B08_Solicitation.pdf

2023 COLUMBIA PLATEAU RESTORATION SOLICITATION NO. 140L4323Q0114

BLM SPOKANE DISTRICT, WASHINGTON Page 1 of 81

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR

Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

Solicitation no. 140L4323Q0138 has been issued as a Request For Quotation for a firm fixed price commercial services contract for 2023 Columbia Plateau Restoration, located at Douglas County, Washington at one lump sum price. The scope of work includes contracting for herbicide application, seed and seedling production, and shrub-steppe restoration including vegetation treatments in the Columbia Plateau on public lands administered by the

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Spokane District (SPO) in Douglas County, Washington. The performance period is from 10/02/2023 through 10/01/2028. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2023-02 dated March 16, 2023. The provision at 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors – Commercial, applies to this acquisition. The provision at 52.212-2, Evaluation –

Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers: Technical

Approach, Past Performance, and price. Offerors are advised to submit a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-

3, Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Items, with its offer. The clause at 52.212-4, Contract

Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. The clause at 52.212-5 Contract Terms and

Conditions Required to Implement Statutes Or Executive Orders – Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.

This requirement is set-aside for HUBZONE- SMALL BUSINESS. The NAICS code is 115112 and the small business size standard is $9.5m. The basis of award is the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. Award will be made to the responsible respondent pursuant to FAR subpart 9.1. Offers are due by 06/19/2023, 4:00pm, Pacific Time. For information regarding this solicitation, contact Benjamin Becker at babecker@blm.gov and Andrea Hart at amhart@blm.gov.

mailto:babecker@blm.gov mailto:amhart@blm.gov

BLM SPOKANE DISTRICT, WASHINGTON Page 2 of 81

SECTION B – SERVICES AND PRICES

This requirement is for one(1) Firm Fixed Price Commercial Services Contract for contracting for herbicide application, seed and seedling production, and shrub-steppe restoration including vegetation treatments in the

Columbia Plateau on public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Spokane District (SPO) in Douglas County, Washington.

BID SCHEDULE)

BASE (Date of Award –Month 12)

Item no.

Item Description Quantity Unit of

Measure

Unit Price Total

Task One (1): Mohr Cyn herbicide (ESR)

0001 1.R. Mobilization

1 EA $ $

0002 1.J. Site monitoring

5 visits $ $

0003 1.E. Herbicide application: hand-spray

100 Acres $ $

0004 1.E. Herbicide application: follow-up

50 Acres $ $

Task One (1): Total $

Task Two (2): Mohr Cyn/McCue riparian (ESR)

0005 1.R. Mobilization

2 EA

0006 1.J. Site monitoring

5 visits

0007 1.E. Herbicide application: hand-spray

16 Acres

1.C. Mechanical treatment: site prep

(harrow, flail mow)

5 Acres

0009 1.C. Provide and install weed control matting

1 Acres

1.N: Seed collection and grow-out: multiple species

1 job

BLM SPOKANE DISTRICT, WASHINGTON Page 3 of 81

5.B. Seedling (plug) production: mesic

5,000 plant

0012 5.B. Willow stake production

500 plant

5.B. Seedling (deep rooted) Production: Tall pots

300 plant

0014 1.D. Hand planting: plugs, willow stakes

5,000 plant

1.C. Mechanical treatment: stinger planting of large seedlings

300 pots

0016 1.E. Herbicide application: follow-up

10 Acres

Task Two (2): Total $

Task Three (3): Mesic plugs (Batterman, other)

1.M. Seedling (plug) production: mesic

2,500 plant

Task Three (3): Total $

Task Four (4): Upland plugs (Mohr)

0019 1.N: Seed collection: upland species

0020 1.M. Seedling (plug) production

20,000 plant

0021 3.x. Seedling planting

20,000 plant

Task Four (4): Total $

Task Five (5): Seed/Seedling production ("Scrappy" species)

3.A: Seed Increase: forb 1 (Plantago patagonica)

Pounds

(PLS)

BLM SPOKANE DISTRICT, WASHINGTON Page 4 of 81

3.A: Seed Increase: forb 2 (Gaillardia aristata)

(PLS)

3.A: Seed Increase: forb 3 (Eriophyllum lanatum)

(PLS)

3.A: Seed Increase: forb 4 (Calochortus macrocarpus)

(PLS)

3.A: Seed Increase: forb 5 (Erigeron filifolius)

(PLS)

3.A: Seed Increase: forb 6 (Nothocalais troximoides)

(PLS)

3.A: Seed Increase: forb 7 (Erigeron pumilus)

(PLS)

3.A: Seed Increase: forb 8 (Amsinckia lycopsoides)

(PLS)

1.M. Seedling (plug) production: 1 species, Purshia tridentata

200 plant

Task Five (5): Total $

Task Six (6): Wetland Seedling production (Duffy meadow/Wilson)

0031 1.N: Seed collection: multiple species

3.A: Seed Increase: wetland forbs and wetland graminoids

0033 1.M. Seedling (plug) production: wet species

1,000 plant

0034 3.x. Seedling planting

1,000 plant

0035 1.C. Mechanical seeding: mesic species

Task Six (6): Total $

Task Seven (7): Wetland Weed Control (00971, Grimes SW, Grimes NW)

0036 1.R. Mobilization

EA $ $

BLM SPOKANE DISTRICT, WASHINGTON Page 5 of 81

0037 1.J. Site monitoring

3 visits

0038 1.E. Herbicide application: hand-spray

7 Acres

0039 1.E. Herbicide application: follow-up

7 Acres

Task Seven (7): Total $

Task Eight (8): Seed production: Carex filifolia

0040 1.N: Seed collection: Carex filifolia

0041 3.A: Seed Increase: Carex filifolia

(PLS)

1.M. Seedling (plug) production from seed:

Carex filifolia

2,000 plant

1.M. Seedling (plug) production from crown division: Carex filifolia

2,000 bare root seedlings

Task Seven (8): Total $

Task Eight (9): Seed production (20-25F/6-12 AHM)-ESR REPLACEMENT

0044 1.N: Seed collection: multiple species

3.A: Seed Increase: grasses

2,800

(PLS)

3.A: Seed Increase: forbs

(PLS)

3.A: Seed Increase: sage brush

(PLS)

Task Nine (O.9): Total

BLM SPOKANE DISTRICT, WASHINGTON Page 6 of 81

BASE TOTAL $

OPTIONAL ITEMS

Item no.

