FIRE FUELS REDUCTION - SCOPES OF WORK.docx

FIRE FUELS REDUCTION, VEGETATION, WILDLIFE CAPTURE, SURVEYS,

AND TRANSPORT SERVICES STATEWIDE

RFP 99SWC-S2380

SCOPES OF WORK

AERIAL SEEDING AND LIQUID APPLICATION

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The State of Nevada, Purchasing Division is also seeking proposals from qualified vendors to aerially apply seed, herbicides and/ or pesticides over featureless terrain on both public and private lands with the use of fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft in Nevada. Resulting contract(s) will be used on an as-needed basis, however due to the nature of the work, high volume periods of work under this RFQ would be anticipated to occur from August through March, but work has the potential to occur during any times of the year.

The State of Nevada needs these services to facilitate habitat enhancement and restoration activities across multiple jurisdictions including State, Federal and private lands. The increased occurrence of large-scale fires and conversion of rangelands to invasive annual vegetation has increased the State’s need for such contracts.

General Information and Minimum Requirements

Awarded vendor(s) must meet Pilot Qualifications as outlined in 3.4.11 “Rotorcraft Wildlife Capture, Surveys, and Transport Services.”

Licensing Permits: All fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft must pass the necessary and pertinent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements and possess the necessary FAA licenses for work under this RFQ. Should unintentional omission or failure occur in identifying other requisite licenses, permits, certified inspections, or other documentation to perform work within this RFQ, it is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure they possess all necessary State, Federal and local licenses, permits, and authorizations necessary for operation of all work required under this RFQ.

Awarded rotary-wing aircraft vendors must also meet all Aircraft Qualifications as outlined in 3.4.14(d) “Rotorcraft Wildlife Capture, Surveys, and Transport Services.”

Unless otherwise specified, the Vendor(s) shall furnish at work sites applicator(s) experienced in applying seed, herbicide, or pesticides in rough, rocky, or mountainous terrain, all equipment, labor, supplies, and materials required to complete the job. The Vendor shall service and repair his/her equipment as necessary to maintain satisfactory progress on work.

Safety Plans: The awarded vendor(s) shall have flight-safety plans and provide safety briefings with their staff necessary to operate safely and have an emergency response plan. The awarded vendor(s) and/or State of Nevada reserve the right to halt work at any point if legitimate safety concerns exist. Work will not be resumed until the safety concerns have been resolved and acceptable to the State of Nevada.

The awarded vendor(s) is responsible for coordinating and communicating effectively with other aircraft that may be affected by the operations. At a minimum, daily flight plans will be shared with the State of Nevada and an agreed upon radio frequency will be established to ensure effective communication and to avoid conflicts and overlap with contractors/agencies/others working in or adjacent to the project area.

Aircraft used under any resulting contract is required to be outfitted with functional on-board agricultural navigation equipment and software with up-to-date GPS systems in which shapefiles can be readily uploaded and in which flight tracks can be accurately and readily exported to a spatially referenced (Universal Transverse Mercator, North American Datum, 1983) shapefile format.

General Equipment: The awarded vendor(s) shall be required to supply all aircraft, equipment, fuel, per diem, labor (including ground crews), and in some cases materials, necessary to apply seed, herbicides, or pesticide (including water to mix herbicides/pesticides).

Mobilization/Demobilization: The awarded vendor(s) shall be required to mobilize and demobilize equipment to a site determined mutually suitable by the State and awarded vendor(s). It will be the responsibility of the awarded vendor(s) to decide if the landing area is suitable and can be safely operated from.

General Data Recordation: The awarded vendor(s) shall be required to appropriately record seed species, liquid mixes, and application rates for each load and will be responsible and accountable for any materials provided by the State in the event of theft, loss, or damage.

Monitoring Equipment: The awarded vendor shall furnish equipment to monitor and insure evenly spaced, straight, regular, and complete coverage of all areas included in the herbicide or seeding job requirements.

Flight Hazards: Any ground or aerial hazards that pose a danger to Awarded Vendor’s personnel or operating equipment must be identified and mitigated or avoided by the Awarded Vendor. Identification of flight hazards is the sole responsibility of the vendor, but the State of Nevada may provide sight specific knowledge to the vendor to assist in the identification of such hazards.

Base of Operation: The awarded vendor shall provide such operation facilities as may be required for competent performance of contract. Use of any area as an operation area shall be arranged by and at the discretion and risk of the awarded vendor, and the State of Nevada shall not be held responsible for any loss, mishap, or accident due to conditions of any operating facility used and the awarded vendor will hold harmless the State of Nevada for any such instance. The Awarded Vendor shall provide appropriate warning signs for traffic if roads are used as operating sites and coordinate with the appropriate entity for such use and subsequent requirements.

Spills and Accidents: The Awarded Vendor shall be responsible if accidents and fuel spills occur. The Awarded Vendor shall report spills and accidents immediately to the BLM authorized officers and appropriate local authorities. The Awarded Vendor shall provide immediate treatment of contaminated or injured persons and seek professional medical attention when necessary. The Awarded Vendor shall control fuel spills quickly and shall secure additional help when the Awarded Vendor cannot effectively or safely handle the spill cleanup. Spills will be the responsibility of the Awarded Vendor and shall be cleaned up to the satisfaction of the local authorities.

