L15PS00091_B-M_final.doc

INVASIVE WEED CONTROL, ROSEBURG, OR

SOLICITATION NO. L15PS00091

BLM ROSEBURG DISTRICT OFFICE

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

This is for an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Firm Fixed Price Commercial Items Services Contract for noxious weed treatments, inventories, and data collection for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Roseburg District. The IDIQ contract contains a one-year Base plus four (4) additional one-year options.

The maximum value of this contract is $600,000.00, including options.

The minimum guarantee is $10,000.00 that will satisfy the minimum guaranteed quantity to be ordered on this contract, including options. The minimum guarantee may be satisfied by one task order or the cumulative value of multiple task orders and/or modifications.

BASE YEAR, June 1, 2015 to May 31, 2016

TOTAL BASE YEAR $

OPTION YEAR ONE, June 1, 2016 to May 31, 2017

TOTAL OPTION YEAR ONE $

OPTION YEAR TWO, June 1, 2017 to May 31, 2018

TOTAL OPTION YEAR TWO $

OPTION YEAR THREE, June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019

TOTAL OPTION YEAR THREE $

OPTION YEAR FOUR, June 1, 2019 to May 31, 2020

TOTAL OPTION YEAR FOUR $

GRAND TOTAL BASE + 4 OPTION YEARS $

AC = Acre

MI = Mile

NOTE: In accordance with Section C, Statement of Work, Paragraph C.2.10, Task Orders and Pay Items, units may be partially billed.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: See Section F.

(End of Section B)

SECTION C – STATEMENT OF WORK

SECTION C - STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1.0

GENERAL

C.1.1 Introduction - The Roseburg District Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is contracting for land treatment services to inventory for, document, and treat invasive plants along roadsides and off roads in but not limited to grasslands, chaparral stands, woodlands, and conifer stands; on landings, waysides, gravel and rock borrow pits; and along roads and trails. Treatment methods may include manual, mechanical, or chemical (herbicide) treatments (see C.3.0 Definitions for descriptions of methods).

C.1.2 Historical Background - Current federal law and policy requires agencies to control and prevent further spread of invasive plant species. Invasive plant control on selected sites is needed to protect native and desirable plant communities on federal lands and to control the spread of invasive plants onto private, county, state, and other federal lands. Noxious weeds are non-native species that colonize disturbed sites. They out-compete native pioneer species due to a lack of local predators, insects, and diseases which normally hold them in check in their native habitats. This change from native to non-native plants can affect the local environment by decreasing bio-diversity, reducing native plant population sizes, disrupting food and shelter webs, and altering water and temperature regimes.

C.1.3 Scope of Work - The objective of this contract is to locate and treat state listed noxious weeds, or other weedy plant species designated by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), using manual, mechanical, and chemical methods following the terms, specifications, and provisions in this contract. Acceptable contract performance will be based on a thorough treatment of the noxious weeds herein specified. Work quality will be inspected according to the specifications present in the contract. Treatment methods may include: 1) manual methods – hand pulling, hand cutting, grubbing, or weed wrenching; 2) mechanical methods – weed-eating, chain sawing, or mowing; and 3) chemical methods – herbicide wiping/wicking or spot spraying, or a combination of these methods (e.g. cut and spray). Cut or pulled plants may be scattered, bagged and hauled to designated disposal sites. Seeding with native seed or mulching with weed-free straw or hay may be required after treatment is completed. Each treatment item shall be for a weed density level (low, medium, or high). Each task order will list the target species and density level for a unit or linear feature targeted for treatment. Documentation will include recording information about weed populations when discovered and details about treatment methods of populations.

C.1.4 Applicable Directives for Project - The proposed project work shall be done in accordance with the 2007 Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Vegetation treatments using herbicides on BLM Lands in 17 Western States http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/more/veg_eis.html and the 2010 Record of Decision for the Final Environmental Impact Statement on Vegetation Treatments Using Herbicides on BLM Lands in Oregon http://www.blm.gov/or/plans/vegtreatmentseis/documents.php. Herbicide treatments shall comply with Aquatic Restoration Biological Opinion II (ARBOII) issued by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Specifically pages 42 through 46. http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/medford/plans/files/usfws-arboii.pdf This contract will incorporate all pertinent Standard Operating Procedures, chemicals, application rates, and adjuvants as allowed by law.

