DRAFT-RFP_PC_Aquatic_Plant_RemovaL.pdf

Pinellas County Aquatic Plant Removal Work Order RFP

Summary:

It is the intent of Pinellas County to accept proposals from qualified firms to provide aquatic vegetation mechanical removal services for invasive and nuisance plants on Pinellas County waterbodies. Such services are to be ordered as and when required by Pinellas County.

Scope of Work:

Objective

Pinellas County is seeking proposals from qualified and experienced firms to establish a contract that shall be used on an as-needed, Work Order, basis for the mechanical removal of aquatic vegetation and associated organic sediments, focusing on exotic and nuisance aquatic vegetation within Pinellas County lakes.

Pinellas County (County) has identified the need to remove invasive and nuisance aquatic and wetland vegetation and associated organic detrital material for the purpose of enhancing valuable fish and wildlife habitat within its lakes. Proposers must be able to fully remove target aquatic vegetation from large bodies, via mechanical means. For the purposes of this contract, full removal of target aquatic vegetation is defined as the removal of all floating, emergent, and submerged portions of all plants and associated organic and detrital material. For each work assignment, the selected Contractor shall receive a summary of needed activities, associated Agency permits, if needed, project area map, and any schedule constraints.

A work order project is initiated by Pinellas County when it is determined there is a need for aquatic vegetation removal on a waterbody. Prior to Work Order assignment, the Contractor is required to participate in a Site Visit with the Pinellas County Project Manager to discuss the schedule, extent of work, and other project specific logistics.

After that meeting the Contractor will complete the Work Order Assignment Scope of Work Worksheet (Exhibit A) and Work Order Fee Schedule (Exhibit B) and submit those to the Pinellas County Project Manager for approval. Please note the County’s expectation that the Contractor will conduct a thorough review of the project site and review all materials provided to them to determine the appropriate amount of time and effort required to complete the Work Order assignment.

Mobilization

Work under this task includes, but is not limited to, those operations necessary for the movement of personnel, equipment, supplies and incidentals to the project site. All equipment must arrive to the project sites fully operable, and clean and uncontaminated by plant species listed by FISC as a Category I or II invasive prohibited plant. Since Pinellas County understands each mobilization for a Work Order assignment may be different, a price quote for this task will be created for each Work Order assignment and not exceed 5% of the total Work Order assignment cost.

Payment for work under this task shall be paid on a lump sum basis and not exceed 5% of the Total Work Order assignment cost.

Aquatic Plant Removal

The work consists of removal of invasive and nuisance aquatic and wetland vegetation and associated organic material via mechanical means (Harvester, Weedoo, etc.), within the County’s lakes. Hand removal as a primary method of work is prohibited under this contract and may not be used in any form unless approved by the Pinellas Count Project Manager. To provide a visual reference during project activities, the work areas will be clearly marked, if requested, with white PVC posts (poles are for visual cues for equipment operators only). Pinellas County will procure all needed aquatic plant removal permits ahead of any work.

The primary aquatic plant species to be removed will be exotic and nuisance species;

however, other aquatic plant species present within the work areas shall also be harvested, as directed by the County Project Manager. Removal of plants is defined, for the purpose of this contract, as removal of all floating, emergent, and submerged portions of all plants and associated organic and detrital material within the designated work area to mineralized soil. The County Project Manager will be frequently inspecting the work area, probing and throwing a rake to ensure that all associated roots and associated organic matter are removed, and documenting that the final product is exposed natural sand bottom within the targeted work site. All costs associated with Harvesting shall be factored into the contractor’s Work Order Fee Schedule (Exhibit B) quote price on a “per Acre” basis.

