ESBD_454648_1759851203780_Cane RFP FY26 Revised Oct 8 start.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

FOR

MANAGEMENT OF CARRIZO CANE AND OTHER NOXIOUS VEGETATION ALONG

THE RIO GRANDE RIVER

RFP No. 592-26-RFP001

Response Due: October 30, 2025

5:00 PM (CT)

Prepared by The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board

1497 Country View Lane Temple, Texas 76504

Issued: October 8, 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section of RFP ..................................................................................................................................................................... Page of RFP Acronyms Section I – General Section 1.1 – Scope Section 1.2 – Contract Term Section 1.3 – Compensation Section 1.4 – Calendar of Events Section II – Statement of Work Section 2.1 – Commodity/Service Requirements

Statement of Work Required and Preferred Qualifications and Experience Scope of Work and Specifications

Section III – Proposal Information Section 3.1 – Schedule of Events Section 3.2 – Revisions to Schedule Section 3.3 – Proposal Requirements Section 3.4 – Inquiries Section 3.5 – Proposal Submission Section 3.6 – Delivery of Proposals Section 3.7 – Proposal Opening Section 3.8 – Proposal Evaluation and Award Section 3.8.5 - Contractor Proposal Evaluation Criteria...………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 17 Section IV – General Terms and Conditions Section 4.1 – Example Contract Exhibit A – Execution of Proposal Exhibit B – Map of Counties along Rio Grande where Carrizo Cane Management May Occur Exhibit C – HUB Subcontracting Plan Exhibit D – Contractor Standard Equipment Unit Price Sheet Exhibit E – Contractor Specialty Equipment Unit Price Sheet………………..………………………………………………………………………………….……..48 Exhibit F – Contractor Turnkey Services Unit Price Sheet…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………50 Exhibit G – Contractor Site-Specific Project Estimate………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………52

ACRONYMS

ATV – all-terrain vehicle DIR – Department of Information Resources EPA – United States Environmental Protection Agency ESBD – Electronic State Business Daily FAA – Federal Aviation Administration GIS – Geographic Information System GPS – Global Positioning System HUB – Historically Underutilized Business LiDAR – Light Detection and Ranging MSDS – Material Safety Data Sheets PIA – Public Information Act PPA – Personal Protective Equipment Q&A – Question and Answer RFP – Request for Proposals SAM – System for Award Management SWCD – Soil and Water Conservation District TCEQ – Texas Commission on Environmental Quality TDA – Texas Department of Agriculture TPDES – Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System TSSWCB – Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board USDA – United States Department of Agriculture USPS – United States Postal Service VPAT – Voluntary Product Accessibility Template VPTS – Vendor Performance Tracking System

Section I General

1.1 SCOPE. The State of Texas, by and through the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB), seeks proposals to establish Contract(s) for removal and control of Carrizo cane (Arundo donax) also known as giant reed/cane, Arundo, river cane/reed, Spanish cane/reed, bamboo reed, El ladron de agua, wild cane, elephant grass, and other invasive and noxious vegetation along the Rio Grande on the Texas-Mexico border in accordance with the specifications and terms and conditions contained in this Request for Proposals (RFP) (In accordance with standards set forth in Texas Government Code, Chapter 2155, 2156, 2157, and 2158). In particular, the services requested herein and to be provided under any Contract(s) awarded as a result of this RFP, are for services associated with the implementation of conservation plans and practices developed for properties adjacent to the Rio Grande, for the control of Carrizo cane and other invasive species by integrated mechanical and herbicide application methods. (Codified at Agriculture Code §201.0225, and in other sections of Chapter201).

Project Background – Large dense stands of non-native invasive Carrizo cane flourish along the banks and floodplains of the Rio Grande and present significant risk to public safety. The presence of this invasive species contributes significantly to dangerous conditions people encounter when attempting to utilize or gain access to the banks of the Rio Grande. Continuous dense stands of Carrizo cane along the Rio Grande thwart law enforcement’s efforts (U.S. Border Patrol, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Parks and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) along the international border by impeding access and concealing the detection and surveillance of criminal activity. It restricts law enforcement’s ability to deal with illegal activity safely and efficiently.

Additionally, Carrizo cane impairs the ecological function and biodiversity of the Rio Grande. It is an extremely fast-growing plant able to grow four inches per day and reach a mature height of over 25 feet in 12 months. These stands of invasive riparian weeds not only present considerable obstacles to protecting the international border by law enforcement, they also inhibit access and visibility to agricultural inspectors and producers. Carrizo cane further harms agriculture by providing favorable habitat to livestock damaging cattle-fever-ticks (Rhipicephalus microplus and Rhipicephalus (B.) annulatus). Carrizo cane is considered one of the greatest threats to the health of riparian ecosystems in the southwestern United States, with significant negative impacts to biodiversity and ecological processes. Carrizo cane does not provide any food source or nesting habitats for native wildlife, and it is linked to sediment accumulation, channel constriction, and increased flooding frequency that threaten the riparian ecosystem of the Rio Grande. Carrizo cane is a noxious brush species that consumes precious water resources to a degree that is detrimental to water conservation. As a result of this weed’s high evapotranspiration capacity, Carrizo cane infestations threaten water supplies for agricultural and municipal drinking water uses in south Texas.

