Attachment 1 - SOW.pdf

1255N920R0002

NON-NATIVE INVASIVE PLANT (NNIP) SPECIES CONTROL TREATMENT

ATTACHMENT #1 - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1. Introduction The Wayne National Forest (also referred to as “Forest” or “Wayne”) has a requirement to enter into a Performance Based Service Contract (PBSC) for control of nonnative invasive species of plants (NNIP) and selected “invasive-like” native plants using herbicide treatments.

C.2. Background The Wayne National Forest administers approximately 244,240 acres in southeastern Ohio.

The Forest is composed of three separate geographic units contained within two Ranger Districts. The Athens Ranger District administers lands on both the Athens and Marietta Units, while the Ironton Ranger District administers all lands on the Ironton Unit. National Forest System (NFS) lands managed by the Wayne are found in parts of 12 counties which span the state 100 miles east to west and 100 miles north to south. Private land parcels are scattered throughout the NFS boundaries, producing a highly dissected ownership pattern.

Federal ownership within the proclamation boundaries varies across the forest. Ironton (35%) contains the most federal ownership, followed by Athens (28%), and Marietta (23%).

The primary objective is to eradicate, reduce, or contain invasive plant populations, thereby minimizing the threat to native plant communities, sensitive wildlife habitat, and then reducing the economic impact. The projects would emphasize control activities on highly invasive nonnative plant species infestations. To accomplish this objective the Forest Service uses an integrated pest management (IPM) approach for NNIP control activities as required by the Wayne National Forest Land Management Plan (Forest Plan):

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/wayne/landmanagement/planning/?cid=fsm9_006005&width=full

Integrated management is also required by the Forest-wide Integrated Non-native and Invasive Environmental Assessment (EA). An electronic copy of the EA is available upon request.

Invasive control activities will be conducted along disturbance corridors such as roads, trails, timber harvest units, fescue fields and fence lines. In addition, treatments will be conducted as part of restoration projects to improve wildlife habitat and protect plant diversity in native grassland openings, early successional habitat areas, interior areas of the forest, and other unique native plant communities threatened by invasive plants. As the initial NNIP treatments are successful subsequent treatments would focus less on using off road vehicles and mechanized equipment to increasing amounts of spot spraying of herbicides by using backpack sprayers or other hand techniques.

C.3. Scope of Work The Contractor shall provide all expertise, labor, supervision, services, herbicides, carriers or adjuvants, herbicide dye, materials, equipment, tools, supplies, transportation, licenses, permits, worker personal protective equipment (PPE), and incidentals necessary to perform the required work, for which the desired outcome is in strict accordance with the standards of the contract.

The PBSC- Statement of Work (SOW) shall consist of completing the ordered tasks to the Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) required in Attachment #2.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/wayne/landmanagement/planning/?cid=fsm9_006005&width=full

The awarded contract shall constitute the entire agreement including all terms and conditions applicable to the contract.

C.4. General Project Description and General Herbicide Specifications

C.4.1 General Project Description and Specifications This is part of a forest-wide project to remove and control undesirable non-native invasive plant species (NNIP), including targeted woody trees/shrubs/vines, herbaceous flowering plants, grasses, and semi- woody vines on the Wayne National Forest. The treatment for various infestations of NNIP would depend on factors such as, species, location, accessibility, patch size, concentration of NNIP, distance to surface and ground water resources, surrounding vegetation, and exposure to public. NNIP plant treatments may include the use of hand methods, machinery, and chemicals to eliminate NNIP when possible or at least appreciably reduce their presence in the treatment areas. Many inventories of NNIP plants throughout the Wayne have been completed, with supplemental inventories ongoing. The project takes an adaptive management strategy, which would result in changes in treatment strategies if Forest Service monitoring of treatment areas indicates that treatment objectives are not being met.

The Forest is approved for the following seven herbicides;

Selective Herbicides Non-Selective Herbicides Clopyralid Glyphosate Metsulfuron-methyl Imazapic Sethoxydim Imazapyr Triclopyr

Herbicide selection is dependent on the NNIP plants targeted for control treatment, surrounding vegetation, distance to ground and surface water, soil type, and other non-target resources that may be impacted by herbicide applications. The herbicide to be used for chemical treatment, the application method, and the desired application rate may be identified in the task order. In certain instances, contractors may be able to choose from multiple herbicides to accomplish task order work. New herbicide choices may be made available to contractors as they are approved by the Wayne National Forest. However, only the seven choices listed above are approved at this time.

The Contractor shall provide all expertise, labor, supervision, services, herbicides, carriers or adjuvants, materials, equipment, tools, supplies, transportation, licenses, permits, worker personal protective equipment (PPE), and incidentals necessary to perform the required work, for which the desired outcome is in strict accordance with the standards in the contract. The Contractor shall perform and accomplish the work in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances.

