DRAFT_PWS.pdf

Part 1.0 The Schedule

0001 CLINs Ordering Period One: April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026

Item No. Description of Item Unit Est. Quantity Unit Price Total Amount

0001a. Aerial Rabies Bait Dispersal Time Hour 1500 $_______ $_______

0001b. Ferry Flight Time Hour 100 $_______ $_______

0002 CLINs Ordering Period Two: April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027

Item No. Description of Item Unit Est. Quantity Unit Price Total Amount

0002a. Aerial Rabies Bait Dispersal Time Hour 1500 $_______ $_______

0002b. Ferry Flight Time Hour 100 $_______ $_______

0003 CLINs Ordering Period Three: April 1, 2027 – March 31, 2028

Item No. Description of Item Unit Est. Quantity Unit Price Total Amount

0003a. Aerial Rabies Bait Dispersal Time Hour 1500 $_______ $_______

0003b. Ferry Flight Time Hour 100 $_______ $_______

CONTRACT CEILING $7,500,000.00

SCHEDULE NOTES

1) The quantities as listed in the “Schedule of Items” are estimated requirements for this contract period. The Government estimates, but does not guarantee, the volume of purchases under this contract. The USDA, APHIS attempts to be as accurate as possible when providing estimated quantities, however, actual quantities required may vary from the quantities listed. Beyond the guaranteed contract minimum of $50,000.00, no guarantee is given as to the actual number of flight hour required during the term of this contract.

2) The Department of Labor Service Contract Act applies to this contract so the contractor shall take this into consideration when developing a price quote. The contractor is responsible for obtaining the wage determination applicable to the location of their facility where the services will be performed as well as determining the appropriate labor categories/occupation codes under the applicable wage determination. See section entitled “Wage Determination and Labor Rates” for further information. Please contact the contracting officer if you need assistance.

Part 2.0 Performance Work Statement (PWS)

Aerial Dispersal of Oral Rabies Vaccine Baits US Department of Agriculture

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services

National Rabies Management Program

1.0 GENERAL

The purpose of this Performance Work Statement (PWS) is to define the tasks to be accomplished for aerial dispersal of oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits in support of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Wildlife Services (WS), National Rabies Management Program (NRMP). Projects may occur during any month of the year and be based in approximately 15 locations across the Eastern U.S.

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The Contractor shall provide aircraft(s), pilots, supervision, labor, supplies (except ORV baits), aerial services, on-site maintenance of aircraft, facilitating equipment, and associated materials required for the distribution of ORV baits as defined in this Performance Work Statement except for those items specified as government furnished property and services. It shall be the Contractor’s responsibility to perform the services of this contract with direction and supervision from the Government’s Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or his/her authorized designee.

1.2 BACKGROUND

Rabies is one of the oldest described diseases yet remains a significant management challenge for public health officials. Over the past 35 years, rabies management has grown in complexity in the United States as a result of wild animals replacing domestic dogs as the primary reservoir for the disease. In addition, the costs of rabies prevention, management and control are high and growing, exceeding $500 million per year. Since the 1980s, more than 90 percent of annual rabies cases have involved wild animals. There are several different variants of the rabies virus in the United States. Each variant is spread predominantly by one wildlife species, but all variants are capable of infecting warm-blooded mammals, including humans. Currently, raccoons, bats, skunks and foxes are the most commonly reported wildlife confirmed with rabies in the United States. The USDA, APHIS, WS, NRMP (hereafter NRMP) has a requirement for landscape-scale aerial distribution of oral rabies vaccine baits in portions of the United States to manage wildlife rabies. Specific areas will be identified in individual task requests/orders. However, most of the work is conducted in the eastern United States.

The NRMP has a long history of involvement with State, local, and other Federal authorities in the fight against wildlife rabies and the development ORV programs. In Alabama, Georgia, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia, the NRMP works cooperatively to distribute ORV baits in delineated “zones” to prevent the spread of the raccoon rabies virus variant in targeted wildlife. Other states may be added as the ORV zones are moved into new areas. In the state of Texas, the NRMP cooperates with officials from the Texas Department of State Health Services and other agencies to prevent the reemergence of canine variant rabies, and to prevent the spread of gray fox rabies virus variants.