Problem Statement – In order to help meet the Governor’s border security priorities, the TSSWCB is charged with developing and implementing a vegetative management program along the Rio Grande. The TSSWCB must develop a program that establishes vegetative management along the entire Rio Grande River, an international border with great ecological and cultural significance. Comprehensively addressing the impacts of Carrizo cane on border security are paramount to the program, while also accruing benefits to the ecosystem health of the Rio Grande, agricultural producers along its banks, and water user groups in south Texas. The program should : (1) Reduce Carrizo cane canopy, density, and biomass; (2) Improve border access for law enforcement officers; (3) Improve visibility to allow better detection of Illegal activities; (4) Restore ecological function, degraded riparian habitats, and biodiversity of the Rio Grande; (5) Enhance water savings by conserving water lost to evapotranspiration by Carrizo cane; and (6) Protect agriculture by reducing cattle fever tick habitat.

Due to the diversity of biological, legal, and cultural issues associated with control of Carrizo cane along the 1,255-mile Rio Grande international border, the TSSWCB desires an ecosystem-based approach to manage Carrizo cane. Such an approach should promote the establishment of beneficial native plants and will necessitate a long- term maintenance program to ensure control is successful. TSSWCB will work with appropriate agencies, landowners and Contractor(s) to establish a specific plan for each site. TSSWCB will be the approving and directing authority to Contractor(s) on the plan and work to be performed. Close coordination will be necessary with many local, state, and federal governmental agencies. Participation in the program will be voluntary for landowners.

Programmatic Capacity – The TSSWCB is a state governmental agency established by the Texas Legislature in 1939. The TSSWCB administers the State’s soil and water conservation law and delivers coordinated natural resource conservation programs to landowners and agricultural producers throughout the state. The TSSWCB a) Is the lead agency responsible for planning, implementing, and managing programs for preventing and abating agricultural and silvicultural nonpoint sources of water pollution;

b) Administers a water supply enhancement program to increase available surface water and groundwater supplies through the targeted control of water-depleting brush in areas in need of water conservation; c) Works to ensure the State’s network of 2,000 flood control dams is protecting lives, private property, and public infrastructure from flood damage; d) Works to improve border security along the Rio Grande through control of Carrizo cane other invasive and noxious vegetation; and e) Facilitates the Texas Invasive Species Coordinating Committee.

The 216 local soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs) serve as the State’s primary conservation delivery system through which technical assistance and financial incentives for natural resource conservation programs are channeled to agricultural producers and rural landowners. SWCDs give farmers and ranchers the opportunity to solve conservation challenges locally, instilling in landowners a stewardship ethic and individual responsibility for soil and water conservation. Many of the TSSWCB’s programs are coordinated through the conservation delivery system of the 216 local SWCDs, including the Carrizo cane program. This Conservation Partnership is one of the most efficient and effective mechanisms for conducting natural resource conservation programs.

Project Approach and Activities – In general, program administration will be conducted by TSSWCB, including, but not limited to, project planning and management, public outreach, and landowner coordination. Conservation planning technical assistance for landowners will be conducted by SWCDs related to lands along the Rio Grande with Carrizo cane infestations; direct control and removal of Carrizo cane by integrated mechanical and herbicidal methods. Delivery of Carrizo cane control services will be conducted by and through private contractors. Restoration and revegetation of areas treated for Carrizo cane may occur, and TSSWCB may conduct scientific investigations to ensure the program is viable and successful. Specifically, through the local SWCDs in the program area, the TSSWCB will enroll landowners in Carrizo cane control, prepare a conservation plan for each tract of land, enter into an agreement with each landowner, and arrange for the applicable control and/or removal method(s) prescribed in the conservation plan. Through this RFP and any resulting Contract(s), funds will be dispersed directly to an independent, competitively selected, Contractor to perform direct control and/or removal of Carrizo cane and other noxious vegetation. Each agreement with a landowner will provide the TSSWCB and Contractor the permission to conduct control and/or removal activities specified in the conservation plan. Each agreement will require the landowner to follow the conservation practices included in the conservation plan for the duration of the agreement. All control and/or removal of Carrizo cane will be at no cost to the landowner.

TSSWCB will use the funds for the management and control of Carrizo cane solely on the Texas side of the Rio Grande in Brewster, Cameron, El Paso, Hidalgo, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Kinney, Maverick, Presidio, Starr, Terrell, Val Verde, Webb and Zapata counties.

See Exhibit B, Map of Counties along Rio Grande where Carrizo Cane control activities may occur.

In accordance with §201.006 of the Agriculture Code, conservation plans, and all information related to conservation plans collected by the TSSWCB or a soil and water conservation district, are not subject to Chapter 552 of the Government Code (i.e., Texas Public Information Act), and may not be disclosed if the information is collected in response to a specific request from a landowner, or the landowner’s agent or tenant, for technical assistance relating to a conservation plan on private land.