C.4.2 General Herbicide Specifications The following specifications provide criteria pertaining to herbicide application and NNIP treatment where work would occur under this contract according to FS policy, the Wayne Forest Plan and project specific design criteria. Herbicide choice is limited at this time to the approved herbicides listed above. Additional herbicide choices may become available during the length of the IDIQ contract period pending NEPA process review and subsequent approval.

Applicators would use typical herbicide concentrations according to all EPA approved manufacturer herbicide directions. The Contractor will mix herbicides in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and any applicable laws or regulations. Contractors, as well as all subcontractors, must have a valid Ohio commercial pesticide applicators license. Non-certified applicators and employees can perform work on- site when the certified supervisor is present during all times of the treatment in direct voice communication by telephone or radio with the certified supervisor.

The Contractor is responsible for the cleanup of any spills and will notify the COR immediately of any chemicals used on site. The contractor must provide copies or notification by telephone or email of herbicide labels and MSDS of chemicals to the COR prior to the start of work.

Application operations shall be conducted as indicated on the herbicide label, including approved concentrations, rates/acre, and environmental conditions. Only herbicides for aquatic use shall be used whenever application occurs adjacent to waterways and wetlands such as the aquatic formulation of glyphosate (Rodeo ® or equivalent product). Task orders will identify situations where aquatic-approved herbicides must be used. Aquatic applications within this IDIQ are limited to riparian areas and upland ground adjacent to aquatic features where treatment is needed. Direct applications into water bodies targeting floating or emergent invasive vegetation will not occur.

The Wayne NF 2006 Forest Plan and Herbicide Environmental Assessment give guidance on how aquatic areas of streams are defined. Within these buffered areas, aquatic-approved herbicides must be used. The Wayne NF will identify specific areas within a given task order that are restricted to aquatic-approved herbicide choices. Buffered areas where aquatic-approved herbicides must be used include:

1. Within 100 feet of each side of a perennial water bodies (streams, ponds, lakes, wetlands), including natural seeps and springs

2. 75 feet wide along each side of intermittent water bodies (streams, vernal pools)

3. 50 feet wide along each side of ephemeral water bodies (streams, vernal pools)

This contract primarily uses targeted spot applications to treat targeted NNIP. The contract does allow for limited, discriminate broadcast applications in specific instances that will be spelled out in task orders. Broadcast applications can only be done by ground-based equipment, and only invasive grasses may be targeted. Aerial spraying is prohibited.

Vehicle, equipment, or UTV/OHV mounted sprayers may be utilized to apply herbicides in targeted areas. Targeted areas shall include, but are not limited to, designated old fields, native grassland openings, wildlife openings, and decommissioned well pads. Other spot spraying, typically involves the use of backpack sprayers or other hand techniques, and along designated motorized trails where UTV/OHV mounted sprayers are also permissible.

It is anticipated that a majority of contract work will be upland in nature, and involve a combination of mechanical and herbicide application techniques to control targeted woody NNIP. Primary techniques anticipated within this IDIQ include CLIN 2.1 (cut stump), and

CLIN 2.3 (hack-and-squirt) within future timber harvest and prescribed fire areas. CLIN 3.4 (spot foliar interior forest) will be used often, but almost always in conjunction with CLIN 2.1(cut stump) and CLIN 2.3 (hack-and-squirt) methods. In particular, CLIN 3.4 will be most often used where species targeted in CLIN 2.1/2.3 have isolated areas of dense clonal seedlings or small shrubs/saplings. In these situations, foliar applications are easier for contractors than either cut stump or hack-and-squirt techniques. Depending on the situation, off-target mortality requirements may be waived for selected areas of CLIN 3.4 work.

As previously mentioned, treatments may also occur within riparian corridors and in uplands immediately adjacent to larger water bodies. In those cases, the riparian shoreline herbicide treatment variants (CLIN 4.1, CLIN 4.2, CLIN 4.3) of cut stump, hack-and-squirt, and spot foliar will be used in similar fashion to the more widely used CLIN 2.1, CLIN 2.3, and CLIN 3.4. Task orders will notify contractors if and where the riparian variants shall be used. Other CLIN techniques included within the IDIQ will be used as needed to control additional woody and herbaceous infestations.

In instances where public contact with herbicide is possible, contractor will place caution signs at appropriate intervals around the spray application perimeter per label directions. Where necessary per label directions, caution signs may include a temporary closure of treatment areas. Typical closures include campgrounds, trails, trail heads, day-use areas and administrative sites.