Two oral rabies vaccines are currently being used to immunize targeted wildlife.

• RABORAL V-RG® (vaccinia-rabies glycoprotein), manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Athens, GA., USA, and produced in two different bait formats.

o Coated Sachet dimensions are 2.0” L x 0.75” W x 0.125” H and weigh 4 grams. The sachet is coated with wax, fish oil and fishmeal crumbles.

o Fishmeal Polymer dimensions are 1.25” L x 1.25” W x 0.75” H and weigh 22 grams. The cube is hollow with a sachet folded and placed into it and sealed with wax.

o RABORAL V-RG® baits are refrigerated until distribution.

• ONRAB (human adenovirus type 5-rabies glycoprotein recombinant virus [AdRG1.3]), manufactured by Artemis Technologies, Inc., (an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Ceva Sante Animale S.A., Guelph, Ontario, Canada), and produced in one bait format.

o ONRAB Ultralite dimensions are 1.57” L x 0.87” W x 0.39” H and weigh 4 grams. The blister pack is coated with a sweet-smelling edible wax.

o ONRAB Ultralite baits are frozen until distribution.

In all available oral rabies vaccine constructs, when the baits are bitten, the vaccine container ruptures, allowing vaccine to flow into the mouth of the animal, thereby becoming vaccinated against rabies by this oral route. WS and the bait manufacturers will make every attempt to inform one another and the Contractor of upcoming changes in bait design.

1.3 OBJECTIVE

The overall objective of the ORV program is to safely and effectively distribute ORV baits across a diverse landscape to control rabies in targeted wildlife species. In doing so, the Contractor shall ensure that all the baits are distributed at the specified distribution rate(s), during the prescribed work hours, and within the designated distribution areas.

1.4 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.4.1 Quality Control

The contractor shall develop and maintain an effective quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. As a minimum, the contractor shall develop quality control procedures that address the areas identified in “Services Summary Table”. Contractor shall submit a Quality Control Plan with the initial quote.

1.4.2 Quality Assurance (QA)

The government will evaluate the contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). The QASP monitors the effectiveness, timeliness, and performance of the contractor. This plan details how the Government will evaluate the effectiveness of the contractor and outlines the performance threshold, and it defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rate(s). Significant problems and risks shall be communicated immediately to the contractor’s management and the Contracting Officer (CO).

1.4.3 Type of Contract

The government is awarding a firm, fixed-price, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity, commercial services contract.

The period of performance for this contract includes three ordering periods, with each ordering period being twelve

(12) months in duration.

1.4.4 Work Hours

Flight operations may be conducted seven (7) days a week and may begin one-half hour before published sunrise and may continue until one-half hour after published sunset, or until flight is terminated due to bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances. No pilot(s) or flying crewmember(s) shall fly more than eight (8) hours per day and forty

(40) hours per six (6) days unless superseded by the WS Aviation Safety and Operations Manual.

All required Contractor’s employees will report at the time designated by WS and will remain on site until released by WS. Contractor is responsible for providing WS a “Daily Pilot Roster” prior to each day’s scheduled flights.

Distribution of ORV baits shall only be conducted between published sunrise and sunset hours.

1.4.5 Place of Performance

ORV operations will occur in Alabama, Georgia, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia to prevent the spread of the raccoon rabies virus variant in targeted wildlife. Other states may be added as the ORV zones are moved into new areas or in an emergency situation requiring a contingency action.

The Contractor’s designated Contractor’s Representative (CR) shall discuss the areas to be flown (flight/dispersal pattern) with the COR or his/her authorized designee before each day’s operation. Flight/dispersal patterns may change throughout the day due to weather or other circumstances.

1.4.6 Security Requirements

The contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all government equipment, information, and property provided for contractor use. At the close of each work period, government equipment and materials shall be secured.

The Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12), dated August 27, 2004, requires the development and agency implementation of a mandatory Government-wide standard for secure and reliable forms of identification for Federal employees and contractors, including contractor employees. As directed by HSPD-12, on February 25, 2005, the Department of Commerce issued FIPS PUB 201, which is a Federal standard for secure and reliable personal identity verification (PIV) for routine physical access to Federally controlled facilities or information systems. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memorandum M-05-24 dated August 5, 2005, provides instructions for implementing HSPD-12 according to FIPS PUB 201, and M-08¬01, dated October 23, 2007, reminds all parties that a background investigation is required.

