Attachment_4-_A05-_SOW.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS

(HERBICIDE APPLICATION)

Fuel Break Herbicide Application

1. Approximate Acreage: 2,210 acres.

2. Location of Work Site as Shown on Work Location Map: The Big Desert Fuel Break Herbicide Application project area is located in Bingham, Butte, and Power Counties approximately 18 miles northwest of Aberdeen, Idaho. The project will be implemented along 66 miles of desert roads located on federal land administered by the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Idaho Falls District (IFD), Upper Snake Field Office (USFO), and short segments of State of Idaho and private land where treatment has been authorized. The topography of the project area consists of gently rolling lava plains with associated basalt bluffs and desert playas. Elevations range from 4,600 feet to over 5,300 feet above sea level at the base of Big Southern Butte.

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

Contractor will be required to stage along roadsides or pull-out areas void of tall vegetation. Contractor needs to be cautious of ATV/UTV muffler in tall vegetation when stopped. ATVs/UTVs must have a spark arrestor installed and have a current registration with the State of Idaho. Work crews will be required to carry fire suppression tools when travelling cross-country including a shovel, bladder bag and an ABC fire extinguisher.

The Contractor will immediately notify Eastern Idaho Interagency Fire Center (208) 524-7600 if a fire is started or discovered. Idaho Fire Restriction Plan will be followed.

4. Work Crew Requirements: Work crews for handling, mixing, loading, and applying herbicide shall be furnished by the Contractor.

5. Herbicide: Herbicides will be stored at the Idaho Falls BLM yard and delivered to a location nearest to the project site that will be mutually agreed on by BLM and the contractor. This site will be identified on the location map once agreed on by both the Government and the contractor. Initial herbicide amount supplied with additional herbicide delivered by the Government with two business days’ notice. Return any un-used herbicide concentration to Idaho Falls BLM facility upon project completion. Contractor will be required to mix only the herbicide amount needed for the day of applications. Disposal of mixed herbicide is the responsibility of the contractor. Contractor is required to have a locked storage for herbicide concentrate containers and keep herbicide locked-up while unattended. The capacity of the locked storage should be large enough for 25 gallons of herbicide in 2.5-gallon individual containers. Contractor is responsible for any/all spill occurrences. Contractor is required to immediately notify Contracting Officers Representative (COR)/Project Inspector (PI) if spill occurs on BLM land.

6. Kind of Chemical: (Herbicides and Adjuvant will be Furnished by Government)

2,4-D LV6:

• 2,4-D LV6 by Alligare, LLC

• 2,4-D LV6 by Albaugh, LLC

• 2,4-D LV6 by Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC

• Base Camp LV6 by Wilbur-Ellis Co., LLC

Metsulfuron methyl:

• Escort XP by Bayer Environmental Science

• Escort XP by DuPont Crop Protection

Picloram:

• Picloram 22K by Alligare, LLC

• OutPost 22K by Corteva Agriscience

• Tordon 22K by Dow Agroscience

Fluroxypyr:

• Alligare Fluroxypyr by Alligare, LLC

• Vista XRT by Corteva AgriScience

• Vista XTR by Dow AgroSciences

Adjuvant:

• MSO Concentrate with Lecithin

7. Rate of Application: The recommended herbicide application rate per acre is identified below. The contractor shall adhere to the application rate the Government has determined for the project. The rate will be within the product label rate.

• 1-quart 2,4-D LV6 per acre

• ¾-ounce Metsulfuron methyl per acre

• 1-quart Picloram per acre

• 12-ounces Fluroxypyr per acre

• 1-quart MSO Concentrate with Lecithin per acre

• 10-15-gallons of water carrier per acre

8. GPS: A Trimble Global Positioning System (GPS) or equivalent data collection unit is required. Contractor is required to record GPS tracklog lines at all times where applications are conducted. GPS data will be recorded in UTM NAD 1983 Zone 12N and uncorrected GPS files will be submitted to the COR upon project completion.

