Attachment A SOW_FY26_NNIS herbicide treatment.pdf

Solicitation 12443926Q0071 NNIS Herbicide Treatment

Attachment A

STATEMENT OF WORK

All estimated quantities of work shown in the Schedule of Items are for the base year only. These estimates are not a representation that these estimated quantities will be required or ordered, or that conditions affecting requirements will be stable or normal.

These estimates were obtained from records of previous requirements and consumption, current work plans, or projected need, and are based on the most current information available.

Contractor must be registered with the Department of Labor under the Migrant and Seasonal Workers Protection Act. Contractor will follow all State and Federal regulations, including OSHA guidelines.

Contractor may accept the established base unit pricing or may at his sole discretion, request to enter negotiations for a change in unit price if evidence furnished to the Government reasonably establishes a basis for adjustment.

DEFINITIONS

BOUNDARIES: Boundaries have been flagged with BLUE flagging hung at eye level and no further than 25 feet distance from previous flagging around each area. Where appropriate, some boundaries may be designated using fences, roads, streams, or other natural structures which were used as boundaries. Where blue flagging is missing, the boundary or extent of the treatment unit will be determined by contractor and Forest Service personnel to be what Avenza maps reflects.

Contractor’s representative and the COR or Inspector will walk through units prior to any application of herbicide unless requirement is waived by COR.

SALVAGE RIGHTS: No salvage rights exist under this contract unless agreed to in writing with District COR and only in designated units.

RE-MEASUREMENT: The Contractor may at any time after issuance of a task order request re-measurement of an area. The request must be in writing. Payment will be based on the re-measurement of the acreage, except no adjustment shall be made for areas less than one (1) acre. The Contractor will pay for the cost of re-measurement if the re-measurement results in an increase of less than 15 percent. Method of re-measurement to be used will be determined by the Government.

PAYMENT: Payment for performed work will be based on actual work completed by the Contractor and accepted by the Government. Payment will be made on unit by unit basis.

CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE: The Contractor will provide a Contractor Representative for the performance of the work. The name of this person, who will act for the Contractor when the Contractor is absent, will be designated in writing to the Contracting Officer. The Contractor Representative will have full authority to act for the Contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The Contractor Representative and alternate(s) must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English, and communicate with the Contractor’s employees.

PROTECTION OF IMPROVEMENTS: Any improvements damaged by the Contractor’s work will be repaired to the condition that existed prior to the start of work at the Contractor’s expense.

GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY

The Government will provide the following item(s) of Government property to the Contractor for use in the performance of this contract. This property shall be used and maintained by the Contractor in accordance with the provisions of the "Government Property" FAR clause contained elsewhere in the contract.

Item 1: Project area maps for contract area; vicinity maps that show the general location of the contract area.

Item 2: Herbicide Triclopyr ester formulation (Triclopyr 4), adjuvent & Oil carrier.

RESOURCE PROTECTION STANDARDS – APPLICABLE TO MULTIPLE ACTIVITIES

Improvements such as fences, gates, property boundaries, corner monuments and trees that are marked or identified with paint, signs, tags, and/or blazes will be protected by the Contractor.

The Contractor will notify the COR immediately of any damaged structures and repair damages that have resulted from the Contractor’s operations.

Timing of operations will be constrained as needed to avoid conflicts with recreation, Threatened and Endangered species, wet soil conditions or other time-sensitive factors.

The contractor shall take sufficient precautions to prevent pollution of lakes and streams by fuels, oils, and other harmful materials. All streams will be kept free of all contractor generated debris. No vegetation will be treated within 30 feet of any surface water body or channel.

Before final acceptance, all trash, rubbish, and debris generated by the contractor's operation will be removed from National Forest land.