48 CFR 3052.204-71 requires each individual employed under a Federal contract must be a citizen of the United States of America, or a non-U.S. citizen who has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence as evidence by a Permanent Resident Card (USCIS I-551).

Contractor’s must identify in their quotes or proposals, the names and citizenship of all non-U.S. citizens proposed to work under the contract. Any additions of deletion of non-U.S. citizens after contract award must also be reported to the CO.

All personnel must have a valid driver’s license or identification.

The contractor must, through their own internal background investigation protocol and pre-employment investigation, ensure that each contractor employee submitted for a federal background investigation is reasonably expected to receive a favorable adjudication of their respective investigation.

For additional information related to USDA implementation of HSPD-12, visit http://hspd12.usda.gov

1.4.7 Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings

The Contractor agrees to attend any post award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 42.5. The CO, COR, and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the contractor to review the contractor's performance. At these meetings the contracting officer will apprise the contractor of how the government views the contractor's performance and the contractor will apprise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced.

Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the government.

1.4.8 Contractor’s Representative (CR)

The Contractor shall provide the WS COR and CO with a primary & alternate CR responsible for the performance of the services or work provided. The name of this person and an alternate(s) shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The CR and alternate shall be designated in writing to the Contracting Officer at least 24 hours after contract award.

The CR shall be present at the ORV bait distribution project(s) designated airport or be reachable within the immediate vicinity (i.e., hotel, aircraft) when work is being performed.

1.4.9 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

The COR will be nominated by the requiring activity and appointed by the Contracting Officer by separate letter. A copy of the COR’s appointment letter will be sent to the awarded Contractor, identifying the designated duties and limitations of the COR. The COR is authorized to conduct oversight on any and all tasks or requirements and report observations to the Contracting Officer. The COR is not authorized to change any terms or conditions in the contract that pertain to cost, schedule, performance, quality, quantity, or other legal aspects of the resulting contract.

2.0 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TASKS

Contractor shall provide aerial dispersal services which shall include aircraft, pilots, automated ORV bait delivery machinery, and mechanics. The total number of pilots and mechanics required for ORV distribution projects will be negotiable with final determination by the WS National Aviation Coordinator (NAC), who provides leadership to the WS Aviation Training Operations Center (ATOC). Factors affecting number of personnel will include, but are not limited to, number of aircraft needed, size of tasked ORV distribution projects, etc.

“ORV baits” shall include all vaccine used, its packaging and any bait matrix employed.

Flight line spacing and baiting rate (density) are dependent upon project and target species. The optimum flight line spacing and baiting rate shall be determined by WS and may be subject to change.

The Contractor and WS will cooperatively compile ORV bait distribution data during the ORV project. All data collected will be the sole property of the Government and will not be distributed without written consent from the Government.

“Flight hours” shall be defined from aircraft lift-off (i.e., “wheels up”) to landing (i.e., “wheels down”). Flight hours may vary throughout the contract period due to unforeseeable events, such as reduced availability of ORV baits, program changes, or termination of the project.

Aircraft “Aerial Dispersal Hours” shall be defined as any aircraft flight operation when ORV baits are being distributed.

Aircraft “Ferry Flight Hours” shall include movement of airplanes from the Contractor’s home base of operation to the required ORV bait distribution project designated airport. Aircraft Ferry Flight Hours shall also include travel between ORV bait distribution project designated airports, or any other travel required that does not consist of operation of the ORV bait distribution equipment (this includes flight hours flown in support of scheduled media day events).

The Contractor shall provide airplane(s), pilots, supervision, mechanics, labor, supplies (except ORV baits), services, facilitating equipment (including bait dispersal equipment) and associated materials required for the distribution of ORV baits.

The Contractor’s price shall include all costs associated with the performance of aerial distribution services, including but not limited to: furnishing and transporting aircraft, contract personnel, and equipment to and from worksites; providing pilots, mechanics, certifications, insurance, licenses, permits, fees, general and administrative expenses, per diem costs (lodging and meals) and other such costs normally required to perform the services specified herein.