9. Remarks and Other Requirements: Treatments will begin June 1, 2024, and continue until all areas have been inspected and treated. The application will be paralleling improved and unimproved roads. A treatment area of 150 feet either side of the designated roads is the requirement. Due to the contour of the roads and the inability of certain equipment to precisely apply herbicides to the 150-foot treatment area, ground-based application will be the preferred method. The intent of the application is to treat the vegetated areas directly adjacent to the roadways.

Every effort must be made by the applicator to ensure that a majority of the herbicide is applied to the target vegetation within the treatment areas. The timing of the treatment will need to be kept flexible to maximize the effects of the herbicide. The herbicide solution will need to be applied through properly maintained and calibrated equipment capable of delivering the desired volume per acre. The Contractor is responsible for the proper disposal of all mixed herbicide and for the clean-up of any/all spills. Should a spill occur, the Contractor will immediately notify the COR. The Contractor is responsible for applying herbicides in accordance with the Detailed Specifications in this contract, and the Herbicide Label. Controlling drift is the responsibility of the Applicator. BLM pesticide application records need to be filled out daily within 24 hours of application and submitted to USFO at completion of project. BLM pesticide application records will be provided by the Government at the Contractor/Contracting Officer (CO) meeting. The Contractor will be required to start work within three days after being notified by the COR.

1.0 GENERAL

1.1 The purpose of this contract is to secure services for on-the-ground herbicide application targeting Russian thistle (Salsola kali), annual kochia (Bassia scoparia), as well as other roadside weeds, in addition to native shrubs, i.e., big sagebrush and rabbitbrush, located within designated fuel breaks. All services will be implemented with on-the-ground equipment such as 4x4 trucks, ATVs, or UTVs. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, supplies, and incidentals; and perform all work necessary to complete the specifications in this contract. Herbicide will be provided by the Government.

1.2 The Contractor’s applicators shall hold a current Idaho Professional Applicator License in the Agricultural Pesticide Category. The Government will inspect each applicator for their current Idaho Professional Applicator’s License in the Agricultural Pesticide Category before work on this contract.

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

1.4 Applicator Logs

a. The Contractor shall maintain a daily written log or 'Daily Herbicide Application Record', which will be provided by the Government.

b. This log or record shall be signed by the applicator and turned into the COR/PI. The COR/PI will check the Contractor’s equipment to ensure proper operation and the Contractor shall demonstrate that the work crews are properly trained in the identification of the target plant species.

1.5 The Government will pay for treatment by the treated acre upon submission of proper invoices, after acreage is determined to have been treated by using the computer-generated shapefile from a GPS. (See Section 4.5 – GPS)

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

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

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

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

1.10 The Contractor shall adhere to the Idaho Fire Restrictions Plan and will need to stop work if Stage II Fire Restrictions are implemented. Information regarding the Idaho Fire Restrictions Plan and Stage II Fire Restrictions can be found on www.idahofireinfo.com.

2.0 LOCATIONS

2.1 The Government will provide work location and treatment area map(s) for all sites that are to be treated.

2.2 The Government will provide GPS perimeter data of the boundaries of all sites that are to be treated.

3.0 CHEMICALS

3.1 The Government will supply all the chemical herbicide necessary to complete the specifications of this contract.

Unused concentrated herbicides will be returned to the Government upon completion of the contract. Contractor is responsible for disposal of mixed herbicide.

3.2 The chemical herbicides to be applied under this contract will include 2,4-D LV6, Metsulfuron methyl, Picloram, and Fluroxypyr. The contractor shall adhere to the application rate the Government has determined for each site.

The rate is within the product label rate.

3.3 Adjuvants

a. A high-quality methylated seed oil (MSO) adjuvant that provides uniform mixing as well as drift reduction, enhanced penetration, and droplet adhesion will be used at manufacturer’s recommended rates in the tank mix. Government shall supply all adjuvant to be used. Contractor is responsible for disposal of mixed adjuvants.

b. Drift agents may be used. If a drift control additive is used, read, and carefully observe the cautionary statements and all other information appearing on the additive label. The Contractor shall provide the drift agent. Controlling drift is the responsibility of the Contractor.

c. If the Government desires that dye be used for marking sprayed areas, it will be provided by the Government.

d. All drift agents, adjuvants and dyes shall be handled as chemicals. (See Section 7.0 - Safety)

e. No additional payment will be made to the Contractor for the use of Contractor furnished drift agents or Government-Furnished adjuvants and dyes. These expenses shall be included in the unit price bid per acre for herbicide spraying.