Work Camp: Camping will be allowed during project implementation only at sites that have been approved in advance by the BLM or USFS. All fire regulations and permits shall be followed. All garbage and refuse shall be removed from the camp site by the Awarded Vendor within one week of project completion. In the equipment maintenance area, special precautions shall be taken to contain spilled fuel, lubricants, and wash water. Final payment will be reserved subject to inspection of these sites by the BLM and approval of site cleanup.

Work Boundaries and Project Layout: for site specific projects, the State of Nevada will provide awarded vendor(s) the appropriate shapefiles of work boundaries and any pertinent application rates or seed mixes for the project. It is the vendor’s responsibility to ensure they are operating within the work boundaries. Any deviation from the specifications and project layout boundaries provided by the State of Nevada to the vendor will be the sole responsibility of the awarded vendor and will not be invoiceable to the State.

Completion of Contract: The project will be considered completed, and payment initiated when all products furnished by the Awarded Vendor to the State of Nevada have been applied to the standards specified in this RFQ, and when all areas designated under the contract have been completed to specifications; or if performance under the contract is ordered to be terminated by the State of Nevada; and when the Awarded Vendor has furnished the State of Nevada with the Shape Files, Pesticide Application Reports (PARS), printouts, or other requested documentation.

Seeding and Herbicide Application Operations

The Contract Officer/Project Manager will give permission to start approximately one (1) hour from notification of conditions, depending on the location of project.

The Contract Officer/Project Manager will allow Vendor to continue or stop application if weather factors dictate.

Vendor shall be required to start work within three days after being notified by the Contracting Officer/Project Manager. The timing of herbicide and seed application is dependent upon herbicide or seed delivery, seed testing, and snow-covered ground or unfrozen muddy conditions. The snow-covered ground or unfrozen muddy conditions may make desert roads impassable. Sagebrush seed is extremely fluffy and may require special equipment to seed. It is the Vendor’s responsibility to assure that the seeding equipment has suitable agitation and feeder mechanisms to evenly distribute the seed at the specified rate without damaging the seed.

Work Stoppages – The State of Nevada reserves the right to stop herbicide or seeding operations at any time when conditions are considered sufficiently unfavorable to warrant stoppage. Stoppage shall continue until herbicide or seeding operations are again authorized by the State of Nevada. Because of the nature of the work, any time for which work is suspended by the State of Nevada because of unsuitable application conditions will not be counted against the contract completion time. However, no monetary compensation will be given to the Vendor by reason of such work suspension. Vendor agrees to work diligently to complete the seeding application. Partial days in which any amount of seeding was accomplished may be counted as full days of performance time if the State of Nevada deems Vendor is not being diligent in completing the contract.

Safety Hazards – Any ground or above ground hazards that would pose a danger to Vendor’s personnel or operating equipment must be identified and mitigated by the Vendor prior to commencing operations.

Seeding and Herbicide Application Conditions – Seed or herbicide shall not be applied when the wind speed exceeds ten miles per hour unless permission is given by the Project Manager in writing. It may also be desired by the State of Nevada that the ground be covered by a minimum of two inches of snow, or unfrozen muddy ground conditions, during application operations. Therefore, seeding may be delayed if there is no show on the ground and snow is expected in the weather forecast.

Coverage – The entire surface within the designated boundaries of the job area shall receive uniform coverage with herbicide or seed except for such areas as may be excluded by the State of Nevada. Areas excluded from seeding operations within the work site boundaries shall not be included in the acreage computed for payment. Such areas will be specified in advance of application operations on work maps. Seeding and herbicide strips shall be patterned in such a manner as to secure as high a uniformity of herbicide and seed distribution as practicable. Such distribution shall not vary more than fifteen (15) percent above or below the average distribution of seed per unit of surface specified for the area concerned. Application shall be made to obtain proper distribution and uniform coverage of seed. Checks will be made as operations progress to determine uniformity of application. Any areas missed by the Vendor or herbicide/seeded to less than the concentration specified shall be reapplied and brought up to standard, compensated by application of additional acreage, or by suitable deduction from the contract price, at the option of the State of Nevada, and at no additional cost to the State of Nevada.

The awarded vendor shall furnish sufficient equipment to satisfactorily herbicide or seed the designated areas in the time specified as required in the Work Data Sheets. Awarded Vendor(s) shall be capable of applying herbicide or seed as specified by the State of Nevada over featureless and varying ground elevation and terrain. Awarded Vendor shall provide a communication system so that Awarded Vendor personnel engaged in the project at different locations can always communicate with each other, and so that State of Nevada Project Inspectors (PI) may communicate with the Awarded Vendor at any time to discuss performance matters. The Awarded Vendor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State and Local regulations.

Communications Equipment/Systems

The Vendor shall provide a communication system so that the Vendor personnel engaged in the project at different locations can always communicate with each other and so that the State of Nevada Project Manager may communicate with the Vendor at any time to discuss performance matters.