No Guarantee of Volume: The State of Texas does not guarantee any specific amount of compensation, or volume, minimum or maximum number of services to be delivered under this RFP and resulting Contract. Through a resulting Contract, the TSSWCB will only order the number of services needed to satisfy operating requirements which may be more or less than indicated in this RFP. Climate, weather, and other biological controls present in the environment, and other varying factors, affect invasive vegetation growth so the amount of service needed to control such vegetation may vary from time to time, making it difficult to predict future quantities and service locations. Logistical constraints related to landowner participation and permission may also affect quantities and number of service locations.

1.2 CONTRACT TERM. Contract services shall be provided for a period beginning on the Date of Award, which is the last signature date of the resulting Contract and ending on August 31, 2026. TSSWCB may, at its sole discretion, exercise the option to renew the contract for up to three (3) additional one (1) year periods. To exercise the option to renew the contract, TSSWCB will notify the Contractor; such notice may be by Purchase Order issuance.

1.3 COMPENSATION. Compensation by the TSSWCB for work to be performed under this RFP, for vegetation control and removal of Carrizo cane and other noxious vegetation, will be based on unit rates and/or turnkey services unit rates. Contractor pricing for each TSSWCB assigned project site will be determined by using the TSSWCB accepted Contractor Unit Price Sheets (Exhibits D, E, F) and the TSSWCB Contractor Site-Specific Project Estimate (Exhibit G) with corresponding Contractor Work Plan. In its Proposal, Respondent shall provide complete Contractor Unit Price Schedules (Exhibits D, E, F) listing unit prices for all Standard Equipment, Specialty Equipment, and Turnkey services required in this RFP. For each project site assigned by TSSWCB, Contractor shall use its approved Contractor Unit Price Schedules (Exhibits D, E, F) and the Contractor Site-Specific Project Estimate (Exhibit G) to determine and present the total cost for each project. All unit prices for controlling and removing Carrizo cane and noxious vegetation should take into account costs to be incurred by Respondent for:

1.3.1 Required Services:

1. All necessary labor, transportation, services, equipment, goods, materials, supplies, and any other need necessary or incidental, to successfully complete the required work utilizing TSSWCB selected control and removal methods

2. Contractor and personnel licenses and certifications

3. Mobilization and demobilization of crews and equipment

4. Any pollution controls, permits, or miscellaneous requirements

5. Compliance with all appropriate environmental and purchasing statutes and regulations

6. Travel costs including mileage, lodging, meals, and per diem

7. Technology and equipment necessary to provide 3D & 2D modeling, tracking, validation, and reporting of services

8. Required insurance coverage

9. Contractor personnel employment screening, verification, and safety training

1.3.2 Additional Services:

Under this RFP, costs for TSSWCB consideration for Contractor services outside the Required Services are listed below and will be known as Additional Services. Prior to work starting, TSSWCB must receive Contractor Site-Specific Work Plan and Contractor Site-Specific Project Estimate (Exhibit G) showing any requested/proposed Additional Services. Written requests for Additional Services during an active project can be submitted by Contractor to TSSWCB for review and approval. Submitting a request to TSSWCB for Additional Services does not guarantee approval. Contractor must receive written approval from TSSWCB before Additional Services may be performed on new or existing projects. Cost for Additional Services performed without prior written TSSWCB approval will not be reimbursed to Contractor. Additional Services are:

1. Necessary trash removal in service areas to perform revegetation, promote vegetation growth, and safely & effectively operate mechanical equipment (ex. - clothing, accumulated trash and debris caused by migration)

2. Hand cutting and ground spray crews for service areas with limited access and/or inaccessible by mechanical or aerial equipment

3. Specialty equipment and qualified operators as needed and not part of required services:

a.) Amphibious vehicles needed to work on water and heavily saturated areas (ex. marsh master, amphibious excavator) b.) Aquatic weed harvester for floating and below surface aquatic weeds and vegetation c.) Barges and boats as needed to support aquatic and water-based activities

4. Other services TSSWCB may request that are not listed in this RFP

NOTICE: Any selected Contractor or selected Contractor’s employees, representatives, agents and any subcontractors shall serve as independent contractor in providing the services under any contract or purchase order resulting from this RFP.

Contractor and their employees, representatives, agents, and any subcontractors ARE NOT employees of the State of Texas, and as such, will not qualify for any employee benefits available to state employees. The contracting entity, TSSWCB, will not pay unemployment, disability, or worker’s compensation insurance nor withhold taxes from payments to these contracted positions.

