Attachment 1 - Statement of Work.pdf

GENERAL STATEMENT OF WORK

1.1 Scope

This Statement of Work (SOW) establishes the requirements for providing aerial application services in support of the

USDA-APHIS Rangeland Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket (GH-MC) Suppression Program. The Contractor shall furnish all personnel, aircraft, equipment, materials, permits, and operational capability necessary to conduct safe, accurate, and compliant aerial application of pesticides or bait formulations on designated treatment areas. Work performed under this SOW supports federal, tribal, state, and local partners in suppressing economically significant outbreaks while adhering to all environmental, safety, and programmatic requirements.

1.2 Definitions

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

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) – The Contracting Officer will designate an individual to serve as the COR.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1.3 Contract Description

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

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

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

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

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

Reduced Agent and Area Treatments (RAATs) was developed to help reduce the cost of materials and application when managing grasshoppers and Mormon crickets on rangeland habitats and is expected to yield percent population reductions that are relatively similar to traditional uniform coverage applications. Historically, RAATs spacing was based on using the assigned RAATs swath widths in Tables 2A-C and then utilizing skip swaths (non-directly treated area) of no more than 100 feet (Diflubenzuron, Chlorantraniliprole, and liquid Carbaryl) and 25 feet (Malathion). When these recommended skip swaths are used, the resulting percent population reduction is about 2-15% lower compared to traditional uniform coverage treatments.

Examples: based on Tables 2 A&B, when using a Category C fixed-wing aircraft and Diflubenzuron, Chlorantraniliprole, or liquid Carbaryl, it will be calibrated for an assigned swath width of 150 feet and a skip swath of 100 feet, yielding a total spacing of 250 feet. Based on Table 2B, when using Malathion and the same category of fixed-wing aircraft as before, it will be calibrated for an assigned swath width of 150 feet and a skip swath of 25 feet, yielding a total spacing of 175 feet.

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

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

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

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

(total spacing of 200 ft.) will yield 50% coverage (treated/total spacing = 100 ft./200 ft.) and an average of 0.5 fl. oz. of insecticide per acre.

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

(total spacing of 250 ft.) will yield 60% coverage (treated/total spacing = 150 ft./250 ft.) and an average of 0.6 fl. oz. of insecticide per acre.

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

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

TABLE 1A: LIQUID TREATMENTS

TRADITIONAL UNIFORM COVERAGE TREATMENT – FIXED WING AIRCRAFT

DIFLUBENZURON AND CHLORANTRANILIPROLE

TABLE 1A DIFLUBENZURON CHLORAN-

TRANILIPROLE

DIFLUBENZURON CHLORAN-

TRANILIPROLE

LABEL/GH-MC EIS*

APPLICATION RATES

12-31 fl. oz.

Total Volume

Formulation/Acre

32 fl. oz.

Total Volume

Formulation/Acre

AIRCRAFT CATEGORIES ASSIGNED SWATH WIDTH (FEET)** SS FLAT FAN SPRAY TIP SIZE***

CATEGORY C - FIXED

WING

Ag-Cat (800 hp) 120 8004 Ag-Cat (1200 hp) 120 8006 Dromedary M-18 120 8006 Piper Aztec PA-23 (500 hp) 120 8006 Thrush (800 hp) 120 8004 Thrush (1200 hp) 120 8006 Turbine Ag-Cat 120 8006 Turbine Air Tractor 120 8006 Turbine Thrush 120 8006 Twin Beech/C-45 120 8006

CATEGORY D - FIXED

WING

Ag-Cat (A&B Models, 450 hp) 75

Ag-Cat (B&C Models, 600 hp) 100 8003 Bellanca Eagle 75 8003 Cessna (all 188 Models) 75 8003 Piper Brave 75 8003 Piper Pawnee (235-260 hp) 75 8003 Stearman (450-600 hp) 75 8003 Thrush/Snow/Air Tractor 100 8003 Weatherly 75 8003