Future BLM Policy or guidelines pertaining to invasive plant treatments will be incorporated into this contract and subsequent task orders will update those changes provided they do not require additional work beyond the scope of this contract. If compliance with the new policies would incur additional costs to the Contractor, the BLM will cancel/terminate the Contract or negotiate adjustments to the awarded bid prices with the Contractor. Potential policy changes could include new herbicides or adjuvants. C.1.5 Noxious/Invasive Weeds List - The noxious/invasive weeds list may change annually by adding or deleting species, but will remain similar to the one in Attachment 2, Roseburg Noxious Weeds. The Contractor will be given an updated list during the pre-work for each task order as needed.

C.1.6 Location of Project Areas - All treatment areas are located in Southwestern Oregon, within 100 miles of the Roseburg District BLM Office. A vicinity map and sample units are included (Attachment 3).Project treatment sites will be provided with each task order.

C.1.7 Treatment Sites

C.1.7.1 Treatment sites vary in size from less than 1/10 acre to many acres. Project treatment sites, other than those easily identified by ground features, will be marked on maps provided by the Government. The areas may be marked on the ground with flagging or other means of identification as designated at the pre-work. GPS coordinates may also be provided to assist the Contractor in locating sites.

C.1.7.2 Treatment sites will be of two types, 1) a polygon (a unit of some acreage) or 2) a line or linear feature like a road or a trail. Most treatment sites are categorized by acres. Linear features (roads and trails) will be categorized by miles.

C.1.7.3 Treatment areas along roads will be an average of 30 feet wide, measured 15 feet from the pavement or road edge on each side. The treatment area will include the road edge, turnouts, ditch, and cut and fill slopes. This equates to 3.6 treatment acres per mile of road. In some cases widths will be wider on some roads (e.g. 50 feet wide), and this width will be identified on treatment maps issued with the task order. If the average width of the treatment area along a road is greater than 30 feet, the area would be recalculated using the length (miles) times the actual width.

C.1.7.4 The BLM may designate certain areas, such as Special Status plant sites or other special areas, as no-treatment zones. These areas will be marked on the maps given to the Contractor and marked in the field with designated flagging.

C.1.7.5 Linear features or habitat areas to be inventoried will be marked on maps in such a way as to be identifiable in the field. Flagging or GPS coordinates may be used to assist the Contractor with locating these areas.

C.1.7.6 Treatment sites are shown on maps at a scale generally no larger than 1:12,000. Treatment maps will be issued with each task order and provided to the Contractor. Aerial photos may be included to help identify the sites.

C.1.8 Access

C.1.8.1 Access will be by both improved roads (paved/gravel) and unimproved roads (dirt) which may require four-wheel drive vehicles. Some units or portions of units do not have direct road access.

C.1.8.2 Walk-ins may be necessary up to one half (1/2) mile.

C.1.8.3 Use of un-surfaced roads during wet months should be minimized to avoid damage. Vehicles shall not operate off of system roads without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer (CO), nor shall they by-pass any officially blocked road (barriers, locked gates, posted signs, rock/log/dirt, etc.) without CO approval. The Government assumes no obligation to do special maintenance to keep roads open. However, the Contractor may cut fallen trees or logs out of the roadway if they are blocking their access to a treatment area. Just the portion of the log or tree within the road prism may be cut.

C.1.8.4 Private Lands – If the only access to a treatment site on BLM lands is across private lands, either on private roads or overland, the Contractor shall obtain permission to travel over private lands unless the Government has already obtained permission. Otherwise, the Contractor may be required to provide the CO with a written statement or written documentation of a verbal approval given by a named person with a phone number on a stated date and time that the Contractor has been granted permission for access. If the Contractor is unable to secure permission, the Contractor will let the CO know immediately and the CO will attempt to coordinate access with the Landowner. The Contractor shall not trespass across private lands. If the Contractor is not able to access an area, that unit may be exchanged for a similar unit or dropped.

C.1.8.5 Gates - Some treatment sites may be behind locked gates. Locked gates shall remain locked at all times other than when the Contractor is passing through them. Keys for these gates will be available through the Administrative Office where the work is being conducted. A key for access to locked gates will be signed out on a DI-105 form, Receipt for Property, to the Contractor at the pre-work. The key shall be returned to the COR in a usable condition before final payment is made. The Contractor shall be charged $50.00 for each key lost or returned in an unusable condition.