Upon arrival to initial project location, all aircraft will be fueled at the Contractor’s expense. Aviation fuel will be supplied by the Government at the ORV bait distribution project designated airports. During the ORV bait distribution project, and at the conclusion of the ORV bait distribution project (at the ORV bait distribution project designated airport), the aircraft will be fueled at the Government’s expense using Government-owned credit cards.

It shall be the Contractor’s responsibility to perform the services of this contract with direction and supervision from the COR or his/her authorized designee.

ORV aerial baiting operations may be temporarily stopped at any time, by the CO, COR, or his/her authorized designee; the Contractor, CR, or Contractor’s employees; WS employees; or any other Agency’s employees cooperating in the ORV bait distribution project, when safety issues arise, whether real or perceived. Operations may continue once all safety issues have been addressed and resolved by appropriate parties.

2.1 Importance of Starting and Accomplishing Flights on Time

There are numerous biological, pharmaceutical, and physical factors that determine the length and time flight operations are conducted. Therefore, the Contractor shall begin all flights within 15 minutes of the designated schedule. The CO may deduct from monies due to the Contractor equitable compensation for failure to start or accomplish flights on time. Excusable delays may be approved by the CO, COR, or his/her authorized designee, for flight delays due to causes beyond the control of the Contractor (i.e. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and/or air traffic controller delays, weather, mechanical, or other delays recognized under the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), which comprise Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)). Refer to Contractor Performance Standards.

2.2 Rates for Services Rendered

Payment will be made according to hours and tenths of hours as shown on the daily flight records. Daily flight records shall be provided to WS at the end of each workday. Billable flight hours include aerial dispersal hours and ferry flight hours. Refer to Specifications for flight hour definitions.

No payment will be made for any flying not authorized by WS. No payment will be made for any flying associated with “test/check flights” conducted as part of aircraft/bait machine maintenance. No payment will be made for any flights where ORV baits are distributed outside of designated areas due to automated bait machine not functioning in “Automatic Mode”. “Automatic Mode” means the bait machine automatically turns off over designated exclusion/do not bait areas or when the plane leaves the designated baiting area and turns back on automatically once the plane has reentered the designated baiting area. The CO may deduct from monies due to the Contractor equitable compensation for flights determined by the COR that are not acceptably flown. Refer to Contractor Performance Standards.

2.3 Condition of Equipment

The Contractor shall ensure that all aircraft, equipment, and supplies required for use in the performance of this contract are in good operating condition. If in unsatisfactory condition, or otherwise determined by the COR to be unsuitable for safe and efficient performance of the services required of this contract, they shall not be used. They shall be promptly removed from the work site and replaced with aircraft, equipment, and/or supplies that are in good operational condition. Equipment failure is not an acceptable cause for performance delays. The CO may deduct from monies due to the Contractor, equitable compensation for delays caused by non-operational equipment. Refer to Contractor Performance Standards.

2.4 Precautions/Public Relations

It is essential for the Contractor, all Contractor’s employees, and any subcontractors to display a positive image of WS and their cooperators. The Contractor shall ensure that their employees, and the subcontractor’s employees, maintain favorable relations with the general public. Personnel are expected to be properly dressed and exhibit a professional attitude. Personnel shall be courteous in their dealings and communicate in a professional manner with WS, their cooperators, hotel staff, the general public, FAA, military, and Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel. If restrictions, delays, or other complications result in compromising the ORV baiting program caused by unfavorable relations and/or unprofessional interactions with WS or their cooperators, the general public, FAA, military, or ATC, the purchase order may be cancelled. Refer to Contractor Performance Standards.

2.5 Operating Requirements

All aerial distribution of ORV baits will be conducted between published sunrise and sunset hours under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions and all ATC instructions and airport procedures will be strictly adhered to. Flight operations may begin one-half hour before published sunrise to one-half hour after published sunset. Flights may take off and land under Instrument Flight Rules only if the area where the ORV distribution will occur can be flown under VFR.

ORV baiting projects will only be conducted when visual observation of the ground can be maintained by the crew.

The average operating altitude will be 500 feet (no less) above ground level or as assigned by ATC. Operating disbursement speed will average 140 knots indicated groundspeed, or as assigned by the COR or his/her authorized designee.