The Vendor shall furnish enough equipment to have communications with the State of Nevada either by using radio frequencies designated by the Project Manager or by providing a radio to the Project Manager.

GPS Technology – The aircraft must be equipped with a global positioning system that is used to establish flight lines for 100% coverage.

Vendor shall be required to utilize a Differentially Corrected Global Positioning System (DGPS) for electronic Navigation.

Vendor’s system must be capable of utilizing GPS/ARC/INFO compatible navigation system: Equipment shall be equipped with a GPS Guidance/Tracking system capable of accepting and utilizing ARC/INFO GIS Shape files (.shp) and given to the Vendor on a USB Thumb Drive or by email.

The Vendor shall provide all guidance equipment, materials, computers, printers, personnel, and services required for the system to be used. The system shall be sufficiently sensitive to provide immediate deviation indications (real-time).

Differentially Corrected Global Positioning System (DGPS): DGPS is required for tracking, and data collection. The Awarded Vendor shall provide all guidance equipment, materials, computers, printers, personnel, and services required for the system to be used. The system shall be sufficiently sensitive to provide immediate deviation indications (real-time). The DGPS system must be capable of determining a differentially corrected location with an error of no more than one to two meters in the horizontal plane. The guidance system shall be capable of updating the current position at a rate of a minimum of one time per second. Differential corrections must cover the complete operational area. During operation, differentially corrected signal must be accurately recorded at least 90% of the operational time. Differential correction may be provided by a portable differential station, FM radio fixed towers, or satellite.

Software provided with DGPS must be designed for parallel offset in increments equal to the assigned swath width of the application equipment.

Software provided with DPGS must be designed for parallel offset in increments equal to the assigned swath width of the application equipment.

Must be capable of a minimum rate of one-second logging intervals. Full record includes position, time altitude, speed, track, application system on/off, job name/number, and differential correction status. The computer program must be capable of calculating and showing total acres treated during the flight, and capable of downloading to a computer for analysis and review. The project log must show the difference between spray-on and spray-off when viewed on a computer monitor or printer. Export files of each project log shall be provided and must be compatible with ArcMap or ARC-INFO GIS.

Project Log: Must be capable of a minimum rate of one-second logging intervals. Full record includes position, time altitude, speed, track, application system on/off, job name/number, and differential correction status. The computer program must be capable of calculating and showing total acres treated during the application and capable of downloading to a computer for analysis and review. The project log must show and differentiate between spray-on and spray-off when viewed on a computer monitor or printer. Additionally, the project log should be able to produce a Flow Control Report (i.e., when spraying liquids), to verify the flow control device is working as designated. Export files of each project log shall be provided and must be compatible with ArcView or ARC-INFO GIS system on a standard USB memory stick. The Awarded Vendor may provide software that is compatible, and which will enable the files to convert into viewable files for ArcView or ARC-INFO GIS. The Awarded Vendor must, upon request by the State of Nevada or Project Inspector, be able to supply project log data on a USB memory drive for review at any time during the contract. The Awarded Vendor will provide project log data at the end of each day’s application. The Contract will not be considered complete until the data has been reviewed and deemed complete with no skips in the sprayed areas. The DGPS system must be capable of zooming in on any portion of the treatment to view a specific area with greater detail.

Must be capable of calculating and showing total acres treated during application, must show the entire track of the equipment from beginning to end and differentiate between spray-on and spray-off. A color printout and Export files shall be provided on a standard removable drive, USB Drive, or other appropriate media approved by the contracting officer must be compatible with ARC/INFO GIS. Shape files are the required file format.

DGPS system must be capable of zooming in on any portion of the treatment to view a specific area with greater detail.

Visual Display Monitor and Control Keypad: (1) Capable of displaying swath over project path: (2) mounted in a location that will allow the applicator to view the screen: (3) have a method to display nested polygons to indicate sensitive or no-spray areas within or adjacent to treatment blocks: (4) have a feature that allows the applicator to return to the exact location of application shutdown and complete application without omitted or doubled treated areas: (5) be able to input reference waypoints (A-B line): (6) have a feature which alerts applicator when they are about to enter or exit a specific treatment block or an exclusion area within a block.

Course Deviation Indicator (CDI): The course deviation indicator or course deviation light must have the capability to display both cross-track error and intercept angle to desired heading. Cross-track error shall be adjustable down to (1) foot.

Memory: Must be capable of storing up to 8 hours of continuous project data.

The State of Nevada will provide the Vendor with an electronic file containing coordinate positions of treatment areas in an ARC-INFO GIS format.

A State of Nevada representative shall monitor the Vendors GPS to assure Vendor’s compliance with contract specifications.

The State of Nevada will also define verbally and/or with flagging perimeter boundaries of treated and excluded areas.

Ground flaggers and an auto-flagger system (if aircraft is utilized) can supplement the DGPS system, but not substitute for it.

