Horn FY25 Job Specs George Fell NP Forestry Mower Followup 10-23-24.docx

Site Specific Job Specification Form NAAF Stewardship Project NAAF Project Name: George Fell Nature Preserve Forestry Mower Followup Project Site Name and County: Castle Rock State Park, Ogle County DNR Site Name and County: Castle Rock State Park, Ogle County The following specifications shall be applied to the above named job.

1. DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES

1.1. GOAL: Herbicide treatment to resprouts from previously conducted forestry mowing.

1.2. SUPPLIES AND/OR SERVICES REQUIRED:

1.2.1. During the dormant season, targeted woody species with heights exceeding 24" shall be basal bark treated with a solution of 20% triclopyr ester herbicide and 80% basal bark carrying oil. Basal bark herbicide application shall be conducted by applying a continuous band of herbicide around the stem. The height of the band shall be, at minimum, equal to the diameter of the stem. Herbicide shall not be applied so heavily that it soaks into the soil. Diesel fuel, fuel oils, and kerosene may not be used as a carrying oil. Herbicide shall be applied to stems using backpack or handheld sprayers. Basal bark treatment shall only be completed when the air temperature is less than 80 degrees F.

1.2.2. Starting in growing season of 2025, resprouts less than 24" tall shall be foliar treated using a triclopyr-based herbicide or glyphosate-based herbicide solution mixed with water at recommended label rates. All foliar herbicide applications shall be applied with a non-ionic surfactant and water conditioner.

1.2.3. A minimum of three passes shall be made through the project area over 2 growing seasons. Primary Job Coordinator may request additional passes if required.

1.2.4. For multi-stemmed individuals, all stems must be treated.

1.2.5. Targets shall include all identifiable mowed stumps and all individuals of the following target species: multiflora rose, brambles (Rubus spp.), exotic bush honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.), common buckthorn, Japanese barberry, bittersweet, prickly ash, dogwoods (Cornus sp.), gooseberry (Ribes sp.), carrion vines (Smilax sp.), and white mulberry. Other species may be added at the discretion of the Primary Job Coordinator.

1.2.6. Work shall be conducted on variable terrain from flat to moderate slopes.

1.2.7. Vendor can stage in parking areas. UTVs can be used on designated trails and on perimeter fire breaks to access work areas.

1.2.8. All areas slated for herbicide treatment shall be designated onsite by the Primary Job Coordinator prior to the initiation of work, but fall within the generally defined boundaries on the maps provided.

1.2.9. No work is permitted during shotgun and late winter deer hunting seasons.

1.2.10. General Work Details

1.2.10.1 Vendor shall provide all herbicide, adjuvants, and dye identified in the job specifications and follow all label restrictions for mixing and applying herbicides and shall use all herbicides according to the manufacturer’s label directions. Materials safety data sheets (MSDS) for all pesticides shall be kept on the work site. Vendor shall post required signage for re-entry restrictions per label.

1.2.10.2 Foliar spraying shall be conducted with winds not to exceed ten (10) mph. Extreme caution shall be exercised to avoid over-spray and drift. Vendor’s herbicide applicator shall use spray nozzle apertures to minimize drift and with precision shut-off valves to avoid over-spray and to minimize contact with native species.

1.2.10.3 Vendor shall not apply herbicides to target plants if stems or leaves maintain any surface moisture (e.g., dew) or if rain is predicted within time constraints of labeled rain fast duration. Vendor’s herbicide applicator shall use backpack sprayers, sponges, or brushes to apply chemicals to maximize application efficacy.

1.2.10.4 Extreme care shall be taken to avoid non-target contamination with herbicides or herbicide spills within high quality natural areas. The Primary Job Coordinator shall provide a map and list of species of special concern to familiarize the vendor’s Primary Job Coordinator and field crews with the species present and to assist Vendor’s staff in preventing unintentional treatment of endangered or threatened species. Extreme caution shall be exercised to avoid chemical treatment of native Amelanchier and Vaccinium species. Notable damage to non-target species shall result in the termination of the contract and contract obligations.

1.2.10.5 Vendor shall not apply herbicides to target plants if rain is predicted within time constraints of labeled rain fast duration.

1.2.10.6 The Primary Job Coordinator reserves the right to restrict access of Vendor to the job site with 24 hours’ notice. Vendor shall abide by all park rules and all site and job-based restrictions imposed by the Primary Job Coordinator.

1.2.10.7 Vendor shall limit vehicular access to paved roads or limestone trails or to routes approved by the Primary Job Coordinator. The Primary Job Coordinator may suspend all vehicle access or work if excessive damage to the area is noted.

1.2.10.8 The Vendor shall meet with the Primary Job Coordinator on-site prior to initiating work to identify access routes and locations for staging equipment and materials and for mixing of chemicals and filling of herbicide sprayers, site conditions for work and chemical selection.

