Attachment_1_Statement_of_Work.pdf

SECTION C

STATEMENT OF WORK

HERBICIDE SPOT TREATMENT OF BUFFELGRASS

IRONWOOD BUFFELGRASS PROJECT

Introduction/Background The Ironwood Forest National Monument, administered by the Bureau of Land Management Tucson Field Office, lies in the heart of the Sonoran Desert in southern Arizona. Much of the vegetation in this area is Sonoran Desert upland habitat dominated by cacti such as saguaro, Bigelow’s cholla, and staghorn cholla. Other common plants include ironwood, palo verde, creosote, brittlebush, triangle-leaf bursage, ocotillo, and whitethorn acacia. Buffelgrass, Pennisetum ciliare, is a highly invasive non-native perennial grass that is found in the Sonoran Desert. Buffelgrass is a large threat to Sonoran Desert vegetation because it displaces native plants and creates a continuous fuel load, leading to wildfires that can carry quickly. Sonoran Desert vegetation is not adapted to fire, therefore a buffelgrass fueled fire can be highly detrimental to this sensitive ecosystem.

The Tucson Field Office has been treating buffelgrass on Ironwood Forest National Monument and other land within the field office jurisdiction with both hand-pulling and herbicide treatment methods since 2009. Spot-spray herbicide treatments using backpack or UTV mounted sprayers has been found to be the most effective treatment method. However, buffelgrass infestations require multiple rounds of herbicide application to effectively reduce and eradicate it from an area. Currently, some infestations are relatively under control with only a few plants per acre, other infestations are denser with more rounds of treatment required.

Scope of Work Contractors will provide herbicide spot-spray treatment of 835 acres of buffelgrass on the Ironwood Forest National Monument and Tucson Field Office lands. The BLM will identify treatment locations and work with the contractor daily during project implementation. The contractor provides herbicide spot treatment of buffelgrass with the project areas identified.

Period of Performance The Period of performance is anticipated as a Base + Four (4) Option Years.

Period of Performance

Base Year 08/01/2023 – 7/31/2024 Option Year 1 08/01/2024 – 7/31/2025 Option Year 2 08/01/2025 – 7/31/2026 Option Year 3 08/01/2026 – 7/31/2027 Option Year 4 08/01/2027 – 7/31/2028

Option Year Awards: Subject to availability of funds and Contractor’s performance.

Work will be performed between August 1st through April 30th, each year. Buffelgrass must be treated with herbicide when the plant is at least 50% green. This can occur in the spring (Feb – April) or late summer/early fall (August – October) if sufficient rainfall occurs in the winter and summer monsoon periods, respectively.

Place of Performance and Description of Work Ironwood Forest National Monument and Tucson Field Office public lands, West of Tucson, AZ. Continuing buffelgrass control efforts using spraying with glyphosate will focus on areas of mapped concentrations.

1.0 GENERAL

1.1 The purpose of this contract is to secure services for herbicide spot-spray treatment of buffelgrass. With the exception of tablets for treatment mapping and data collection, the Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, chemicals, tools, materials, supervision, supplies, and incidentals; and perform all work necessary to complete application in accordance with these specifications, the Detailed Specifications in this contract, and the Herbicide Label(s).

1.2 The Contractor’s applicators shall hold a current Arizona Professional Applicator

License in the Agricultural Pesticide Category. The Government will inspect each applicator for their current Arizona Professional Applicator’s License in the Agricultural Pesticide Category before work on this contract.

1.3 The buffelgrass application will coincide with plant green up. Plants can only be sprayed if greater than 50% of the foliage is green. More than one project site may need to be sprayed at the same time, or within a very short window; therefore, if bidding on multiple sites, enough equipment would be needed to perform simultaneous applications.

1.4 The Contractor will stop operation if inclement weather conditions (wind or rain) occur during the spraying operation. (See section 5.0 Execution of Work).

1.5 The Contractor will turn in Pesticide Application Records (PARs) within 24 hours of herbicide application and synch treatment area data when in WiFi.

1.6 The Government will pay for herbicide spot-spray treatment by the acre upon submission location data of areas sprayed, PARs, and invoices.

1.7 The Contractor shall conduct herbicide spraying procedures safely and in accordance with the Label restrictions of the herbicide and the herbicide application restrictions of the State of Arizona. (See Section 7.0 - Safety).

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

1.9 The Contractor shall strictly adhere to the herbicide label instructions.

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

2.0 LOCATIONS

2.1 The Government will provide treatment area location data and maps for the areas where buffelgrass is to be spot treated with herbicide.

2.2 Work sites may be marked by the Government with flagging. However, the entire boundary of the work site will not be marked.