SECTION C—

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

DIVISION 100 – GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

110 - Scope of Contract. Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials (except for designated herbicide, oil carrier and blue dye), equipment, tools, transportation, supervision, supplies, and perform all work required for herbicide treatments targeting non-native invasive trees by:

• Basal bark application of herbicide and basal oil using backpack sprayers to treat Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora), Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), Princess Tree (Paulownia tomentosa), Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) and Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) in accordance with the specifications and provisions of the contract. The vast majority of vegetation to be treated within unit boundaries will be Autumn Olive but all of the above NNIS can be found in any unit and should be treated.

• Basal bark application of herbicide and basal oil using backpack sprayers to all NNIS stems 6 (six) inches in height and taller in accordance with the specifications and provisions of the contract.

• Foliar application treatments WILL NOT be substituted instead of Basal bark application due to the lack of efficacy (mortality objective), unless applicator access is severely restricted inside treatment areas. If contractor indicates that access to interior of the unit is restricted, they should reach out to the COR and meet to discuss the issue and reach a mutually agreed upon decision.

The Government will furnish no materials, labor, or equipment unless specifically identified in the Government-furnished property clause (See Section 140 below).

Amur Honeysuckle

Multiflora Rose

Japanese Barberry

SITE VISIT

There is no scheduled site visit at this time. Special arrangements may be made to provide access for inspection prior to the opening date by contacting Mark D. Miller at the Eastern Divide Ranger District Office at 540-239-3520 or 540-552-4641.

Offerors are urged to inspect the contract areas to view current conditions.

120 - Description and Location The contract area is within the boundaries of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Eastern Divide Ranger District in Botetourt and Craig counties, VA & Monroe County, WV. This treatment area consists of mature and immature timber stands as well as nearby wildlife openings.

The boundaries of the contract areas are designated on the ground with BLUE flagging hung in trees at approximately eye level. In areas where the boundary is evident (unit to be treated is surrounded by undisturbed mature timber, roads, a body of water, or a trail), these features will be treated as the boundary and will be noted on project maps provided to contractor. A key will be provided to gain access to contract areas behind locked gates. Refer to Vicinity Maps and Contract Area Maps.

Contractor MUST complete ALL INITIAL treatments by September 1, 2026 or before and MUST complete any FOLLOWUP treatments by October 1, 2026 to allow USFS to inspect for efficacy (mortality) and allow sufficient time for possible follow-up treatments as determined by USFS in order to accept work by November 1st, 2026.

Followup treatments can occur anytime after initial inspections pursuant to COR feedback.

Contract Areas – Directions.

1. Craig Creek Recreation Area (Botetourt County, VA):

9-11 miles NorthEast of New Castle, VA; See Vicinity map

• Light to heavy to Autumn Olive and scattered Multiflora Rose in three wildlife opentings and into surrounding forested areas that occur between the openings and at the end of the Craig Creek Recreation Area that accesses the fields and the forested areas.

• There are scattered small to medium size Tree of Heaven and Paulownia throughout the unit that might require additional herbicide application to achieve mortality efficacy.

2. Fenwick Mines Recreation Area (Craig County, VA):

3-5 miles East of New Castle, VA; See Vicinity map

• Light to heavy to Autumn Olive and scattered Multiflora Rose in multiple wildlife opentings and into surrounding forested areas that occur between the openings and the Recreation Area that accesses the fields and the forested areas.

• All of Unit 1 was previously treated in 2023 and has some “cleanup” treatments to eliminate the NNIS.

• About ½ of Unit 2 acres have been previously treated between 2021-2024 and will need a “cleanup” treatment plus the initial treatment in the south area of the unit.

3. Binocular Patch Area (Monroe County, WV):

4-6 miles West of Paint Bank, VA; See Vicinity map

• Light to heavy to Autumn Olive and scattered Multiflora Rose in the forested areas that occur between the treated opening and private land to the east.

• Some of this area has been previously treated in 2024.