Item Description Quantity Unit of

Measure

Unit Price Total

Optional Task Ten (O.10): Douglas County Herbicide/Mech follow-up

0048 1.R. Mobilization

1 EA

0049 1.J. Site monitoring

2 visits

1.E. Herbicide application: maintenance

500 Acres

0051 1.C. Mechanical treatment: harrow, flail mow

250 Acres

Optional Task Ten (O.10): Total

Optional Task Eleven (O.11): Douglas REC site restoration

1.R. Mobilization

0053 1.J. Site monitoring

3 visits

1.C. Mechanical treatment: site prep

(harrow, flail mow)

0055 1.E. Herbicide application:

0056 1.C. Provide and install weed control matting

1 Acres

5.B. Seedling (plug) production: mesic plant $ $

BLM SPOKANE DISTRICT, WASHINGTON Page 7 of 81 species 8,500

5.B. Seedling (deep rooted) Production: Tall pots

200 plant

0059 1.D. Hand planting: plugs

8,500 plant

1.C. Mechanical treatment: stinger planting of large seedlings

200 pots

0061 Mechanical placement of boulders

1 day

0062 1.E. Herbicide application: follow-up

0063 1.R. Mobilization

Optional Task Eleven (O.11): Total

OPTIONS TOTAL $

GRAND TOTAL $

AC = acre, EA =Each, PLS=Pounds (lb) of pure live seed, CY=cubic yards, ci=cubic inch

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: See Section F. The Contractor shall begin performance on 10/01/2023 and complete all tasks within 5 years. If option is exercised any tie after contract execution, contract period of performance will be adjusted appropriately.

ESTIMATED START WORK DATE: October 2, 2023

(End of Section B)

BLM SPOKANE DISTRICT, WASHINGTON Page 8 of 81

SECTION C – STATEMENT OF WORK

1.0 GENERAL

1.1 Introduction

The Spokane District, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is contracting for herbicide application, seed and seedling production, and shrub-steppe restoration including vegetation treatments in the Columbia Plateau on public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Spokane District (SPO) in Douglas County, Washington. This contract will include any necessary labor and field work to complete task items. Supplies shall be provided by the Contractor.

1.2 Scope

This statement of work provides an outline of the required tasks associated with herbicide application, seed production, seedling production, and restoration treatments in several treatment areas in the Columbia Plateau of

Washington. Sites treated in this Contract are primarily shrub-steppe recently disturbed by historic fire.

This work will involve a) herbicide application, both aerial and ground-based; b) production of native grass and forb seed; c) production of seedlings from native grass and forb seed; d) treatments to increase the cover of native shrub-steppe plants and decrease the cover of non-native grasses and forbs in multiple treated areas.

This contract also identifies optional items. Optional items may be awarded at the time of contract execution or may be exercised anytime up to five years after contract award. Optional items include similar deliverables as base items.

As quality assurance, the Government will inspect a) seed quality, species; b) seedling size, vigor, form; c) field treatments compared to the Work Plan/Work Schedule submitted by Contractor and accepted by the Government.

1.3 Site Visit

Contractors shall inspect the sites where services are to be performed to satisfy themselves regarding all general and local conditions that may affect the cost of contract performance, to the extent that the information is reasonably obtainable. In no event shall failure to inspect project sites constitute grounds for a claim.

1.4 Sequence of Work:

The sequence of work for this contract will be determined based on material (e.g., seed) availability (provided by

Contractor) and developing conditions in the field. Sequence of work shall be both agreeable to the Government and realistically accomplishable by Contractor, and shall meet Objectives detailed below. Line items within Tasks may depend on other within-Task items to be completed; for example, CLIN 0011 cannot be completed without completion of CLIN 0010. The Contractor shall be required to contact the Government and inspection by the

Government of key Items (such as herbicide application) shall occur prior to the Contractor initiating later Items

(such as drill seeding).

1.5 Special Requirements: None

2.0 DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS

BLM: Bureau of Land Management

CLIN: Contract Line Number.

COR: Contracting Officer’s Representative.

(FACW+): facultative wetland species, occurring in wetlands over 50% of the time it is observed.

Pesticide Application Record (PAR): A record including chemicals sprayed, location, applicator, and other information. Example record at

BLM SPOKANE DISTRICT, WASHINGTON Page 9 of 81 https://cms.agr.wa.gov/WSDAKentico/Documents/PM/Compliance/RecForm4226.pdf.

Phenological: having the influence of cyclic and seasonal climate on plant success, growth, and reproduction.

Phenologically appropriate native seed will be mature and viable at the time of collection.

Plug: used interchangeably with the plant term “seedling”. Generally, a bare root plant with a root mass contained in a roll (for this contract). Root masses are often sized 10 ci, 25 ci or larger.

PUP: Pesticide Use Proposal.

Pure Live Seed (PLS): the percent by weight of viable seed in a seed lot determined after germination and/or

Tetrazolium (TZ) tests and purity analysis at a certified lab. PLS is calculated by multiplying a seed lot’s pure seed percent by its viability percent. Any dormant seed is included with the viable seed percentage (i.e., % germination+%dormant seed=% viable seed).

Seed zone: An area with similar ecological conditions, meaning plant materials can be transferred with little risk of being poorly adapted to their new location. Seed zones are mapped at the following website:

https://usfs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=229eb45b7cc2456db6d1ad866145d397.

Work Plan: Detailed description of how the Contractor would complete each task. Work Plans should include (but not limited to): Contractor qualifications, mechanical equipment used, plant species, sizes, numbers, herbicide formulations, and schedule.

3.0 CONTRACTOR-FURNISHED ITEMS

The Contractor shall:

● Provide a full Work Plan (also called Progress Plan or Work Schedule) as specified in Section 6 of this statement of work.

