Attachment 2_SOW_Turfgrass Maintenance.pdf

Turfgrass Maintenance Services

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Arid Land Agricultural Research Center

1.0 Introduction

1.1 The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency with the mission to deliver scientific solutions to national and global agricultural challenges. The ARS has been tasked to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect

Americans every day from field to table. The ARS delivers cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture.

1.2 The USDA, ARS Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, located in Maricopa, AZ, has a requirement for Turfgrass Maintenance Services for experimental plots. The required services will include regular mowing, weed control, fertilizer application and related agronomic practices. Services will be provided at times and in the manor specified by the turfgrass researchers and in consultation with the service provider so that management services will meet the needed research objectives.

1.3 The objective of this requirement is to maintain plot performance for objective evaluation of different turfgrass germplasm and agronomic treatments to maximize turfgrass ecosystem services with minimum input in the desert environment. This SOW outlines specific tasks, deliverables, and performance expectations designed to meet these turfgrass field plot agronomic practices goals.

2.0 Technical Requirements

2.1 Mowing.

2.1.1 Mowing will be required up to 68 times per year. Mowing may require different frequencies depending on the time of year. Summer mowings could be required up to twice per week while winter mowings may not be required as often.

2.1.2 Vendor must be available and complete mowing within 24 hours of being notified.

2.1.3 Clippings must be removed.

2.1.4 All mowing equipment must be washed between cuts to avoid cross contamination of different treatments and cultivars.

2.1.5 Different mowing height requirements are expected (1 to 5” depending on turf variety and treatment).

2.2 Dethatching.

2.2.1 Dethatching must be conducted annually to remove the thick layer of dead organic matter

(thatch) that builds up between the soil and the grass blades.

2.2.2 Dethatching timing must align with researcher instructions, such as at first spring greenup.

2.2.3 Dethatching debris must be removed from the field.

2.3 Sand top dressing.

2.3.1 Sand top dressing must be conducted three times per year.

2.3.2 Sand top dressing must be uniform and according to standard application practice.

2.4 Weed Control

2.4.1 Pre-emergent herbicide must be used for weed control and conducted three times per year.

Specific herbicide and timing of application will be determined by the scientist responsible for the experiment.

2.4.2 Herbicide application in alleys for weed and grass control between plots must be conducted three times per year.

2.4.3 Herbicide application for broadleaf weed control must be conducted three times per year. The specific herbicide for use and timing of application will be determined by the scientist responsible for the research.

2.4.4 Uniform irrigation application each treatment must be conducted with sprinkler heads services and maintenance.

2.4.5 Large weed control must be conducted annually.

2.4.6 Specialty pesticide application on an as needed basis for insect and disease control.

2.4.7 Chemical handling requirements (PPE, licensing, recordkeeping) are expected to be handled, and EPA/state pesticide applicator certification requirements must be met as required by law.

2.4.8 Chemical drift to adjacent fields and untreated plots must be avoided.

2.4.9 Brush cutting of currently established large weeds is needed and large weed control (cutting or pulling) must be conducted as needed.

2.4.10 Written documentation of product names used, product rates applied, application dates and time must be recorded and made available.

2.5 Soil conditioning

2.5.1 Yearly soil core aeration may be requested to support water infiltration. Aeration depth and tine spacing shall follow standard turfgrass practice. Aeration debris shall be removed from the field.

2.5.2 Chemical wetting agents (such as Revolution) may be required (2–3 times per year) if part of experiment treatment as directed. If used, wetting agent application logs shall be maintained.

2.6 Fertilizer

2.6.1 Specified fertilizer (such as NPK and possibly micronutrients such as iron, sulfur, manganese, calcium, magnesium, zinc, boron) must be applied as directed for proper plant growth or experiment treatment. Three or four nutrient applications per year using a granular product are expected.

Vendor is expected to supply the specific fertilizer products to meet standard management practices.

Documentation of fertilizer products used, application rates, timing and application methods will be required.

2.7 Uniform irrigation application (Only document your ability to conduct irrigation repairs and maintenance in your quote. Do not quote the price for unexpected irrigation repairs. Any unexpected repairs will be paid for separately.)

2.7.1 Each field plot treatment area is watered on schedule using established sprinkler heads as controlled by researchers. However, repair services and maintenance of the irrigation system must be provided as needed. During summer months, irrigation is critical for plant survival so emergency repair service requirements may be encountered.

2.7.2 Documentation of relevant irrigation issues and recommendations for system performance improvement are welcome and could serve as a basis for system upgrades.

2.7.3 Vendor will supply irrigation repair parts as needed.

2.8 Research specific items

2.8.1 Importantly, all management procedures will be part of an ongoing research program, so they must be performed in collaboration with the turfgrass researchers. This will require open lines of communication and advanced scheduling of all services around the ongoing research data collection activities. Researchers will provide written data collection schedules at minimum one week in advance so that services can be scheduled. A 24-hour response time is expected for non-emergency communications.

2.8.2 Vendor must not alter agreed upon schedules or substitute products without documented approval.

2.8.3 A vendor emergency contact is needed to facilitate priority communication (email, text, phone).

2.8.4 Vendor is expected to not disturb research equipment or enter research sensitive spaces as communicated.

3.0 Deliverables/Schedule

3.1 Ongoing consultation will be required so that services are provided as described while maintaining the integrity of the research being conducted. Daily or per-event logs will be required.

3.2 Regular mowing, fertilization and weed control will be directed in collaboration with researchers and the service provider. Chemical application logs will be required.

3.3 This is a year-round management service that suits seasonal turfgrass requirements. Equipment sanitation logs will be required.

3.4 All services will be scheduled collaboratively in writing to prevent confusion and maintain research integrity. Before / after photos will be required if needed for documentation.

4.0 Government Furnished Equipment

4.1 The government will provide the irrigation system.

4.2 No other equipment will be provided by the USDA. The vendor must use its own equipment necessary for the services.

5.0 Reporting Requirements

5.1 The contractor must provide a monthly report that lists specific services and dates completed in printed and/or electronic form.

6.0 Place of Performance

6.1 The place of performance will be at University of Arizona, Maricopa Agricultural Center Research

(Maricopa, AZ 85138), Field #113 (33.069842, -111.971477) where equipment can be staged. There are two farm access points always open (W Smith Enke Rd and N White and Parker Rd; and Honeycutt Rd and N Alumni Rd), However many farm roads have locked gates to block through traffic. No security or check-in procedures are required.

7.0 Period of Performance/Schedule

4.1 The period of performance will be April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027, with four 1-year optional periods.