During foliar applications, applicators will apply herbicides in a systematic fashion to provide coverage to the entire NNIP infestation. Contractor shall apply foliar spray in such a manner to thoroughly wet foliage, but not to the point of runoff to avoid harm or mortality to desirable non-target plant species. The use of adjuvants is recommended to increase herbicide adhesion and cuticle breakdown on target foliage.

Contractor will conduct treatments to at least 95% of the specified project area(s) of the target NNIP infestation(s). Contractor will conduct treatments at a sufficient interval and concentration to meet or exceed the kill rate ranging from 85-90% for target NNIP infestations, and with no more than 15% mortality to nearby or interspersed desirable non-target native plant species because of inadvertent treatment or overspray of herbicides (refer to Quality Assurance Plan). Off target mortality requirements may be temporarily waived for a given task by the COR and CO.

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

Forest Service COR may conduct visual inspection of NNIP treatment sites to check progress on contract requirements. The COR may conduct random inspections and sampling to verify acceptable kill rates to target NNIP infestations and mortality to non-target desirable native plants. At the discretion of the COR, the Forest Service will accept work based on visual inspection, to confirm kill rates to both target NNIP species and non- target native plant species (refer to Inspection and Acceptance).

All herbicide applicator staff must be able to identify target NNIP plant species in the field, including during dormant seasons, to a sufficient degree without exceeding the maximum acceptable levels of mortality to desirable non-target native species and to meet minimum kill rates to target NNIP infestations (refer to Quality Assurance Plan). In certain cases, NNIP populations or sensitive ownership boundaries may be flagged on the ground by Forest Service personnel.

C.4.3 Recordkeeping The Contractor will maintain an accurate daily log record of herbicide used in each area (see next section for the required elements). Other minimum record requirements include copies of hazardous material handling certificates, copies of material safety data sheets (MSDS) of chemicals used, and the location of the waste site and/or use destination locations.

Contractors will also mark contract maps to keep track of spraying progress as portions of task order units are completed. Treated areas that are marked on maps should coincide with approximate acreage estimates noted on daily herbicide application sheets (see section below).

C.4.3.1 Avenza Maps® Use By IDIQ Contractors Contractor will download and use the Avenza Maps® app to keep digital copies of task order maps and use them to navigate task order areas. Doing so will limit the need for COR’s to flag unit boundaries, although, in limited instances, flagging may also be needed. The Wayne NF will supply digital pdf versions of task order package maps for contractors. Maps are geo-referenced, and allow contractors to track their position in the task order area via global positioning satellites (GPS). Avenza Maps® is free, available for download on Android/ iOS devices, and can be used offline if data/cell phone coverage are not available. Avenza Maps® allows for the free use of up to three separate maps at any given time. The Wayne NF may provide contractors with an Avenza Pro license number to allow for additional map use/storage if needed.

C.4.4 Daily Logs/Diary Contractor will maintain an accurate daily treatment log of work activities and chemicals applied in treatment areas, with a copy made available to the COR prior to billing request.

At a minimum, the Contractor shall provide to the COR, a copy of the daily treatment log no later than submission of the final invoice. When invoicing for partial work payments, the Contractor shall provide information from the daily diary regarding the herbicide treatments done for the relevant specific contract line items. The daily log must record the Contract Line Item, target NNIP species’, chemical used (product name), quantity of herbicide (volume applied & unit of measure per each target NNIP species’ (including product, adjuvant, and carrier/dilutant), application rate (active ingredient applied & unit of measure or percent solution), and adjuvant used (product name & rate applied, if any).

The log will record weather information consisting of wind velocity (MPH), wind direction, air temperature (F), condition (cloud cover), and precipitation (inches). Other log requirements includes date, time of day (start time and stop time), treatment location, approximate acres treated, hours to complete task, type of application (method/technique), name of licensed commercial applicator, other licensed applicators and non- certified applicators, type of equipment used, plus optional information such as any other miscellaneous notes or observations. Treatment extent can be noted on maps supplied with each task order. Map notation of progress is especially useful if multiple days are needed to carry out treatments.

C.4.5 Equipment Cleanliness and Safety Measures Prior to starting work, the Contractor must clean all equipment used in NNIP control activities before entering the treatment areas. Project COR will inspect equipment on-site and may require further cleaning before moving to another treatment area as needed. The Wayne NF requests that at least 48 hours of advance notice is given for initial equipment inspection requests. Equipment that leaves the tasked area must be clean and weed free prior to re-entry.

Contractor shall maintain Forest Service approved spark arresting device on any piece of equipment operated by an internal combustion motor. In addition, each piece of motorized equipment shall be equipped with a serviceable round-pointed shovel and an operational fire extinguisher of at least five-pound rating suitable for the equipment being used. All chainsaw operators will have a serviceable round-pointed shovel and a one-pound multipurpose fire extinguisher readily available.