Work Location and Access to Work Sites(s)

Project Location: Specific projects could be in any area of the State of Nevada, often in remote areas with dirt landing strips away from airports, municipalities, and other services. The use of remote dirt roadways or dirt landing strips often provides the most cost-effective opportunity for site-specific needs. As such, awarded vendors must be capable of landing and operating on dirt roadways to efficiently conduct work under this RFQ. It will be the sole responsibility of the awarded vendor(s) to determine a landing location for a site-specific project and to determine if the landing area is suitable and can be safely operated from.

Fuel: The awarded vendor(s) shall ensure fuel availability in remote areas for aircraft and equipment. If fuel is not readily available from a commercial supplier, the awarded vendor shall be required to provide sufficient fuel for a minimum of one (1) day’s work by either using a fuel service provider or by hauling the fuel themselves.

Environmental Considerations

Hazardous Materials: No hazardous materials shall be stored or disposed of on-site. Fuel, oil, and grease needed for equipment maintenance during the working period may be stored on site where no leakage or spillage will contaminate the ground, preferably in spill containment barriers. No equipment maintenance will be performed within, or near, any stream channel or waters where petroleum products or other pollutants from equipment may enter these waters.

Spills: The Awarded Vendor shall prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants to the environment by reducing the chance of spills through safe operating practices, maintaining equipment, stopping the source of spills, containing, and cleaning up spills, properly disposing of spill materials, and shall take appropriate corrective action as approved by the State of Nevada. The excavated contaminated materials will then be disposed of at a certified hazardous waste facility.

Staging/Storage: Staging/Storage area for equipment and materials should be located outside of streams or any wetland/riparian habitat areas. Any equipment or vehicles driven and/or operated within, or adjacent to streams or other water should be checked and maintained daily to prevent leaks.

Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas: No overland travel in any Wilderness or Wilderness Study Areas is allowed.

Washing Vehicles/Equipment: All vehicles/ground equipment being used on this project shall be steam cleaned or pressure washed prior to starting and/or ending the project to prevent the spread of noxious weeds. The area used for this procedure must be pre-approved by the appropriate land management agency (BLM or State of Nevada).

Products and Completion

The Vendor shall provide a Trimble, AgNav, ARC-INFO or ARCVIEW electronic file in UTM projection North America Datum 83 of treatment coverage, including “in-flight” tracklogs, upon completion of each treated area or as required by the Contracting Officer/Project Manager.

Return of any leftover materials purchased by the State.

Restoration of Resources – Vendor is responsible for cleaning up all worksites before leaving the area. Final payment may be withheld until the Vendor has complied with the requirement. Vendor shall restore, at their expense any public or private access roads damaged by the Vendor. Restoration shall be back to the same condition they were in at the commencement of work.

Inspections, Quality Assurance, and Quality Control

The awarded vendor(s) will be required to remain in contact with the State of Nevada on a daily basis while performing work for site-specific projects. The State of Nevada, or its designated representative, may elect to have a Project Inspector (PI) on site during work performance of the awarded vendor(s). Additionally, inspections of work may be completed at any time, unannounced. The State of Nevada will not process invoices until a final inspection is conducted by the State of Nevada, or as determined that invoicing is appropriate by the State of Nevada Project Manager.

The awarded vendor will notify the state Project Manager verbally or in writing at least three (3) working days prior to completion date so the agency can schedule a final inspection. The awarded vendor or the awarded vendor’s authorized representative shall be present during this inspection and be prepared to mitigate any situations that don’t meet the specifications of this Scope of Work.

Final Inspection: The final inspection shall be held at the project site, or as determined by the State of Nevada. The Awarded Vendor shall require his or her superintendent (if designated) to be present during the inspections. The Awarded Vendor shall correct any deficiencies noted and the project will be re-inspected by the State of Nevada Project Manager. Final payment of the contract will be made pending the completion of a satisfactory final inspection of the project.

Vendor Furnished Items

General: For each specific project, the awarded vendor(s) will be required to supply equipment, labor, fuel and ancillary items as stated above. Materials will either be directly provided to the vendor by the State, or the State may require the awarded vendor to supply the materials at a market price value as provided by the vendor and approved by the state prior to purchase.

Motor Vehicles: The Awarded Vendor shall finish motor vehicles for hauling equipment and personnel to the worksite. The Awarded Vendor shall not load /unload equipment on public highways unless authorized by the Nevada Department of Transportation.

Work Crew: Labor shall be furnished by the Awarded Vendor(s) for handling and mixing and loading the herbicide, pesticide, or seed. The Awarded Vendor(s) shall furnish the necessary qualified mechanics for maintenance of equipment and shall furnish all fuel, oil, and service required for operation of equipment and vehicles. All expenses relating to maintenance and operation of equipment shall be included in the unit price bid per acre for seed application.

State Furnished Items

The State shall be responsible for transporting all state provided materials, except materials purchased directly by the awarded vendor for “market value goods”. All unused materials (whether purchased by the State or the awarded vendor) are to be returned by the vendor to the State of Nevada to a location identified by State of Nevada, not to exceed 200 miles from project location.