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

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

***SS = Stainless Steel and acceptable flat fan spray tip nozzles are: Spraying Systems Co. TeeJet flat fan spray tips and Transland CP Products CP11TT equipped with the appropriate flat fan spray tips. For at least the 8003 from both companies (Spraying Systems Co. TP8803-SS vs. Transland CP11TT equipped with 8003), PPQ-Science & Technology (S&T)-led studies have demonstrated statistically comparable droplet size, effective swath width, and efficacy at orientations of 90° (perpendicular with terrain) and 0° (parallel). Despite overall similarities, a Spraying Systems Co.

nozzle at 90° is still recommended, when possible, due to the combined abilities of emitting droplets of more uniform size and emitting a more uniform/reliable effective swath width, and because this combination has been the standard for all S&T experiments.

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

TABLE 1B: LIQUID TREATMENTS

TRADITIONAL UNIFORM COVERAGE TREATMENT – FIXED WING AIRCRAFT

CARBARYL & MALATHION

TABLE 1B CARBARYL MALATHION

CARBARYL MALATHION

LABEL/GH-MC EIS*

APPLICATION RATES

16-32 fl. oz.

Total Volume

Formulation/Acre

8 fl. oz.

Total Volume

Formulation/Acre

AIRCRAFT CATEGORIES ASSIGNED SWATH WIDTH

(FEET)** SS FLAT FAN SPRAY TIP SIZE***

CATEGORY C - FIXED WING

Ag-Cat (800 hp) 120 150

8004 8003 Ag-Cat (1200 hp) 120 150 8006 8004 Dromader M-18 120 150 8006 8004 Piper Aztec PA-23 (500 hp) 120 150 8006 8004 Thrush (800 hp) 120 150 8004 8003 Thrush (1200 hp) 120 150 8006 8004 Turbine Ag-Cat 120 150 8006 8004 Turbine Air Tractor 120 150 8006 8004 Turbine Thrush 120 150 8006 8004 Twin Beech/C-45 120 150 8006 8004

CATEGORY D - FIXED WING

Ag-Cat (A&B Models, 450 hp) 75 100

8003 8002 Ag-Cat (B&C Models, 600 hp) 100 125 8003 8002 Bellanca Eagle 75 100 8003 8002 Cessna (all 188 Models) 75 100 8003 8002 Piper Brave 75 100 8003 8002 Piper Pawnee (235-260 hp) 75 100 8003 8002

Stearman (450-600 hp) 75 100

Thrush/Snow/Air Tractor 100 125 8003 8002 Weatherly 75 100 8003 8002

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

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

***SS = Stainless Steel and acceptable flat fan spray tip nozzles are: Spraying Systems Co. TeeJet flat fan spray tips and Transland CP Products CP11TT equipped with the appropriate flat fan spray tips. For at least the 8003 from both companies (Spraying Systems Co. TP8803-SS vs. Transland CP11TT equipped with 8003), PPQ-Science & Technology (S&T)-led studies have demonstrated statistically comparable droplet size, effective swath width, and efficacy at orientations of 90° (perpendicular with terrain) and 0° (parallel). Despite overall similarities, a Spraying Systems Co.

nozzle at 90° is still recommended, when possible, due to the combined abilities of emitting droplets of more uniform size and emitting a more uniform/reliable effective swath width, and because this combination has been the standard for all S&T experiments.

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

TABLE 1C: LIQUID TREATMENTS

TRADITIONAL UNIFORM COVERAGE TREATMENT – HELICOPTERS

DIFLUBENZURON, CHLORANTRANILIPROLE, CARBARYL, AND MALATHION

TABLE 1C DIFLUBENZURON CHLORAN-

TRANILIPROLE CARBARYL MALATHION

LABEL/GH-MC EIS*

APPLICATION RATES

12-31 fl. oz.

Total Volume

Formulation/Acre

32 fl. oz.

Total Volume

Formulation/Acre

16-32 fl. oz.

Total Volume

Formulation/Acr e

8 fl. oz.