3.0 CHEMICALS

3.1 The Contractor will supply all the chemical herbicide (a BLM approved brand of Glyphosate) and adjuvants necessary to complete the specifications of this contract.

3.2 The contractor will use a 3% concentration of glyphosate and spot-spray foliage of buffelgrass to wet.

3.3 Adjuvants

A. The contractor will supply and use a non-ionic surfactant approved for BLM use

(LI-700 or similar) following application directions described on the label.

B. The Contractor will supply and use a marking dye approved for BLM use following directions on the label.

C. All adjuvants shall be handled as chemicals. (See Section 7.0 - Safety).

4.0 EQUIPMENT

4.1 General - The Contractor shall spray designated areas in conformance with these specifications, the Detailed Specifications, and the herbicide label. Unless otherwise specified, the Contractor shall furnish all equipment, labor, supplies, and materials required to complete the job. The Contractor shall furnish properly outfitted equipment with applicators experienced in applying herbicides in rough terrain. The Contractor shall service and repair their equipment as necessary to maintain satisfactory progress on work. Contractor is responsible for all costs incidental to equipment move-in and move-out associated with the project. Many of the project locations must be accessed on unmaintained dirt roads and by walking overland on steep and rocky terrain.

4.2 Equipment

A. The Contractor shall furnish sufficient equipment to satisfactorily to conduct spot-spray treatments the designated areas in the time specified as required in the Detailed Specifications. Equipment shall be capable of giving proper control and distribution of herbicide.

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

C. Dust abatement - Any material used for dust abatement, other than water, shall be approved by the Contracting Officers Representative prior to use.

4.3 Spray equipment

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

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

4.4 Work Crew

A. Applicators - Shall be furnished by the Contractor and shall meet certification requirements of Arizona Regulations for this type of work. Applicators must hold a current Commercial Agricultural Operating certificate.

B. Work crew - Shall be furnished by the Contractor for handling and mixing the herbicide and loading the equipment. Mixers and Loaders shall hold a Mixer/Loader certification of training. The Contractor shall furnish the necessary qualified mechanics for maintenance of equipment and shall furnish all fuel, oil, and service required for operation of equipment and vehicles. All expenses relating to maintenance and operation of equipment shall be included in the unit price bid per acre for herbicide spraying.

4.5 Treatment Mapping, Data Collection, and Documentation

A. Mobile Computer Device-GPS receiver(s) (i.e., a tablet) that supports S1 Mobile

Mapper application will be furnished by the Government.

B. Treated areas will be recorded on the S1 Mobile Mapper application or other data collection app approved by the Government. The Contractor will record where they searched and specific locations where buffelgrass infestations were spot treated with herbicide.

C. The Contractor shall report pesticide applications (PARs) in the S1 mobile mapper application and on an approved paper form either supplied or approved by the Government.

5.0 EXECUTION OF WORK

5.1 Quality Assurance Plan - Contractor will provide a Quality Assurance Plan that will describe the contractor’s plan to ensure the quality and accuracy of the survey for buffelgrass and the application of herbicide to the buffelgrass.

5.2 Pre-Work Conference - Prior to commencement of work, a meeting may be requested by the Contracting Officer to be attended by the Contractor, the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), and the Project Inspector(s). The meeting will be held at the Tucson Field Office or at a treatment location at a time mutually agreeable to the Contractor and the Contracting Officer to discuss the work schedule and to familiarize both parties with the responsibilities of each under this contract. At this time a work schedule showing dates, locations, equipment and employees working on this project shall be provided by the Contractor to the Contracting Officer

5.3 Priority of Work - Units will be sprayed in the order as directed by the COR. Each unit shall be completed prior to moving to the next unit unless otherwise agreed to by the

COR.

5.4 Environmental Conditions

A. Work Period - Spraying Operations will be permitted only during daylight hours. The Contractor will have personnel on project site prior to commencing daily application, during application, and will notify COR or Project Inspector of changing weather conditions. The COR or Project Inspector will allow Contractor to continue or stop application if weather factors dictate. The COR or Project Inspector will give the permission to start, approximately one (1) hour from notification of conditions, depending on location of project from the Field Office. The Contractor will be allowed to work six days per week including Saturdays. Work will not be permitted on Sundays and holidays, unless authorized by the COR.

B. Wind - The Contractor shall follow the Label Section on Spray Drift Management - Wind. Local wind can influence wind patterns. Every applicator should be familiar with local wind patterns and how they affect drift.