Payment

Measurement for payment for seeding, herbicide, or pesticide application will be the actual area, in acres, within the designated boundaries where liquid or seed has been satisfactorily applied in conformance with these specifications. Measurement will be made from the ArcGIS polygons provided by the State of Nevada. Acreage will be computed from horizontal distances as shown on maps. Payment will be made at the unit price per acre specified in the Bid Schedule and shall include the cost of all work described in the paragraph and the Detailed Specifications, including any re-seeding, if such work is required. Acreages will not be computed from DGPS acreages covered. A vendor must factor in additional application time required for coverage of the polygons, complete seeding, and any contour application that may be required to properly cover the area.

Individual Scopes of Work under Aerial Seeding and Liquid Application

AERIAL HERBICIDE AND PESTICIDE APPLICATION

All awarded vendor(s) shall meet general minimum requirements as outlined above in Section 3.4 “General Information and Minimum Requirements.”

Awarded vendor(s) shall aerially apply herbicide, water, and/or pesticide on a per acre basis with the use of fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft, at rates identified by the State for a site-specific project, or as otherwise specified herein.

Licensing Permits: Vendors must possess valid Nevada Department of Agriculture licenses for pesticide application in the State of Nevada for application on Federal, State and Private land, including agricultural applications. Despite any omission or mention of other licenses or permits identified within this RFQ, it is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure they possess all necessary state, federal and local licenses and permits necessary for operation of all of the work required under this RFQ.

Environmental Hazards: The awarded vendor(s) shall be required to have the necessary Nevada license(s) applicable to herbicide/pesticide application. Awarded vendor(s) shall be aware and cautious of any environmental hazard present during herbicide application. Upon completion of herbicide application, vendor shall thoroughly clean equipment and dispose of waters, residues, rinses, and unused herbicides only according to EPA and Nevada State regulations. All empty herbicide containers will be tripled rinsed, labels removed, and punctured by vendor after mixing. Vendor shall be responsible for disposal or recycling of the empty boxes, containers, labels, and lids.

Tests for Uniformity and Rate of Application: The State of Nevada will conduct tests as operations progress to determine uniformity of herbicide or pesticide.

Vendors shall be capable of applying herbicides or pesticides in small irregular shaped areas and avoiding lands not State/Private that are not included in the contract.

Herbicide Calibration: The awarded vendor(s) shall demonstrate equipment has been spray pattern tested and calibrated.

Mixing and Application of Herbicides: The awarded vendor(s) shall mix herbicides in accordance with the proportions listed on the product labels. Protective clothing and equipment for employees who mix the herbicides is required. Pursuant to NAC 55.440 and NAC 55.400, the application of an herbicide, either directly or through drift, must not expose workers or other people.

Mix Tanks: Awarded vendor(s) shall furnish mix tanks where spray solutions of the product shall be mixed, stored, and applied using only stainless steel, aluminum, fiberglass, plastic, or plastic lined steel containers.

Herbicide Application – The awarded vendor(s) must be able to evenly distribute the designated herbicide or pesticide on a per acre basis at the rates specified by the State. Equipment that cannot perform the specified work shall be modified or replaced by the awarded vendor(s) within two calendar days. The Flow Control Device shall be used to meter the amount of liquid sprayed. The State of Nevada may request a Flow Control Report in the bid.

Spray Nozzles: Awarded vendor(s) shall furnish a nozzle type that is designated for the intended application. Refer to the herbicide label for proper nozzles to comply with Drift Management Section on the chemical label.

Herbicides and pesticides shall not be applied when conditions fall outside of the specified product label’s instructions.

Project Completion: The Contract will be considered completed and payment due when Pesticide Application Reporting Forms are provided upon project completion, as well as Flow Control Reports upon request.

AERIAL SEED APPLICATION

All awarded vendor(s) shall meet general minimum requirements as outlined in above in Section xx “General Information and Minimum Requirements.”

Awarded vendor(s) shall aerially apply seeds on a per acre basis with the use of fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft, at rates identified by the State for a site-specific project, or as otherwise specified herein.

Tests for Uniformity and Rate of Application: The State of Nevada will conduct tests as operations progress to determine uniformity of seeding. Standards of performance will be determined by adequate weight records of amounts applied on each individual seeding trip covered, and ground recovery of samples of seed distributed. All work of weight recording and ground recovery will be done by the State of Nevada at no cost to the Awarded Vendor. Should the Awarded Vendor wish to object in any way to the weight recording and/or ground recovery sampling done at any particular time by the State of Nevada, the Awarded Vendor shall be present in person or by authorized representative to voice said objections when said weight recording and/or ground recovery samplings are done, and to agree upon new records and/or samples at the time, where after the weight recording and ground recovery sampling done by the State of Nevada shall be final and binding in the settlement of contract.

Vendor shall be capable of applying seed in small irregular shaped areas and avoiding lands not State/Private that are not included in the contract.

The Vendor shall provide enough equipment to satisfactorily seed the designated areas in the time specified as required.

Seed will be furnished by the State of Nevada. Vendor shall load and transport seed from the pickup point to the operational loading sites and shall be responsible for its protection from loss or damage due to weather, rodent, insects, theft, or any other hazard.

Seeder Calibration: The awarded vendor(s) shall calibrate seeding equipment prior to application on the project. The State of Nevada will supply seed for calibration. However, the seed may not be available until approximately two days prior to the approximate start date of the project. Seed not used for calibration shall be recovered for use on the project.