1.2.10.9 All mixing of herbicide and filling of herbicide sprayers shall be done outside of the natural area over a plastic tub to collect any spills. If a spill occurs it shall be reported immediately to the Site Superintendent or Primary Job Coordinator and shall be cleaned up by the Vendor. Empty herbicide containers shall be properly disposed of as required by Federal law.

1.2.10.10 All equipment and work clothing including boots shall be clean and free of any weed seeds prior to entering or leaving the work area to prevent the spread of invasive species within and among job sites and other areas where the Vendor may have worked.

1.2.10.11 Keyed access may be required to reach project areas. Keys shall be provided to the Vendor for the duration of the project. They shall be returned to the Primary Job Coordinator prior to any payment being made.

1.2.10.12 All questions or communications related to this Project from the public or news media shall be forwarded immediately to the Primary Job Coordinator.

1.2.10.13 INSURANCE: Vendor shall, at all times during the term of this contract and any renewals or extensions, maintain and provide a Certificate of Insurance naming the State as an additionally insured for all required bonds and insurance. Certificates may not be modified or canceled until at least thirty (30) days’ notice has been provided to the State. Vendor shall provide: (a) General Commercial Liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence (Combined Single Limit Bodily Injury and Property Damage) and $2,000,000 Annual Aggregate; (b) Auto Liability, including Hired Auto and Non-owned Auto (Combined Single Limit Bodily Injury and Property Damage), in amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence; and (c) Worker’s Compensation Insurance in the amount required by law. Insurance shall not limit Vendor’s obligation to indemnify, defend, or settle any claims.

1.2.10.14 Modifications to Scope of Work: Change orders must be determined by the Primary Job Coordinator to be germane to the original contract and that the price is fair and reasonable. When changes in or modifications to the work become necessary, the Vendor shall submit an itemized cost for the work and shall include appropriate documentation to support the cost for the labor, material and equipment. A fully executed contract change order, signed by both parties, must be in place for any contract changes to be effective.

1.3. MILESTONES AND DELIVERABLES:

1.3.1. Vendor shall complete a work log for each day crews are working on site to document work completed, amount and type of herbicide used, and hours worked. The completed log shall be provided to the Primary Job Coordinator with each invoice via email to the following address: Jeff.Horn@Illinois.gov

1.3.2. Invoices shall be submitted no more frequently than monthly.

1.3.3. Vendor shall notify the Primary Job Coordinator 24 hours before beginning work on a job.

1.3.4. Vendor shall notify the Primary Job Coordinator weekly via email with updates on work planned the upcoming week and work completed the previous week.

1.3.5. Work can begin as soon as a signed contract is established and a site meeting with the Primary Job Coordinator has been scheduled.

1.3.6. Kill rates in the areas treated are expected to exceed 95% of cut stems. The Vendor and Primary Job Coordinator shall meet on site to discuss follow-up treatment if this goal is not achieved. If less than 95% of all targeted stems treated during the contract have been effectively killed, there shall be follow-up treatment(s) to all re-sprouts/re-growth or remaining live plants of the target species, at no additional cost to IDNR. This re-treatment shall occur within a time period agreeable to the IDNR and Vendor using methods and materials agreeable to the IDNR. If at least 95% of the target woody species have been effectively killed after the initial treatment, successful completion of the contract work shall have been achieved.

1.4. VENDOR / STAFF SPECIFICATIONS:

1.4.1. Vendor shall provide the required equipment and manpower to successfully complete the project in the time frame specified under conditions that minimize harmful impacts to the site.

1.4.2. Vendor shall have a valid Illinois Department of Agriculture Commercial Herbicide Applicators License. All workers under Vendor’s supervision shall have Commercial Herbicide Applicators or Commercial Herbicide Operators licenses registered to the Vendor’s Commercial Herbicide Applicators License.

1.4.3. Vendor shall demonstrate familiarity with local native and exotic plants to be able to identify species to be removed and native species to be left undisturbed. Vendor shall be able to identify such species in growing season and have experience with selective species removal techniques. Vendor and all those applying herbicide under their supervision must be knowledgeable of native flora in Illinois and be able to recognize and avoid spray application to rare plants (especially state threatened or endangered species).

1.4.4. All herbicide applicators shall wear appropriate protective clothing, including eye protection, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts and gloves. It shall be the responsibility of the Vendor to be aware of and adhere to these and all other state and OSHA regulations.

1.4.5. Vendor’s owner and/or Vendor’s primary field contact shall have a minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in the use of herbicides and management within natural areas in Illinois that includes at least one of the following: a natural community with endangered and threatened species, natural areas included on the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory for high floristic quality, dedicated Nature Preserves, and registered Land and Water Reserves. Documentation of Vendor’s owner or Vendor’s primary field contact person’s experience should be provided with the bid, using the attached form or similar format.