● Provide all labor and supervision necessary to perform this requirement.

● Provide all equipment, supplies, and all incidentals necessary to implement all Task Items in these project areas, except as noted in Section 4.0. Contractor-provided equipment shall include but not be limited to the following:

a. Access vehicles. Vehicles shall have with sufficient clearance to work in rugged range terrain, to support all labor necessary to complete this task order.

b. Any equipment needed to produce seedlings and deliver seedlings to job sites.

c. Any equipment needed to plant seedlings (dibble bars, etc.).

● Provide all acreage, irrigation, facilities, fees, laboratory tests, records, and transportation necessary to cultivate and produce: a) cleaned and tested native seed that meets crop and seed contract quality and quantity standards for this contract; b) native seedlings (plugs and larger grown plants) used in this

Contract.

● Provide weed control fabric to complete Task 2 and Task O.11 Objectives.

● Contractor shall arrange with State seed certifying agency or its representative to have all Contractor-produced seed tested at an International Seed Testing Association (ISTA)-accredited seed testing laboratory. Contractor shall arrange for an original seed analysis report to be provided to the Government’s representative directly by the seed testing laboratory. Specific tests are detailed in Section 5 of this task order.

● Provide electronic Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment to document the extent of planting activities. Spatial data provided to the Government shall include information on the datum used by GPS unit.

● Provide GIS “as applied/as constructed” shapefile of all treatment areas, prior to acceptance by

Government.

● Provide Pesticide Application Record (PARs) to the Government within 48 hours of application.

https://cms.agr.wa.gov/WSDAKentico/Documents/PM/Compliance/RecForm4226.pdf

BLM SPOKANE DISTRICT, WASHINGTON Page 10 of 81

4.0 GOVERNMENT-PROVIDED ITEMS

4.1 Government (BLM) will provide the following materials to the Contractor prior to initiation of work on related Tasks:

● Access to all sites where restoration work is to be done

● Maps and GIS data locating treatment areas

● Current list of BLM approved herbicides and adjuvants.

● Native forb and shrub seed for use in Task 5: approximately 2.9 pounds forb seed, approximately 0.5 pounds shrub seed.

● Up to 25 boulders (up to 3 feet wide, up to 2,000 lb) for Task O.11.

5.0 SPECIFIC TASKS

5.1 Common to Multiple Tasks

5.1.1 Item 1.R: Mobilization. Tasks 1, 2, 7, and Optional Tasks O.10 and O.11. For each relevant Task, mobilization costs are represented as a single expense to move all necessary equipment and materials to a job site.

Where a Task includes more than one site requiring more than one mobilization, additional units are included in Bid

Sheet.

5.1.2 Item 1.J: Site monitoring. Tasks 1, 2, 7, and Optional Tasks O.10 and O.11. For each relevant Task, Contractor shall monitor soil moisture, temperatures, and plant phenology (germination, emergence, onset of flowering, development, etc.) with sufficient field visits to allow the Contractor to accurately apply herbicide, mechanical treatment, or perform biological treatment (e.g., seeding). Contractor shall perform monitoring sufficient to allow Contractor to meet relevant Objectives for each Task (Section 5.1.3).

5.1.3 Treatment objectives. Treatments (Tasks) in this Contract shall have some or all of the following treatment

Objectives:

1. Maintain or reduce cover of non-native plants to facilitate Objectives 2 and 3

2. Increase the cover of native grasses to 2 native grasses per 10 square feet

3. Introduce native forb to treated areas to maintain forb diversity Applicable treatment Objectives are noted by Task number. Not all Objectives are to be met in individual Tasks.

Contract deliverables (Statement of Work) do not require fully achieving relevant Objectives during the life of the

Contract, and successful completion of the Contract shall not be contingent upon achieving the above objectives.

However, when developing Work Plan and when considering application of the Work Plan or modification to the

Work Plan, potential for achievement of these objectives will be used as the guide. Contractor Work Plan should demonstrate how the Contractor shall meet or make progress towards meeting the relevant Objectives for each Task.

5.1.4 Item 1.N: Seed Collection from appropriate seed zone. Contractor shall identify and collect phenologically appropriate native forb and grass seed from any portion of the 20-25F/6-12 AHM seed zone. Seed zones are mapped at the following website:

https://usfs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=229eb45b7cc2456db6d1ad866145d397.

Collection sites may be remote and require hiking. Seed collected must be sufficient to meet needs of associated

Tasks.

Seed from adjacent seed zones may be acceptable for this Item, if no sources are available in the requested seed zone. Replacement seed from adjacent seed zones must be accepted by Government (BLM).

5.1.5 Seed standards, timing, storage, and seed delivery. Unless otherwise specified, for all seed lots produced under this Contract Task Order, Contractor shall arrange with State seed certifying agency or its representative to have seed samples collected and submitted for testing at an ISTA accredited seed testing laboratory. Contractor shall https://usfs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=229eb45b7cc2456db6d1ad866145d397

BLM SPOKANE DISTRICT, WASHINGTON Page 11 of 81 arrange for an original seed analysis report to be provided to the Government’s representative directly by the seed testing laboratory. The following tests shall be required:

● Purity

● Viability (germination or TZ test)

● Crop and weed test

Seed produced shall meet the following standards:

● PLS: minimum 80%

● Viability minimum: 60%

● Inert matter maximum: 30%

● Weeds: 0.10%

● Other crop maximum: 0.15%

Seed shall be stored in a building that allows air circulation and is protected from rain, moisture, and rodents prior to transfer to the Government. Seed shall be stored in tagged/labeled bags. Label will include:

● Name and address of Contractor (grower)

● Species name, germplasm identification term and number corresponding to seed analysis report

● Seed test results

● Bag weight

● Federal contracting officer name,

● Contract number

Unless otherwise negotiated by Contractor and Government, all grown-out seed will be delivered to Government at the following address:

Wenatchee Field Office

C/O Chris Sheridan or other BLM representative

915 Walla Walla Ave.

Wenatchee, WA 98801

5.2 Task 1: Mohr Canyon Herbicide (Hand Spray)

5.2.1 Objectives. Task one (1) includes line items (CLIN): 0001-0004. The relevant treatment Objectives of

Task 1 include Objective 1 (Section 5.1.3). Items for Task 1 will include (in order of operations): site monitoring, mobilization, and herbicide application.