Seed Mixer: The awarded vendor(s) shall furnish equipment to mix the seed at the specified rate. Mixing shall be done on the project site and shall be inspected by the State of Nevada Project Inspector to ensure proper mixing of the seed. Mixing of the seed by hand (i.e., shovels or other various hand tools) will not be permitted.

Seed Application – The awarded vendor(s) must be able to evenly distribute the designated seed on a per acre basis at the rates specified by the State. Equipment that cannot perform the specified work shall be modified or replaced by the awarded vendor(s) within two calendar days. Application equipment shall be equipped for carrying seed with distribution mechanism including release, shutoff, and spreading device which can be calibrated for spreading seed at the prescribed rate in an acceptable manner and uniform pattern. Seed application equipment shall include lids/covers which fasten securely to prevent seed from blowing out. Some seeding rates may be reduced due to availability of seed.

Some line items for seeding have different varieties of seed, therefore, the seeding pattern (swath width) cannot exceed the expectation of the variety that will be the narrowest broadcast pattern.

Seed openings of the distribution mechanism shall always be checked at enough intervals to ensure proper functioning and even distribution of seed. If at any time inspection of equipment reveals that seed openings are not properly operation or that feeders are blocked by trash, the Program Manager may require re-seeding of that portion of the area that the State of Nevada determines was not properly seeded, at no additional cost to the State of Nevada.

Seeding Swath Widths: Seeding typically has different varieties of seed, therefore, the seeding pattern (swath width) cannot exceed the expectation of the variety that will be the narrowest broadcast pattern. Example: if sagebrush seed is expected to be broadcast at 100 feet and yarrow seed is expected to be broadcast at 70 feet, the overall swath width shall be 70 feet. If unknown, then a fixed swath width of 80 feet shall be used unless directed otherwise by a State of Nevada Project Inspector.

Seed Bucket(s) or Hopper(s) – Sagebrush seed presents unique problems due to bulkiness and tendency to bridge in the seed bucket or hopper. In addition, it is anticipated that some of the sagebrush seed will have a high moisture content which causes the seed to compact, clump, and bridge even more severely. Therefore, seed bucket(s) or hopper(s) shall include a mechanical agitation system to prevent the seed from bridging in the bucket or hopper. Equipment that cannot perform the specified work shall be modified or replaced by the Vendor.

Any seed damaged or lost, while in the custody of the Vendor, will be replaced by the State of Nevada, and actual cost to the State of Nevada for replacement will be deducted from payments due the Vendor.

All unused seed shall be returned to the pickup point by the Vendor or nearer destination, if so directed, upon completion of work or termination of the contract.

Project Completion: The Contract will be considered completed and payment due when all seed furnished to the Vendor by the State of Nevada has been seeded to the standards specified above; or when all areas designated under the contract have been seeded to the said standards; or if performance under the contract is ordered terminated by the State of Nevada.

SUPER SCOOPER

The use of the super scooper will be to increase wildland firefighting capacity within the State of Nevada for wildland fire response. This asset will contribute to minimizing large wildland fire growth potential within the State of Nevada for State, local and federal agencies.

The contractor operated and maintained Turbine powered, Multi-engine, Amphibious, Fixed-Wing, Water Scooping Aircraft services. The vendor will provide fully crewed and certified Water Scooping aircraft capable of conducting Initial Attack firefighting missions at the direction of the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

PROJECT SPECIFIC TERMS

Water Scooper Aircraft not in existence at the time of offer may be offered provided the aircraft and tank system have obtained an approval by the IAB 45 days prior to time of hire for the item offered.

Aircraft Shall Meet the Following Minimum Equipment Requirements:

Purpose Built Water Scooping Aircraft with the ability to carry up to 1400 Gallons.

Airspeed of 150 Knots The proposed aircraft must be capable of lifting off and climbing (both engines operating and maximum lift-off weight after water pick-up) at a rate of at least 1,200 fpm at 5,000 ft pressure altitude with zero wind and a temperature of ISA +15°C.

The proposed aircraft must be capable of completing a full scooping load within 5,500 ft at an ambient temperature of 25°C, a pressure altitude of 5,000 ft, and a headwind velocity of 15 kts.

Twin Turbine Engine Powerplant capable of producing climb rate of at MTOW at 5,000ft Density Altitude Two VHF-AM Radios One VHF-FM Radios Instrument Approach Capable TCAS II system ADS-B Out GPS Navigation Capable

ELT

AFF

Interagency Air Tanker Board Approved Water Drop System

Airframe Shall Meet the Following Minimum Standards

Contractor-furnished aircraft and equipment shall be operable, free of damage, and in good repair. Fluid leaks shall be within the manufacturer’s specified limits. All maintenance will be performed in accordance with OEM manuals, drawings, and publications.

Aircraft shall conform to an FAA approved type design and be maintained and operated in accordance with Type Certificate (TC) requirements and applicable Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs).

Manufacturer’s Service Bulletins (SBs) that are a safety of flight item or identified by an Airworthiness Directive (AD) shall be complied with during the period of the contract performance.