In limited instances, work areas may require working and parking along state and federal highways. In these case, contractors will be identified of task order specific safety items and PPE required to work along highways. In general, highway-specific safety items included high visibility vests, ODOT-style collapsible workers ahead signs, and magnet-mounted yellow flashing vehicle roof lights. The Wayne NF will also provide contractors with ODOT permits allowing parking along state/federal highways.

C.5 Licensing and Certification The Contractor and/or whoever will supervise the herbicide treatment must possess a current Ohio commercial pesticide applicators license (Core, Category 3A: Aquatic, Category 4A:

General Forest Pest, Category 5: Industrial Vegetation) at the time of relevant herbicide treatments.

The contract may incur some work requirements in category 3A, 4A, and 5 over the length of the contract period. Category 4A is applicable across the forest, except in cases where contracted work occurs directly adjacent to wetlands, streams, ponds, and other aquatic water bodies. Category 3A shall be used in instances where contracted, terrestrial NNIP adjacent to water bodies is to be controlled. Category 5 can be used for, but is limited to, spraying along and within utility corridors. Contractors holding some of, but not all of the listed certifications, may only conduct work applicable to their license category.

The Contractor shall ensure that there is either an Ohio pesticide licensed applicator on-site at all times of treatment or has direct voice communication by telephone or radio with the certified supervisor.

C.6 Task Order Issuance Each task order will be awarded based on best value, to include price, past performance and a technical submission. The technical submission will include a draft Work Plan and Schedule.

The draft Work Plan and Schedule should include a start date, production rate, completion date, labor, and equipment list. The Contractor shall demonstrate the ability to complete all tasks for completion of the work required by this Contract.

If issued the task order, the Contractor will then submit a final site-specific Work Plan and Schedule for approval by the COR. The approved Work Plan and Schedule will indicate how the Contractor intends to meet the required Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) values, as referenced in the Quality Assurance Plan, as well as the contract specifications. The Work Schedule will provide dates of work for each Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) addressed in the contract, to include completion of all work before the required final date specified. The Contractor shall inform the COR of completion of each contract line item. The Work Plan for the awarded contract shall include any changes in values or proposed chemicals differing from the initial Work Plan, and the Contractor will inform the COR of any relevant changes to the technical specifications when performing work under the task order.

C.7 Inspections The Contractor may set up the Work Plan and Schedule to include interim inspections;

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

C.8 Invoicing Invoicing is tied to successful inspection of work. The Contractor may only invoice after the COR has inspected the line item(s) work, and the work is determined to have met the AQL.

This applies to both interim and final payments. Partial treatments of a line item will not be approved for payment.

C.8.1 Performance Based Service Contracting (PBSC) Incentives/Disincentives An Incentive percentage (bonus) of 5% of the contracted price shall be added to all task orders using herbicide that achieve 100% control (visible death) or 100% top-kill to targeted NNIP within the contracted area. Top-kill, in this case, means visible severing of all targeted stems and visible herbicide/dye applications on all severed stems that originate from the soil.

Treatments using control as a metric include all foliar applications (3.1 - 3.4, 4.1), basal bark (2.2), and hack-and-squirt treatments (2.3). Treatments using top-kill as a metric include all cut stump (2.1, 4.1) and cut surface (2.4) herbicide treatments.

An Incentive percentage (bonus) of 3% of the contracted price shall be added to all task orders using mechanical removal that result in 100% top-kill of targeted NNIP within the contracted area. Top-kill, in this case, means visible mowing/cutting/severing of targeted NNIP vegetation. Treatments included under mechanical removal include mowing/brushing (1.1), cut stump/cut surface (1.2) and FECON (1.3).

Disincentive percentages (deduction from awarded price) will not be used as a penalty within this IDIQ contract. Any contract work that does not meet the minimum Quality Standards or AQL’s on the final inspection will be re-worked at the contractor’s expense. Failure to complete work to minimum Quality Standards/AQL’s in essence, serves as a disincentive, because it requires contractors to travel back to contract areas and complete work to acceptable levels. See Quality Assurance Plan for details on work item-specific Quality Standards and AQL’s.

C.9 Safety Plan The Contractor will provide a written safety plan that demonstrates how the contractor will ensure a safe work environment for themselves, their employees and the public at large. The safety plan should include: 1) a chemical spill plan documenting internal procedures, in the event of a pesticide spill on- site or in transport, 2) documentation to substantiate that the Contractor has an ongoing safety training program, 3) documentation regarding any Occupation Safety and

Health Administration (OSHA) actions/citations issued against the Contractor within the previous three (3) years, to include follow-up measures or remedies taken by the Contractor.

The same safety plan information is required of subcontractors.