The access and staging area for Work Order assignment will be identified by the Pinellas County Project Manager prior to Work Order assignment and the County will provide that information to the Contractor at the initial request phase. If the Contractor chooses to use a Pinellas County boat ramp for equipment mobilization, at least a 72-hour notice is required prior to the proposed mobilization date. Once the Contractor, in consultation with the County Project Manager, has determined the mobilization (and subsequent demobilization) date, the County Project Manager will contact Pinellas County Parks & Recreation staff. The County requires that all tracked equipment shall be operated on mats or other material (e.g., boards or plywood) when working on hard surfaces (e.g., pavement, concrete, etc.) to prevent damage to County property. A pre-construction site visit will be performed with the County Project Manager, Contractor and Pinellas County Parks representative. Pre-construction photos shall be taken by the County Project Manager during the pre-construction site visit. Any damage to Pinellas County property shall be repaired to pre-construction conditions.

The harvest and disposal areas will be identified by the Pinellas County Project Manager prior to Work Order assignment and the County will provide that information to the Contractor at the initial request phase. The Contractor shall be required to remove target aquatic plants and associated organic and detrital material from the designated work areas. Total size of the work areas will be calculated in acres, within which all the target plants and associated detrital material shall be removed, transported and placed at an approved disposal site. The Contractor will follow the specifications for “Mechanical Removal of Aquatic Plants and Associated Organic Sediments” in accordance with RFP FWC 15/16-131 and Addendum 1. The County Project Manager will be present frequently to meet with the Contractor’s foreperson, address any questions and concerns, and make decisions pertaining to the project.

The use of a cookie-cutter or other aquatic plant-shredding equipment shall not be permitted. No temporary disposal or dropping of removed material (beyond that which is incidental) into the lake shall be permitted. Tracked (e.g., excavators, bulldozers) or wheeled (e.g., off-road dump trucks) equipment shall not be used in direct contact with the lake bottom.

All costs associated with Harvesting shall be factored into the contractor’s Aquatic Plant Removal Pay Item in the Work Order Fee Schedule (Exhibit B), on a “per Acre” basis.

For payment purposes, the acreage of targeted material that has been harvested and transported to the disposal site will be determined by the County Project Manager using GPS technology up to the acreage identified for removal for the project. The Contractor shall provide a per acre price for aquatic vegetation removal in the proposal RFP Submittal sheet. This price will be used as the unit price for each work order.

Disposal of Aquatic Vegetation

The Contractor shall be responsible for transporting aquatic plant spoil material directly from the harvesting areas via transport barges, aquatic harvester, other floating conveyance vessel, or via truck and trailer to the designated disposal site. Temporary staging or disposal of harvested material at non- permitted disposal sites is not allowed.

All vegetative material removed from the project site shall be placed on the disposal site. If plants or other material are restricting access to the disposal site, the Contractor shall request the Pinellas County Project Manager remove the material restricting access around or to the disposal site. Before de-mobilizing from the Pinellas County owned disposal site, the harvested material may be requested by the Pinellas County Project manager to be smoothed-out along the pre-existing contour of the area to avoid leaving any uneven mounds of material.

Disposal, County Owned Adjacent Site In some cases, the disposal site will be on Pinellas County Parks Property adjacent to the work site and no disposal charges, such as tipping fees, will be applied. In these instances, the disposal site will not exceed 1.25 miles from the project area and/or boat ramp. The Contractor is expected to only charge for vehicle and labor related costs associated with disposal on per acre of aquatic vegetation removed basis, as proposed in the Work Order Fee Schedule (Exhibit B) quote price, applicable to any work

Disposal, at Solid Waste or Recycling Site If no Pinellas County owned property is available for disposal, then the Contractor shall dispose of the material at a site approved by the Pinellas County Project Manager. In these cases, the Contractor is expected to charge a fee associated with disposal tipping fees (will need to include disposal receipts). Additionally, vehicle and labor related costs associated with disposal are to be paid on a “per mile” basis as proposed in the Work Order Fee Schedule (Exhibit B) quote price, applicable to any work order.

All costs associated with Disposal shall be factored into the contractor’s Work Order Fee Schedule (Exhibit B) quote price. For the Disposal, County Owned Adjacent Site option, all payment will be on a Lump Sum basis. For the Disposal, Mileage for disposal at Solid Waste or Recycling Site option, all payments will be paid on per mile basis with additional payment for tipping fees being handled under Disposal, Tipping Fees for disposal at Solid Waste or Recycling Site pay item. For Disposal at Solid Waste or Recycling Site, back-up in the form of tipping fees, mileage logs, and labor sheets shall be required for payment.

