Attachment 2 Suppression Eradication STS Larvicides SOW.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

GENERAL

The spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) is a pest that feeds on the leaves of different species of trees in North America. Areas on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest (GWJNF) and the Shenandoah National Park (SNP) that are infested are treated as a forest-wide strategy to reduce heavy populations. Oaks are the preferred host; however, when oaks are not available, spongy moth caterpillars will feed on the foliage of many other species of trees. Left untreated infestations can reduce tree growth and cause either branch dieback or tree mortality.

This solicitation has four items, totaling approximately 10,000 acres of treatment in the base year (2024) and approximately 7,000 acres +/- in four option years (2025-2028). Item 1 includes suppression treatment blocks using Foray 76B in Virginia for a treatment window that extends from late April to late May. Item 2 includes eradication treatment blocks using Foray 76B located in Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Kentucky and a treatment window that extends from late April to late May. Item 3 includes Slow the Spread (STS) treatment blocks using Foray 76B in Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Kentucky with a treatment window spanning from late April to late May. Item 4 includes treatment blocks that contain sensitive butterfly and moth species using Gypchek in Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky with a treatment a treatment window from late April to late May. If exercised, the option year information (treatment block table, maps, production rates, updated wage determinations, etc.) will be provided early in the calendar year.

VENDOR QUALIFICATIONS

1. Vendors qualifying for this program must be fixed base operators (FBO), or a firm currently certified as a commercial aircraft contractor with office, maintenance facilities, owned or leased aircraft, employees, qualified pilots, and mechanics and have tools, equipment and spare parts for the make and type of aircraft specified in this proposal. Vendors must be FAA certified and at time of treatment hold a valid Commercial Aerial Applicator's License for the state in which he/she is operating. When applicable, the chase plane pilot shall have a valid FAA Commercial Pilot's License. All vendors must comply with the rules and regulations as specified by the States’s Pesticide Board. The Vendor is responsible for all insurance and proof for all aircraft and other equipment owned, leased, rented, subcontracted, or otherwise utilized by the Vendor and for all personnel hired, subcontracted, or otherwise employed by the Vendor.

2. Vendor’s company shall have a minimum of five (5) years of experience in aerial pesticide spraying similar to those sought by this IFB.

3. Pilots shall be FAA qualified. Shall have two seasons of low-level spraying experience over forested areas. Low level applications are defined as meaning spraying within 100 feet of the top of the forest canopy. All spray pilots shall hold a valid VA Aerial Pesticide Applicator’s License.

4. Minimum Acceptable Pilot Qualifications

The pilot-in-command shall have logged the following minimum flight hours in airplanes:

Experience Hours

Total Pilot-Time 1,500 Total Pilot-in-Command Time 1,200 Category and Class (to be flown) 200 Airplane (preceding 12-months) 100 Cross Country 500 Experience in Aerial Application (application pilot) 500

Aerial Application Operations in Typical Terrain (application pilot only)

Night 100 Make and Model 25 Make and Class (preceding 60-days or pass a proficiency flight check)

Experience (multi-Engine) Hours

Total Pilot-in-Command 250 PIC in Type (within the past 5-years unrestricted Type Rating in the applicable airplane(s) to be flown)

Note: Typical terrain means pilot-in-command experience on flights in areas with forest cover, similar topography, density altitude, or hazards presented by the mission environment.

Co-pilot Requirements Missions requiring a co-pilot shall meet the 14 CFR 135 or 137 requirements, as applicable.

Experience Hours

Total hours as observation pilot 750 Hours as observation Pilot on forest spray projects (or at least one spray season over forested area.)

Night 10 Typical Terrain (in weight class to be flown light, medium, heavy) 100 Make and Model (preceding 60-days or pass a proficiency flight check) 10

ATTACHMENT: SCOPE

I. Areas to be treated

The FS proposes to aerially treat the following areas. There is no guarantee on the actual number of acres treated as available funding will dictate how many acres can be treated. If full funding is obtained, the treatment program will proceed based on the table.

Block Name Acres Priority Mgt

Elizabeth Furnace 2,500 1 FS

Peters Mill 384 1 FS

Todd Lake 207 1 FS

Skyland/Stony Man 1,440 1 NPS

Skyline MM43 125 1 NPS

Betty’s Rock 348 2 NPS

Hawksbill 668 1 NPS

Skyline MM47 588 2 NPS

Rose River 1,307 1 NPS

Big Meadows 520 1 NPS

Broad 1,803 1 FS

Total 9,890

II. General Requirements of Spray Operation

1. The contractor shall provide all application and observation aircraft (when applicable), insecticide, aircraft guidance and tracking equipment (DGPS), automated flight following (AFF), miscellaneous service equipment, ground and flight personnel, supplies, and all other incidentals to perform these services in accordance with the technical specifications contained herein. In the event of inconsistencies within the technical specifications, the following order shall be used in such resolution:

a. Typed provisions of these specifications;

b. Forest Service supplements and/or exhibits incorporated by reference;

c. Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR) incorporated by reference;

d. Aircraft manufacturer's specifications;

e. Other documents incorporated by reference.