1.4 CALENDAR OF SOLICITATION EVENTS. The TSSWCB intends to proceed with the solicitation process for this RFP according to the following schedule:

Event Date Time Issue RFP/ESBD Posting Date Deadline for Submission of Questions 5:00 PM (CT) Official Response to Questions will be posted on ESBD Deadline for RFP/Submission of Proposals

October 8, 2025 October 15, 2025 October 22, 2025 October 30, 2025 5:00 PM (CT)

SECTION II STATEMENT OF WORK

2.1 COMMODITY/SERVICE REQUIREMENTS. Commodities/Services shall include, but are not limited to, the requirements contained in this RFP. Commodities/Services set forth that contain the words “must” or “shall” are mandatory and must be provided as specified with no alteration, modification, or exception. Commodities/Services set forth that contain the words “may” or “can” allow Respondents to offer alternatives to the way the commodities/services are provided. The control and/or removal of Carrizo cane and noxious vegetation is seasonal, and treatment areas are determined by application/participation from the landowner. The control and/or removal services schedule is unknown at this time and will have to be determined by the TSSWCB prior to starting the contract. The requested commodities/services and corresponding deliverables are as follows:

STATEMENT OF WORK

The TSSWCB is currently interested in considering Proposals under this RFP for management of Carrizo cane and noxious vegetation using the control methods listed below (“Required Services” in Section 1, 1.3.1):

Mechanical Control Services:

● Shredding and mowing by TSSWCB approved means, methods and equipment

● Mulching by TSSWCB approved means, methods and equipment

● Grubbing or excavating of vegetation by TSSWCB approved means, methods, and equipment

● Access Construction - Improve or build, and maintain, access required to reach service sites according to the TSSWCB approved site-specific work plan and schedule

Herbicide Application Services:

● Precision aerial application utilizing FAA licensed pilots and single-rotor and multi-rotor aircraft

● Tracking and modeling technology to confirm herbicide effectiveness by area(s) to include pre & post treatment evaluations with digital reporting.

● Modeling Technology - Required to georeference control areas with accurate data and viewable in a digital format.

● Tracking Technology - Due to limited law enforcement resources and Contractor personnel safety, Contractor personnel and equipment must be outfitted with location beacons to transmit personnel and asset geolocation to TSSWCB real-time.

● Validation & Reporting - Digital collection and reporting of Contractor activities (per RFP Scope of Work Specifications) will be generated and submitted daily to TSSWCB Project Supervisor along with future detailed work plans

Support Activities to Required Services:

● Erosion Control - Mulching, planting cover vegetation, placing stone, wood chips and similar materials in heavily used areas where vegetation is hard to establish and maintain, may include placement silt fencing as specified by the TSSWCB approved Contractor site-specific work plan

● Site Restoration - After significant site disturbance, Contractor shall return site to usable condition after work is completed as specified by the TSSWCB approved Contractor site-specific work plan

● Revegetation - For disturbed areas, establish native grasses or other vegetation through seeding, as specified by the TSSWCB approved Contractor site-specific work plan

● Maintenance - chemical application, mowing, shredding, and hand-pulling of Carrizo cane and other noxious vegetation according to TSSWCB approved site-specific service plan

Contractors response does not have to include all of the proposed control methods.

The TSSWCB is currently NOT interested in considering Proposals under this RFP for control of Carrizo cane using any of the vegetation management methods listed below:

● Rearing and release of insect biological control agents

● Topping of Carrizo cane and other noxious vegetation

● Mid or high-volume ground-rig based herbicide application

● Burning of vegetation in place or any other setting

Proposals that include any of these unsolicited vegetation management and control methods, in whole or in part, may result in disqualification of Proposal, in TSSWCB’s sole and absolute discretion. Carrizo cane control is an on-going process with management methods that are continuously being evaluated. Some of the unsolicited methods listed above may be viable for achieving goals of other agencies conducting Carrizo cane control. However, these methods do not meet the purpose and needs of the TSSWCB at this time. These other methods may be more time consuming, more labor intensive, not financially viable, less effective, and/or less environmentally friendly than the solicited control and removal methods described herein. This RFP does not preclude the TSSWCB from using additional or different control methods in the future.

Respondent shall provide, in their Proposal, documentation to support their qualifications, ability, and capability necessary for the specifications. The Proposal shall include descriptions of the Company Profile, Key Personnel, Subcontractors, and Past Projects with Corresponding References. The TSSWCB will be the sole judge, in TSSWCB’s sole and absolute discretion, in determining the sufficiency of the Respondent's resources and ability to perform the services.

Project Objectives and Responsibilities The project objective is control and/or removal of Carrizo cane and noxious vegetation, through an integrated approach, within the riparian, and possibly aquatic, habitat zone along the Rio Grande on the Texas-Mexico border, including adjacent/nearby floodplains. Control and/or removal sites may be in remote areas that have limited accessibility and require significant off-road travel for long distances.

All described services will be performed solely in connection with the Texas side of the Rio Grande in Brewster, Cameron, El Paso, Hidalgo, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Kinney, Maverick, Presidio, Starr, Terrell, Val Verde, Webb and Zapata counties. See Exhibit B, Map of Counties along Rio Grande Where Carrizo Cane Management May Occur.

Initial control and/or removal priorities may include additional acreage until funding allocations are exhausted. Depending on landowner(s) enrollments and subsequent funding, additional control priorities within the project area will be identified.

Contractor shall provide all necessary labor, transportation, services, equipment, goods, materials, supplies, and other resources or incidentals necessary to successfully complete the required work and additional services in accordance with specifications contained herein. Contractor is responsible for all costs incurred in the performance of the contract. The bid amounts Contractor provides in this Proposal are binding for completion of all required work in accordance with specifications contained herein (including all such costs).