Bid Item 1: 3 areas, totaling 101 acres, as follows:

Item

Area/Unit

Area Name

Acres

Boundary

1/1

Craig Creek Rec Area

Blue flagging or Avenza map

2/1

2/2

2/3

Fenwick Mines Rec Area Unit 1 Fenwick Mines Rec Area Unit 2 Fenwick Mines Rec Area Unit 3

3/1

Binocular Patch U1

*(only Blue-flagged areas are intended to be treated)

>>>>>>> GRAND TOTAL = 101 ACRES <<<<<<<

121 - The general location of and access to the contract area will be shown on the project area maps and vicinity maps of the area. These maps are attached.

130 – Contractor Furnished Property, Services, Responsibilities and Obligations. The contractor shall furnish all equipment (except for that listed as Government Furnished Property), labor, materials, transportation, supervision, and incidentals necessary to apply herbicide in accordance with this contract.

131 – Project Supervisor – The Contractor shall designate in writing one person on the job to act as the Project Supervisor, representing the company in all contractual matters that require prompt attention. This person should be familiar with all equipment being used and shall attend any pre-work meetings. The Project Supervisor & the Lead Technician will be required to attend the mandatory Pre Work meeting to discuss NNIS identification and application techniques. Forest Service personnel may embed with contractor crew for the first day or two to guide the proper treatment technique to assist contractor in improving the efficacy of the treatments.

132 – Certification – The contractor shall have a representative who holds a current pesticide use applicator license in the States of Virginia to supervise the project.

133 - Certification – The contractor shall have a current commercial pesticide applicators license for the state of Virginia to supervise the project.

134 – Records - The Contractor shall maintain an accurate record of the herbicide used on each unit (including the amounts of the herbicide and carrier by treatment unit). The Contractor will also record basic weather information each day by unit, including temperature range, and any precipitation that occurred during or just prior to applications.

After completing the contract, the Contractor’s Project Supervisor will submit the records with the information to the COR.

140 – Government Furnished Property. Herbicide Triclopyr ester formulation (Triclopyr 4), adjuvent and oil carrier to mix treatment solution. Generic products are acceptable (Alligare 4, Element 4).

DIVISION 200 – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

210 – Chemical Herbicide Applications:

211 – BASAL BARK APPLICATIONS - Garlon 4, Acid equivalent: triclopyr – 44.3% - 4 lb. / gal (Manufactured by Dow AgroSciences EPA Reg. No. 62719-40) or equivalent shall be applied in accordance with labeling and the following instructions:

1. The Contractor shall use the low volume basal bark application method to treat all Ailanthus and Paulownia trees 1/2” and greater in diameter (at ground level-up hill side of the tree) at breast height (DBH) (DBH is measured at 4.5’ above ground level, uphill side of the tree) with the appropriate mixture of herbicide and basal oil.

2. Mix 20 gallons of Garlon 4 (or equivalent) in enough basal oil to make 100 gallons of spray mixture. This is referred to as a “low volume basal bark application” in labeling information. A 20% triclopyr mix is sufficient to successfully treat areas.

3. Apply using a backpack sprayer or other hand sprayer using low pressure using a solid cone or fan type spray nozzle.

4. The basal oil carrier used by the contractor, must be compatible carrier for the herbicide (according to the labeling information). It must only be used according to the product’s labeling instructions.

5. Spray the basal parts of Tree of Heaven and Paulownia trees greater than 12” DBH (above ground level), to a height of 12” to 15” in a manner that thoroughly wets the lower stem, root collar area and large exposed roots, but not to the point of runoff. Spray the basal parts of same trees 1/2” and up to 12” DBH to a height of 6 to 8” in the same manner.

6. Spray the basal parts of Autumn Olive and Multiflora rose (above ground level) to a height of 10” to 12” in a manner that thoroughly wets the lower stem, root collar area and large exposed roots, but not to the point of runoff.

7. Trees with a DBH larger than 4” should receive a full application, coating the base of the tree to a height of 14” to 15” from ground level (uphill side of tree).

8. Ensure that there are no “gaps” of applied herbicide and oil on the tree, coverage should be complete. The entire perimeter of the base of the stem should receive the application.