C.10 Equipment Use, Including UTV’s Wet weather conditions may preclude the use of vehicles, equipment-mounted sprayers, utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) or off-highway vehicles (OHVs) in off road areas along trails, fields, or utility corridors, for indefinite periods during the contract period. In limited instances, the entirety of the contract area may be unsuitable for vehicle/UTV/OHV travel. The COR will determine those conditions or locations that warrant cessation of vehicle/UTV/OHV use.

Furthermore, the COR will determine if cessation of vehicle/UTV/ORV use has significantly impacted the contract completion period. If warranted, the COR will make recommendations to the CO on the granting of contract extensions resulting from wet weather impacting equipment use. In addition, Forest Service roads must be in compliance with Ohio State motor vehicle regulations (OSMVR). The appropriate county permits must be obtained in those counties in which work will be performed.

All-terrain vehicles (ATV’s), lack roll over protection and rider restraint systems. As a result they are prohibited from use in contract spraying activities. Only UTV’s may be used for spraying activities, and must be equipped with a roll over protection system (ROPS), working seatbelts/restraints, operational throttle/brake pedals, and wheel-manipulated steering system.

Furthermore, the UTV must be rated to hold and haul the mounted spraying equipment to be used.

Additional information regarding use of UTVs can be found at:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsm8_045366.pdf

C.11 Technical Requirements and Specifications

C.11.1.1 Mechanical Treatments, Grasses, Forbs, and Small Woody Shrubs Contractor shall utilize mowing equipment (bush hogs, rotary mowers, weed-eaters) to remove aboveground growth of targeted NNIP species. If needed, star-type or circular saw blades may be used on appropriate weed-eaters to control small woody shrubs. Mowing and brushing work will typically occur along roads and in targeted areas. Work will occur in specified areas and times. Work may be temporarily suspended by CO and COR if threats to forest soil and watershed resources are too high (e.g. excessive, prolonged rain events).

C.11.1.2 Mechanical Treatments, Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines Contractor shall utilize appropriate equipment (chain saws, loppers, pruners, hand-saws, large weed- eaters) to remove aboveground growth of targeted NNIP species. Weed-eaters may be equipped with star-type or circular saw blades to assist in cutting work. Brushing work will occur in targeted areas, and woody brush shall be piled in identified locations once mechanical control is achieved. Work will occur in specified areas, and can occur throughout the year.

C.11.1.3 Mechanical Treatments, Trees, Large Shrubs, and Woody Vines (continuous https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsm8_045366.pdf and dense) Contractor shall utilize appropriate clearing equipment (rubber-tracked skid steers with FECON or similar mulching head) to mechanically remove and mulch targeted invasive trees, shrubs, and woody vines. Targeted trees, shrubs, and woody vines will be up to 8” in diameter. Rubber-tracked equipment exerts minimal ground pressure, and is thus will limit damage to forest soil and watershed resources. Mulching work may periodically need to be augmented by other mechanical means (chainsaws) to remove stubborn or isolated NNIP targets that cannot be reached by mulching equipment. Work shall occur in specified areas and times. Work may be temporarily suspended by CO and COR if threats to forest soil and watershed resources are too high (e.g. excessive, prolonged rain events).

C.11.1.4 Mechanical and Herbicide Treatments, Trees and Large Shrubs (cut stump) Contractor shall utilize appropriate equipment (chain saws, loppers, pruners, hand saws, large weed- eaters with circular saw blades) to cut aboveground growth of targeted NNIP species to a stump height of 1-2“ above ground level. Stump cuts must be clean and level to allow herbicide penetration. Because of this, the use of bush-hogs and other mowing equipment is not approved for cutting targeted plants. Once the cut is complete, contractor shall apply a label approved concentration of selective herbicide to the stump. On larger diameter targets, care must be taken to apply sufficient herbicide to the outer 1/3-1/2 of the cut surface.

Examples of approved selective herbicides include triclopyr (Element 3a®, Garlon 3a®).

Examples of approved non-selective herbicides include imazapyr (Arsenal®, Stalker®), and glyphosate (Roundup®, Razor Pro®, Accord XRT®).

Contractor shall apply herbicide in specified locations and times. Herbicide application must occur within two minutes of cut completion. Marking dye should also be used in the herbicide solution to aid in tracking of contract work. Removed vegetation may be piled in approved locations if directed in the award. Contractor will apply herbicide at a sufficient interval and concentration to meet or exceed the kill rate on target NNIP infestations and not exceed the maximum specified mortality to non-target plant species.