Contractor and the TSSWCB shall mutually agree on service schedule (dates and hours) for performing work. Work is seasonal and control and/or removal services schedule is unknown at this time. All work shall be performed in accordance with time schedules approved by the TSSWCB in advance in writing. Contractor and the TSSWCB will work together to schedule activities with landowners prior to application and arrange for access to control and/or removal work areas.

When specifically authorized by the TSSWCB, Contractor shall coordinate work activities with the landowner, U.S. Border Patrol, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and appropriate local law enforcement authorities. Contractor and employees shall be aware of, and use best efforts to ensure, environmental protection at all times. All work shall be performed and completed in a thoroughly professional manner in accordance with the best modern practice of the highest standards for performance in the industry, regardless of any omissions in these specifications.

Contractor shall comply with all laws, ordinances, statutes, and regulations pertaining to the services requested herein and the work performed, and shall obtain such permits, licenses or other authorizations as may be required. These requirements supplement these specifications and shall take precedence in case of conflict.

Respondent shall identify in their Proposal the number of calendar days required to mobilize resources for control and/or removal of Carrizo cane and noxious vegetation. Length of mobilization shall be from the Date of Award to the day resources can be in designated work location(s) along the Rio Grande under normal operating conditions. Failure to state mobilization time obligates Respondent to deliver in 21 calendar days.

REQUIRED AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Required Qualifications and Experience:

1. Shall be in the business of providing mechanical vegetation and brush control and have a minimum of five (5) years of professional experience providing such services.

2. Shall be in the business of providing vegetation management and control utilizing low volume and precision herbicide placement and have a minimum of five (5) years of professional experience providing such services.

3. Shall be in the business of providing aerial herbicide and surfactant placement for vegetation management and control utilizing single propeller and multiple propeller drones and have a minimum of five (5) years of professional experience providing such services. (Not required for mechanical control only.)

4. Shall be in the business of providing aerial photogrammetry (photography and video), LiDAR, and GIS imaging utilizing single-rotor and multi-rotor drones and have a minimum of five (5) years of professional experience providing such services. (Not required for mechanical control only.)

5. Shall have completed a minimum of five (5) projects within the last five (5) years. Names and contact information of references for past projects must be provided in Proposal.

6. Shall have a current (a) Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License, (b) Aquatic Certification, and (c) Must maintain active license and certification throughout the term of any resulting Contract. Name(s) of applicator(s) and license number(s) must be provided in Proposal.

7. All persons applying chemicals must be licensed by the Texas Department of Agriculture, with aquatic subcategory when applicable (i.e., riparian treatment) or must work under the direct supervision of a person so certified and present anytime drone aircraft are utilized.

8. Must have single Rotor Aircraft Licenses - FAA Operating Certificate, FAA Part 137, Texas Aerial Applicators license, Texas Commercial License. (Not required for mechanical control only.)

9. Must have Multi rotor Aircraft Licenses - FAA Operating Certificate, FAA Part 137 Exemption, Texas Aerial Applicators License, TX commercial Applicators License. (Not required for mechanical control only.)

10. Aircraft pilots must have a minimum of 1000 hours of applicable flight and service experience, a current Commercial Pilot’s License, and must maintain an active license throughout the contract term. Name(s) of pilot(s) must be provided in contractor proposal. (Not required for mechanical control only.)

11. Shall have available the necessary qualified personnel, skills, qualifications, organization, facilities, equipment, and supplies required to fulfill all requirements under this RFP and any resulting Contract. Proposal must include information on ground crew experience and GIS-support personnel experience.

12. Shall have five (5) years experience in mechanical control and removal of vegetation and invasive species using agricultural and heavy equipment as specified in this RFP.

13. Shall have five (5) years experience in civil field services involving access construction, erosion control, and revegetation services as specified in this RFP.

14. Shall have five (5) years experience in vegetation management services involving ground crews performing hand-cutting operations.

Preferred Experience:

1. Past performance on projects similar in size and scope (control of riparian invasive vegetation) of the project described herein.

2. Experience treating vegetation in a species-targeted manner to reduce impacts on native species, non-target species, and water quality and quantity.

Subcontractor Utilization:

Contractor may utilize qualified subcontractors that are vetted and approved beforehand by TSSWCB, for Required, Supporting, and Additional Services described in this RFP. Subcontractors providing services must meet the same requirements and level of experience as required of the Contractor. No subcontract should relieve the primary Contractor of responsibility for the service provided by a Subcontractor.

SCOPE OF WORK AND SPECIFICATIONS

Aerial Herbicide Application:

• Contractor shall have at least one certified applicator present at all times of operation.

• Contractor shall provide all support equipment (e.g., batch trucks, support vehicles, communications) and supplies (e.g., herbicide, water, fuel) necessary to successfully complete the required service in accordance with specifications contained herein. Control and removal sites may be in remote areas that have limited accessibility and require significant off- road travel for long distances. Proposal must describe Contractor’s capability to provide all equipment and supplies to be used.

• Contractor shall furnish the aircraft. Multi or single rotor aircraft are required for precision spraying in low density stands interspersed with non- target species and/or for spraying large, monotypic blocks of vegetation where an overlapping spray pattern can be delivered. Proposals must describe type and capabilities of multi or single rotor aircraft to be used.