2. As specified in Section 2, it is the FS's intent to treat approximately 10,000 acres with Foray 76B at a rate of 0.33 gallon per acre.

3. In the event an aircraft under Contract becomes incapacitated and cannot be returned safely to full operation by the start of the following day's operation, the Vendor must arrange for replacement by an aircraft of similar capabilities.

4. Aircraft, pilots, ground crew and support equipment designated by the Vendor during the contract period are not permitted to do any spraying for any other agency or individual, except by prior written permission from the FS. Upon completion of their work, aircraft will be released by verbal consent of the FS's Program Supervisor.

5. Application of all insecticides shall be made in accordance with the State’s Pesticide Laws and within all designated spray block boundaries.

6. Caution will be exercised during all spray operations to avoid depositing any material over school buses or schools, except as guided by the FS.

7. The FS reserves the right to start all Contract-required aircraft on the same date or stagger the start date for particular aircraft to meet project objectives.

8. The FS does not maintain a list of approved airports. It is the responsibility of the Offeror to select airport(s) to be used as a base of operations for this project and to make any necessary arrangements for use with the airport manager, including areas for calibration and characterization.

III. Required Aircraft

Refer to Exhibit 2 for more information on aircraft operations.

1) Application Aircraft Performance Standards: Only aircraft with turbine engines shall be utilized for aerial application treatments. The aircraft provided for the project must be able to average a combined minimum application rate of 400 acres per hour for this proposal during favorable treatment conditions in order to complete the project within the desired time frame. Fueling, loading, and ferry time to and from the treatment blocks is important in determining the number of aircraft needed to obtain the acres per hour minimum requirement. Refer to Exhibit 3 for more information on application aircraft requirements.

2) Observation Aircraft: Observation aircraft will be not required for 2024 proposal but may be for future projects. Refer to Exhibit 4 for more information on observation aircraft requirements. Where it is agreed between the Vendor and the FS to be advantageous, and if logistically feasible, the FS will provide personnel familiar with the spray project to fly with the Vendor on reconnaissance flights to locate and delineate boundaries of the spray areas. The FS may also provide monitoring personnel to ride in the observation plane during the application of insecticides.

IV. General Specifications - All Aircraft

1. Licenses: Every aircraft furnished for this contract shall be properly licensed under regulation of the

Federal Aviation Administration and under the Virginia Pesticide Law and other state laws as needed.

2. Prior to initiation of the contract, the Vendor will furnish to the FS's Aircraft Operations Advisor, a copy of the valid aircraft license registration, and airworthiness certificate for each aircraft used in this contract.

3. Engines: Each aircraft engine shall be in first class operating condition. Engine and airframe logs must be presented at time of inspection or prior to the start of the contract.

a) Each engine must have operated at a minimum of 50 hours.

b) Each engine must have operated a minimum of 15 flight hours in the two months prior to the beginning of the spray project.

c) No aircraft will be accepted for this project with engine or component time within 100 hours from the maximum recommended maintenance schedule by the manufacturer.

4. Condition: Each aircraft shall be clean inside and outside and shall fully comply with FAA directives/specifications and to any pertinent laws and regulations of the State.

V. Obligation of the Vendor

1. General: The Vendor is obligated to furnish aircraft, ground and aerial personnel, all support equipment, and insecticide to produce a final application in accordance with the Contract Specifications and Contractual Agreement. Information regarding the contract specifications is contained in the following sections.

2. Pilots:

b) The Vendor shall provide FAA qualified pilots to operate the aircraft specified in the bid. Copies of valid licenses and qualifications for all pilots operating aircraft under this contract will be supplied to the FS with the Vendor's bid for the proposed project.

c) Each spray pilot must have two seasons of low-level spraying experience over forested areas.

Low level applications are defined as meaning spraying within 100 feet of the top of the forest canopy.

d) Every pilot must be proficient at reading and navigating from topographic maps.

e) All spray pilots must hold a valid Aerial Pesticide Applicator's License for the state in which he/she is operating.

3. Pilot Responsibilities: When in flight, the pilot is responsible at all times for the safety of the aircraft and personnel. The FS will not require flying in fog, dense smoke or in any other adverse condition which a prudent pilot would avoid. It is mutually understood and agreed that the successful bidder will not be required to land at any site which an experienced pilot would consider unsafe. During extended spray periods, the pilot is permitted to take a short break between loads whenever desired.

4. Ground Support: The Vendor(s) must supply adequately trained and qualified personnel in sufficient quantity to operate all necessary support vehicles, operate the equipment used to transfer and mix insecticides, and properly service each aircraft. There should be enough ground support personnel to service each aircraft without delay while the operation is underway. All ground support persons should be equipped and trained to take proper action in an emergency. These personnel should observe standard safety precautions in handling the insecticide solutions and refueling the aircraft.

The Vendor is required to replace any ground support person who does not demonstrate the knowledge and capability of performing their duties.