9. No other chemical shall be added to spray mix without approval from the

COR.

10. These treatments will occur in all units.

220 - Application. Forest Service personnel have designated spray area boundaries with BLUE flagging or as described in Section 120.

1. Before beginning treatment in an area, the COR or designated inspector will reserve the right to require that the Contractor’s representative will walk through the area to review special conditions or area to avoid during spraying.

2. Application of spray material shall be confined to the designated spray area.

Buffer areas or places where spraying is not permitted will be identified by the COR or inspector prior to beginning a unit. The boundaries of these buffer areas may or may not have been painted or flagged. Required buffer distances for water quality are as follows:

i. 30 feet wide along each side of stream channels and around wet areas having no defined outlet.

230 – Safety. The Contractor or his Project Supervisor shall report all accidents or incidents associated with this contract to the Contracting Officer within 24 hours. This report shall contain description, cause, and future actions contemplated to avoid future occurrences.

Accidents, as used throughout this contract shall mean destruction or substantial damage to any motorized vehicle, and minor, serious, or fatal injury to personnel.

Incidents, as used throughout this contract shall mean any mishap, malfunction, or situation involving equipment or personnel, which results in a deviation from standard procedures or has the potential of resulting in an accident, injury, or death.

The Contractor shall comply with all Federal and State regulations for spraying herbicide.

The following safety rules will apply for herbicide applications:

1. Read the safety information on the label.

2. Wear the proper protective clothing.

3. Keep first aid equipment and a supply of clean water readily available, including soap and eye wash equipment meeting OSHA regulations.

4. Do not work alone.

5. Haul only the needed amount of herbicide

6. Stand upwind from the spray projects to avoid contaminating yourself.

7. Keep the container below eye level when pouring to avoid splashing or spilling any herbicide on the face or into the eyes.

8. If herbicides are spilled, stop immediately, wash contaminated area, and remove contaminated clothing.

9. Wash hands after applying herbicides before eating, drinking, using tobacco, or using the toilet.

240 – Care and Handling of Herbicide. The Contractor shall be responsible for the security of all herbicides, equipment, and materials furnished for this project. The Contractor shall protect the herbicide and take precautions to prevent loss or theft while working on this project. These measures shall include, but are not limited to the following:

1. The herbicide shall not be allowed to freeze.

2. Containers shall not be damaged to the extent that herbicide leaks are likely to occur.

3. The Contractor shall take precautions to prevent spills during transportation, mixing, and handling.

Personnel handling herbicides shall wear protective clothing and or equipment as recommended by the herbicide manufacturer. The contractor will provide soap and water for personnel to wash with on the job site.

Herbicides shall not be applied, or equipment cleaned outside of areas designated by COR.

Sites selected for mixing, loading, and cleaning of equipment shall be located to prevent contamination of streams, ponds, or spring seeps. The Forest Service will approve all such locations.

241 - Transportation of Herbicides. – Contractor is legally responsible for the safe transportation of herbicides. Contractor shall follow travel routes designated by the COR when transporting herbicides from the public road system to the treatment sites.

Transport vehicles shall be parked inside the treatment site in an area designated by the COR. Transportation of chemicals used on this contract shall be in accordance with label instructions and generally approved and accepted procedures for safe transportation of herbicides. The following precautions as a minimum shall be taken by the Contractor to prevent spills, accidents, injury, or theft.

1. Transport herbicides in the cargo compartment of a truck or other vehicle away from the passenger compartment.

2. No personnel shall be permitted to ride in the back of a vehicle with the herbicide.

3. Herbicide shall not be transported in the same compartment with food or clothing.

4. If any herbicide is spilled in or from the vehicle, it shall be cleaned up at once.

5. Maintain herbicides in secure conditions.

242 - Herbicide Spills. Contractor shall be responsible for all costs for damages, clean up and decontamination should an herbicide spill occur. If a spill occurs, every effort shall be made to keep it from contaminating water and other off-site areas. The spill shall be cleaned up as quickly as possible. Herbicide spills shall be handled in accordance with the standard procedures for spill clean-up (40 CFR 117).