• Multi rotor aircraft should be equipped with a satellite guidance system, a variable rate flow meter, and a GIS display system for spraying. Proposal must describe the type and capabilities of the GIS/GPS system and flow control unit to be used.

• Multi rotor and single rotor shall be required to have all applicable safety equipment. Contractor must be able to furnish a back-up aircraft within 48 hours should the primary aircraft become inoperable for any reason.

• Aircraft/equipment shall be kept in good operating condition at all times. The TSSWCB reserves the right to inspect and approve aircraft/equipment to be utilized prior to the award and/or prior to service. Non-conformance of equipment to State standards shall be reason for rejection of bid.

• Multi rotor aircraft must be equipped with first person viewing front and rear cameras for real time video stream to pilot.

• Contractor shall furnish suitable spray equipment. Injector type herbicide delivery systems, venturi-type mixing equipment, peristaltic pumps, and/or tank mixing of herbicides and surfactants will be acceptable. Sprayer pumps may be injector or mixer type equipment. Boom mounted sprayers will be acceptable for use in most applications. Calibration of spray equipment shall be performed to assure proper herbicide mixture delivery. Proposals must describe type and capabilities of the spray system to be used, including boom and nozzle configuration, maximum flow, and droplet size.

• Contractor shall submit to the TSSWCB, a daily spray log detailing each day’s activities. This is required by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and shall be completed daily. Daily logs must include all information necessary for compliance with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s TPDES permit requirements for use of pesticides into, over, or near waters of the U.S. (TCEQ general permit TXGB70000). Detailed spray log shall include at least the following: 1) Application dates, 2) Chemical mixture, 3) Acreage and location of area sprayed (with separate ArcGIS shapefile), and 4) Weather conditions during application. Contractor to submit completed spray logs to the TSSWCB no later than seven (7) Days after each herbicide application date. Failure to submit a spray log in accordance with this requirement may result in TSSWCB’s refusal to pay for services. A digital platform owned and provided by Contractor for reporting, tracking, modeling, and validation is required by TSSWCB.

● All applications must be conducted under regulations specified by the TDA, including the use of all personal protection equipment designated by the label of the herbicide being applied. All applications shall be conducted according to standards and regulations established and enforced by the TDA.

● Multiple applications may be needed as conditions warrant when plants are actively growing.

● Contractor shall include proper care in handling and transporting herbicides and surfactants as well as minimizing damage to non-target vegetation and private property adjacent to the control or removal site.

● Health and Safety Code §502.006 requires chemical manufacturers and distributors to provide material safety data sheets (MSDS) for hazardous materials sold. Products covered by this section must be accompanied by a MSDS and such products shall be labeled in compliance with the law.

● All herbicides and surfactants will be applied in strict accordance with the respective label. Contractor will be responsible for damage to any governmental or private facilities as a result of Contractor’s negligence.

● Contractor shall ensure the safety of all personnel during spray operations including the proper use of all Personal Protection Equipment and safe operation of all equipment.

● Contractor shall make every effort to ensure public safety, including the placement of warning signs, if so, specified on the herbicide label, at all areas being treated.

● Drift control of herbicides and surfactants shall be a major concern during all applications. Every effort shall be made to minimize or prevent any potential damage to non-target vegetation or vegetation on private property adjacent to the treated areas. All applications of herbicides shall be controlled at all times to prevent drift onto agricultural, ornamental, and other non-target plants. No herbicide applications shall be made when and where drift may damage these plants. Proposals must include descriptions and thresholds of environmental conditions critical for drift control, such as air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed.

● The Contractor shall have a spill contingency plan and have the plan on site in the event of an accidental herbicide spill.

The plan must include an outline for the course of action, appropriate agencies to be contacted (contact persons and phone numbers), and the type and source of equipment needed for cleanup. Submit a copy of the spill contingency plan with Proposal. Failure to submit the required plan may result in Proposal disqualification.

● Contractor is required to supply herbicides and surfactants necessary to complete the work. No substitution of herbicide or surfactants will be allowed without the permission of the TSSWCB. Contractors shall apply only those herbicides and surfactants prescribed by the TSSWCB. Herbicides (i.e., chemical, rate, volume) to be used for treatment of Carrizo cane shall be consistent with the most recently published version of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service publication ERM- 1466 Chemical Weed and Brush Control Suggestions for Rangeland and/or the USDA Forest Service Field Guide for Managing Giant Reed in the Southwest (TP-R3-16-11). Herbicides used to complete the work shall be labeled for aquatic use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Identify herbicide to be used, rates and volumes, and surfactant to be used in Proposal.

● All herbicides and surfactants shall be applied in strict accordance with manufacturer’s product labeling.

● Only branded products will be allowed. No generic products will be used without written approval from TSSWCB. Contractor will ensure proper mixing of product to achieve desired control

● All chemical control methods must yield 85%+ control of target vegetation. Any area not yielding desired control will be re-treated at no cost to TSSWCB.