2.6 Contractor Personnel/Pilots

2.6.1 Contractor shall provide qualified pilot(s) for each aircraft supplied. No pilot(s) shall fly more than eight

(8) hours per day and forty (40) hours per six (6) days unless superseded by the WS Aviation Safety and Operations Manual. The Contractor is reminded that the ORV bait distribution project may exceed eight

(8) baiting flight hours per day per aircraft. Pilot certification must conform to FAR Part 135 requirements or equivalent, subject to approval by the WS NAC or designee.

2.6.2 Contractor pilots shall have the following minimum experience requirements that are subject to approval by the WS NAC or designee:

a. must possess a current Commercial Pilot Certificate or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate

b. 1,500 hours total pilot time,

c. 250 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) in multi-engine aircraft,

d. 100 hours in the preceding 12 months or a Proficiency Flight Review at least once during the

12-month calendar year or more frequently as determined by the WS NAC,

e. 100 hours in the make and model of aircraft to be used for ORV baiting distribution project,

f. 75 hours of actual night flying.

Depending on the total experience level of the pilot, pilots that do not meet the recent short-term flying time requirements, but meet all other requirements, may be granted a waiver by the WS ATOC NAC waving certain short-term requirements.

2.6.3 During ORV baiting projects, non-certificated Airframe and/or Powerplant (A&P) mechanics will be permitted to perform maintenance on aircraft providing an “on-site” Certified A&P mechanic inspects, certifies, and records maintenance performed on the aircraft maintenance logs.

2.6.4 Contractor mechanics are allowed a twelve (12) hour duty day that may be extended to a sixteen (16) hour duty day, provided an eight (8) hour rest period is provided any time the twelve (12) hour duty day is exceeded.

2.6.5 Contractor shall provide qualified ORV baiting support staff that have basic mechanical knowledge/skills to maintain, clean, and repair the automated ORV bait dispersal equipment. Baiting support staff will not be required to fly ORV baiting distribution flights unless necessary to maintain ORV bait dispersal equipment or if requested by WS.

2.6.6 Contractor shall provide qualified personnel capable of operating and downloading the aircraft flight data logging system and provide essential training and guidance to WS project personnel to ensure proper transfer of required mapping data.

2.6.7 The Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12), dated August 27, 2004, requires the development and agency implementation of a mandatory Government-wide standard for secure and reliable forms of identification for Federal employees and contractors, including contractor employees. As directed by HSPD-12, on February 25, 2005, the Department of Commerce issued FIPS PUB 201, which is a Federal standard for secure and reliable personal identity verification (PIV) for routine physical access to Federally controlled facilities or information systems. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memorandum M-05-24 dated August 5, 2005, provides instructions for implementing HSPD-12 according to FIPS PUB 201, and M-08¬01, dated October 23, 2007, reminds all parties that a background investigation is required.

48 CFR 3052.204-71 requires each individual employed under a Federal contract must be a citizen of the United States of America, or a non-U.S. citizen who has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence as evidence by a Permanent Resident Card (USCIS I-551).

Contractor’s must identify in their quotes or proposals, the names and citizenship of all non-U.S. citizens proposed to work under the contract. Any additions of deletion of non-U.S. citizens after contract award must also be reported to the CO.

All personnel must have a valid driver’s license or identification.

The contractor must, through their own internal background investigation protocol and pre-employment investigation, ensure that each contractor employee submitted for a federal background investigation is reasonably expected to receive a favorable adjudication of their respective investigation.

For additional information related to USDA implementation of HSPD-12, visit http://hspd12.usda.gov

2.7 Aircraft Requirements

2.7.1 Contractor shall be capable of supplying up to but no more than nine (9) multi-engine, turbine powered aircraft for ORV bait distribution. The exact number of aircraft for each ORV project will be determined by the needs of the Government but will not exceed the maximum number of nine (9). It may be a requirement for aircraft to operate in multiple locations (different airports) at one time. Contractor shall supply a written inventory of aircraft available for ORV projects. Contractor must also supply a written contingency plan to WS for providing a back-up aircraft in the event a maintenance/repair problem exceeds 48 hours prior to the beginning of an ORV baiting project.