The Contractor must have a spill prevention and clean-up plan approved by the COR prior to starting work. Herbicide wasted through spills greater than 5 gallons of diluted product, or 1 quart of undiluted product must be reported to the COR and the appropriate state and federal agencies immediately. This report shall contain description, cause, and future actions contemplated to avoid future occurrences.

243 – Storage and Security – The Contractor shall be responsible for the storage and security of all government supplied materials which may be furnished for this project.

244 - Disposal of Herbicide Containers. All empty containers will be rinsed 3 times, and rinse solution will be applied to the treatment site. Empty containers will be punctured and disposed of properly (according to label directions) by the Contractor. No empty containers will be left at the worksite.

250 – Resource Protection. Upon completion of work at each area and prior to moving to the next area, all trash, rubbish, and debris generated by the Contractor’s operations shall be removed from National Forest land and properly disposed of.

260 – Protection of Improvements. The Contractor shall take every precaution necessary to prevent damage to any improvement in or near the contract areas, i.e., roads, trails, ditches, fences, etc. The Contractor shall be liable for any damages caused by his operations and shall make repairs promptly.

DIVISION 300 – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

310 – Inspection Procedures. Inspections of the work performed under this contract will be made as the work progresses by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or the designated Inspector. Inspection will be at unit by unit intervals or as necessary to ensure compliance with the contract. Inspection dates will lag behind treatment applications by, at least, 10 to 14 days to allow for visual effects to be seen revealing mortality. Mortality is defined as “total kill”, not just “top kill” which is an insufficient treatment whereby the root system is still viable.

320 – Satisfactory Treatment. It is inherent that some trees will be improperly treated, and some degree of allowance should be made for improper treatment when the area is otherwise considered satisfactory. Therefore, an allowance will be made for acceptance of an area as satisfactorily treated if at least 95% of the designated trees or unit area has been treated (95% of stems display mortality) in accordance with the contract specifications.

DIVISION 400 – MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT

410 – Method of Measurement. Acreage listed in the bid schedule was determined by GPS for this contract and is considered actual acreage. The acreages shown in the Schedule of Items have not been reduced to account for inclusions which are unsuitable for spraying due to standing water or buffer strips (described in section 220 (c) above). Though some of these inclusions exist within the project area, no reduction will be made in the contract payment to account for them.

If the contractor requests a remeasurement of any unit and the results of the remeasurement show that the acreage is more than 15% different from original measurement, the Government will pay at the unit price for the number of acres shown on the remeasurement and the cost of the remeasurement itself. If, however, the remeasurement shows the acreage to be within the 15% allowable variation, payment will be for the original acreage for that unit and the contractor will pay for the cost of the remeasurement. The Forest Service will determine the method of remeasurement. The Forest Service will perform all remeasurements.

420 – Basis of Payment. Payment will be made at the unit bid price for the total number of acres satisfactorily completed and accepted. Invoices should be submitted unit by unit as the work is completed and accepted.

HERBICIDE STANDARDS COMMON TO ALL METHODS OF APPLICATION

The contractor shall apply herbicides in accordance with the label directions.

The specific herbicide that will be used within a treatment area and its application rate shall be determined by the Forest Service.

Basal bark herbicide formulations applied within the contract area will include a compatible dye.

No herbicide is broadcast within 25 feet of private land or within 300 feet of a private residence except as directed by the COR.

Application equipment, empty herbicide containers, clothes worn during treatment, and skin are not cleaned in open water or wells. Mixing and cleaning water must come from a public water supply and be transported in separate labeled containers.

Herbicide mixing, loading, or cleaning areas in the field are not located in sensitive areas, or within 200 feet of private land, open water, or wells.