C.1.9 Mechanized Equipment and Vehicle Washing – Prior to entering BLM lands, equipment and vehicles shall be washed to remove all dirt, grease, and plant parts that may carry noxious weed seeds or vegetative parts. Equipment shall be inspected by Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or Project Inspector. Vehicles and equipment shall be washed at least twice a month.

C.1.10 Mechanized Equipment – All mechanized equipment operations shall be limited to 35% slopes with allowances to 45% slope for short pitches up to 300 feet. All operations on granitic soils shall be limited to 25% slopes with allowances to 35% slope for short pitches up to 300 feet.

C.1.11 Use of All Terrain Vehicles – If an all-terrain vehicle is used, it shall be of such design that it will travel over rough, uneven terrain and not create wheel ruts and channels. All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) shall not have a spray tank greater than 15 gallons, no front booms, and the vehicle, spray tank and sprayer shall meet with the approval of the CO prior to use. Only a handheld spray nozzle may be used to apply herbicide.

C.1.12 Spray Trucks – Trucks with spray reel/guns shall meet Oregon State Safety Standards and laws for herbicide application and meet with the approval of the CO prior to use. Boom sprayers may not be used.

C.1.13 Fuel and Herbicide Spill and Containment

C.1.13.1 Fueling power equipment and ATVs shall be conducted a minimum of 150 feet away from live streams and rivers. All spills, leaks or solid emissions from equipment shall be removed from daily work areas and properly disposed of at Contractor’s expense. Equipment shall be kept in proper running order to prevent spills, leaks, or solid emissions. Contractor shall keep a fuel spill response kit readily available on site throughout the duration of work and be trained and knowledgeable in its use.

C.1.13.2 All Herbicides will be used ‘Consistent with labeling’ and will adhere to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) concerning use, labeling, licensing, storage, and cleanup. All herbicide use will comply with Project Design Features, (Attachment 4).

C.1.13.3 Herbicides, dyes, or adjuvants shall not be dumped on BLM or private lands during the implementation of this contract. While conducting herbicide treatments, the Contractor shall only clean backpack sprayers, hoses, or other equipment containing herbicide mixtures on BLM lands, not on private lands (other than Contractor’s). Rinsate shall only be poured in areas free of vegetation, such as gravel pits or on untreated noxious weed patches where no non-target plants would be impacted. Rinsate may also be collected and added to the next days tank mix. No equipment shall be rinsed within 150 feet of a water body.

C.1.13.4 Any herbicide spill shall be cleaned up following the spill plan provided by the contractor. All herbicide spills shall be reported to the CO immediately.

At a minimum, Contractor shall:

a.

Take immediate action to minimize spill contamination, pending the arrival of containment personnel and equipment.

b.

Immediately plug leak at the source herbicide container.

c.

Immediately confine spill to a holding area.

d.

Secure available equipment and personnel to construct ponding areas to prevent the herbicide spill from reaching any waterways.

e.

After taking emergency procedures for containment, begin clean-up and disposal operations.

f.

Notify the necessary local, state and federal authorities - i.e. help can be received from:

· Chemical Transportation Emergency Center (Chemtrec)

· 800-424-9300 - Emergencies only or

· Oregon Emergency Response System (OERS) (800)452-0311

· BLM District HAZMAT Officer Todd Bush at (541) 729-6971 or Alternate Krisann Kosel (541) 430-9975

C.1.14 Hazardous Materials and Solid Waste Discovery

a. If, in connection with operations conducted under this contract, the Contractor, subcontractor, or an employee discovers, encounters, or becomes aware of any hazardous materials or solid waste in the project area, such as closed glass or plastic containers, barrels, or chemical or oil spills, the Contractor shall suspend all operations in the vicinity of the hazardous material or solid waste and immediately notify the CO of the findings and location.

b.

Operations may resume at the discovery site upon receipt of written instructions. No objects of hazardous materials or solid waste shall be removed from the project area.

c.

Dumping of any waste material at any time, including any waste generated by the Contractor during the commission of work under this contract, on Federal lands is a violation of Federal Law (43 CFR 8365.1-1(b)(1) and (4).