4.0 EQUIPMENT

4.1 General: The Contractor shall treat designated areas in conformance with these specifications and the Detailed Specifications. Unless otherwise specified, the Contractor shall furnish all equipment, labor, supplies, and materials required to complete the job. The Contractor shall service and repair his/her equipment as necessary to maintain satisfactory progress on work. Contractor is responsible for all costs incidental to equipment http://www.idahofireinfo.com/ mobilization and demobilization associated with the project.

4.2 Equipment

a. The Contractor shall furnish sufficient equipment to satisfactorily treat the designated area(s) in the time specified as required in the Detailed Specifications. Equipment shall be capable of traveling at moderate speed. Contractor shall have communications with the Government by use of cell phones.

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.

c. Booms: Contractor shall furnish non-rust booms.

4.4 Work Crew

a. Applicators/Work Crews: Shall be furnished by the Contractor for the application of herbicides and loading/unloading of equipment and shall meet certification requirements of Idaho Regulations for this type of work. 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.

b. Work crews shall be well trained with the use of GPS units. A designated trained crew lead will need to be on-site during the duration of the project to secure project specification compliance.

4.5 Global Positioning System (GPS)

a. Requirement: A Trimble GPS or equivalent data collection unit that is capable of recording points, lines, and polygons.

b. Memory/Battery: Must be capable of storing and operating up to 8 hours of continuous project log data.

c. GPS data will be recorded in UTM’s with a Datum of North American Datum (NAD) 1983 (Conus) Zone 12 North.

d. Contractor required to log GPS tracklog lines during all times of on-the-ground treatments.

5.0 EXECUTION OF WORK

5.1 Pre-Work Conference: Prior to commencement of work, a meeting may be requested by the CO to be attended by the Contractor, the COR, and the PI. The meeting will be held at the USFO at a time mutually agreeable to the Contractor and the CO 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 CO.

5.2 Progress Reports: Contractor will provide weekly progress summaries to the BLM Representative (COR/PI).

Regular communication between BLM Representatives and the contractor is required to help alleviate any problems or potential delays.

5.3 Environmental Conditions

a. Work Period: Spraying Operations will be permitted only during daylight hours. The Contractor will have a foreman on site prior to commencing daily application, during application, and will notify COR/PI of changing weather conditions. The COR/PI will allow Contractor to continue or stop application if weather factors dictate. The COR/PI will give the permission to start, approximately one

(1) hour from notification of conditions, depending on location of project from the USFO.

b. Wind: Spraying shall not be done when the wind is greater than 10 mph constant or is less than 2 mph or as specified on the Label. 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: No treatment spraying will be allowed under the following conditions:

i. Winds greater than 10 mph or less than 2 mph or as specified on the Label.

ii. During rain or snow.

iii. Within four (4) hours after rain or snow, unless approved in writing by the COR.

iv. When there is obvious surface run-off on work site

v. Will not be directly applied to water.

vi. Applicators will not be allowed to conduct any herbicide application within one mile (5,280 feet) of agricultural crops or residences.

vii. If Stage II Fire Restrictions are implemented as outlined in the Idaho Fire Restrictions Plan.

5.4 Spraying

a. On-the-ground herbicide application is required with 100% coverage of entire project boundary. (See Detailed Specifications)

b. Rate of Spraying: Herbicide mixture shall be applied as follows: one (1) quart of 2,4-D LV6 + three fourths (3/4) ounce of Metsulfuron methyl + one (1) quart Picloram + twelve (12) ounces of Fluroxypyr + 1-quart MSO Concentrate with Lecithin per acre. Contractor will be required to demonstrate that they can provide adequate and uniform coverage at the appropriate application rate. Contractor shall furnish mixing equipment, suitable work crew, and perform mixing operation. Application formulation shall be applied thoroughly according to the Label and distributed over entire plant or application area.