5. Project Supervisor: The Vendor shall designate one of their personnel on the job to act as Vendor's Project Supervisor, representing the company in all contractual matters that require prompt attention.

The Project Supervisor will not be assigned to fly any of the aircraft involved with insecticide application.

6. Spray Material: The Vendor is responsible for the purchase and delivery of the product. All material must be labeled for use in the state in which he/she is operating. The Vendor will be responsible for the proper disposal or return of all pesticide drums or containers, and all pesticide residue, including rinsate. Disposal must be conducted in accordance with the product label and applicable state or federal laws.

7. Accessory Equipment: All accessory equipment, including any vehicles necessary for transporting the equipment is the responsibility of the Vendor. Accessory equipment supplied by the Vendor is defined as any needed insecticide mixing tank and water storage tanks (equipped for agitation or recirculation), pumps, hoses, metering devices and similar equipment necessary for mixing the insecticide and loading the spray aircraft, and any other services, equipment and materials that may be needed as determined between the Vendor and the FS.

a) ALL AIRCRAFT: The type and size of the fire extinguisher supplied is to be in sufficient quantity to handle the emergencies associated with this type of operation. The Vendors are responsible for ensuring all their personnel are trained in the correct use of these fire extinguishers. The Vendor shall provide spill containment materials and supplies.

8. Metering Devices: The Vendor shall provide evidence that metering devices employed to determine the correct gallons for loading the aircraft have been inspected and calibrated by a licensed inspector within two (2) months prior to the start of the spraying operation. The Vendor must be willing to supply the FS with a copy of the calibration check data for each meter used on the program. A strainer no finer than 50- mesh shall be installed to screen the solution prior to entering the meter.

9. Maintenance: The Vendor shall provide for the necessary maintenance on the spray system, the aircraft, the mixing and pumping system, and the trucks and storage tanks. Care shall be taken to prevent leakage of spray material at all times. Routine maintenance is to be conducted at such times that it will not interfere with the spray operation. Only emergency repairs are to be performed during scheduled spray hours.

10. Security: Security for the loading site, aircraft, and associated equipment and material is the responsibility of the Vendor. If it becomes necessary to move any equipment, material or aircraft to an alternate location for security reasons, this alternate location must not interfere with the scheduled performance of this contract.

11. Aircraft Refueling: Any refueling of the aircraft performed while the engine is running and/or the rotor spinning will be done by approved grounded hose line and nozzle connection only. Fueling from containers will be permitted only during complete engine shutdown. Refer to Exhibit 9 for more information on fuel servicing specifications.

12. Flight Time: Ferry flights to and from the job or between loading sites in the project area, as well as any needed reconnaissance flights over the spray area, are to be provided at no extra charge by the Vendor. This airtime should be limited to flights that are essential to job efficiency and necessary activities.

13. Field Expenses: Costs incurred in the operation and maintenance of all equipment on the project is the responsibility of the Vendor. Expenses incurred by all contract personnel including arrangements for food, lodging, and transportation are the responsibility of the Vendor. Any or all damages to the site of operation are the responsibility of the Vendor.

14. Inspection: The FS reserves the right to inspect the Vendor's aircraft to ascertain if the equipment offered meets the contract specifications. Performance tests, if necessary, will be conducted at a location designated by the FS personnel. The Vendor shall assume all expenses incidental to operation of the aircraft and the pilot’s time during these tests. The FS may request this inspection be held 21 days prior to the scheduled start of spraying. On-site inspection on reporting date may be acceptable for companies and types of aircraft that have previously worked for the FS.

15. FAA Waiver for Congested Areas: The Vendor is responsible for reviewing all spray block maps and identifying any congested areas that would require a FAA waiver to conduct low level flights. The Vendor is responsible for filing the required plan and documentation with the appropriate FAA Flight Safety District Office for any congested area identified and obtaining the necessary waiver(s) prior to the start of the project.

16. List of Exhibits: The Contractor shall abide by all Exhibits, which are included as a separate attachment. The number and title of each exhibit is:

1. Definitions and Acronyms

2. Aircraft Operations

3. Application Aircraft Requirements

4. Observation Aircraft Requirements

5. Avionics Requirements & Specifications

6. Restraint Systems Condition Inspection Guidelines

7. First Aid Kit (Aeronautical)

8. Aviation Operations Briefing Certificate

9. Fuel Servicing Specifications

10. Aircraft Guidance and Tracking Equipment

11. Automated Flight Following

12. Products and Application Procedures

13. Synopsis of Safety Management

14. Dept of Labor Wage Determination Information

VI. Obligation of the FS

1. FS Personnel: The FS will furnish personnel to supervise and direct the spray operation in the following capacities:

a) PROGRAM SUPERVISOR - This individual is responsible for the overall coordination of the spray operation and personnel and represents the FS in settling minor contractual matters.

b) AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS ADVISOR - Responsible for the coordination of all on-site aircraft operations. Provides technical assistance to the program supervisor with regards to aircraft operations, weather conditions, and chemicals used during the project. Supervises the calibration of all aircraft used and the application of all spray materials.

c) RECORDS OFFICER - Will log all the flights, the amount of each load, and the spray block the load was delivered to. The Vendor's Project Supervisor shall be present to sign the log at the end of each operational day.

d) COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER - Act as dispatch officer for spray block assignments and communications during the operation.

e) SAFETY OFFICER - Is responsible for the safety and well-being of all personnel associated with this project. Responsibilities include inspection of all safety equipment prior to the start of the project.