2.7.2 Aircraft Flight Operations must be conducted under FAR Part 91.

2.7.3 Aircraft furnished must have multi-engine, turbine power and are able to meet single engine performance as per aircraft flight manual.

2.7.4 Aircraft must conform to FAR Part 135 requirements subject to approval by the WS NAC or designee.

2.7.5 Aircraft must conform to manufactures certification requirements and any modifications must meet appropriate aviation airworthiness authority certification.

2.7.6 Aircraft must have a payload capacity of 1500 lbs. to include bait, bait machine, crew members, emergency equipment, and supplies as required by the FAA or equivalent.

2.7.7 Aircraft must be capable of sustained groundspeed of 90-145 knots for long durations (up to 4 hours) with minimum sustained groundspeed of 120 knots.

2.7.8 Aircraft must have a minimum fuel reserve as per FAR Part 135 requirements upon returning from a 4-hour flight.

2.7.9 Aircraft must be capable of takeoff/landing on a 4000’ runway at loaded takeoff and landing weight.

2.7.10 In addition to the aircraft being equipped for night and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flights as described in 14 CFR 91.205 (and equipped for operations conducted within Class B Airspace), it shall have the following:

a. An intercom system with compatible headsets for communications between the pilot, navigator (WS employee sitting in front of aircraft alongside pilot), and baiting crew (WS employee sitting in rear of aircraft to operate bait dispersal equipment).

• NOTE: For ORV operations utilizing turbine powered multi-engine aircraft, ferry flights to and from the operations area may be conducted under Night and/or IFR, provided that the aircraft is equipped for instrument flight and the pilot is instrument rated and current in accordance with 14 CFR Part 61.57(c), or their respective 14 CFR Part 135 Operating Specifications, whichever is more restrictive.

2.7.11 Rapid egress (evacuation) must be provided for pilot and navigator (multiple exits in cockpit). These required emergency exits must have operating handles that operate manually both internally and externally with instructions for use on the outside of the aircraft and must have a means to prevent inadvertent operation of the manual controls.

2.7.12 Rapid egress (evacuation) must be provided for crew on both sides of aircraft in cabin area. All escape openings required for type certification must be functional. These required emergency exits on each side of aircraft cabin area must have operating handles that operate manually both internally and externally with instructions for use on the outside of the aircraft and must have a means to prevent inadvertent operation of the manual controls. Contractor shall provide written crew member size restrictions (height/weight/dimensions) to WS prior to ORV baiting projects if necessary.

2.7.13 Each passageway between seating or equipment areas, leading to an emergency exit, must be unobstructed and at least 20 inches wide.

2.7.14 There must be enough space next to each emergency exit to allow a crewmember to assist in the evacuation of crewmembers without reducing the unobstructed width of the passageway.

2.7.15 There must be access from the main aisle to each exit. The access from the aisle to these exits must not be obstructed by seats, berths, or other protrusions in a manner that would reduce the effectiveness of the exit.

2.7.16 Aircraft maintenance must conform to a FAA or equivalent approved maintenance inspection program subject to approval by the WS NAC or designee.

2.7.17 Aircraft must have an approved aircraft safety inspection within thirty (30) days prior to the contract start date and annually thereafter by the WS NAC or designee. The safety inspection shall be scheduled by WS at a designated time and location.

http://hspd12.usda.gov/

2.7.18 Each aircraft will require no more than one (1) hour of routine maintenance during the flight day. At a minimum, aircraft shall receive an annual inspection and 100-hour inspections in accordance with FAR part 43 appendix D. In lieu of this requirement, the aircraft may be maintained via a FAA (or equivalent) approved/accepted inspection program. Aircraft must comply with all applicable mandatory manufacturers’ bulletins and FAA Airworthiness Directives or equivalent as required.

2.8 ORV Bait Distribution Requirements

2.8.1 Contractor must distribute RABORAL V-RG® and ONRAB baits at a variable distribution rate of 5-150 baits/linear km (8-241 baits/linear mile). The rate of ORV bait dispersal via bait machine distribution rate and/or groundspeed shall be adjustable to meet program requirements. The distribution rate will be determined by WS for each project

2.8.2 Bait distribution equipment must allow for instant on-off operation and variable control of the rate of ORV bait distribution. The bait-distribution crew must have the ability to stop or pause the bait dispersal for instant on-off operation to ensure baits are not dispensed on any “non-target” location (i.e., houses, bodies of water, towns/cities, etc.) and the ability to change rate at which the baits leave the aircraft.