Total Volume

Formulation/Acr e

AIRCRAFT CATEGORIES ASSIGNED SWATH WIDTH (FEET)*

CATEGORY A -

HELICOPTERS

Bell 204/205/212/214 120 150 Sikorsky S-58-T 120 150

CATEGORY B -

HELICOPTERS

Alouette III 100 120

CATEGORY C -

HELICOPTERS

Alouette II 75 100 Bell 206 75 100 Bell Seloy 75 100 Hughes 500 75 100 Hiller Seloy 75 100

CATEGORY D -

HELICOPTERS

Bell 47 75 100 Hiller 12E 75 100

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

TABLE 2A: LIQUID TREATMENTS

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

DIFLUBENZURON AND CHLORANTRANILIPROLE

TABLE 2A DIFLUBENZURON CHLORAN-

TRANILIPROLE DIFLUBENZURON CHLORAN-

TRANILIPROLE

LABEL/GH-MC EIS*

APPLICATION RATES

12-31 fl. oz.

Total Volume

Formulation/Acre

32 fl. oz.

Total Volume

Formulation/Acre

AIRCRAFT CATEGORIES ASSIGNED SWATH WIDTH (FEET)**

SS FLAT FAN SPRAY TIP SIZE***

CATEGORY C - FIXED

WING

Ag-Cat (800 hp) 150 8004 Ag-Cat (1200 hp) 150 8006 Dromedary M-18 150 8006 Piper Aztec PA-23 (500 hp) 150 8006 Thrush (800 hp) 150 8004 Thrush (1200 hp) 150 8006 Turbine Ag-Cat 150 8006 Turbine Air Tractor 150 8006 Turbine Thrush 150 8006 Twin Beech/C-45 150 8006

CATEGORY D - FIXED

WING

Ag-Cat (A&B Models, 450 hp) 100 8003 Ag-Cat (B&C Models, 600 hp) 125 8003 Bellanca Eagle 100 8003 Cessna (all 188 Models) 100 8003 Piper Brave 100 8003 Piper Pawnee (235-260 hp) 100 8003 Stearman (450-600 hp) 100 8003 Thrush/Snow/Air Tractor 125 8003 Weatherly 100 8003

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

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

***SS = Stainless Steel and acceptable flat fan spray tip nozzles are: Spraying Systems Co. TeeJet flat fan spray tips and Transland CP Products CP11TT equipped with the appropriate flat fan spray tips. For at least the 8003 from both companies (Spraying Systems Co. TP8803-SS vs. Transland CP11TT equipped with 8003), PPQ-Science & Technology (S&T)-led studies have demonstrated statistically comparable droplet size, effective swath width, and efficacy at orientations of 90° (perpendicular with terrain) and 0° (parallel). Despite overall similarities, a Spraying Systems Co.

nozzle at 90° is still recommended, when possible, due to the combined abilities of emitting droplets of more uniform size and emitting a more uniform/reliable effective swath width, and because this combination has been the standard for all

S&T experiments.

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

TABLE 2B: LIQUID TREATMENTS

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

CARBARYL & MALATHION

TABLE 2B CARBARYL MALATHION

CARBARYL MALATHION

LABEL/GH-MC EIS*

APPLICATION RATES

16-32 fl. oz.

Total Volume

Formulation/Acre

8 fl. oz.

Total Volume

Formulation/Acre

AIRCRAFT CATEGORIES ASSIGNED SWATH WIDTH

(FEET)** SS FLAT FAN SPRAY TIP SIZE***

CATEGORY C - FIXED WING

Ag-Cat (800 hp) 150

8004 8003 Ag-Cat (1200 hp) 150 8006 8004 Dromader M-18 150 8006 8004 Piper Aztec PA-23 (500 hp) 150 8006 8004 Thrush (800 hp) 150 8004 8003 Thrush (1200 hp) 150 8006 8004 Turbine Ag-Cat 150 8006 8004 Turbine Air Tractor 150 8006 8004 Turbine Thrush 150 8006 8004 Twin Beech/C-45 150 8006 8004