The safety officer has the authority to stop any part of the project if in their opinion eminent danger exists to any person or property covered under this contract.

f) ENTOMOLOGIST - Provides technical information to the Program's Supervisor, Local Government and General Public with regard to the biology of the target pest, development of host species and treatment objectives.

2. Pre-Work Conference: The FS will conduct a pre-work conference the day before treatment is to begin.

Participation at this meeting is mandatory for the Vendor working on the project. Failure to meet this requirement will be cause for cancellation of the contract. Expenses or damages incurred by the State due to this cancellation will be charged back to the Vendor. Personnel of the Vendor and the FS responsible for the contractual requirements of both parties will be present at this conference. The FS will notify the Vendor of the date, time and location of this conference. Topics for discussion will include, but will not be limited to, marking the areas, handling, mixing, and application of the insecticide, aircraft capabilities, work site locations, calibrations, and safety.

3. Block Boundaries: The block boundaries will be determined with the use of the DGPS guidance system.

4. Reconnaissance: Where it is agreed between the Vendor and the FS to be advantageous, and if logistically feasible, the FS will provide personnel familiar with the spray project to fly with the Vendor on reconnaissance flights to locate and delineate boundaries of the spray areas. The FS may also provide monitoring personnel to ride in the observation plane during the application of insecticides.

5. Records: The FS will maintain an accurate record of all the insecticide solution metered into each aircraft and the acreage actually treated, which are the basis for payment. A copy of each day’s record is to be signed by the Vendor. A copy will then be provided to the Vendor. An estimate of the amount of insecticide that is applied in an improper manner, in unauthorized areas, or that which is jettisoned accidentally or in emergencies, will be made by the FS and deducted from the amount properly sprayed.

The Vendor is also responsible for providing a copy of GPS flight files at the close of each working day, and after each load if requested.

6. Communications: The FS may provide for communications from the work site to a location where telephone service is available. This service is provided to facilitate the operation and for use in the event of an emergency.

VII. Safety

1. General Requirements: All personnel involved in the spray operation are required to conduct themselves in a safe manner, especially in the vicinity of any operating aircraft and support equipment.

Only essential personnel will be allowed around the aircraft during the loading and refueling period.

Safety regulations prescribed by the FAA, the Pesticide Board, the manufacturer of the aircraft, the Vendor, and the FS will be observed by all personnel at all times. The Project Safety Officer has the authority to stop any operation if there is eminent danger to any person or property. Refer to Exhibit 13 for a synopsis of safety program.

2. Insecticide Handling: The Vendor will ensure all label requirements regarding mixing, loading and disposal are correctly followed.

3. Fire Extinguisher: The Vendor will supply approved fire extinguishers of sufficient size and quantity to handle emergencies normally associated with this type of spray operation.

4. Safety Equipment: The Vendor will supply all safety equipment required for mixing and loading the insecticide material. This includes but is not limited to gloves, respirators, signs, etc. The Vendor must also provide containment materials and supplies.

VIII. Radio/Electronic Facilities

1. Equipment: As a condition of this contract all aircraft supplied shall have satisfactory electronic communications equipment as described. All contract-furnished communications equipment shall be of types currently approved by the FCC and the FAA. Refer to Exhibit 5 for avionics requirements and specifications. The following basic facilities are required for all:

a) VHF COMMUNICATIONS - All aircraft shall be equipped by the Vendor with operating VHF (FAA frequencies) communications systems consisting of equipment currently approved by the FCC and FAA. A minimum of 360 crystal-controlled receiving and transmitting channels shall be provided. Other channels will include the tower and ground control frequency most often used in the area of operation outlined in this proposal. Aircraft shall be bonded and shielded so as to allow optimum radio communications.

b) Air to air and ground to air communications will be made available to designated FS personnel by the Vendor at all times during spraying operations. For reasons of safety, only designated FS personnel will communicate directly with the spray pilots during spray operations, unless the Vendor grants prior approval.

c) A DGPS is required for each application aircraft.

2. Service and Maintenance: It is the responsibility of the Vendor to maintain in good working order all radio facilities supplied. Failure to do so could result in the spray aircraft being deemed not available.

IX. Insecticide Distribution System Transporting, Transfer and Mixing

1. General

b) The Vendor shall follow all label directions and applicable Sections of State Pesticide Law and Regulations.

c) The Vendor will purchase all additives and insecticides to be used in this project. These products must be labeled for their intended use in the state in which he/she is operating.

d) It is very important that all equipment which comes in direct contact with the insecticides, be thoroughly cleaned and free of residues and foreign particulate matter.

e) All spray equipment must be cleaned and flushed when switched from one chemical to another.

f) All rinsate and wash water must be disposed of in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.