Each of the required Items under Task 1 shall be coordinated to facilitate meeting site objectives.

Contractor Technical Approach documented in Work Plan/Work Schedule (Section 6) shall form the evaluation factors for this Contract. See EVALUATION OF CONTRACTOR RESPONSES.

The Government has identified 100 total acres for treatment under Task 1, identified in Map 2.

5.2.2 Location of Work: The Task 1 project area is located in Douglas County, Washington. Specifically, Task 1 work will occur in Township 23 N, Range 23 E, Sections 13 (W) and 24 (SE), and Township 23 N, Range 24 E, Section 30 (NW). See Map 2. Task 1 treatment boundaries are identified on the project map. GIS data and additional maps are available for field use. Note that treatment polygon is approximately 112 acres. Not all of this area requires treatment; Contractor shall select 100 acres in this area most needing treatment.

5.2.3 Site conditions and site access: Upland portions of the Task 1 treatment area include shrub-steppe habitat.

This area burned at moderate severity in the 2022 Mohr Canyon wildfire. Prior to wildfire, this area supported a range in shrub cover (<3% to >15%), native perennial grasses and non-native annual grasses and forbs. Access to the treatment area is from a two-track road along Douglas Creek.

BLM SPOKANE DISTRICT, WASHINGTON Page 12 of 81

5.2.4 Work Plan: Contractor shall provide a Work Plan/Work Schedule as part of its response to solicitation for this Contract. This plan shall show how Contractor will meet or make progress towards meeting the Task 1 objective (Section 5.1.1). Specifics of the Work Plan are provided in Section 6. Government Evaluation Factors will be based in part on Contractor technical approach and likelihood of achieving Task 1 objectives.

5.2.5 Item 1.E: Invasive Plant Treatment (Herbicide): As part of application for this contract, Contractor shall submit a Work Plan for weeds treatment. Work Plan shall specify how Contractor will meet Objective 1 in Task 1 treatment area. Specifics of Work Plan shall include:

• Two treatments, including hand spray of non-native noxious weeds in the first spring/summer of the

Contract (CLIN 0003), and subsequent follow-up weed treatment in Year 2 of the Contract (CLIN 0004).

• Herbicides, adjuvants, and other specifics: by treatment

Contractor Work Plan for weeds treatment shall be designed to meet the objectives of Task 1 (Section 5.2.1). Work plan (Control plan) shall include, at a minimum: herbicides to be used, application rates, application methods, timing of applications, and minimum number of applications prior to and following seeding/planting. Work Plan shall only utilize BLM-approved herbicides. The Government will review Work Schedule/Work Plan during pre-work (see

EVALUATION).

Contractor shall provide Pesticide Application Record (PARs) to the Government within 48 hours of application.

Herbicide application areas are shown on Map 2.

5.2.6 Timing and Delivery. Task 1 shall begin as soon as possible to meet Objectives following start work order.

5.3 Task 2: Mohr Canyon/McCue Springs Riparian Restoration (ESR)

5.3.1 Objectives. Task two (2) will include line items (CLIN): 0005-0016. The relevant treatment Objectives of

Task 1 include Objectives 1, 2, and 3 (Section 5.1.3). Items for Task 2 will include (in order of operations):

mechanical site preparation, planting of native plugs, planting of long root (tall pot) seedlings, and control of non-native vegetation using herbicide.

Each of the required Items under Task 2 shall be coordinated to facilitate meeting site objectives.

Contractor Technical Approach documented in Work Plan/Work Schedule (Section 6) will form the evaluation factors for this Contract. See EVALUATION OF CONTRACTOR RESPONSES.

The Government has identified a maximum of 10 acres for treatment under Task 2, identified in Map 2.

Note that not most treatments would be applied to only a portion of this full treatment area.

5.3.2 Location of Work: The Task 2 project area is located in Douglas County, Washington. Specifically, Task

2 work will occur in Township 23 N, Range 23 E, and section 01. See Map 2. Task 2 treatment boundaries are identified on the project map. GIS data and additional maps are available for field use.

5.3.3 Site conditions and site access: Similar to Task 1 area.

5.3.4 Work Plan: Contractor shall provide a Work Plan as part of its response to solicitation for this Contract.

This plan shall show how Contractor will meet or make progress towards meeting the Task 2 objectives (Section

5.3.1). Specifics of the Work Plan are provided in Section 6. Government Evaluation Factors will be based in part on Contractor technical approach and likelihood of achieving Task 2 objectives.

5.3.5 Item 1.E: Invasive Plant Treatment (Herbicide) (CLIN 0007, 0016). Work Plan shall detail how weeds treatment will accomplish objectives in this treatment area (Section 6). Work Plan shall clarify:

• Whether chemical fallow (2 growing seasons of herbicide to reduce weed seed bank) will be used.

BLM SPOKANE DISTRICT, WASHINGTON Page 13 of 81

NOTE: Task 2 treatment was treated with herbicide outside of this contract in 2022.

Contractor Work Plan for weeds treatment shall be designed to meet the objectives of Task 2 (Section 5.3.1). Work plan (Control plan) shall include, at a minimum: herbicides to be used, application rates, application methods, timing of applications, and minimum number of applications prior to and following seeding/planting. Work Plan shall only utilize BLM-approved herbicides. The Government will review Work Schedule/Work Plan during pre-work (see

EVALUATION).

Contractor Work Plan shall include chemical treatment for 1 to two growing seasons prior to planting (CLIN 0007), and one season following planting (0015).

Contractor shall provide Pesticide Application Record (PARs) to the Government within 48 hours of application.

Herbicide application areas are shown on Map 2.

5.3.6 Item 1.C: Mechanical treatment (harrow, mow, other): CLIN 0008. Contractor shall perform mechanical treatments to meet Task 2 Objectives. Mechanical treatments may require harrowing to remove plant residue or mowing of competing vegetation to allow planted seedlings or seeded species to become established. Contractor-produced and Government-approved Work Plan and Schedule (Section 6) shall describe proposed mechanical treatments.