CATEGORY D - FIXED WING

Ag-Cat (A&B Models, 450 hp) 100

Ag-Cat (B&C Models, 600 hp) 125 8003 8002 Bellanca Eagle 100 8003 8002 Cessna (all 188 Models) 100 8003 8002 Piper Brave 100 8003 8002 Piper Pawnee (235-260 hp) 100 8003 8002 Stearman (450-600 hp) 100 8003 8002 Thrush/Snow/Air Tractor 125 8003 8002 Weatherly 100 8003 8002

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

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

***SS = Stainless Steel and acceptable flat fan spray tip nozzles are: Spraying Systems Co. TeeJet flat fan spray tips and Transland CP Products CP11TT equipped with the appropriate flat fan spray tips. For at least the 8003 from both companies (Spraying Systems Co. TP8803-SS vs. Transland CP11TT equipped with 8003), PPQ-Science & Technology (S&T)-led studies have demonstrated statistically comparable droplet size, effective swath width, and efficacy at orientations of 90° (perpendicular with terrain) and 0° (parallel). Despite overall similarities, a Spraying Systems Co.

nozzle at 90° is still recommended, when possible, due to the combined abilities of emitting droplets of more uniform size and emitting a more uniform/reliable effective swath width, and because this combination has been the standard for all S&T experiments.

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

TABLE 2C: LIQUID TREATMENTS

REDUCED AGENT & AREA TREATMENTS (RAATs) – HELICOPTERS

DIFLUBENZURON, CHLORANTRANILIPROLE, CARBARYL, AND MALATHION

TABLE 2C DIFLUBENZURON CHLORAN-

TRANILIPROLE CARBARYL MALATHION

LABEL/GH-MC EIS*

APPLICATION RATES

12-31 fl. oz.

Total Volume

Formulation/Acre

32 fl. oz.

Total Volume

Formulation/Acre

16-32 fl. oz.

Total Volume

Formulation/Acr e

8 fl. oz.

Total Volume

Formulation/Ac re

AIRCRAFT CATEGORIES ASSIGNED SWATH WIDTH (FEET)**

CATEGORY A -

HELICOPTERS

Bell 204/205/212/214 150 Sikorsky S-58-T 150

CATEGORY B -

HELICOPTERS

Alouette III 120

CATEGORY C -

HELICOPTERS

Alouette II 100 Bell 206 100 Bell Seloy 100 Hughes 500 100 Hiller Seloy 100

CATEGORY D -

HELICOPTERS

Bell 47 100 Hiller 12E 100

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

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

TABLES 3A&B: CARBARYL BAIT TREATMENTS*

TABLE 3A WHEAT BRAN

Aircraft Make/Model Spreader Make/Model Altitude (Feet)

Swath Width (Feet)

Cessna 188 Transland 20241 / 20244 50 45 Turbine Thrush Transland 20250 50 45 Bull Thrush Transland 22007 100 100

TABLE 3B

APPLE PUMICE

(CRUMBLES)

Cessna 188 Transland 20244 50 50

*See Attachment comprehensive information on aerial bait treatments

2.0 General Conditions and Specifications

2.1 Importance of Starting on Time

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

2.2 Gallons Plus or Minus Percent

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

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

2.4 Reporting and Starting

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

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

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

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

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

2.5 Areas Not to be Treated

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

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

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

4. The Program limits treatments to one application per project during each treatment season (i.e., one application per acre per year). In addition, the Program does not conduct treatments in the same area in the following year.

2.6 Performance Standards for Responsible Contractors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. All equipment meeting contract requirements.

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

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

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

a. Use of each airport;

b. Payment of any fees charged for its use;

c. Payment for repairs or damages that result from the contractor's aircraft, equipment, or contamination from insecticide;

d. Immediate removal of all aircraft and equipment from the airport(s), after the program is completed, unless other satisfactory arrangements are made with the airport authorities;

e. Maintaining the areas used by the Contractor in a clean and orderly fashion during their use and cleanup after use to the satisfaction of the COR or the ATM.