Aircraft shall be maintained by the operator’s FAA Part 145 Certified Repair Station (CRS) and in accordance with all applicable requirements of 14 CFR.

All components including airframe, engines, and propellers with life, overhaul, “time to change” or inspection limits shall be replaced/overhauled/inspected (as applicable) upon reaching the manufacturer’s recommended limit. Manufacturer’s recommended times may be published in manufacturer’s Service Bulletins, Airworthiness Limitation Section (ALS). Life limited components may never be extended. Aircraft operated with components and accessories on approved FAA extension programs are acceptable, provided the Contractor who provides the aircraft is the holder of the extension authorization (not the owner if the aircraft is leased), and the aircraft is operated in accordance with the extension.

Maintenance of the aircraft shall be recorded in accordance with 14 CFR Part 43, Part 91, and Part 145. An example of acceptable aircraft maintenance records can be found in FAA Advisory Circular (AC) No. 43-9C, as revised.

The offering entity must maintain Part 135, Part 137, and Part 145 FAA Certificates.

Operations:

The PIC is responsible for the safe operation of the aircraft and the safety of its occupants and payload. The Pilot has final authority to determine whether the flight can be accomplished safely and shall refuse any flight or landing which is considered unsafe.

A FAA or International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) IFR flight plan shall be filed and executed for the entire duration of all resource ordered flights not defined as or intended to be a Mission Flight. IFR flight plans shall be filed prior to takeoff, or in-flight when the resource is ordered to another location while airborne.

Aircraft shall carry its maximum payload unless conditions require a download.

In the event of a cancelled or aborted mission after takeoff, a portion of or the entire load shall normally be jettisoned. The aircrew shall make the final decision as to whether the aircraft will land loaded or not loaded. At any time during an emergency or when adverse conditions make safe landing uncertain the pilot may drop all or part of the load as the pilot deems necessary.

Qualified Initial Attack Water Scooper Pilots (AKI) are authorized to drop water on fires without the supervision of a Lead plane (LP) Aerial Supervision Module (ASM), or Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS).

Water shall be dropped as accurately as possible on the designated target areas of the fire. Minimum drop height is 150 feet above the ground or canopy cover (whichever is higher) and at a target altitude of 200 feet above the ground or canopy cover.

Aircrew Shall Meet the Following Minimum Requirements

Captains shall meet the below table of experience requirements and all aircrew shall submit OAS applications to the Nevada DCNR for evaluation. All pilots and co-pilots will have completed National Aerial Firefighting Academy. All pilots must be FAA Certificated to operate the offeror’s aircraft.

Water Scooper Pilot-In-Command (PIC) Requirements:

PIC shall be FAA qualified, FAA current, proficient, and approved for their assigned crew position and shall have accumulated the minimum flight hours listed below. Flight hours shall be determined from a certified pilot log.

Pilot (Total Time) - 1500 hrs.

Pilot-In-Command (Airplane) - 1200 hrs.

Category (airplane) and class (multi-engine) to be flown - 200 hrs.

Multi-engine aircraft over - 12,500 pounds.

Typical terrain (mountainous and low-level below 1000 AGL) - 200 hrs.

*All captains that meet the above requirements are considered Initial Attack Capable captains.

Water Scooper Second-In-Command (SIC) Requirements

SIC shall be FAA qualified, FAA current, proficient, and approved for their assigned crew position and shall have accumulated the minimum flight hours listed below. Flight hours shall be determined from a certified pilot log.

Pilot-In-Command (Airplanes) – 800 hrs.

Pilot hours in the preceding 12 months – 100 hrs.

Valid Class II or Class I FAA Medical Certificate

PPE

While flying, contractor personnel shall wear long-sleeved shirt and trousers (or long-sleeved flight suit) made of fire-resistant polyamide or aramid material, leather boots and leather, polyamide, or aramid gloves. A shirt with long sleeves overlapping gloves, and long-pants overlapping boots of at least 2-inches, shall be worn by the pilot(s).

Personnel shall wear clothing made of fire-resistant synthetic material under the fire-resistant clothing described herein.

Contractor personnel must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) for all flights requiring water scooping operations. This equipment must be maintained in serviceable condition in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. This equipment may, but is not required to, meet the standards of 14 CFR Part 135.167(a)(1). Automatic inflation (water-activated) PFDs are not authorized.

Maintenance Personnel Requirements

The contractor shall furnish 1 full-time mechanic for the aircraft. The mechanic shall maintain the aircraft in accordance with requirements specified within this contract. The mechanic shall meet the requirements of 14 CFR Part 43.7(b).

Mechanics shall have satisfactorily completed a manufacturer's field or line maintenance course for the make and model of aircraft. For aircraft without training courses available the contractor must certify in writing that the mechanic has had the in-house training necessary to maintain the aircraft offered.

Aircraft and Aircrew Duty Period

Vendor must be capable of providing two flight crews per duty day to provide 14 hours of operational coverage each day.

Pilots shall have 2 (two) 2-24-hour time periods off duty during any 14-day period.

Flight time shall not exceed a total of 8 hours per day per crew.