1.4.6. At least 50% of the staff on site applying herbicide shall have a minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in the use of herbicides and management within natural areas in Illinois that include at least one of the following: a natural community with endangered and threatened species, natural areas included on the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory for high floristic quality, dedicated Nature Preserves, and registered Land and Water Reserves. Documentation of Vendor’s staff experience should be provided with the bid, using the attached form or similar format.

1.5. TRANSPORTATION AND DELIVERY: Not applicable.

1.6. SUBCONTRACTING:

1.6.1. A minimum of fifty-one percent (51%) of the work shall be completed by the Prime Contractor on this project. Pursuant to (30 ILCS 500/1-15.17) the Contractor is the person having a contract with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. For the remaining 49% of the work, subcontractors are allowed provided the subcontractor meets all the qualifications of the vendor in section 1.4. For purposes of this section, subcontractors are those specifically hired to perform all or part of the work covered by the contract. If subcontractors shall be utilized, Vendor must identify the names and addresses of all subcontractors it shall be entering into a contractual agreement in the performance of this Contract, together with a description of the work to be performed by the subcontractor and the anticipated amount of money to the extent the information is known that each subcontractor is expected to receive pursuant to the Contract. Attach additional sheets as necessary. Documentation of experience required in section 1.4 must be provided for all subcontractors. All information regarding subcontractors is to be provided at the time of bidding.

1.6.2. If unanticipated subcontracting is needed during completion of the contract, Vendor must submit to the Primary Job Coordinator the names and addresses of all subcontractors, a description of work to be performed and anticipated amount of money, and documentation of experience required in section 1.4. Vendor must receive written approval for this subcontracting from the Primary Job Coordinator.

2. PRICING

2.1 TYPE OF PRICING: The Illinois Office of the Comptroller requires the State to indicate whether the contract value is firm or estimated at the time it is submitted for obligation. The total value of this contract is firm.

2.2 EXPENSES:

2.2.1 The Vendor shall be responsible for any expenses which may incur as a result of conducting the activities described in the Job Specifications, including repair, maintenance, or extraction of equipment.

2.2.2 The Vendor shall be responsible for any expenses which may incur as a result of inadequate treatment where follow-up is required to meet stated treatment standards.

2.2.3 Payment for this contract shall only include the Vendor’s time working at the job site and shall not include time spent traveling to or from the job site.

2.2.4 Vendor shall provide an hourly bid for the contractual work described in these job specifications. Pricing shall be in the following format (Vendor provides the Unit Cost):

All work described in the job specifications for this contract.

Hour

All work described in the job specifications for this contract.

Hour

Work beyond 532 hours

To be determined

2.3 N/A

2.4 VENDOR’S PRICING:

2.4.1 Pricing shall be in the following format: Per hour

3. TERM OF CONTRACT:

3.1 TERM OF THIS CONTRACT: This contract shall commence upon the last dated signature of the Parties and shall terminate December 31, 2026.

3.1.1 In no event will the total term of the contract, including the initial term, any renewal terms and any extensions, exceed 10 years.

3.1.2 Vendor shall not commence billable work in furtherance of the contract prior to final execution of the contract except when permitted pursuant to 30 ILCS 500/20-80.

JOB ADMINISTRATION

Project area focus delineated within blue boundaries at George Fell Nature Preserve, Castle Rock State Park, Ogle County, IL.

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VENDOR’S OWNER OR VENDOR’S PRIMARY FIELD CONTACT PERSON’S DOCUMENTATION OF EXPERIENCE

· Must meet requirements given in the job specifications for this project.

· At least one reference project must be from a time period that demonstrates the number of years’ experience required.

· Reference projects must be from sites with a natural community with endangered and threatened species, natural areas included on the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory for high floristic quality, dedicated Nature Preserves, or registered Land and Water Reserves.

· Primary Field Contact substitution is acceptable at the time of work as long Vendor’s owner or Vendor’s Primary Field Contact meet experience requirements for this project.

Name of Person Whose Experience is Listed Below: ___________________________________________

Project Name and Location

Reference Name and Phone Number or Email Address

Native Plant Community Type (e.g. prairie, wetland, forest, etc.)

Land Use Type (e.g. Nature Preserve, State Park, CRP, municipal park, NWR, etc.)

Approximate Acreage

Type of Work Completed

Date Completed

DOCUMENTATION OF VENDOR’S ONSITE STAFF EXPERIENCE

- Must meet requirements given in the job specifications for this project.

- Staff substitutions are acceptable at the time of work as long as staff working onsite meet experience requirements for this project.

VENDOR NAME:

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