Demobilization

The Contractor shall repair and/or restore damage to grounds and/or facilities that has occurred as a result of the operational activities conducted by the Contractor during the course of the project. Any area of disturbed soil associated with demobilizing equipment will be returned to original grade and sodded. All Contractor-generated waste, including lunch/snack trash and water bottles, will be removed from work sites and disposed of properly. Since Pinellas County understands each mobilization for a Work Order assignment may be different, a price quote for this task will be created for each Work Order assignment and not exceed 5% of the total Work Order assignment cost.

Payment for work under this task shall be paid on a lump sum basis and not exceed 5% of the Total Work Order assignment cost.

Other Requirements

The Contractor may request to use herbicides in advance mechanical removal to make mechanical removal easier. If the Contractor intends to use herbicides they shall include a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) on the chemicals to be used, the intended location of use, rate, and the method of application in their request. The Contractor or Sub-contractor shall possess any and all licenses mandated by the State of Florida, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services concerning order. The Contractor shall provide a per acre price for disposal of aquatic vegetation at an adjacent County owned site in the proposal Contractor RFP Submittal Sheet.

This price will be used as the unit price for each work order drift and/or chemical spill. All employees applying chemicals must be licensed in accordance with all federal, state and local licensing requirements. This person(s) shall be on-site during any application.

Scope of Work

Scope of work will be based on each individual Work Order Assignment

Vendor Responsibilities

Mechanical removal of aquatic vegetation, disposal of vegetation

County Responsibilities

Confirming project completed to County’s satisfaction and paying invoices

Schedule

Schedule will be based on each individual Work Order Assignment requested by the Pinellas County Representative prior to any application.

The Contractor shall comply with all local, state and federal regulations concerning the application of all herbicides. Spraying shall be done at times when winds are low to avoid any chemical drift according to manufacturer’s recommendations. The Contractor will be responsible for any damage to County property or adjoining public or private property as a result of chemical the use and/or application of herbicide. The SDS and proof of those licenses must be provided if

Contractor RFP Submittal Sheet Page 1 of 4

1) Ability of Firm and its Professional Personnel. Willingness and Ability to Meet Schedule and Budget Based on Current and Projected Workload

a. Contractor Project Team The Contractor shall provide a list of all team members that may be used on the contract (provide on separate sheets if necessary):

b. Project Manager Resume The Contractor shall provide a resume of the proposed project manager to be used on the contract (provide on separate sheet)

c. Equipment List The Contractor shall provide a list of all available equipment, quantity, make and model, that may be used on the contract (provide on separate sheets if necessary):

d. Staff Availability Statement The Contractor shall provide a statement as to whether the firm has adequate time available and personnel to compete services on schedule and (provide on separate sheets if necessary):

Sheet Page 2 of 4

2) Firm Experience with Projects of Similar Size and Past Performance. (Provide at least 3 projects and up to 5 projects. Projects information can be submitted on additional sheets if needed.)

a. Project No. 1

Project Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Completion Date: ________________________________________________________________ Total Acres of Aquatic Vegetation Removed: _______________________________________ Project Description:

b. Project No. 2 Project Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Completion Date: ________________________________________________________________ Total Acres of Aquatic Vegetation Removed: _______________________________________ Project Description:

c. Project No. 3 Project Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Completion Date: ________________________________________________________________ Total Acres of Aquatic Vegetation Removed: _______________________________________ Project Description:

Sheet Page 3 of 4

d. Project No. 4 Project Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Completion Date: ________________________________________________________________ Total Acres of Aquatic Vegetation Removed: _______________________________________ Project Description:

e. Project No. 5 Project Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Completion Date: ________________________________________________________________ Total Acres of Aquatic Vegetation Removed: _______________________________________ Project Description:

3) Volume of Work Previously Awarded by the County This section will be completed by Pinellas County Purchasing

4) Minority Business Status This section will be completed by Pinellas County Purchasing

5) Pinellas County Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Status The Contractor must provide complete SBE Status Form along with proposal submission

6) Location This section will be completed by Pinellas County Purchasing

Sheet Page 4 of 4

7) Project Pricing

a. Contractor Price List

The contractor shall provide costs in the table below. A per acre cost for Aquatic Plant removal and Disposal of aquatic vegetation on County owned adjacent sites and a per mile cost for mileage related to disposal at an offsite location must be provided in the table below for the proposal submission to be deemed completed.

Task Description Units Unit Cost

Aquatic Plant Removal Per Acre $

Disposal, County Owned Adjacent Site Per Acre $

Disposal, Mileage for disposal at Solid Waste or Recycling Site Per Mile $

Mobilization To be defined during the WO scoping, based on actual costs not to exceed 5% WO total cost

Demobilization To be defined during the WO scoping, based on actual costs not to exceed 5% WO total cost

Disposal, Tipping Fees for disposal at Solid Waste or Recycling Site To be defined during the WO scoping.

*For off-site disposal, final WO cost will be based on actual WO accrued mileage and tipping fee cost.

Exhibit A:

Scope of Work Worksheet

Date: ___________________

Project Name: ______________________________________________________________

Project Location: ____________________________________________________________

Total Acreage to be Mechanically Removed: ___________________________________

Area Site Acreage

Project Target Species:

Contractor Equipment List :

Disposal Site Location: ______________________________________________________ If Disposal site is offsite, list roundtrip mileage to the disposal site: _____________ If Disposal site is offsite, list per ton tipping fee cost: __________________________

Schedule:

Task Completion Date Mobilization

Aquatic Plant Removal and Disposal

Demobilization

Additional Comments/Request:

Exhibit B:

Example Work Order Fee Schedule

Price quoted shall be less any Federal or State sales or use taxes. The contractor recognizes that the Pinellas County is not required to pay taxes on services, goods and/or equipment purchased incident to such service. Quoted price shall include all necessary items to complete the project.

A. QUOTE PRICE FOR EQUIPMENT MOBILIZATION: $

(NOTE: MOBILIZATION PRICE SHALL NOT EXCEED 5% of TOTAL QUOTE PRICE)

B. QUOTE PRICE FOR AQUATIC PLANT REMOVAL: $

Area Site Acreage Price per Acre (US $) *Total Site Price (US $)

1 $ $

2 $ $

3 $ $

4 $ $

5 $ $

AQUATIC PLANT

REMOVAL TOTAL

ACREAGE

B: TOTAL QUOTE

PRICE FOR AQUATIC

PLANT REMOVAL $

(add areas together) (add areas together)

* Total Site Price = (Site Acreage) x (Price per Acre)

C. DISPOSAL OF AQUATIC VEGETATION: $

Disposal Method Method Information Unit Price (US $) Total Price (US $)

Onsite Disposal Total Acreage: $ $

Offsite Disposal, Mileage *Total Miles: $ $

Offsite Disposal, Tipping Fees

Pre-Project Best Weight Estimate: $ **$

C: DISPOSAL OF AQUATIC

VEGETATION TOTAL COST $

(add rows together)

* Total miles based on estimated roundtrip mileage from project site to disposal site multiplied by contract price per mile for offsite disposal (Unit Price). A final change order will rectify any difference between actual value and estimated values, as the County will only pay for actual mileage accrued during the project.

**Tipping Fees Total Price based on pre-project estimated weight multiplied by the tipping fee price per ton (Unit Price). A final change order will rectify any difference between actual value and estimated values, as the County will only pay for actual tipping fees accrued during the project.

D. QUOTE PRICE FOR EQUIPMENT DEMOBILIZATION: $

(NOTE: DEMOBILIZATION PRICE SHALL NOT EXCEED 5% of TOTAL QUOTE PRICE)

TOTAL QUOTE PRICE (add A, B, C, & D together): $