have locked storage for herbicide concentrate containers and keep herbicide locked up while unattended. The capacity of the locked storage should be large enough for 25 gallons of herbicide in 2.5-gallon sized individual containers.

6.5.4 Mixing and Application of Herbicides:

6.5.4.1 The Contractor shall mix herbicides in accordance with the proportions listed on the product labels. The Contractor shall provide adequate protective clothing and equipment for contract employees who mix the herbicides.

6.5.4.2 By law, the application of an herbicide, either directly or through drift, must not expose workers or other people. The Contractor shall be very aware and cautious of any environmental hazard present during herbicide application. Upon completion of herbicide application, the Contractor shall thoroughly clean equipment and dispose of waters, residues, rinses, and unused herbicides only according to EPA and Idaho State regulations.

All empty herbicide containers will be triple rinsed, labels removed and punctured by the Contractor after mixing. The Contractor shall be responsible for disposal of the empty boxes, labels, and lids. The Contractor shall be responsible for disposal or recycling of the empty containers.

6.5.5 Spills and Accidents: The Contractor shall be responsible if accidents and chemical spills occur. The Contractor shall report immediately spills and accidents to the BLM authorized officers and appropriate local authorities. The Contractor shall provide immediate treatment of contaminated or injured persons and seek professional medical attention when necessary. The Contractor shall control chemical spills quickly and shall secure additional help when the Contractor cannot effectively or safely handle the spill cleanup. Spills will be the responsibility of the Contractor and shall be cleaned up to the satisfaction of the local authorities.

6.5.6 Fire Prevention: Contractor will be required to stage along roadsides or pull-out areas void of tall vegetation. Contractor needs to be cautious of ATV/UTV muffler in tall vegetation when stopped. ATV’s/UTV’s must have a spark arrestor installed and have a current registration with the State of Idaho. Work crews will be required to carry fire suppression tools when travelling cross-country including a shovel, bladder bag and an ABC fire extinguisher. Immediately notify Eastern Idaho Interagency Fire Center (208) 524-7600 if fire is started or discovered.

Idaho Fire Restrictions Plan will be followed.

6.5.7 Fire Restrictions: The Contractor shall adhere to the Idaho Fire Restrictions Plan and will need to stop work if Stage II Fire Restrictions are implemented.

Information regarding the Idaho Fire Restrictions Plan and Stage II Fire Restrictions can be found on www.idahofireinfo.com.

https://doimspp-my.sharepoint.com/personal/kferrin_blm_gov/Documents/Attachments/www.idahofireinfo.com https://doimspp-my.sharepoint.com/personal/kferrin_blm_gov/Documents/Attachments/www.idahofireinfo.com

Technical Exhibits:

DELIVERABLE FREQUENCY REFERENCE MEDIUM/FORMAT SUBMIT TO

Performance/Work Plan Once 1.6.4 By email in PDF format or hard copy COR

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

1.6.8 By email in PDF or

scanned or hard copy COR

Daily Applicator Records

Complete once per day, or as needed.

Submit once per project area, at the completion of each project area.

4.4 By email in PDF or

scanned or hard copy COR

Photos

Once per project area, at the completion of each project area.

4.5 By email in zipped

folder COR

Progress Reports Once a week 4.6 By email or hard copy COR

Supply Herbicide Once, at the end of the contract

4.3.1/ 5.2

1 or 2.5-gallon containers for liquid herbicides.

8 oz containers for granule herbicides.

COR

Adjuvants: Dye

(GFM)

Once, at the end of the contract 3.1 Return as received any remaining COR

Adjuvants: Non-ionic surfactant

Once, at the end of the contract 4.3.2

1 or 2.5-gallon containers

COR

Required Services table with AQL:

TASK INSPECTION

ITEM

INSPECTION METRIC Acceptable Quality Level

Herbicide application (Para 5.1.)

Uniform coverage

Comparing applicator logs to original polygon to confirm uniform coverage over the spray area.

95% visual compliance with specs