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

D. Site Conditions – All site conditions must meet herbicide label requirements.

5.5 Spraying

A. Coverage – Buffelgrass plants within the designated boundaries of the project area shall receive uniform coverage with the herbicide. Plant foliage will be sprayed to wet with spray formulation using backpack or UTV mounted sprayers. (See section 5.6 Field Quality Control and Section 5.9 Completion of Contract)

B. Rate of Spraying - Herbicide shall be applied at the application rate stated in 3.0 CHEMICALS. The Contractor will be required to demonstrate that they can provide adequate and uniform coverage and shall furnish mixing equipment, suitable work crew, and perform mixing operation. Spray formulation shall be thoroughly mixed according to the Label and distributed evenly over buffelgrass plants.

C. Application – Spot spray application will be used to only spray buffelgrass plants. The COR will assist the Contractor with buffelgrass identification, as needed.

D. Application Height – The contractor will spray buffelgrass plants at a height necessary to avoid overspray and uniform coverage of the plant.

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

Avoiding spray drift is the responsibility of the Contractor.

5.6 Sprayer Clean up - Shall be conducted according to the label instructions. Avoiding contamination of the work site is the responsibility of the Contractor.

5.7 Work stoppages - The Contractor agrees to work diligently to complete the application of the herbicide. Partial workdays will be counted as full days of performance time.

5.8 Termination for convenience of the Government - Because of the nature of the work, the

Contracting Officer may, by written notice to the Contractor, terminate this contract, in whole or in part, when it is in the best interest of the Government. To the extent that this contract is so terminated, the Government shall be liable only for payment in accordance with the payment provisions of this contract for work satisfactorily completed prior to the effective date of termination.

5.9 Completion of contract - The Contract will be considered completed and payment due when all areas furnished to the Contractor by the Government have been sprayed to the standards specified above.

5.10 Risk damages - The Contractor shall assume all risks in connection with performance of the contract and shall be liable for and save Government harmless on account of any damages to persons or property in connection with the prosecution of the work, including the applicator or other employees of the Contractor.

6.0 MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT

6.1 Method of Measurement

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

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

6.2 Basis of Payment:

A. Payment: Payment will be made at the unit price per acre specified in the Bid

Schedule which is made a part hereof and shall include the cost of all work described in this paragraph and the Detailed Specifications, including any re-spraying, if such work is required.

7.0 SAFETY

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

7.2 Protective clothing and equipment for contract employees exposed to herbicides - The

Contractor shall supply protective clothing and equipment to contract workers that guarantee minimal exposure throughout the herbicide application process. The Contractor shall follow all requirements on protective clothing and equipment which appears on the herbicide label and/or MSDS documentation. The Contractor shall make available cleanup facilities to contract employees exposed to herbicides or herbicide-contaminated equipment.

7.3 Storage of herbicides - The Contractor will be responsible for the storage of all chemicals.

7.4 Mixing and application of herbicides:

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

B. By law, the application of an herbicide, either directly or through drift, must not expose workers or other people. The Contractor shall be very aware and cautious of any environmental hazard present during herbicide application.

Upon completion of herbicide application, the Contractor shall thoroughly clean equipment and dispose of waters, residues, rinses, and unused herbicides only according to EPA and Arizona State regulations. All empty herbicide containers will be tripled rinsed, labels removed, and punctured by the Contractor after mixing. The Contractor shall be responsible for disposal of the empty boxes, labels, and lids. The Contractor shall be responsible for disposal or recycling of the empty containers.

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

BLM POINTS OF CONTACT:

Rachel Henriques Contracting Specialist

(602) 856 – 6584 rhenriques@blm.gov

Shawna Rogers-Bailey Contracting Officer

(480) 490 - 3152 srogersbailey@blm.gov

SECTION C

STATEMENT OF WORK

TREATMENT UNIT MAPS

Ironwood Forest National Monument Buffel Grass Treatment Units

Map 1. Ironwood Forest National Monument, buffel grass treatment units vicinity.

Map 2. Ironwood Forest National Monument, buffel grass treatment units.

Pan Quemado Unit The Pan Quemado treatment unit has patches, scattered small groups, and isolated induvial buffel grass. Herbicide treatments have been occurring in the treatment unit for multiple years.

The treatment unit encompasses areas of previous infestation and areas of current infestation of buffel Grass.

1. Approximate Total Acreage: 1,419 acres, but the density of plants to be treated is patchy, estimate approximately 316 acres of actual plants to be treated.

2. Location of Work Site as Shown on Work Location Maps: Project is located approximately 26 miles west of Tucson, Arizona in Pima County. The project includes BLM, State, and private land. Elevation ranges from 2,300 to 2,947 feet.

Lat/Long: 32 19.622 111 24.766 T/R/S: T13S R09E S2,3,4,5,9,10,11,12

3. Requirements of Equipment to be supplied by the Contractor: Sufficient to meet specifications of the contract.

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

5. Work Crew Requirements: Work crew for handling and mixing of chemical and loading equipment shall be furnished by the Contractor.