5.3.7 Item 1.C: Weed control fabric (CLIN 0009). Contractor shall provide and install weed control fabric to facilitate planting success by limiting weed competition.

Weed control fabric should be used strategically to facilitate success primarily of tall pot seedlings. Contractor may choose to also use weed control fabric in portions of plug planting areas most likely to experience weed competition.

Contractor Work Plan shall specify weed fabric type and characteristics, and approximate use locations.

5.3.8 Seed production: CLIN 0010. See Section 5.1.4. Contractor shall collect and increase seed as necessary to support CLIN 0011, CLIN 0013.

5.3.8 Item 5.B: Container/Bare-root Propagation: CLIN 0011, CLIN 0013. Provide nursery services and facilities sufficient to propagate, produce, and track seedlings from seed, providing 10 ci containers appropriate for field installation (planting). Contractor shall provide all seed or other plant materials needed to complete this Task, from any portion of the 15-20 F/6-12 AFM or 20-25F/6-12 AHM seed zones (Section 5.1.4).

Contractor shall provide two size of native plant materials.

10 ci plugs (CLIN 0011): Contractor shall provide the following plant materials:

● Great Basin wildrye (Leymus cinereus): 3,000 plugs

● Service berry (Amelanchier alnifolia) 500 plugs

● Mock orange (Philadelphus lewisii): 500 plugs

● Red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea): 500 plugs

● Black hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii): 250 plugs

● Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana): 250 plugs

All plugs will be sized 10 cubic inch or larger. Substitution of the above native, mesic species for other native mesic species is negotiable and shall be by mutually agreed upon by Contractor and Government.

All plugs shall be grown and transported in systems sufficient to withstand transport and preparation for planting.

Examples of transport systems include “jelly roll” system or plastic sleeves.

Tall pot seedlings (CLIN 0013): Contractor shall provide the following plant materials:

● Water birch (Betula occidentalis): 100 pots

BLM SPOKANE DISTRICT, WASHINGTON Page 14 of 81

● Black cottonwood (Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa): 100 pots

● Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana): 100 pots

All tall pot materials will have a minimum of 12 inches of root length (equivalent to 2-gallon pot) and be a minimum of 5 feet tall. Variation in sizing is acceptable if roots are capable of reaching over 12 inches.

5.3.9 Item 5.B: Willow cutting: CLIN 0012. Contractor shall provide willow stakes (whips) to for use in CLIN

0013, through harvest or cultivation. Willow stake materials (cuttings or grown) shall come from genetic material

(seed or parent plant) from any portion of the 15-20 F/6-12 AFM or 20-25F/6-12 AHM seed zones (Section 5.1.4).

Contractor shall provide the following plant materials under this Item:

• Native Willow stakes, suitable for moist conditions. Salix species: 500 stakes

Willow stakes will be diameter of 0.5 inch to 1 inch. Lengths > 3 feet.

5.3.10 Item 1.D: Hand planting of native plant materials (CLIN 0014). The Contractor shall prepare and plant sites with hand tools and plant the following materials: 10 ci plugs (CLIN 0010), willow stakes (CLIN 0011). Plant in locations shown on Map 2. Plant materials shall be planted in deeper soiled, moister areas with less competition within planting area depicted on Map 2.

5.3.11 Item 1.D: Machine planting of native plant materials (CLIN 0015). The Contractor shall prepare and plant sites using machines to plant the following materials: tall pot seedlings (CLIN 0012). Areas to be planted with machine are depicted generally in Map 2, Contractor shall plant with machine wherever can be readily accessed during planting. Machine planting shall ensure plant roots get close to “vadose” zone of soil, with moist soils throughout growing season. This will require an excavator with “stinger” attachment or other means to access soil depths > 2 feet.

5.3.12 Timing, Delivery and Work Schedule. Task 2 treatment may begin at any time following Contract award.

Planting dates for seedlings shall follow Contractor-produced and Government-approved Work Plan. Tentative planting season would be Fall 2023. NOTE: tall pot materials may not be available in 2023; if this is the case planting in Spring or Fall of 2024 is acceptable.

5.4 Task 3: Mesic Seedling (Plug) Production

5.4.1 Objectives. Task three (3) will include line items (CLIN): 0016-0017. The relevant treatment Objectives of Task 3 are to provide native mesic seedlings (plugs) to the BLM. Items for Task 3 will include: mesic seedling

(plug) production.

5.4.2 Item 5.B: Container/Bare-root Propagation: CLIN 0016. Provide nursery services and facilities sufficient to propagate, produce, and track seedlings from seed, providing 10 ci containers appropriate for field installation

(planting). Contractor shall provide all seed needed to complete this Task, from any portion of the 15-20 F/6-12

AFM or 20-25F/6-12 AHM seed zones north of Highway 2 (Section 5.1.4).

● Great Basin wildrye (Leymus cinereus): 1,000 plugs

● Mock orange (Philadelphus lewisii): 500 plugs

● Service berry (Amelanchier alnifolia): 500 plugs

● Bleu elderberry (Sambucus cerulea): 500 plugs

All plugs will be sized 10 cubic inch or larger. Substitution of the above native, mesic species for other native mesic species is negotiable and shall be by mutually agreed upon by Contractor and Government.

Substitution of the above native, mesic species for other native mesic species is negotiable and shall be by mutually agreed upon by Contractor and Government.

BLM SPOKANE DISTRICT, WASHINGTON Page 15 of 81

All plugs shall be grown and transported in systems sufficient to withstand transport and preparation for planting.

5.4.3 Timing, Delivery and Work Schedule. Contractor shall provide seedlings to Government (BLM) as soon as practicable following production, either in Fall of 2023 or Fall of 2024. Government (BLM) will be responsible for acceptance and planting of seedlings.

5.5 Task 4: Upland Seedling (Plug) Production and Planting: Mohr Canyon

5.5.1 Objectives. Task four (4) will include line items (CLIN): 0019-0021. The relevant treatment Objectives of

Task 3 are to achieve Objectives 2 and 3 by producing native seedlings (plugs) and planting them in the Mohr

Canyon wildfire perimeter. Items for Task 3 will include: seedling (plug) production and planting.