2.8.3 Bait distribution must occur at the specified rate within GPS designated areas. Bait distribution must automatically start and stop upon entering and leaving the GPS designated areas. Areas designated for ORV distribution must be defined by WS prior to baiting operations. Baits must not be distributed outside the project area or within designated exclusion areas. Exclusion areas include but are not limited to wilderness areas, do-not-bait properties, or sensitive areas (e.g. nuclear power plants).

2.8.4 The CO may deduct from monies due to the Contractor, equitable compensation for dispersing baits within exclusion areas. Refer to Contractor Performance Standards.

2.8.5 Bait distribution equipment, technique and procedures must be approved by WS at time of contract award.

If approved equipment, technique or procedures change at any point after initial approval, subsequent approval by WS is required prior to providing services. Any necessary bait distribution equipment, technique and procedures inspections will be scheduled by WS at a mutually agreeable time and location.

2.9 Aircraft ORV Flight Line Guidance, ORV Flight Data Logging System, and Flight Following

Requirements

2.9.1 Aircraft must have a Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation system capable of accepting predetermined computerized flight line information provided by WS. Anticipated flight line spacing will be identified on individual task orders.

2.9.2 Contractor shall provide ORV flight data logging software that will log and record data for each flight from takeoff to landing. The following data must be recorded, at a minimum of every second (recording interval must be adjustable):

a. flight designation

b. aircraft identifier

c. grid/area identifier

d. flight line identifier

e. date

f. time

g. bait machine status (on/off)

h. aircraft altitude

i. aircraft speed

j. exact latitude/longitude (WGS 1984, decimal degrees)

k. Number of baits distributed since last reading/stamp/mark/count and by line/flight

(cumulative)

l. GPS quality

m. flight line error (cross track error)

n. aircraft heading

2.9.3 Contractor will be responsible for compiling the above identified data into one comma-separated values (CSV) file or other format designated by the Government for all aircraft used daily. Contractor will provide WS cumulative daily reports within 24 hours of daily activities, with the final cumulative report being submitted to WS prior to Contractor’s final departure from the ORV bait distribution project designated airport. All data received by WS from the Contractor must be presented electronically in the most recent CSV file or other designated format.

2.9.4 The CO may deduct from monies due to the Contractor, equitable compensation for inaccurate data received by faulty ORV Flight Data Logging system. Refer to Contractor Performance Standards.

2.9.5 During baiting flight operations, Contractor must maintain proper flight following that shall include at a minimum, 0.5-hour communications between all aircraft and the WS Command Post Operations Center.

Aircraft to aircraft to WS Command Post Operations Center communications will be acceptable. Satellite GPS tracking systems are acceptable (monitored at vendor’s facility and the Command Post Operations Center). Government supplied portable satellite GPS tracking systems may be supplied to contractor for installation in aircraft for monitoring by the WS ATOC or the vendor may be asked to supply the Government an account to the vendor system for monitoring at WS ATOC. All Contractor pilots are required to carry and have available cellular telephones that may be used for contacting the WS Command Post Operations Center. When appropriate, the Command Post Operations Center shall be provided by WS to serve as the base of operations for WS and the vendor.

2.9.6 Contractor shall provide all necessary equipment for maintaining proper flight following including (but not limited to) radios, operators, antennas, and associated equipment. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure all communication equipment (including radios, antennas, and frequencies) be approved and permitted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for use in the United States.

Written FCC authorization shall be provided to WS prior to ORV baiting projects.

2.10 The Contractor Agrees:

2.10.1 To pay all costs associated with salaries, transportation, lodging, and per diem expenses for pilots and all associated support personnel provided by the Contractor.

2.10.2 To provide ground transportation for their personnel and equipment at and between airports used as base of operations.

2.10.3 To obtain any waivers and operating permits that may be required by the FAA, FCC, or any other Federal, State, or County agency.