C.11.1.5 Mechanical and Herbicide Treatments, Trees and Large Shrubs (basal spray) Contractor shall utilize appropriate equipment (backpack sprayers, handheld sprayers) to apply oil-based basal herbicide on targeted trees and large shrubs. Basal spray refers to the basal bark herbicide application technique. Herbicide shall be applied at directed locations and times, and shall be applied in approved formulations and concentrations. Herbicide choices include oil based Triclopyr (e.g. Garlon 4 Ultra), and Imazapyr (Stalker) that mix with carrier oils to form the herbicide solution. Contractor shall utilize environmentally friendly (e.g. MSO) formulations of carrier oils and avoid the use of petroleum based carrier oils. Marking dye shall be added to herbicide solutions to aid in the tracking of contract work.

All herbicide applications must occur at specified locations and contract times. Basal spray work can occur either during the growing season, or during the latter portion of the dormant season. All herbicide applications completed during the dormant season must be completed only when ambient air temperatures are above freezing. In all cases contractor will apply herbicide at a sufficient interval and concentration to meet or exceed the kill rate on target NNIP infestations and not exceed the maximum specified mortality to non-target plant species.

C.11.1.6 Mechanical and Herbicide Treatments, Trees and Large Shrubs (hack and squirt) Contractor shall utilize appropriate equipment (axes, hatchets) to cut a series of hacks around the diameter of the target tree or shrub. Hacks will slope inward and down, shall sever the nutrient and water transport tissues, and shall extend into at least the first two growth rings. Spacing between hacks should be no more than 1-2 inches. All targeted species > 2 feet length/height shall be treated. Within two minutes, all hacks must be sprayed with an approved herbicide at a label appropriate concentration. Herbicide will then translocate into the root system and control the NNIP target. Examples of approved herbicides include selective (triclopyr (Element 3a®, Garlon 3a®)), and non-selective (imazapyr (Arsenal®, Stalker®)). Targeted species include, but are not limited to, tree-of-heaven, princess tree, and autumn olive.

Contractor will apply herbicide at a sufficient interval and concentration to meet or exceed the kill rate on target NNIP infestations and not exceed the maximum specified mortality to non-target plant species. All herbicide applications must occur at specified locations and within contract times.

C.11.1.7 Mechanical and Herbicide Treatments, Woody Vines (cut stem) Contractor shall utilize appropriate equipment (chain saws, loppers, pruners, hand saws, large weed- eaters with circular saw blades) to sever aboveground growth of targeted NNI vine species at a height no more than 1’ above ground level. Stem cuts must be clean and level to allow herbicide penetration.

Because of this, the use of bush-hogs and other mowing equipment is not approved for cutting targeted vines. Once the cut is complete, contractor shall apply a label approved concentration of selective herbicide to the cut surface that occurs on the portion of the vine emerging from the ground. The entire surface must be sprayed with an approved selective herbicide at label approved concentrations. The cut stem application technique, in essence, will be functionally the same as the cut stump treatment, but on woody vines instead of trees and large shrubs. . Examples of approved herbicides include selective (triclopyr (Element 3a®, Garlon 3a®)), and non-selective (imazapyr (Arsenal®, Stalker®)), (glyphosate (Roundup®, Razor Pro®, Accord XRT®).

Contractor will apply herbicide at a sufficient interval and concentration to meet or exceed the kill rate on target NNIP infestations and not exceed the maximum specified mortality to non-target plant species.

Overall treatment must be completed at contract specified locations and times. Herbicide application must occur within two minutes of cut completion. Marking dye should also be used in the herbicide solution to aid in tracking of contract work. Climbing vegetation above the cut (e.g. twining into tree canopy) will be allowed to remain hanging in place, unless specifically directed in the task order statement of work.

C.11.1.8 Broadcast Foliar Herbicide Treatments, Dense Open Land NNIP Contractor shall apply foliar herbicide in specified locations and times. Herbicide may be selective or non-selective, depending on task order direction. Dense open land work consists of foliar herbicide application to dense, continuous infestations of herbaceous or semi-woody NNIP. Equipment will typically consist of UTV, tractor, skid-steer, agricultural equipment, or truck-mounted sprayers with boom (multiple nozzles) or boom-less (single nozzle, wide fan pattern) nozzles. Typical species targeted in Dense Open Land spraying operations include red fescue, sericea lespedeza, Japanese stiltgrass, reed canarygrass, etc., but other species may be targeted. Herbicides may be selective or non-selective, depending on task order goals, application timing, and targeted NNIP species. Herbicide choice and concentration must be approved by CO and COR, and comply with FS regulations. All foliar applications in the Dense Open Land category shall occur during the growing season. In addition, contract work may be temporarily suspended if COR determines excessive damage will occur to soil and water resources. Excessive, prolonged rain events would be an example that would warrant temporary suspension.