C.1.15 Unsafe Working Conditions – In the event that the Contractor encounters suspicious activities or individuals or unsafe situations (e.g. marijuana grows) enroute to or at treatment areas, they should leave the area immediately and report the situation and location to the CO.

C.2.0 Supervisor and Crew Requirements C.2.1 Workforce - The Contractor shall maintain an adequate combination of work force and equipment at all times to ensure timely completion of the work. Supervisors and Crew members must be able to identify invasive species targeted for treatment.

C.2.2 Camping on BLM Administered Lands - The Contractor shall obtain condition of use and written authorization from the Administrative office prior to camping on BLM-administered lands. Authorization will be conditional in part on the Contractor providing sanitation facilities and removing all refuse, debris, and garbage at the campsite and legally disposing off-site before final payment is made. No illegal dumping of materials is permitted. All fire regulations and permits shall be followed. Requests for camping authorization shall be made in writing.

C.2.3 Supervisor Requirements - The Contractor shall designate one supervisor for each crew who can communicate fluently in English with the Project Inspector(PI)/COR/CO and is knowledgeable and experienced in invasive weed control services and weed identification as required by this contract. Any changes in supervisory designations shall be submitted in writing to the CO at least 24 hours prior to the change taking effect. The supervisor shall know the requirements of the contract including technical requirements and unit locations and shall have a copy of the contract at the site at all times during all operations. The COR and PI will not act as a supervisor to the crew.

C.2.4 Supervisors - Persons designated by the Contractor as supervisors must actually perform in that capacity. The supervisor must, therefore, effectively direct the crew by (1) making periodic inspections of the crew’s work, (2) advising them as to deficient work, and (3) providing instructions for correcting such deficiencies. This person shall be able to communicate in speech and writing in English with the CO, COR, and PI. Any group of people without a supervisor will not be considered a crew.

C.2.5 Safety - State safety regulations require that crew members shall not work alone. The Contractor shall provide crew members with access to emergency transportation at all times. All workers shall abide by all State safety regulations pertaining to the use of herbicides.

C.2.6 Fire Precautions – The Contractor shall meet the requirements of Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 477 - Fire Protection of Forests and Vegetation. Requirementsinclude fire suppression equipment being present on site during operations, restrictions on the use of power machinery during fire season, and other safety equipment (e.g. spark arrestors) as specified by the State Department of Forestry.

Contractor shall comply with applicable Oregon Department of Forestry Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL). Shutdown periods due to IFPL restrictions will not be compensated for by the Government.

C.2.7 Found Equipment – The Contractor shall report any found equipment to the CO. All Government property found on the project area (i.e., fire hose, hand tools, etc.) remains the property of the Government.

C.2.8 Pre-work conferences. A pre-work conference will be held with each contractor prior to work starting, to ensure a clear understanding of the scope of the contract, the sequence of work, timing and type of progress reports required, submission times for Pesticide Application Records (PAR), documentation requirements, inspection, and payment schedules.

C.2.9 Sequence of Work - The sequence of work shall be determined by the CO at the pre-work and may be subject to change. Certain treatment sites may be designated a high priority requiring earlier completion than other areas.

C.2.10 Task Orders and Pay Items. When task orders are issued for treatment items, the Contractor has 21 calendar days from the Start Work date to notify the Government of their non-concurrence with the Government estimate of density levels for treatment units. After 21 days, the Government density estimate will determine the pay item. Task orders will include maps of treatment sites showing units (with acres), and linear segments (roads and trails) showing miles and average width and other items identified in C.4.2 (Government Furnished Items).

For payment purposes, the smallest unit of payment is .25 acre (1/4 acre), or 1/10th of a mile for linear features. In calculating partial cost, multiply by the decimal unit by the total unit cost to determine your price for the acre or mile.

C.2.11 Licensing –Each crew lead shall have an Oregon State Pesticide Applicator’s license and shall remain with the crew during herbicide applications.

C.2.12 Orienteering and Mapping Skills –The crew lead should be skilled using GPS units and able to navigate on road systems and off roads using aerial photos, topographical maps, compass, and GPS unit. The crew lead should be able to accurately map invasive weed populations and complete reports.