2. Ground Support Equipment

a) FIELD TRUCKS, TANKS, PUMPS AND METERS

i. Truck and trailer combinations are acceptable provided they meet all requirements of the

Virginia Dept of Transportation and other states. Each aircraft must have sufficient ground support to work independently from all other aircraft.

ii. This equipment must be capable of legally carrying sufficient mixed insecticide to supply the aircraft working from it so spray operations are not impeded.

iii. All mixing tanks must be equipped with a recirculation system. The return line must be below the surface of the mixture in the tank. This system must be designed to produce a swirling action, which will mix and agitate the insecticide mixture. Inlet lines should direct the material parallel to the curved internal surface of the tank. Large internal tank baffles restricting the agitation in any portion of the tank must be avoided.

iv. Each pumping system must be capable of drafting water a vertical distance of at least 10 feet. The pump must be equipped with a non-collapsing hose, an anti-siphon device or check valve, a coarse screen and a bucket. This configuration must be such that water being taken into the tank is strained and metered.

v. Each truck should be supplied with drum wrenches if barrels are being used.

vi. All tanks used to transport insecticides and water must be leak-proof and corrosion-resistant.

Filler openings and air vents must be adequate to prevent surging during filling.

vii. All tanks must be equipped with properly fitted covers or hatch plates and kept closed except when filling or circulating to reduce foreign material contamination.

viii. All tanks must be thoroughly cleaned and free of rust; residues and particulate matter such as grit and sand. All tanks will be inspected before being permitted to be filled with insecticide or water.

ix. All tanks used to batch-mix insecticide must have visual calibration markings or a dip stick calibrated at 25 gallon or finer intervals for use as a double check to the meters.

b) PUMPS

i) The pump used for circulation, mixing, and loading must produce a sufficient flow rate to fill the aircraft it supplies in a maximum of 4 minutes without producing high pressures.

ii) The pump used for drafting the undiluted insecticide from a 55-gallon drum must be capable of repeatedly emptying a drum in less than 4 minutes.

iii) The same pump may be used for these two purposes above provided the requirements are met.

iv) No high-pressure pumps and no hand pumps will be permitted.

c) METERS

i) A licensed inspector must calibrate all meters within 60 days prior to start of the spraying.

ii) The meter must be capable of safely handling the flow rate necessary for loading the aircraft.

iii) The pumping arrangement must allow the capability of measuring the water into the mixing tank when using diluted formulations.

d) STRAINERS

i) A 30-mesh stainless steel in-line strainer must be located prior to the intake of the meter. This strainer should be located on the intake side of the pump.

ii) On the aircraft, a 30-mesh stainless steel in-line strainer must be provided to screen the material before entering the spray booms.

iii) Strainer elements of finer than 30-mesh (typical 80-100 mesh) are permitted only in screening of water.

e) UNDILUTED SPRAY FORMULATIONS For spray operations using undiluted formulations, separate mixing tanks and pumps are not required. The Vendor is responsible for providing all equipment necessary to circulate the material in the shipping container and to transfer it from the shipping container directly into the aircraft spray tank.

3. General Aircraft Spray System Specifications:

a) TANKS - Leak-proof corrosion-resistant tanks with exterior filler openings are to be used. The location and size of tanks should be such as to not impair air- worthiness by overloading or displacing the center of gravity beyond acceptable limits. Filler openings or necks should be large enough to prevent surging during filling. Tanks must be vented to the outside of the fuselage.

b) EMERGENCY DUMP SYSTEM - Each aircraft must be equipped with an emergency jettisonable load dumping system or emergency nonleaking dump valves of adequate capacity and adequately vented to dump the load and so installed to prevent blowback into the fuselage. In no case shall the ratio between load in gallons carried to area of dump valves in square inches be greater than 7.65 to 1. Exposed valve control linkage must be protected to prevent unintentional opening of the valve in any manner. The control lever must be substantially mounted in the cockpit within easy reach of the pilot when he is properly wearing a shoulder harness.

c) PUMPING SYSTEM - The pumping system must be securely attached and capable of maintaining the pressure required ensuring the even distribution of the insecticide. All plumbing and pumps should be large enough to handle the required flow. All parts should be chemically resistant to the spray materials being used. Either electric or hydraulically driven pumps are required for the aircraft pumping system.

d) PRESSURE GAUGE - An accurate liquid filled spray pressure gauge should be located so that the pilot can easily read it.

e) SHUTOFF - To avoid contamination of areas not scheduled for treatment, the entire spray system must be leak-proof and have a positive shutoff mechanism capable of eliminating dripping from the nozzles.