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

12. All operational guidelines were followed.

2.7 Height of Flight

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

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

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

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

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

a. The tank(s) in each aircraft shall be installed so that the tank(s) will empty in flight and ensure full flow to the pump.

Sight gauges or other means shall be provided to determine the quantity in each tank.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

a. The type and size are indicated in Table No. 1 of this SOW. It is strongly suggested that the nozzle direction is 90°

(perpendicular with terrain) or 0° (parallel) when it is necessary to change droplet size. The nozzle direction will be specified by the COR or the ATM.

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

Note: SS = Stainless Steel and acceptable flat fan spray tip nozzles are: Spraying Systems Co. TeeJet flat fan spray tips and Transland CP Products CP11TT equipped with the appropriate flat fan spray tips. For at least the 8003 from both companies (Spraying Systems Co. TP8803-SS vs. Transland CP11TT equipped with 8003), PPQ-Science & Technology (S&T)-led studies have demonstrated statistically comparable droplet size, effective swath width, and efficacy at orientations of 90° (perpendicular with terrain) and 0° (parallel). Despite overall similarities, a Spraying Systems Co.

nozzle at 90° is still recommended, when possible, due to the combined abilities of emitting droplets of more uniform size and emitting a more uniform/reliable effective swath width, and because this combination has been the standard for all S&T experiments.

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

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

2.9 Formation Flying

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

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

3.0 Calibration and Swath Checks

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

3.1 Congested Areas

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

3.2 Aerial Application Restrictions

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

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

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

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

When the soil temperature rises above the air temperature, the spray pattern normally starts breaking up, at which time treatment operations should cease.

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

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

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

3.3 Radios

Each aircraft must be equipped with a fully operative two-way VHF radio capable of transmitting and receiving on 122.925

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

3.4 Cell Phone

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

3.5 Passengers

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

3.6 Aircraft Guidance and Flight Data Logging System Requirements

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3.7 Requirements for receiving GPS navigation data from pilots

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

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

.shp – required

.shx – required

.dbf – required

.prj – required

.sbn

.sbx

.xml

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

3.8 Certification - State/Federal/Tribal

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

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

Treatments in Indian Country:

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

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

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

a. The aircraft registration number.

b. The period of coverage

c. Limits of liability.

3.9 Personnel

The Contractor shall provide the following:

1. A Contractor's Representative (CR) at each airport the Contractor is using. The CR shall have full authority to make decisions for the Contractor and direct the Contractor's operations. The CR shall be stationed at the airport for the duration of the contract and shall be available for consultation at all times as requested by the COR or the ATM.

2. The CR will not be permitted to operate a spraying aircraft except when authorized by the COR or the ATM.

3. A qualified Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot with a current First or Second-Class FAA medical certificate for each spraying aircraft who has:

a. More than 1,000 hours as pilot-in-command (PIC), and

b. More than 100 hours pilot-in-command aerial application experience.

c. For operations over congested areas, 25 hours of pilot-in command flight time in the make and basic model of the aircraft, at least 10 hours of which must have been acquired within the preceding 12 calendar months and 100 hours of flight experience as PIC in dispensing materials or chemical.

4. Personnel experienced in the use of the Guidance System(s) furnished.

5. Personnel to mix insecticide when mixing equipment is required in the solicitation.

6. Personnel to load and service the aircraft.

7. When required, a person or persons certified as an applicator of restricted use pesticides (certified pesticide applicator) by the state in which the operations will be conducted.

8. Personnel capable of operating and downloading the aircraft flight data logging system and to provide essential training and guidance for project personnel to ensure proper transfer of required mapping data.

4.0 Pilot Background Investigations

Due to the nature of the work being performed under this contract, the contractor personnel working under this contract are required to complete a background investigation (special agreement check (SAC)). Each and every pilot that is on a Grasshopper/Mormon Cricket contract is required to complete a SAC and the OF-306 form prior to flying. The SAC is only good for 120 days, and they must be resubmitted each treatment season.