C.3.0

DEFINITIONS

Chemical (herbicide) treatments – Application by Oregon State Commercial Pesticide Operator/Applicator licensed individuals of BLM-approved herbicides (Attachment 5) to herbaceous or woody plants designated by the BLM using a backpack sprayer, truck-mounted hoses, or wicking/wiping techniques. Truck mounted sprayers with extension hoses may be used along roads with CO approval. Contractor must demonstrate that the spray pattern and pressure is capable of avoiding excessive damage to desirable plant species. i.e., low pressure and small spray pattern. All herbicide treatments must be conducted following herbicide label directions, Standard Operating Procedures, and all other policies and guidelines pertaining to their use.

Density levels - An evaluation of the percent cover (area occupied by a plant in a specific location) that require varying amounts of time and effort to complete a task. The density level is based on the estimated amount of plants present at the time of treatment. It is an average of the percent cover of plants in the treatment area. For example, a “low” infestation may have several clusters of plants but no plants in the rest of the treatment area.

Low concentrations consist of a few scattered plants, patches, clumps, or concentrations, generally less than 20% ground coverage within each treatment site.

Medium concentrations consist of many plants, patches, clumps, or concentrations of specified species that have approximately 21 to 59% ground coverage within each treatment site.

High concentrations consist of large, dense, heavy, concentrations of the specified species that have 60% - 100% ground coverage within each treatment site with only a few or occasional open areas.

GPS – Global Positioning System

Base (reference, control) Station – A GPS receiver set up at a known location; that is, a point whose Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates and elevation are known.

CEP (circular error probable, 2-dimensional) – statistical measure of accuracy. It implies the probability that 50% of the positions obtained will fall within a circle of the specified radius.

PDOP (Position of Dilution of Precision) – PDOP is an indicator of the satellite’s geometry in relation to the user’s GPS receiver location. The smaller the number, the better the geometry; therefore, the better the position.

Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) - A mapping coordinate grid system based upon one of many different mapping projections. The BLM in Western Oregon currently uses a projection in UTM Zone 10, US Datum of 1983 (CONUS NAD83). The data is displayed in meters easting and northing. The Contractor will be advised if this UTM projection changes and will be required to use the new projection.

Grubbing – Consists of digging up and removing the entire plant from the ground, including underground portions of the root system capable of re-sprouting. For most species this means 2 to 6 inches of the root system is also removed.

Herbaceous plant – A plant having little or no woody tissue and usually persisting for a single growing season.

Manual Methods – Manual methods of weed control can include but are not limited to hand weeding or pulling; weed wrenching (using a weed wrench tool); cutting with hand saws or pruners; or grubbing with shovels, picks, or other hand tools.

Mechanical Methods – Mechanical methods include the use of gas or electric powered machines for physical removal of invasive plants, such as weed-eaters, chainsaws, or mowers.

New Invader – A weed species new to the area, often heavily targeted for total eradication before populations get very large.

NISIMS (National Invasive Species Information Management System) – A geodatabase used to record information on weed surveys, noxious weed populations, and treatments. The geodatabase consists of a series of feature datasets which are downloaded in ArcPad onto a mobile GPS unit. The Contractor will enter data into a series of fields for each of these activities. UTM coordinates are also recorded during data collection. The BLM will provide the Contractor with the NISIMS database on an SD card and will provide training in data collection using the geodatabase.

Noxious Weeds – Plants found on the State of Oregon Noxious weed list found at http://oregon.gov/ODA/PLANT/WEEDS/lists.shtml. The targeted weeds for the Roseburg District can be found in Attachment 2. The weed list may change annually but will remain similar to the 2011 list. Updated lists and direction about which weeds to target will be given to the Contractor at the pre-work for each task order. Not all weeds will be targeted for treatment.

PAR – Pesticide Application Record – A legally required record of herbicide application that is filled out within 24 hours of treatment. It includes what herbicide and how much was used, what weeds were sprayed, dates and times of application, names of applicators, etc. (See Attachment 6). Hardcopy PARs are completed manually while PARs information is entered electronically in the NISIMS geodatabase.

Patch of Weeds – A weed patch is defined as a cluster of weeds of at least 10 herbaceous weeds (e.g. yellow starthistle), or 2 woody plants (e.g. Scotch broom).