f) SPRAY SYSTEM - All aircraft spray systems and tanks must be cleaned of all foreign material and flushed with water prior to the start of this spray operation. During the spray program, it may be necessary to flush the spray system with water daily or when the operation is delayed because of bad weather, etc. All wash water used for this operation must be collected and disposed of in accordance with the label and applicable state and federal laws.

g) SPRAY BOOMS & NOZZLES - Each aircraft shall be equipped with an approved standard boom system of the type most commonly employed in aerial applications of this nature. It is recommended the spray booms have removable caps or end plugs for ease of flushing the system. When nozzles are not installed within two inches of the end of the boom, an approved bleeder line should be installed to prevent pressure fluctuation in the system.

h) Minimum boom length accepted is to be 30 feet, and maximum length accepted is 3/4 of the wing or rotor blade.

i) STRAINER - Each aircraft must be equipped with a 30-mesh in-line strainer.

j) NOZZLE SCREENS - Individual screens for the nozzles will not be necessary.

k) ROTARY ATOMIZERS - Only rotary atomizers shall be allowed for both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. For the purpose of this solicitation, nozzle(s) is interpreted to be rotary atomizer(s).

l) TYPE – Allowable nozzles include Micronair AU4000, AU5000, and AU7000. These nozzles have been wind tunnel-tested to ensure proper droplet size and spectrum. All nozzles on a given spray aircraft must be of the same type.

i) Other rotary atomizers may be used if the Vendor provides an independent evaluation that indicates the atomizers are adjustable to provide variable droplet sizes, and that they can produce a droplet.

ii) volume median diameter (VMD) ranging from 80 to 160 microns. Documentation must be provided with the proposal.

m) INSTALLATION - The installation, adjustment, and calibration of the rotary atomizers, including numbers installed per aircraft, must be made in strict accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. The minimum number of rotary atomizer nozzles on the application aircraft shall be 6 (3 per each side of boom). Flow settings and rotational rates of the atomizers will be established during calibration and characterization. Any adjustments made to the atomizers shall be made by the Vendor, under the supervision of USFS.

n) USE – Nozzles must be used strictly according to all manufacturer recommendations. All new or rebuilt units must be properly broken in according to the manufacturer’s recommendation before reporting on site for calibration verification. All used units must be properly cleaned and serviced and be in good working condition. The flow rate for each individual rotary atomizer installed on a boom must not deviate more than ten percent (10%) from the average flow rate for all rotary atomizers installed on the boom. Any rotary atomizer that deviates by more than 10% must be replaced prior to the beginning or continuation of operations.

X. Insecticide

1. Purchase and Transportation: The Vendor will be responsible for the purchase of the specified product used on this project in sufficient quantities to meet the contract requirements. The Vendor is responsible for arranging delivery of the product with both the manufacturer and the storage site. The insecticide is to be on hand prior to the start of the project.

Upon delivery to the site, the Vendor must provide the FS with the number of containers and the batch numbers. Samples may be taken by the FS to be analyzed.

2. Label and SDS: The Vendor must keep a copy of the label and the Safety Data Sheet on site with any insecticide or chemical supplied by the Vendor.

3. Btk Information: Only one Btk formulation will be accepted for the 2024 proposal: Foray 76B. All insecticide for use on this project must be manufactured within 6 months of the date of application. Proper documentation of its manufacturing date must be available for review at the start of the project.

Product Information Source Foray 76B, 48B Forestry Sales, Jacques Dugal Valent BioSciences 870 Technology Way Libertyville, IL 60048 Tel/Fax: 613.376.1070 Mobile: 613.539.1977

4. Gypchek: When specified the NPV Gypchek will be used where sensitive areas exist and treatment requires it.

Product Information Source Gypchek John Kyhl

1992 Folwell Ave St Paul, MN 55108 Mobile: 651-366-7706

5. Containers: The Vendor may choose 55-gallon drums, mini bulks, and/or tanker deliveries for the Foray 76B. All containers must be labeled correctly at all times. Potential problems associated with the handling, storage, transporting, agitation, loading, and recirculation need to be anticipated prior to the start of the project. It is the Vendor's responsibility to ensure a trouble-free operation with the material purchased.

XI. Application Specifications and Conditions

1. Operational Conditions: Refer to Exhibit 12 for a complete discussion of products and application procedures.

a) WEATHER RESTRICTIONS - The FS's Program Supervisor, or designated representative, during day-to-day administration of the Contract shall determine when spraying operations will be prohibited. Information supplied by the field crews, the pilot and local and regional weather service will be used in making these decisions. The following spray area conditions are used as guidelines in halting spray operations.

i) Wind velocity exceeding ten (10) miles per hour.

ii) Rain or foggy weather, or when the foliage is dripping wet, or when there is an imminent threat of rain within two hours.

iii) When air turbulence (thermal updrafts, etc.) is so great as to seriously affect the normal spray deposition.

iv) When the air temperature exceeds 75 deg. F or is below 35 deg. F.

v) When the relative humidity is less than 40 %.

b) SPRAY DAYS - The intention of the FS is to spray six-days per week, whenever conditions are acceptable. To avoid pilot and support personnel fatigue, every attempt will be made to have a rest day during each seven (7) day working period when the weather conditions are not favorable for spraying. This rest day could fall on any day of the week. The FS’s Program Supervisor or his designated representative has the prerogative to cancel or limit the amount of spraying and personnel working on overtime status. In residential areas, holiday spraying should be terminated in mid-morning before backyard activities begin. Spraying on Sunday will be avoided whenever possible. Local factors may further limit spray operations.