Distribution of herbicide shall not vary more than ten percent (10%) above or below the average distribution of herbicide per acre from that specified.

c. Applicators will not be allowed to conduct any herbicide application within one mile (5,280 feet) of agricultural crops or residences, within 100 feet from surface waters and shallow water tables, or within 50 feet from any riparian area.

d. ATV/UTV use is not authorized within 10-ft. from surface water edge.

e. Application Height: Spray boom shall be set at a height to obtain proper distribution and uniform coverage of herbicide on target species. Contractor shall follow Herbicide Label instructions on Spray Drift Management to obtain proper boom height.

f. 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.

5.5 Sprayer Clean up: Shall be conducted according to the label instructions. Avoiding contamination of the work site or sensitive areas is the responsibility of the Contractor.

5.6 Field Quality Control: The Government representative(s) will make periodic site visits to inspect herbicide application. Inspected treatment sites will be selected based upon application data provided by the contractor and/or previously identified locations where water sensitive cards were placed.

a. Tests for Rate of Application: Rate of spraying will be determined from test applications and strip tests made prior to commencement of spraying operations to establish setting of the distribution mechanism.

b. GPS data obtained from the Contractors GPS units will be used to ensure compliance of application.

GPS lines will be recorded during all times of application. GPS data will be used to create a GIS shapefile to determine treated areas.

5.7 Work stoppages: The Contractor agrees to work diligently to complete the application of the herbicide. The Government reserves the right to stop spraying operations at any time when conditions are considered sufficiently unfavorable to warrant stoppage. Stoppage shall continue until spraying operations are again authorized by the Government. Because of the nature of the work, any time for which work is suspended by the Government because of unsuitable spraying conditions or Stage II Fire Restrictions will not be counted against the contract completion time. However, no monetary compensation will be given to the Contractor by reason of such work suspension.

5.8 Termination for convenience of the Government: Because of the nature of the work, the CO 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 treated to the standards specified above. Test for uniformity will be made at the time of spraying, and final completion of the contract will be determined by these tests.

5.10 Risk and damages: The Contractor shall assume all risks in connection with performance of the contract and shall be liable for any or all damages to persons or property in connection with the execution of work by 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 shapefile created from GPS data at the option of the Government. The shapefile will be used in ArcPro for final acreage measurement. Acreages will be computed from horizontal distances as shown on maps at the option of the Government.

c. Remeasurement: Remeasurement of the acreage under this contract will be made upon the written request of the Contractor. The request for remeasurement must be made in writing within 10 calendar days after completion of the work. If remeasurement indicates a difference of not more than 5% from the original measurement, the Contractor shall pay the actual cost of the remeasurement. Payments will be based on the second measurement where the difference between measurements is more than 5%. Where the difference is less than 5%, the results of the first measurement will be used.

6.2 Basis of Payment:

a. Payment: Payment will be made at the unit price per treated 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 respraying, if such work is required.

7.0 SAFETY

7.1 Transportation of herbicides: The Government shall be responsible for the transport of chemical herbicides used to fulfill the specifications of this contract to the Contractor pick-up site. The Contractor shall load and transport the herbicide from the pick-up site to the work site(s) and shall be responsible for its protection from loss or damage due to weather, rodents, insects, theft, or any other hazard. Any herbicide damaged or lost while in the custody of the Contractor will be replaced by the Government and actual cost to the Government for replacement will be deducted from payments due the Contractor. All unused herbicides shall be returned to the Government by the Contractor upon completion of work or termination of the contract.

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 advice on protective clothing and equipment which appears on the herbicide label and/or SDS documentation. The Contractor shall make available cleanup facilities to contract employees exposed to herbicides or herbicide-contaminated equipment.

7.3 Storage of herbicides: Contractor required to have locked storage for herbicide concentrate containers and keep herbicide locked-up while unattended. The capacity of the locked storage should be large enough for 25 gallons of herbicide in 2.5-gallon sized individual containers.

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 Idaho 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, empty containers, and lids.

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.

GLOSSARY

ACTIVE INGREDIENT: The chemicals in an herbicide which control the targeted brush 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, printed, or graphic 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 Idaho 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.