Contractor will apply herbicide at a sufficient interval and concentration to meet or exceed the kill

Typically, for most work, the contractor will apply selective herbicide such as Triclopyr (Garlon3A ® or equivalent product), Clopyralid (Transline ® or equivalent product), or Sethoxydim (Poast Plus ® or equivalent product). Contractor may apply non- selective herbicide such as glyphosate (Roundup ® or equivalent product), imazapyr (Arsenal® or equivalent product), metsulfuron methyl (Escort® or equivalent product), or imazapic (Panoramic 2 SL® or equivalent product) in some dense NNIP infestations where approved by the COR. When near streams or other water bodies, the Contractor shall apply the aquatic formulation of glyphosate (Rodeo ® or equivalent product) or triclopyr (Renovate ® or equivalent product). Other EPA approved herbicides may be acceptable with prior approval of the COR.

UTV use may be temporarily suspended if CO/COR determines that excessive damage will occur to forest soil and water resources. Excessive, prolonged rain events are an example warranting temporary cessation of UTV operation within contract areas.

C.11.1.9 Spot Foliar Herbicide Treatments, Sparse Open Land NNIP Contractor shall apply foliar herbicide in specified locations and times. This work is for spot-spraying treatments of scattered infestations using UTV-mounted sprayers with gun-type spray wands, and backpack sprayers. If feasible, foliar application will occur early in the spring or late fall when most native plants are dormant. NNIP infestations determined to be dense and/or highly problematic may be treated throughout the growing season at times identified by individual task orders.

target plant species.

Herbicide may be selective or non-selective, depending on task order direction. Typically, for most work, the contractor will apply selective herbicide such as Triclopyr (Garlon3A ® or equivalent product), Clopyralid (Transline ® or equivalent product), or Sethoxydim (Poast Plus ® or equivalent product).

Contractor may apply non- selective herbicide such as glyphosate (Roundup ® or equivalent product), imazapyr (Arsenal® or equivalent product), metsulfuron methyl (Escort® or equivalent product), or imazapic (Panoramic 2 SL® or equivalent product) in some dense

NNIP infestations where approved by the COR. When near streams or other water bodies, the Contractor shall apply the aquatic formulation of glyphosate (Rodeo ® or equivalent product) or triclopyr (Renovate ® or equivalent product). Other EPA approved herbicides may be acceptable with prior approval of the COR.

UTV use may be temporarily suspended if CO/COR determines that excessive damage will occur to forest soil and water resources. Excessive, prolonged rain events are an example warranting temporary cessation of UTV operation within contract areas.

C.11.1.10 Spot Foliar Herbicide Treatments, Roadside NNIP Contractor shall apply foliar herbicide in specified locations and times. This work is for spot-spraying treatments of scattered infestations along roadsides and trails, using truck/ tractor/ skid-steer/UTV-mounted sprayers with gun-type spray wands, and backpack sprayers. In some cases, the existing ORV trail system may be used to access contract areas or to spray along. Because of associated size restrictions, UTV’s are the only form of motorized equipment that may be used on task orders that include ORV trail portions. If feasible, foliar application will occur early in the spring or late fall when most native plants are dormant. NNIP infestations determined to be dense and/or highly problematic may be treated throughout the growing season at times identified by individual task orders.

Contractor will apply herbicide at a sufficient interval and concentration to meet or exceed the kill plant species. Herbicide may be selective or non-selective, depending on task order direction.

Typically, for most work, the contractor will apply selective herbicide such as Triclopyr (Garlon3A ® or equivalent product), Clopyralid (Transline ® or equivalent product), or Sethoxydim (Poast Plus ® or equivalent product). Contractor may apply non- selective herbicide such as glyphosate (Roundup ® or equivalent product), imazapyr (Arsenal® or equivalent product), metsulfuron methyl (Escort® or equivalent product), or imazapic (Panoramic 2 SL® or equivalent product) in some dense NNIP infestations where approved by the COR. When near streams or other water bodies, the Contractor shall apply the aquatic formulation of glyphosate (Rodeo ® or equivalent product) or triclopyr (Renovate ® or equivalent product). Other EPA approved herbicides may be acceptable with prior approval of the COR. Other EPA approved herbicides may be acceptable with prior approval of the COR.

Truck/tractor/skid-steer/UTV use may be temporarily suspended if CO/COR determines that excessive damage will occur to forest soil and water resources. Excessive, prolonged rain events are an example warranting temporary cessation of equipment operation within contract areas.

C.11.1.11 Spot Foliar Herbicide Treatments, Interior Forest (Selective and/or Non-selective Herbicide) Contractor shall apply foliar herbicide in specified locations and times. This work is for spot-spraying treatments of scattered infestations using backpack sprayers and hand techniques. Interior forest treatments typically are not directly accessible by UTV. Typically, foliar application will occur early in the spring or late fall when most native plants are dormant. NNIP infestations determined to be dense and/or highly problematic may be treated throughout the growing season at times identified by individual task orders.