2. Evening Spraying: The primary productive spray time is in the early morning. Evening spraying is available and permitted when the weather report is favorable and where a few hours would be helpful in keeping on schedule. Evening spraying leads to fatigue for everyone working on the program. For these reasons, evening operations should not be automatically included in the daily spray schedule.

Evening spraying may be utilized when it can be very productive, such as finishing an area and moving to a new location for the next morning's operations. Pilots flying for more than 6 hours in the morning should be exempt from any evening spray that day. The Vendor may request cancellation of evening spraying following two consecutive evening operations if a rest is needed to ensure continued safe operations.

3. Designated Areas: Application of the spray material will be confined, as much as operationally possible, to the designated areas. Within these areas, the spray material is to be applied to trees.

Every attempt shall be made to shut off over open fields, marshes, and all open bodies of water.

Caution will be exercised during all spray operations to avoid depositing any material over school buses or schools.

4. Airspeed: An exact application airspeed will be assigned to each aircraft at time of calibration. All aircraft must stay within the allowable airspeed limits of the aircraft and will be agreed upon at calibration.

5. Height: Spray application shall be released between 100 to 150 feet above the canopy of the target, except where obstructions in or adjacent to the target would endanger the safety of the pilot while applying pesticides at that altitude.

6. Calibration/Characterization: Between one and three weeks prior to the scheduled start of the aerial application, weather and schedule permitting, a representative of the USFS will meet the Vendor at a location mutually agreed upon by USFS and the Vendor to verify the compliance of the aircraft, spray systems, and other support equipment with the contract specifications. At this time, calibration and characterization will be conducted and a swath width will be verified / assigned.

Calibration may be conducted the day before commencement of treatment at the treatment site for aircraft that have previously been characterized by a FS-recognized entity.

7. Turns: The spray booms will be shut off at the end of each run and during the time when a turn is being made to start another spray run or a sensitive area is identified within the treatment block.

8. Accuracy: FS personnel will monitor the spray application for accuracy. They will look for uniform coverage, droplet size, and complete coverage of the trees in the designated areas. Areas improperly treated due to the pilot's error or performance will be retreated at no additional cost to the FS.

XII. Navigational Assistance

1. Auxiliary Aircraft: The Vendor will provide an auxiliary aircraft (observation plane) and pilot to serve as an observation plane at no additional cost to the FS for each treatment area (when applicable).

FS personnel may fly in the observation plane provided the plane and its pilot and the insurance coverage meet the requirements of this contract. All spray aircraft and observation aircraft must be equipped with a reliable GPS navigational system. The system shall be fully operational and compatible in the project area specified.

2. Additional Navigational & Guidance Systems: All application aircraft must be equipped with a DGPS. Refer to Exhibit 10 for DGPS requirements.

XIII. General Aircraft Operational Limitations

1. Reserve Fuel: A minimum of twenty (20) minutes reserve supply of fuel over the amount needed for the average round trip shall be required for each aircraft. In the event of congested areas, FAA regulations may require additional fuel. FAA regulations will be followed.

2. Loading: The Vendor is responsible for the proper loading of the aircraft. Loading will be under the Vendor’s direction and will be inspected before takeoff. The takeoff weight will not exceed the maximum gross weight specified by the aircraft manufacturer under the standard category of aircraft. The pilot shall compensate for altitude, temperature, landing site conditions, and other adverse flying conditions.

3. Visibility: The aircraft windshields or bubble shall be kept clean.

4. Flight Duty Limitations: Assigned duty of any kind must not exceed 14 hours in any 24-hour period.

“Duty” includes flight time, ground duty of any kind, and standby. Local travel up to a maximum of 30 minutes each way between the worksite and place of lodging will not be considered duty time. Flight crewmembers will be subject to the following duty hour limitations:

a) A maximum of 14 consecutive duty hours during any assigned duty period.

b) The pilot must be given 2 calendar days of rest (off duty) within any 14 consecutive calendar days.

c) The pilot must be given a minimum of 10 consecutive hours of rest (off duty) prior to any assigned duty period.

d) The above limits notwithstanding, pilots are expected to notify the COR if they become fatigued prior to reaching the duty day limit.

e) Flight time is not entirely reliable as a gauge of accumulative pilot fatigue. Sound judgment is essential to maintain a high degree of safety. The pilot may request a break of thirty (30) minutes after any four consecutive hours of flight.

f) Flight crewmembers will be limited to the following flight hour limitations, which must fall within their duty hour limitations:

I. A maximum of 8 hours flight time during any assigned duty period. Pilot flight hour computations shall begin at lift-off and end at touchdown.