The Contractor shall provide to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR), Contracting Officer, or designated responsible individual, a list of all contractor and subcontractor employees full name, job title, and employer (prime or subcontractor). For each pilot, a completed Grasshopper/Mormon Cricket HRO 1197 form, an OF-306 form, and two forms of identification needs to be sent to USDA/APHIS, MRPBS, HRD. If possible, all background investigations must be completed one (1) week prior to commencing work. Where this is not practical, such personnel may be under constant supervision by the COR or designated responsible individual during the contract period.

Contractor will follow the instructions below to provide fingerprints which will be used to obtain the Special Agreement Check

(SAC).

1. Visit www.fieldprintswft.com.

2. Click on the "Schedule an Appointment" button.

3. Enter an email address under "New Users/Sign Up" and click the "Sign Up" button. Follow the instructions for creating a Password and Security Question and then click "Sign Up and Continue".

4. Enter the Fieldprint Code: FPUSDAAPHISPPQ

• When prompted, enter the contact and demographic information required by the FBI and schedule a fingerprint appointment at the location of your choosing.

5. Under the "Additional Information" section, select the following from the drop-down menu: Federal Employee

6. At the end of the process, print the Confirmation/Receipt Page

• The cost of the appointment is $16.50, keep any receipts for possible reimbursement after an entry-on-duty date is established

7. When you attend your Fieldprint appointment, ensure that you:

• Take the Confirmation Page with you to your fingerprint appointment

• Take two forms of identification

If you have any questions or problems related to your Fieldprint appointment, you may contact the Fieldprint customer service team at 877-614-4364 or customerservice@fieldprint.com.

Once fingerprints are collected, they will be stored in USAccess.gov, making them accessible for future SACs.

The Personnel Security Staff will coordinate the background investigation process.

Contractors shall comply with the Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 12 directives and the personal identity verification (PIV) policies and procedures established by the AGAR Advisory No. 81, Revision 03 dated July 19, 2010 – Common Identification Standard for Contractors. In addition, procedures to be followed by contractors and contractor employees are specified in the Departmental Regulation and Departmental Manual (DM) 4620-002. Documents and References to these directives and policies can be downloaded from the website at http://hspd12.usda.gov and http://www.dm.usda.gov/procurement/policy/docs/AGAR81July192010.pdf

4.1 Additional Aircraft and Pilots

Each solicitation will specify the category and the number of aircraft required for the program. No adjustment will be made in the contract price for providing additional aircraft beyond the number and category of aircraft required by the contract or in the number of gallons or acres to be sprayed.

4.2 Withdrawal, Substitution of Aircraft or Personnel

The Contractor or CR shall notify the COR or ATM prior to any withdrawal or substitution of aircraft or pilots.

4.3 Airport Selection

The Contractor shall select the airport(s) to be used and make the necessary arrangements with the proper authority for:

1. Use of each airport.

2. Payment of any fees charged for its use.

3. Payment for repairs or damages that result from the contractor's aircraft, equipment, or contamination from insecticide.

4. Timely removal of all aircraft and equipment from the airport(s), after the program is completed unless other satisfactory arrangements are made with the airport authorities.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fieldprintswft.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cryan.j.vazquez%40usda.gov%7C25a60ff01d7c4483895d08deb11eebb1%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C639142943522091623%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Y0J8j88gOw7TgDnPnQxruLVolETLaDR2BOSpDBQrDmc%3D&reserved=0 mailto:customerservice@fieldprint.com http://hspd12.usda.gov/ http://www.dm.usda.gov/procurement/policy/docs/AGAR81July192010.pdf

5. Maintaining the areas used by the Contractor in a clean and orderly fashion during their use and cleanup after use, to the satisfaction of the COR or the ATM.

Within 3 calendar days after receipt of award, the Contractor and COR shall agree on which airport will be used at the beginning of the program.