● Contractor shall be responsible for all transportation, loading, and mixing of herbicides and for proper disposal of any wastes and containers.

● Contractor shall transport all herbicides in factory sealed, properly labeled containers. The TSSWCB reserves the right to analyze container samples at any time to ensure product compliance.

● All herbicides shall be used in strict compliance with all label use instructions and precautions and manufacturers MSDS.

Safety equipment and clothing shall be provided by the Contractor and used as necessary. NON- COMPLIANCE BY THE CONTRACTOR WITH LABEL USE INSTRUCTIONS OR TO SAFETY REQUIREMENTS MAY RESULT IN TERMINATION OF

CONTRACT WITHOUT NOTICE.

● In order for control services to be in compliance with the TCEQ TPDES permit, Contractor must conduct both a pre-treatment survey (unless otherwise conducted by TSSWCB staff) and a post-treatment survey (unless otherwise conducted by TSSWCB staff). Cost associated with these surveys (if applicable) is to be included in Contractor’s Proposal.

● Contractor may be accompanied at service locations by TSSWCB staff (at their discretion) who will assess climatic conditions and monitor herbicide batching and application. TSSWCB staff on-site during herbicide application are authorized to issue a stop work order if, in their best professional judgment, climatic conditions are inappropriate for aerial herbicide application or the safety of any personnel on-site is at risk. TSSWCB shall have the authority to stop any planned or ongoing services that do not comply with all of the above specifications.

Mechanical Control and Removal:

Contractor shall supply all equipment and support vehicles to properly shred, mow, clear, grub, mulch, and remove woody vegetation in areas deemed reclaimable by TSSWCB. These sites may require removal or mulching of any/all noxious vegetation and woody species to the ground. Equipment use should also be usable for revegetation activities to establish native grasses and reduce soil erosion. Specifications for mechanical equipment to be utilized by Contractor:

● Minimum 20-ton Excavator(s) with detachable thumb

● Minimum 170 hp Bulldozer(s) for site clearing and road constructions

● Minimum 200 hp Carrier(s) with mulching head

● Minimum 90 hp tractor(s) with 12’ shredder(s)

● 115 hp minimum tractor w/ 20’ side boom

● 15’ Sickle cutter

● 15’ Wick applicator

SECTION III PROPOSAL INFORMATION

3.1 SCHEDULE OF SOLICITATION EVENTS. The TSSWCB intends to proceed with the solicitation process for this RFP according to the following schedule:

Event Date Time Issue RFP/ESBD Posting Date Deadline for Submission of Questions 5:00 PM (CT) Official Response to Questions will be posted on ESBD Deadline for RFP/Submission of Proposals

October 8, 2025 October 15, 2025 October 22, 2025 October 30, 2025 5:00 PM (CT)

3.2 REVISIONS TO SCHEDULE. The TSSWCB reserves the right to change the dates in the Schedule of Events above upon written notification to prospective Respondents through a posting on the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) website at http://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbd., as an Addendum to this RFP. It is the responsibility of interested parties to periodically check the ESBD website for such Addenda and other updates to this RFP prior to submitting a Proposal and thereafter. The Respondent’s failure to periodically check the ESBD will in no way release the selected Contractor from the requirements of addenda or additional information nor will any resulting additional costs to meet the requirements of the RFP and addenda be allowed after award(s). http://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbd., as an Addendum to this RFP. It is the responsibility of interested parties to periodically check the ESBD website for such Addenda and other updates to this RFP prior to submitting a Proposal and thereafter.

The Respondent’s failure to periodically check the ESBD will in no way release the selected Contractor from the requirements of addenda or additional information nor will any resulting additional costs to meet the requirements of the RFP and addenda be allowed after award(s).

3.3 PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS. Submissions: Respondents shall submit one (1) original Proposal signed in ink. Submission should be on 8 ½ by 11-inch paper. Respondents shall submit one (1) original Exhibit A, Execution of Proposal and one (1) original Exhibit C. Proposal pages should be numbered and contain an organized, paginated table of contents corresponding to the section and pages of the Proposal.

3.2.1 Costs: The TSSWCB will not reimburse the Respondent for any cost related to its Proposal. The Respondent is responsible for any expense related to the preparation and submission of its Proposal.

3.2.2 The TSSWCB will not consider any Proposal that bears a copyright. Proposals will be subject to the Texas Public http://www.txsmartbuy.com/

Information Act (PIA), Government Code, Chapter 552, and may be disclosed to the public upon request. The Proposal and other submitted information shall be presumed to be subject to disclosure unless a specific exception to disclosure under the PIA applies.

If it is necessary for the Respondent to include proprietary or otherwise confidential information in its Proposal or other submitted information, the Respondent must clearly label that proprietary or confidential information and identify the specific exception to disclosure in the PIA. Merely making a blanket claim that the entire Proposal is protected from disclosure because it contains some proprietary information is not acceptable and shall make the entire Proposal subject to release under the PIA. In order to initiate the process of seeking an Attorney General opinion on the release of proprietary or confidential information, the specific provisions of the Proposal that are considered by the Respondent to be proprietary or confidential must be clearly labeled as described below. Any information which is not clearly identified as proprietary or confidential shall be deemed to be subject to disclosure pursuant to the PIA.