2.10.4 To arrange with the airports used as base of operations:

a. Parking or tie down space for aircraft.

b. Payment of aircraft hangar rental if needed.

c. Payment or repair of damage to the airport that results from the Contractors aircraft or equipment.

d. Maintaining the areas on the airport used by the Contractor in a clean and orderly fashion during and following their use, including satisfactory cleanup immediately after completion of the flights.

2.10.5 To abide by all applicable regulations such as, but not limited to, environmental, security, and facility use of the airports used as base of operations.

2.10.6 To notify all known FAA and “flight sensitive” locations about the ORV bait distribution project and the intent of low-level flights in their airspace. This shall include, but is not limited to, local police departments, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, power plants, correction facilities, and other sensitive locations. This is to include ensuring NOTAM’s are posted with proper FAA ATC’s.

2.10.7 Complete FAA Form 5200-7 to report bird/wildlife strikes that occur during ORV flights.

2.11 Invoices

All services received will be recorded on an invoice that shall show task order request number, date, aircraft identification, and flight hours itemized as aerial dispersal hours and ferry flight hours to the nearest tenth. This invoice shall be approved by the Government and submitted for payment in accordance with instructions issued on each individual task order.

2.12 Wage Determination and Labor Rates

The Department of Labor Service Contract Act applies to this contract. Task orders will specify the applicable wage determination for the ordering period.

The contractor will be responsible for obtaining the proper wage determination for the location where the work will be performed. The SCA wage determinations can be found at www.sam.gov. Please contact the contracting officer if you need assistance in obtaining the wage determination.

http://www.sam.gov/

3.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS

“ORV baits” shall include all vaccine used, its packaging and any bait matrix employed and shall be provided as Government Furnished Property under this contract.

The Government will provide the Contractor with project tasking information, project changes, project shapefiles, and any other information required to accurately plan flight operations.

The Contractor shall be evaluated in accordance with the Services Summary Table.

3.0.1 Services Summary Table.

SS Number and Performance Objective

PWS

Paragraph

Performance Threshold Method of Surveillance

SS # 1. On time:

begin all flights within 15 minutes of the designated schedule.

Para. 2.1 No more than 2 instances per pilot.

Daily review of ORV Flight Data and daily aircraft records. On site monitoring by WS.

SS # 2. Equipment condition:

ensure that all aircraft, equipment, and supplies required for use in the performance of this contract are in good operating condition.

Para. 2.3

No more than 3 flight delays.

On site monitoring by WS.

SS #2. Equipment condition:

provide back-up aircraft in the event of a maintenance/repair problem that exceeds 48 hours.

Para 2.7.1 No more than 1 instance per project.

On site monitoring by WS.

SS # 3. Public Relations:

ensure that employees maintain favorable relations with the general public.

Para. 2.4 Zero tolerance Observations of WS personnel and complaints received from cooperators, general public, FAA, miliary, or ATC.

SS # 4. Distribution Requirements:

bait machine automatically turns off over designated exclusion/do not bait areas or when the plane leaves the designated baiting area and turns back on automatically once the plane has reentered the designated baiting area

Para. 2.8 Zero tolerance Daily review of ORV Flight Data and daily aircraft records. On site monitoring by WS.

SS #5. ORV Flight Data Logging:

provide WS cumulative daily reports within 24 hours of daily activities, with the final cumulative report being submitted to WS prior to Contractor’s final departure from the ORV bait distribution project designated airport.

Para. 2.9.3 No more than 1 instance of data collection errors per aircraft per Task Order.

Daily review of ORV Flight Data. On site monitoring by WS.

4.0 DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS

A&P Airframe and/or Powerplant APHIS Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service ATC Air Traffic Control ATOC Aviation and Training Operations Center CFR Code of Federal Regulations CO Contracting Officer COR Contracting Officer’s Representative CR Contractor’s Representative CSV Comma-Separated Values FAA Federal Aviation Administration FAR Federal Aviation Regulations FCC Federal Communications Commission NAC National Aviation Coordinator NOTAM Notice to Airmen NRMP National Rabies Management Program ORV Oral Rabies Vaccine PIC Pilot in Command QA Quality Assurance QASP Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan USDA United States Department of Agriculture VFR Visual Flight Rules WS Wildlife Services