5.5.2 Item 5.B: Container/Bare-root Propagation: CLIN 0019 and CLIN 0020. Provide nursery services and facilities sufficient to propagate, produce, and track seedlings (CLIN 0019) from seed produced under CLIN 0020

(Section 5.1.4). Contractor shall provide 10 ci seedlings appropriate for field installation (planting). Contractor shall provide all seed needed to complete this Task (CLIN 0019), from any portion of the 15-20 F/6-12 AFM or 20-

25F/6-12 AHM seed zone (Section 5.1.4).

Species Scientific Name

Number of seedlings

Grass Seedlings

Bluebunch wheatgrass Pseudoroegneria spicata 3,000

Sandberg’s Bluegrass Poa secunda 500

Idaho fescue Festuca idahoensis 2,000

Bottlebrush squirreltail Elymus elmoides 2,000

7,500

Forb Seedlings

Hawksbeard spp Crepis acuminata or C. atribarba 1,000

Dusty maiden Chaenactis douglasii 1,000

Thompson’s paintbrush Castilleja thompsonii 1,000

Nine-leaved desert parsley Lomatium triternatum 1,000

Other native forb species

(appropriate seed zone)

3,500

7,500

Shrub Seedlings

BLM SPOKANE DISTRICT, WASHINGTON Page 16 of 81

Species Scientific Name

Number of seedlings

Wyoming Big Sagebrush Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis

5,000

All plugs will be sized 10 cubic inch or larger. Substitution of the above native, mesic species for other native mesic species is negotiable and shall be by mutually agreed upon by Contractor and Government. Note Contractor choice for forb seedlings.

All plugs shall be grown and transported in systems sufficient to withstand transport and preparation for planting.

5.5.3 Item 1.D: Hand planting of native plant materials (CLIN 0021). The Contractor shall prepare and plant sites with hand tools and plant the following materials: 10 ci plugs (CLIN 0019). Plant in locations shown on Map

2. Plant materials shall be planted in deeper soiled, moister areas with less competition within planting area depicted on Map 2.

5.5.4 Timing, Delivery and Work Schedule. Contractor shall plant seedlings as soon as practicable following production, either in Fall of 2023 or Fall of 2024. Government (BLM) will be responsible for acceptance and planting of seedlings.

5.6 Task 5: Seed Increase (“Scrappy Natives”)

5.6.1 Task five (5) will include line items (CLIN): 0022-0030. The purpose of Task 5 is to: a) increase

Government-provided seed into larger seed quantities for delivery to the Government (BLM); b) producing native seedlings (plugs) from Government-provided seed, for delivery to the Government.

NOTE: any seed provided by the Government (Section 4.0, Section 5.6.2, Section 5.6.4) and not used by the Contractor for Contract deliverables shall be returned to the Government.

5.6.2 Government-Provided Seed (see also Section 4.). Government will provide the following seed for this

Task:

• Wooly plantain (Plantago patagonica) – 2 lots to pool, 2020 collected, total 0.61 lbs, 99% purity, 98-99% filled

• Blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata) – 2 lots to pool, 2020 collected, total 0.84 lbs, 96-99% purity, 63-98% filled

• Oregon sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum) – 2020 collected, 0.039 lbs, 99% purity, 97% filled.

• Sagebrush mariposa lily (Calochortus macrocarpus) – 2020 collected, 0.51 lbs, 99% filled, 99% purity

• Threadleaf fleabane (Erigeron filifolius) – 2020 collected, 0.16 lbs, 89% purity, 97% filled

• False agoseris (Nothocalais troximoides)- 2 lots to pool, 2020 collected, 0.16 lbs, 99% purity, 90-92% filled

• Shaggy fleabane (Erigeron pumilus), 2020 collected, 0.17 lbs, 93% purity, 99% filled

• Bugloss fiddleneck (Amsinckia lycopsoides), 2018 collected, 0.5 lbs, 99% purity, 99% filled

All Government-provided seed will be tested for purity, germability (% filled), and be free of weeds. Currently in storage in Wenatchee WA and available upon Contractor request. Seed tests from 2020 (7) collection year will be provided for each lot by Government.

Seed test for the 2018 Amsinckia lycopsoides is unavailable. Contractor may test seed to determine viability, and a reduction in delivered pounds may be negotiated with the Government based on results.

5.6.3 Item 3.A: Seed Increase (forbs): CLIN 0022-CLIN 0029. Produce the minimum pounds of seed for each

BLM SPOKANE DISTRICT, WASHINGTON Page 17 of 81 species specified in the Bid Schedule for CLIN 0022 through CLIN 0029. The following stipulations apply to seed produced under this Task:

• Contractor shall perform all accepted agronomic and other field cultivation practices necessary to ensure healthy seed production and meet seed production.

• Government-provided seed (Section 5.6.2) shall be planted on cultivated land in distinct rows. The same species will not be sown on the same ground within the previous three years. Government will inspect seed increase fields and field records. Access to fields shall be provided by the Contractor with a minimum of 7 calendar days advance notice.

• Contractor may not substitute Contractor-provided seed for any part of this requirement without written confirmation from the Government. The intention of this Task is to utilize new, Government-collected germ lines.

5.6.3 Seed standards, timing, storage, and seed delivery. Follow Section 5.1.5.

5.6.4 Item 1.M.: Container/Bare-root Propagation: CLIN 0030. Provide nursery services and facilities sufficient to propagate, produce, and track seedlings from seed, providing 10 ci containers appropriate for field installation

(planting).

• Contractor shall use government provided seed to complete this Task. Seed was collected and tested in

2020, and test results will be provided for CLIN 0030.

• Provide seedling numbers in bid schedule (CLIN 0030).

• Antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata), 2020 collected, 0.5 lbs, 99% purity, 99% filled. Contractor shall return any un-needed Purshia tridentata seed to Government.