Pulling – Physical removal from the soil of an entire plant of designated species, with the root system attached.

Road prism - The entire area of a road between the outer edge of the fill slope and the top of the cut slope.

Road Widths – A distance averaging 15 feet (slope distance) on either side of the edge of the road surface to be treated. This includes, but is not limited to the road edge, ditches, fill slopes, cut banks, and turnouts.

Root Crown - The point where the root and stem of a plant meet and the primary vascular anatomy changes from a stem to a root. This is also the transition point between the stem and the root.

Scattered – Scattering cut weeds consists of distributing the pulled or severed target plant within the general project area to a height not to exceed three feet above the surface of the soil, unless indicated otherwise by the Task Order (TO).

Scoured channel – A water channel showing annual scouring due to water movement that has exposed soil, gravel, or rock. Water may or may not be present within the channel during contract implementation.

Slash – Stems, limbs, foliage, etc. that has been freshly cut, pulled, or grubbed by the Contractor.

Woody plant – A plant with woody tissue, e.g. stems and branches, and usually persisting more than one growing season.

C.4.0

CONTRACTOR AND GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS

C.4.1

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS

C.4.1.1 The Contractor shall furnish all necessary labor, equipment, transportation, training, supervision, materials, and incidentals necessary to perform the weed control as specified herein.

a) License – Oregon State law requires the Contractor to hold a current valid Commercial Pesticide Operator/Applicator License to apply or supervise the application of herbicides. Oregon pesticide license categories should include Forest and Right-of-Way. At a minimum, the supervisor of every crew shall be licensed and unlicensed sprayers on the crew will be directly supervised by a licensed applicator or operator following Oregon State law.

b) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for crew members for herbicide and tool use, including chainsaws needed to cut incidental wind thrown trees blocking roads to gain access to sites.

c) Herbicide Labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for herbicides and adjuvants planned for use with each crew at all times.

d) Materials, including, but not limited to:

1.

Reference information to aid workers in proper identification of weeds.

2.

Approved herbicides (see Attachment 5 and B.5.2.10 for Government approved herbicides)

3.

Approved spray adjuvants (see Attachment 5, for BLM approved adjuvants)

4.

Water – Clean water for mixing herbicides from a Municipal source must be transported to the field. Drawing water from creeks, rivers, or ponds is not permitted unless it is processed with a filtering system that removes all dirt particles and other contaminants. Transportation and storage of water for mixing must meet with the CO’s approval.

5.

Tracer dye for adding to herbicide tank mixtures. The specific color, (red, blue or purple) will be prescribed in each task order.

6.

Tools for pulling and cutting weeds, including but not limited to hand saws, weed wrenches, pruners, shovels, chain saws, weed ‘whackers’ etc…

7.

Heavy-duty black plastic bags that are a minimum of 4 mil thick or thicker, provided by the contractor for bagging, and black plastic of the same thickness for covering piles.

8.

Spray equipment in good working condition and meeting the CO’s approval.

9.

Materials needed for filling out forms and mapping infestations and treatment areas in the field.

e.

GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver to obtain or find locations of treatment sites. Required settings are UTM Zone 10 North, NAD 83, in meters. Each crew must have a mobile GPS unit with ArcPad 10 software and ArcMap loaded on the unit in order to collect data in the NISIMS geodatabase. (The BLM will provide to the Contractor an SD card with the Service First toolbar and a check-out version of NISIMS.)

g.

Herbicide Spill Containment Kit and Written Spill Plan: - A Spill Containment Kit shall be present at all treatment sites and will include sufficient absorbent material to contain all herbicide and herbicide mixture on the site, plus such items as shovel, hoe, garbage bags, paper towels, hose clamps, duct tape, and hand tools sufficient to stop any leaks and contain spills.

The Contractor shall provide the Government with an herbicide spill plan. In case of a spill, the Contractor shall immediately implement the spill plan and notify the CO.

h.

Signing - In areas designated as high public use by the CO (recreation sites, trail heads, etc.), the Contractor shall post pesticide warning signs that inform the public of herbicide use, what was sprayed, when it was sprayed, and when reentry is allowed. The signs shall be placed where they are visible to the public. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to place the signs prior to treatment and retrieve the signs after the reentry period has elapsed.

i. Weed Identification - Information pertaining to the identification of noxious weeds is the responsibility of the Contractor. The COR is available to verify the identification of new weed species, but ultimately the crew supervisors must know the target weed species and direct and train the crew on weed identification. The crew supervisor should have access to books such as “Weeds of the West” or other reference materials to ensure proper weed identification of the target species.