Subject to the PIA, Respondents may initiate the process to attempt to protect trade and confidential information from public release, subject to a decision by the Office of Attorney General. Trade secrets or other confidential information, submitted as part of a Proposal, shall be clearly marked at each page it appears. Such marking shall be in boldface type at least 14-point font.

3.2.3 Contents: Listed below is a summary of all information to be included in a Proposal submitted in response to this RFP. The TSSWCB reserves the right, in its sole judgment and discretion, to waive minor technicalities and errors in the best interest of the State.

3.2.3.1 Include a complete description of the Respondent’s proposed approach and methodology for the project.

This information should convey the Respondent’s understanding of the proposed project and how the Respondent proposes to accomplish the required service. Include a project schedule indicating when the project would be completed if awarded; identify length of time necessary to mobilize equipment to control and/or removal location.

If applicable to selected control method, includes steps to control and prevent herbicide drift onto non-target vegetation, and include spill contingency plan. Include a list of equipment (including aircraft, if applicable to selected control method) to be used to accomplish the project.

3.2.3.2 Respondent Information: Include documentation specifying Respondent’s qualifications and experience relating to the minimum required qualifications and statement of work specified in this RFP; and name, title, address, telephone number, facsimile number, and e-mail address of Respondent’s primary contact.

3.2.3.3 Company Profile and Key Personnel critical to performance of statement of work

3.2.3.4 The Respondent must provide evidence of the following: All contractors shall procure and maintain at own expense during the term of a contract or any extensions thereof, worker’s compensation and liability insurance as appropriate for performance of the resulting Contract and as specified in this RFP.

3.2.3.5 Exhibit A – Execution of Proposal: Failure to sign and return the Execution of Proposal with the submitted Proposal will result in rejection of the Proposal.

3.2.3.6 References: Include a minimum of three (3) references from individuals familiar with Respondent’s qualifications and experience relating to the appropriate statement of work. Include contact names, positions, and company name and telephone number for each reference listed.

3.2.3.7 Receipt of any addenda to this RFP should be acknowledged by returning a signed and dated copy of each addendum with the submitted Proposal.

3.2.3.8 Exhibit C - HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESSES SUBCONTRACTING PLAN It is the policy of the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board to make a good faith effort to achieve the annual program goals by contracting directly with HUBs or indirectly through subcontracting opportunities in accordance with Texas Government Code Chapter 2161 Subchapter F and HUB Rules promulgated by the Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA), 34 TAC Chapter 20. HUBs are strongly urged to respond to this RFP. Under Texas law, state agencies are required to make a good faith effort to assist HUBs in receiving certain percentages of the total value of contract awards. The contractors who meet the qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply for certification as HUBs.

ALL CONTRACTORS RESPONDING TO THIS RFP, INCLUDING THOSE THAT ARE HUB CERTIFIED OR THOSE WHO DO NOT PLAN TO SUBCONTRACT, MUST COMPLETE A HUB SUBCONTRACTING PLAN (HSP) IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STATE’S POLICY ON UTILIZATION OF HUBs. THE HSP MUST BE INCLUDED AS PART OF THE PROPOSAL TO THIS RFP. FAILURE TO COMPLETE THE HSP AS INSTRUCTED WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION OF THE PROPOSAL FROM CONSIDERATION. Please review the HSP forms carefully and allow sufficient time to identify and contact HUBs and allow them to respond. Note that the contractors must demonstrate a good faith effort to contract with new HUBs if currently proposed HUBs have performed as subcontractors to the Contractor for more than five (5) years. If the Contractor does not plan to subcontract, the Contractor must state that fact in their plan.

The completed plan will become part of the contract that may be awarded as a result of this RFP.

Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board HUB Goals: Other Services 26%

SUBCONTRACTORS - Subcontractors providing services must meet the same requirements and level of experience as required of the Contractor. No subcontract should relieve the primary Contractor of responsibility for the service. If the Contractor uses a subcontractor for any or all work required, the following conditions must apply under the listed circumstances: (a) Respondents planning to subcontract all, or a portion of the work must identify the proposed subcontractors on the HUB Subcontracting Plan. (b) Subcontracting must be at the Respondent’s expense. (c) the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board retains the right to check a subcontractor’s background and decide to approve or reject the use of submitted subcontractor. A subcontractor may not be compensated for any work prior to the approval date of the subcontract agreement between the Contractor and the subcontractor by Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board. (d) The Respondent must be the only contact for the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board relating to work done under a Contract resulting from this solicitation.

HUB RESOURCES AVAILABLE - A list of certified HUBs is available on the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA) Web site at: https://mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us/tpasscmblsearch/tpasscmblsearch.do. For additional information, contact the CPA’s HUB program office at StatewideHUBProgram@cpa.texas.gov. If contractors know of any businesses that may qualify for certification as a HUB, they should encourage those businesses to contact the CPA HUB program office.

3.2.4 Terms and conditions Attached to Proposal: Any terms and conditions attached to a Proposal will not be considered unless specifically referred to in the Proposal.