• Contractor may not substitute Contractor-provided seed for any part of this requirement without written confirmation from the Government. The intention of this Task is to utilize new, Government-collected germ lines.

5.7 Task 6: Wetland Seedlings

5.7.1 Objectives. Task Six (6) Objective is to provide wetland seedlings to the Government.

5.7.2 Seed collection: CLIN 0031. Contractor shall collect all seed needed for this Task following direction in

Section 5.1.4.

5.7.3 Item 3.A: Seed Increase: CLIN 0032. Contractor shall increase Contractor-collected wetland forb seed and wetland grass seed in fields provided by Contractor. Contractor shall grow out seed sufficient to meet the requirements for Task 6 seedling production/ planting and mechanical seeding. Types of seed produced under CLIN

0032 may include:

Graminoids o Juncus spp.

Baltic rush (Juncus balticus)

Dagger rush (Juncus ensifolius ) o Carex spp.

Nebraska sedge (Carex nebraskensis)

Wooly sedge (Carex pellita)

Blackcreeper sedge (Carex praegracilis) o Poacea

Deschampsia danthonioides

Forbs:

o Contractor choice: must be native FACW+ from appropriate seed zone

Seed increase shall be delivered to facilitate CLIN 0033 (seedling production) and CLIN 0035 (mechanical seeding).

Delivery/planting/seeding is anticipated to occur in Fall of 2025 (Section 5.7.7).

BLM SPOKANE DISTRICT, WASHINGTON Page 18 of 81

5.7.4 Item 5.B: Container/Bare-root Propagation: CLIN 0034. Provide nursery services and facilities sufficient to propagate, produce, and track seedlings from seed produced under CLIN. Contractor shall provide 10 ci seedlings appropriate for field installation (planting).

Group

# of seedlings Acceptable species

Wetland Graminoids

Carex 300 Carex pellita, C. nebraskensis, C. praegracilis

Juncus 300 Juncus balticus, Juncus ensifolius

Wetland grasses 300 Deschampsia danthonioides

Wetland forbs 100 Contractor choice: native FACW+ from appropriate seed zone

All plugs shall be sized 10 cubic inch or larger.

Substitution of the above native, wetland (obligate and facultative wet) species for other native wetland species is negotiable and shall be by mutually agreed upon by Contractor and Government.

All plugs shall be grown and transported in systems sufficient to withstand transport and preparation for planting.

5.7.5 Location of Planting and Seeding (CLIN 0034, CLIN 0035): Planting/seeding for Task 6 shall occur in

Douglas County, Washington: Township 23 N, Range 22 E, and section 02. See Map 3. Task 6 treatment boundaries are identified on the project map. GIS data and additional maps are available for field use.

5.7.6 Site conditions and site access: Treatment area is a historic wet pasture which BLM will be re-grading, resulting in bare soil. Site access is shown on Map 3 from Rock Island Grade Road.

5.7.7 Item 1.D: Hand planting of native plant materials (CLIN 0034). The Contractor shall prepare and plant sites with hand tools and plant the following materials: 10 ci plugs (CLIN 0033). Plant in locations shown on Map

3. Plant materials shall be planted in deeper soiled, moister areas with less competition within planting area depicted on Map 3.

5.7.8 Item 1.E: Mechanical (ground) seeding (CLIN 0035). The Contractor shall seed up to 10 acres, using seed produced under CLIN 0032 (Section 5.7.3), to accomplish Contract Objectives 2 and 3 (Section 5.1.3) for wetland species. Ground seeding locations are shown on Map 3.

All seed used in mechanical seeding (CLIN 0035) shall be from wetland species (FACW+), produced under CLIN 0032 or by agreement with the Government. Government estimates a minimum of 100 pounds of mixed native wetland seed will be necessary to accomplish CLIN 0035.

5.7.9 Timing, Delivery and Work Schedule. Contractor shall perform mechanical seeding and seedling (plug) planting in the appropriate planting season of 2025; likely Fall. Mechanical seeding and seedling (plug) planting must occur after Government regulatory work and Government grading (cut and fill) in treatment area. Seeding dates shall follow Contractor-produced and Government-approved Work Plan/Work Schedule (Section 6).

Mechanical method shall be effective at meeting Objectives 2 and 3.

Government (BLM) will be responsible for acceptance and seed, seedlings, and planting.

BLM SPOKANE DISTRICT, WASHINGTON Page 19 of 81

5.8 Task 7: Grimes Allotment, Allotment 00971: Wetland Herbicide (Thistle, others)

5.8.1 Objectives. Task Seven (7) Objective is to control non-native plants (mesic weeds) in three restored wetland sites in Douglas County, WA, consistent with Objective 1 (Section 5.1.3). Task 7 control of non-native vegetation may occur using ground-based herbicide application, hand tools, or (where access is available) mechanical treatments. The Government has identified 7 acres for treatment under Task 7, identified in Map 4. Site monitoring and mobilization for completion of Task 7 are detailed in Section 5.1.

5.8.2 Location of Work. Task 7 and will occur in Douglas County, Washington in three separate areas:

• T. 25 N., R. 26 E., Sec. 06. BLM allotment 00971.

• T. 26 N., R. 26 E., Sec. 32. BLM allotment Grimes Lake (SW).

• T. 26 N., R. 26 E., Sec. 17. BLM allotment Grimes Lake (NW).

See Map 4 and Task descriptions for locations of specific Task Items.

5.8.3 Site conditions and site access: Treatment areas are wet pastures which BLM has excluded from grazing.

BLM has identified weeds including non-native thistles, Russian knapweed, and Russian Olive (< 1 inch DBH).

Site access is shown on Map 4. Hiking access is necessary for Grimes Lake (NW).

5.8.4 Item 1.E: Invasive Plant Treatment (Herbicide and/or mechanical): CLIN 0038-0039. As part of application for this contract, Contractor shall submit a Work Schedule/Work Plan (Section 6). Contractor Work

Schedule/Work Plan shall include a “control plan” for weeds treatment, detailing how weeds treatment will accomplish Objective 1 in this treatment area. Contractor control plan shall include the following components in treated areas:

• Application of herbicide, hand and/or mechanical treatments beginning in Fall of 2024, in areas identified in Map 4 (CLIN 0038).