6. Requirements of Chemical to be supplied by the Contractor: Sufficient to meet

7. Kind of Chemical: Glyphosate.

8. Rate of Application:

Glyphosate : 3% active ingredient to wet on all green leaves Marker Dye: according to label

9. Remarks and Other Requirements: Application can take place August 1 through April 30.

The timing of the treatments will need to be kept flexible in order to maximize the effects on buffelgrass. Apply the spray solution in properly maintained and calibrated equipment capable of delivering the desired volume. Controlling drift is the responsibility of the Applicator.

Map 3. Pan Quemado Treatment Unit.

Cocio Wash Unit The Cocio Wash treatment unit has patches, scattered small groups, and isolated induvial buffel grass. Herbicide treatments have been occurring in the treatment unit for multiple years. The treatment unit encompasses areas of previous infestation and areas of current infestation of

1. Approximate Total Acreage: 246 acres, but the density of plants to be treated is patchy, estimate about 33 acres of actual plants to be treated.

approximately 25 miles west of Tucson, Arizona in Pima County. The project includes BLM and State land. Average elevation varies from 2,200 to 2,555 feet.

Lat/Long: 32 23.568 111 23.975

T/R/S: T12S R09E S11,15

• Glyphosate : 3% active ingredient to wet on all green leaves

• Marker Dye: according to label on buffelgrass. Apply the spray solution in properly maintained and calibrated equipment

Map 4. Cocio Wash Treatment Unit.

El Cerrito Unit The El Cerrito Wash treatment unit has patches, scattered small groups, and isolated induvial buffel grass. Herbicide treatments have been occurring in the treatment unit for multiple years.

1. Approximate Total Acreage: 351 acres, but the density of plants to be treated is patchy, estimate about 27 acres of actual plants to be treated.

approximately 25 miles west of Tucson, Arizona in Pima County. The project includes BLM and State land. Average elevation varies from 2,201 to 2,490 feet.

Lat/Long: 32 17.230 111 23.456

T/R/S: T13S R09E S13,16,23,24,27 on buffelgrass. Apply the spray solution in properly maintained and calibrated equipment

Map 5. El Cerrito Treatment Unit.

Walcott Peak Unit The Walcott Peak treatment unit has patches, scattered small groups, and isolated induvial buffel grass. Herbicide treatments have not occurred in the treatment unit. The treatment unit encompasses areas of infestation and areas of potential infestation of buffel Grass.

1. Approximate Total Acreage: 100 acres, but the density of plants to be treated is patchy, estimate about 23 acres of actual plants to be treated.

approximately 33 miles north west of Tucson, Arizona in Pima County. The project includes BLM land. Average elevation varies from 2,500 to 3,327 feet.

Lat/Long: 32 26.619 111 28.877

T/R/S: T11S R08E S23,24,25 on buffelgrass. Apply the spray solution in properly maintained and calibrated equipment

Map 6. Walcott Peak Treatment Unit.

Samaniego Hills Unit The Samaniego Hills treatment unit has patches, scattered small groups, and isolated induvial buffel grass. Herbicide treatments have been occurring in the treatment unit for multiple years.

1. Approximate Total Acreage: 233 acres, but the density of plants to be treated is patchy, estimate about 25 acres of actual plants to be treated.

approximately 27 miles west of Tucson, Arizona in Pima County. The project includes BLM and State land. Average elevation varies from 2,100 to 2,585 feet.

Lat/Long: 32 28.287 111 25.393

T/R/S: T11S R09E S15,16,22 on buffelgrass. Apply the spray solution in properly maintained and calibrated equipment

Map 7. Samaniego Hills Treatment Unit.

Silver Bell Unit The Silver Bell treatment unit has patches, scattered small groups, and isolated induvial buffel grass. Herbicide treatments have not occurred in the treatment unit. The treatment unit encompasses areas of infestation and areas of potential infestation of buffel Grass.

1. Approximate Total Acreage: 1,674 acres, but the density of plants to be treated is patchy, estimate about 411 acres of actual plants to be treated.

approximately 27 miles west of Tucson, Arizona in Pima County. The project includes BLM land. Average elevation varies from 2,300 to 2,638 feet.

Lat/Long: 32 24.550 111 27.834

T/R/S: T12S R09E S5,6,7,8 on buffelgrass. Apply the spray solution in properly maintained and calibrated equipment

Map 8. Silver Bell Treatment Unit.

APPENDIX 4

GLOSSARY

ACTIVE INGREDIENT: The chemicals in an herbicide which control the targeted noxious weed species.

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

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

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

ENDANGERED SPECIES: Plant or animal species that are in danger of extinction through all or a significant part of their range.

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

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

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

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