Contractor will apply herbicide at a sufficient interval and concentration to meet or exceed the kill

Typically, for most work, the contractor will apply selective herbicide such as Triclopyr (Garlon3A ® or equivalent product), Clopyralid (Transline ® or equivalent product), or Sethoxydim (Poast Plus ® or equivalent product). Contractor may apply non- selective herbicide such as glyphosate (Roundup ® or equivalent product), imazapyr (Arsenal® or equivalent product), metsulfuron methyl (Escort® or equivalent product), or imazapic (Panoramic 2 SL® or equivalent product) in some dense NNIP infestations where approved by the COR. When near streams or other water bodies, the Contractor shall apply the aquatic formulation of glyphosate (Rodeo ® or equivalent product) or triclopyr (Renovate ® or equivalent product). Other EPA approved herbicides may be acceptable with prior approval of the COR.

C.11.1.12 Cut Stump Herbicide Treatments, Riparian/Shoreline (Selective and/or Non-selective Herbicide) Contractor shall utilize appropriate equipment (chain saws, loppers, pruners, hand saws, large weed- eaters with circular saw blades) to cut aboveground growth of targeted NNIP species to a stump height of 1-2“ above ground level. Stump cuts must be clean and level to allow herbicide penetration. Because of this, the use of bush-hogs and other mowing equipment is not approved for cutting targeted plants. Once the cut is complete, contractor shall apply a label approved concentration of selective or non-selective aquatic-approved herbicide to the stump. On larger diameter targets, care must be taken to apply sufficient herbicide to the outer 1/3-1/2 of the cut surface. Examples of approved, selective aquatic-approved herbicides include triclopyr (Renovate 3a). Examples of approved non-selective herbicides include imazapyr (Arsenal®, Habitat®), and glyphosate (Rodeo®, Aqua Neat®).

Targeted species include, but are not limited to, autumn olive, privet, bush honeysuckle, glossy buckthorn.

Contractor shall apply herbicide in specified locations and times. Herbicide application must occur within two minutes of cut completion. Marking dye should also be used in the herbicide solution to aid in tracking of contract work. Removed vegetation may be piled in approved locations if directed in the award. Contractor will apply herbicide at a sufficient interval and concentration to meet or exceed the kill rate on target NNIP infestations and not exceed the maximum specified mortality to non-target plant species.

C.11.1.13 Hack-and-squirt Herbicide Treatments, Riparian/Shoreline (Selective and/or Non-selective Herbicide) Contractor shall utilize appropriate equipment (axes, hatchets) to cut a series of hacks around the diameter of the target tree or shrub. Hacks will slope inward and down, shall sever the nutrient and water transport tissues, and shall extend into at least the first two growth rings.

Spacing between hacks should be no more than 1-2 inches. All targeted species > 2 feet length/height shall be treated. Within two minutes, all hacks must be sprayed with an approved herbicide at a label appropriate concentration. Herbicide will then translocate into the root system and control the NNIP target. Examples of approved, selective aquatic-approved herbicides include triclopyr (Renovate 3a). Examples of approved non-selective herbicides include imazapyr (Arsenal®, Habitat®), and glyphosate (Rodeo®, Aqua Neat®).

Targeted species include, but are not limited to, tree-of-heaven, princess tree, and autumn olive.

target plant species. All herbicide applications must occur at specified locations and within contract times.

C.11.1.14 Spot Foliar Herbicide Treatments, Riparian/Shoreline (Selective and/or Non-selective Herbicide) Contractor shall apply foliar herbicide in specified locations and times. This work is for spot-spraying treatments of scattered infestations using backpack sprayers and hand techniques. Riparian/shoreline treatments typically are not directly accessible by UTV, although hose reels may reach targeted infestations. Typically, foliar application will occur early in the spring or late fall when most native plants are dormant. NNIP infestations determined to be dense and/or highly problematic may be treated throughout the growing season at times identified by individual task orders.

Contractor will apply herbicide at a sufficient interval and concentration to meet or exceed the kill

Typically, for most work, the contractor will apply selective, aquatic-approved herbicide such as Triclopyr (Renovate 3 ® or equivalent product). Contractor may apply non- selective herbicide such as glyphosate (Aqua Neat ®, Rodeo ® or equivalent product) or imazapyr (Arsenal® or equivalent product) where off target mortality is less of a concern and is approved by the COR. Other EPA approved aquatic herbicides may be acceptable with prior approval of the COR.

C.12 Definitions

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

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

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

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

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

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