C.4.1.2 Permits - Oregon State law requires a permit to operate power driven machinery. Permits must be obtained from the Douglas Forest Protection Association in Roseburg, Oregon located at 1758 NE Airport Road. Phone # (541) 672-6507 (or at other State Forestry offices) prior to the operation of power driven machinery, including chainsaws. The NPDES PGP permit required by the DEQ, allowing spraying of aquatic formulation herbicides within 3 feet of water, will be obtained by the BLM.

C.4.1.3 Fire Precautions – The Contractor shall meet the requirements of Oregon Revised

Statutes, Chapter 477 - Fire Protection of Forests and Vegetation. Requirements include fire suppression equipment being present on site during operations, restrictions on the use of power machinery during fire season, and other safety equipment (e.g. spark arrestors) as specified by the State Department of Forestry.

C.4.1.4 Spill Containment Plan – Include the Spill Containment Kit that the Contractor will have at the treatment site including the herbicide Spill Plan in the event of an herbicide spill.

C.4.15 Safety Plan – a.

Radio or phone contact for field crews.

b.

Distribution of aerial photos and maps to field crews.

c.

Written safety procedure plan for crew safety and emergencies

C.4.2

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS

The Government shall furnish the following:

a. District transportation maps and maps of areas to be surveyed or treated, generally 1:12,000 scale or larger (i.e. 1:5,000)

b. Copies of aerial photos may also be provided

c. Keys for locked gates where necessary

d. Noxious weed flagging to flag treated sites

e. Electronic and hard copies of Pesticide Application Record (PAR) and example of correctly completed form

f. Electronic and hard copies of Noxious Weed Reporting and Non-herbicide Treatment forms g.

Government furnished native grass seed and weed free hay or straw h.

In certain situations the Government may provide herbicide and adjuvants i.

A limited number of Trimble Junos will be available for Contractors to check out j.

Download of Service First Toolbar onto the Contractor’s mobile GPS unit k.

SD card checked out to the Contractor with a version of the NISIMS geodatabase l.

Training in use of NISIMS geodatabase GPS and data collection m.

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Pesticides General Permit (NPDES PGP) required by DEQ for spraying aquatic formulation herbicides within 3 feet of water

C.5.0

SPECIFIC TASKS

C.5.1 Records - The Contractor shall maintain treatment and survey records to allow the Government to monitor contract progress and to be accountable for work quality. Pesticide Applications Records (PARs) are required to be filled out by State Law within 24 hours of application and are used as the records for herbicide use. The Contractor shall turn in forms and the NISIMS Secure Digital (SD) card on a weekly basis for inspection purposes, unless indicated otherwise by the TO. A time and day for submitting paperwork will be established at the prework.

C.5.1.2 Data Collection, Forms, Mapping, and Flagging

Herbicide Treatments

a) FORMS - For Herbicide treatments the Contractor shall fill out a Pesticide Application Record (PAR) within 24 hours of application of treated sites. PARs shall be turned in weekly and reviewed by the COR. The PAR serves as written notice of completed herbicide units. All fields in the PAR form shall be filled out. (See blank PAR in Attachment 6). A separate PAR shall be filled out for each section or road system treated and for each day of treatment in one location. More than one species may be included on the same PAR if they are treated in the same location with the same herbicide.

b) NISIMS Database – In addition to recording herbicide treatments on PARS, the Contractor shall enter treatment data in the NISIMS database. The data input is essentially the same as the PAR (Attachment 6). The fields will be similar to those on the PARS form. Most fields contain drop down menus. A separate data sheet will be required for each species. Collecting this data will initially take 5-10 minutes to complete, but will eventually be faster than completing hard copies of the PARS. The Contractor shall submit the SD card containing versions of the NISIMS database to the COR on a regular basis, established by the CO at the pre-work. The BLM will provide training in data collection and use of the SD memory cards.

c) MAPPING – The Contractor shall submit the topographical map or aerial photo issued by the BLM with each PAR. Maps will generally be at a scale of 1:12,000. The Contractor shall delineate the area(s) on the map that was treated with herbicide. Treatments occurring in multiple sections will have multiple maps. More than one weed species may be included on one map, but populations of different species shall be drawn on the maps and marked with the species’ name(s). Treatment areas shall be drawn on maps so that they are distinguishable on a black and white copy. Treatment sites need to be relocatable either by accurate mapping, flagging, or with UTM coordinates. In addition to mapping the treatment site on a topographical map or aerial photo, the Contractor shall collect GPS points for the treatment area, using the NISIMS geodatabase.