• Number of treatments. A minimum of two treatments is anticipated.

• Avoidance of high value native plantings and native shrubs in these areas. Government plans to install native wetland willow cuttings and wetland seedling (emergent plugs) in these treatment areas in spring/summer of 2023.

Contractor Control plan shall include, at a minimum: non-native species to be controlled (e.g., Russian knapweed, Canada thistle), herbicides to be used, application rates, timing of applications, and minimum number of applications. The Work Schedule/Work Plan will form part of the evaluation (see factors). The Government will review Work Schedule/Work Plan during pre-work (see EVALUATION OF CONTRACTOR RESPONSES).

Contractor shall be responsible for completion of PARs for each application of herbicide.

5.9 Task 8: Thread-leaf Sedge (Carex filifolia) Seed and Seedlings

5.9.1 Objectives. Task 8 (8) Objective is to provide seed and seedlings to the Government of one native upland graminoid: thread-leaf sedge (Carex filifolia).

5.9.2 Seed collection: CLIN 0040. Contractor shall collect all seed needed for this Task following direction in

Section 5.1.4.

Contractor shall identify and collect phenologically appropriate native thread-leaf sedge (Carex filifolia) seed from any portion of the 20-25F/6-12 AHM seed zone (Section 5.1.4). Seed from adjacent seed zones may be acceptable for this Item if no sources are available in the requested seed zone. Replacement seed from adjacent seed zones must be accepted by Government (BLM). Collection sites may be remote and require hiking.

5.9.3 Item 3.A: Seed Increase (Carex filifolia) CLIN 0041. Contractor shall increase Contractor-collected Carex filifolia seed in fields provided by Contractor. Contractor shall grow out seed sufficient to meet the requirements for

Task 8. See Bid Schedule for Government-requested pounds of Carex filifolia seed.

BLM SPOKANE DISTRICT, WASHINGTON Page 20 of 81

If Contractor is unable to produce Carex filifolia seed in sufficient quantities to meet the Government requirement and Contractor has made sufficient effort (one to two seasons of in field grow out), Government will release

Contractor from CLIN 0042 requirement.

Contractor shall increase additional Carex filifolia seed increase to facilitate CLIN 0043 (seedling production).

5.9.4 Item 5.B: Container/Bare-root Propagation from seed: CLIN 0042. Provide nursery services and facilities sufficient to propagate, produce, and track seedlings from seed produced under CLIN. Contractor shall provide 10 ci seedlings appropriate for field installation (planting). Contractor shall provide the following plant materials under this Item:

• Thread-leaf Sedge (Carex filifolia) seedlings: 2,000 plugs

All plugs shall be sized 10 cubic inch or larger. All plugs shall be grown and transported in systems sufficient to withstand transport and preparation for planting. Examples of transport systems include “jelly roll” system or plastic sleeves.

If Contractor is unable to produce Carex filifolia seedlings in sufficient quantities to meet the Government requirement and Contractor has made sufficient effort (one to two seasons of in field grow out), Government may release Contractor from CLIN 0042 requirement.

5.9.5 Item 5.B: Wild collection/Crown division seedling production: CLIN 0043. Contractor shall produce and deliver to the Government seedlings of thread-leaf Sedge (Carex filifolia) through crown division from native plants in the field, appropriate for field installation (planting). Contractor shall provide the following plant materials using crown division under this Item:

• Thread-leaf Sedge (Carex filifolia) seedlings: 2,000 bare-root seedlings

All bare-root seedlings shall be sized approximately 10 cubic inches, or have enough root and shoot material to potentially survive following transplant. All plugs shall be grown and transported in systems sufficient to withstand transport and preparation for planting. Examples of transport systems include “jelly roll” system or plastic sleeves.

Bare-root seedlings shall be harvested from any portion of the 20-25F/6-12 AHM seed zone where the Vendor has legal access to harvest.

Contractor shall retain at least 50% of each individual “parent plant” while harvesting bare-root seedlings through crown thinning.

5.9.6 Seed and Seedling standards, timing, storage, and seed delivery. Follow Section 5.1.5 for seed Standards.

Deliver seedlings to location noted in Section 5.1.5 unless otherwise mutually agreed to.

5.10 Task 9: Seed Production (ESR 2023)

5.10.1 Objectives. Task nine (9) will include line items (CLIN): 0044-0047. The treatment objective of Task 9 is to provide native forb, grass, and shrub seed to the Government (BLM) to increase BLM seed stores.

5.10.2 Item 3.A: Seed Collection (CLIN 0044). If necessary, to develop seed source to support Task 9 (seed production) for this Contract, Contractor shall collect native seed from the appropriate seed zone (Section 1.8). The seed zone for Task 9 seed collection shall be: 20-25F/6-12 AHM (Section 5.1.4).

5.10.3 Item 3.G: Seed Production (CLIN 0045, 0046, 0047). The Government requests the following seed from seed zone 20-25F/6-12 AHM for this requirement:

BLM SPOKANE DISTRICT, WASHINGTON Page 21 of 81

Species Scientific Name PLS LBs

Grass

Bluebunch wheatgrass Pseudoroegneria spicata 1,300

Sandberg’s Bluegrass Poa secunda 500

Idaho fescue Festuca idahoensis 1,000

2,800

Forb

Hawksbeard spp Crepis acuminata or C. atribarba 1.5

Dusty maiden Chaenactis douglasii 2

Thompson’s paintbrush Castilleja thompsonii 2

Nine-leaved desert parsley Lomatium triternatum 14.5

Shrub

Wyoming Big Sagebrush Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis

Total 2,920

Any deviation from the above list of species and pounds of delivered seed shall be:

● only upon review and acceptance by Government (COR)

● from the appropriate seed zone or (upon acceptance by Government) adjacent seed zone.

● Due to differences in seed weight, viability, germination, and other factors, exact pounds requested by species for forbs may not be feasible. Contractor may propose minor alteration in forb species and pounds to meet this requirement.

5.10.4 Seed standards, timing, storage, and seed delivery. See Section 5.1.5.