II. A maximum of 42 hours flight time during any consecutive 6-day period. When a pilot acquires 36 or more flight hours in a consecutive 6-day period, the pilot will be given the following 1 calendar day off duty for rest, after which a new 6-day cycle will begin.

XIV. Agreed Damages for Failure to Perform

1. Introduction: Due to the phenology of the spongy moth, the amount of time available for treatment is limited. For this reason, delays caused by the Vendor during periods of acceptable spray conditions are costly to the FS and damaging to the outcome of the program. The Vendor shall not be liable for assessed damage costs if the failure to meet the terms of the contract arises out of causes beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the Vendor. Such causes may include, but are not restricted to, acts of God or of the public enemy, acts of State in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restriction, strikes, freight embargoes, and unusually severe weather; but in every case, the failure to perform must be beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the Vendor.

2. Late Arrival: Notice will be given to the Vendor at least five (5) days in advance of a time and location to have his equipment assembled for the program start up. This is usually the day before actual spraying, and is needed for calibration checks, final inspection, and pilot briefing. Should the Vendor fail to arrive on the specified day and within one (1) hour of the agreed time of day (he will be assessed against the amount due the sum of $5,000 per day per aircraft). This is taken to mean the pilot and aircraft and its equipment, (including the communications equipment) and ground support equipment and personnel are to be ready for operation according to Contract Specifications. Arrival on time, but failure to have all the personnel and equipment (such as sufficient nozzle tips of the proper style and size and proper filter screens) on site and ready for each aircraft which causes a delay in calibration checks of one hour or more will result in the assessment against the Vendor a sum of $500 per hour per aircraft ($5000 maximum per day). Delays, which make it impossible to properly calibrate the same day, will be assessed at $5,000 per day per aircraft. Also, pilots and ground support personnel must be on site and ready to perform as required by the Contract Specifications.

3. Tardiness: The daily operation is scheduled to start 30 minutes before sunrise. The Vendor's personnel will be at the work site far enough in advance to have the aircraft checked, engines warmed up and insecticide properly agitated and loaded and ready for take-off when there is sufficient light for safe spraying. A delay in first trip take-off due to tardiness, by the Vendor, when conditions are acceptable for spraying, as determined by the FS will result in an assessment against the amount due the Vendor (the sum of five hundred ($500) dollars per hour and prorated for each additional hour, up to a maximum of $5000 per day).

4. Insufficient Material: The quantity of insecticide and aircraft fuel at the loading site must be sufficient to keep each aircraft in full production for a minimum of eight (8) hours. A shutdown caused by a lack of insecticide or fuel when spraying conditions are acceptable because the Vendor did not have sufficient material on site will result in an assessment against the amount due the Vendor of five hundred ($500) dollars per hour per incident.

5. Work Site: Failure to have work sites designated to the pilots before the start of the project as specified will result in an assessment against the amount due the Vendor of three hundred ($300) dollars per incident.

6. Improper Spraying: A uniform application at the proper droplet size and rate per acre within the designated area is essential. Where faulty application makes it necessary to respray areas not satisfactorily covered by the Vendor, such areas will be resprayed by the Vendor at no cost to the FS for either flight time or insecticide. Where faulty application results in a significant area outside the designated boundaries (such as 3% deviation from treatment area) being treated, the Vendor will be charged for the insecticide and application cost.

7. Improper Mixing: Product must be properly mixed according to label specifications, where applicable.

8. Poor Pilot Performance: The FS's Program Supervisor, or designated representative reserves the right to ground any pilot which, violates contract rules, or otherwise performs unsatisfactorily. The Vendor will then be required within a reasonable time, (which does not exceed 8 hours) specified by the FS Program Supervisor, to replace or furnish a pilot who is considered capable and qualified to safely fly and properly perform the application. Failure to furnish a replacement pilot within the specified time will result in an assessment against the amount due the Vendor of two thousand five hundred ($2,500) dollars per day.

9. Mechanical Failure: It is understood that occasionally an aircraft or truck will develop a mechanical problem even with proper maintenance. No assessment will be charged to the Vendor for such a breakdown, provided the equipment can be made ready for work by the planned start of the next day's operation. Failure to replace the aircraft within this time frame will result in the assessment of damages at a rate of three hundred ($300) dollars for each hour of acceptable flying conditions not flown (to a maximum of $2400 per day). If an aircraft suffers from frequent mechanical problems, the FS's Program Supervisor reserves the right to notify the Vendor that the aircraft must be replaced with one of similar capabilities within twenty-four (24) hours. Failure to provide a replacement within the allotted time will result in an assessment against the amount due the Vendor of two thousand five hundred ($2,500) dollars per day.

10. Procedure: Any incident in which Vendor causes a delay as described in this Section will be described in writing and documented by the FS's Project Supervisor. A copy of this report will be given to the Vendor. All reports will be subject to the appropriate provisions and assessed costs shall be deducted from the final payment made to the Vendor.