Assigned duty of any kind shall not exceed 14 hours in any 24-hour period. Within any 24-hour period, pilots shall have a minimum of 10-consecutive hours off-duty immediately prior to the beginning of any duty day.

Duty includes flight time, ground duty of any kind, and standby or alert status at any location.

Vendor shall be available for Call When Needed dispatch between 15 June 2022 and 1 December 2022. OR Vendor shall be available for a one-year agreement from date of signing.

Lodging

The NV DCNR will provide basing, manager, and facility for pilots in support of the aircraft.

Lodging and incidentals when stationed at Minden Air Base is at Vendors Cost as the designated base location for offerors air services.

Lodging and per diem when based away from Minden is reimbursed to Vendor for aircrews and support crews at GSA Rates.

Administrative

The Contractor must immediately, and by the most expeditious means available, notify the NTSB AND the agency ASM when an "Aircraft Accident" or NTSB reportable "Incident" occurs.

The Contractor must replace any employee who performs unsafely, ineffectively, refuses to cooperate; is unable or unwilling to adapt to field living conditions or whose general performance is unsatisfactory, disruptive, or detrimental to the purpose for which contracted.

All aircrews and ground crews provided by the offeror shall be compliant with FAR 52.23-6 regarding drug and alcohol testing.

The Contractor may request the use of substitute personnel, aircraft, or equipment that was not initially approved for use. All proposed substitutes must meet the contract specifications and be subject to inspections and approvals identified herein prior to use.

Exclusive Use Payment Methods

NDF requests an Exclusive Use contract at the rate $45,000 daily availability plus $17,900 hourly flight time/100 hrs. minimum will be utilized for payment.

The contractor is responsible for fuel and maintenance services, NDF will provide parking, airport fees and pilot readiness facilities at Minden Airport.

When committed to an assignment (RON) ramp and ground fees will be billed to the incident.

Cost Schedule

COST SCHEDULE

PAYMENT METHODS

Ramp & Ground Facilities

Provided by the State

SINGLE-ENGINE WATER SCOOPER (FIREBOSS)

Minimum aircraft requirements

Fire Boss is designed specifically for firefighting and capable of loading by skimming the surface of a suitable water source.

Aircraft certified under FAR Part 23 or 25.

Minimum water/retardant tank capacity of 799 US gallons.

Cruise speed of 140 kts, True Air Speed (TAS) or more.

Minimum aircraft payload of one 200-pound pilot & 625 US gallons of water/gel/foam with 2.5 hours fuel at 3,000 ft. PA and 25 degrees C.

Must have installed an infrared enhanced vision system with cockpit display to enable the pilot to see through smoke and haze to facilitate fire target acquisition. Preference will be given to contractors who have installed Heads Up Displays (HUDs) in their Fire Bosses.

Must have installed proven on-board gel/water enhancing capability that has been proven to work effectively for a minimum of three (3) seasons.

Must have a Height Above Surface Awareness System (HASAS) or equivalent system installed and operating.

Must be turboprop with a PT6A-67F engine or equivalent.

The water tank shall have

A computer controllable fire gate/door system that allows the volume of the tank to be released in selected drop configurations including full salvo, reduced flow/extended trail, or partial tank (split) drops.

Tank venting will be appropriate for the tank capacity.

The system shall include an emergency dump system with a minimum of one additional back-up system.

Preference will be given to lighter weight fire gates that enhance aircraft payload.

Unmodified agricultural gates are not acceptable.

Aircraft must be equipped with a single loading port or dual loading ports that facilitate loading from either side.

Aircraft shall be painted with identifying numbers and high visibility panels/stripes.

High visibility strobe lights that are activated during all flights under this contract are required.

Aircraft must be capable of making an ingress/re-load/egress flight path within 5,000 lineal feet of water body.

Interagency Airtanker Board (IAB) approved as an amphibious water scooper.

Operations:

The PIC is responsible for the safe operation of the aircraft and the safety of its occupants and payload. The Pilot has final authority to determine whether the flight can be accomplished safely and shall refuse any flight or landing which is considered unsafe.

A FAA or International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) IFR flight plan shall be filed and executed for the entire duration of all resource ordered flights not defined as or intended to be a Mission Flight. IFR flight plans shall be filed prior to takeoff, or in-flight when the resource is ordered to another location while airborne.

Aircraft shall carry its maximum payload unless conditions require a download.

In the event of a cancelled or aborted mission after takeoff, a portion of or the entire load shall normally be jettisoned. The aircrew shall make the final decision as to whether the aircraft will land loaded or not loaded. At any time during an emergency or when adverse conditions make safe landing uncertain the pilot may drop all or part of the load as the pilot deems necessary.

Qualified Initial Attack Water Scooper Pilots (AKI) are authorized to drop water on fires without the supervision of a Lead plane (LP) Aerial Supervision Module (ASM), or Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS).

Water shall be dropped as accurately as possible on the designated target areas of the fire. Minimum drop height is 150 feet above the ground or canopy cover (whichever is higher) and at a target altitude of 200 feet above the ground or canopy cover.

Aircrew Shall Meet the Following Minimum…