FLAGGING – The Contractor shall hang Noxious Weed flagging provided by the Government to indicate where they have sprayed herbicides. For roadside treatments, they shall hang flagging at the beginning and end of treated areas. For polygons, they shall hang flagging in an area that can easily be seen from a distance. The Contractor shall write the date(s) of treatment on the flagging.

Non-herbicide Treatments

a) FORMS - For non-herbicide treatments (e.g. hand pulling) the Contractor shall fill out a Weed Infestation and Treatment Form (see Attachment 7) for each area and each species treated. Information recorded on the treatment form includes the treatment date(s), the target species, the acreage or size of the area treated, estimated number of plants, estimated percent cover, the names of the persons doing the treatments, and the method used. If more than one population of a species is treated in a section and marked on a map, the Contractor shall number the populations on the map and include the corresponding population number on the Treatment form. The Contractor shall turn in Treatment forms weekly for inspection purposes. The Treatment form serves as written notice of completed non-herbicide treatments. The Contractor shall also enter non-herbicide treatment data in the NISIMS database and submit the SD card containing the data on a regular basis, established by the CO during the pre-work. Data collected in NISIMS will be similar to the field on the Non-Herbicide Treatment form.

b) MAPPING – The Contractor shall submit a topographical map or aerial photo (provided by the Government) with each Treatment form and with the treated area delineated. A single map can be used for multiple species provided it is legible; different sites, populations, or species are clearly identified; and populations can be distinguished on a black and white copy of the map. The Contractor shall mark the map with the species treated and population numbers if applicable. Treatment sites need to be relocatable either by accurate mapping, flagging, or with UTM coordinates. The Contractor shall also collect UTM coordinates for the treatment area in the NISIMS geodatabase.

d) FLAGGING – The Contractor shall hang Noxious Weed flagging provided by the Government to indicate where they have treated the weeds. For roadside treatments, they shall hang flagging at the beginning and end of treated areas. For polygons, they shall hang flagging in an area that can easily be seen from a distance. The Contractor shall write the date(s) of treatment on the flagging from the knot down.

Weed Surveys

a) FORMS – For weed surveys, the Contractor shall complete a Weed Infestation and Treatment Form (see Attachment 7). Information recorded shall include the survey dates, surveyors’ names, location, and findings. When noxious weed sites are detected, the Contractor shall complete treatment portion of this form. The Contractor shall also record information about the survey in the NISIMS database. The CO will establish a schedule for turning in the forms and NISIMS SD card during the pre-work.

b) MAPPING – The Contractor shall submit a topographical map or aerial photo (provided by the Government) of the area surveyed, with the survey routes drawn in. A separate map should be marked with the weed sites discovered during the survey and attached to the Noxious Weed Site Report form. More than one map should be submitted with weed sites if there are too many sites or species to be legible on one map. The Contractor shall also enter data about the survey and sites and collect UTM coordinates in the NISIMS geodatabase for the noxious weed sites.

c) FLAGGING – The Contractor shall hang Noxious Weed flagging provided by the Government to indicate where they have treated the weeds. For roadside treatments, they shall hang flagging at the beginning and end of treated areas. For polygons, they shall hang flagging in an area that can easily be seen from a distance. The Contractor shall write the date(s) of treatment on the flagging from the knot down.

C.5.1.3 The Contractor shall review all forms and maps prior to submitting to the COR to ensure that all required forms are properly filled out and all information is clean, clear, and legible. Forms contaminated with chemicals or dye shall be rewritten. Maps with weed sites or treated areas shall be clearly delineated and must accompany PARs, Non-herbicide Treatment forms, Noxious Weed Inventory Report forms, or Noxious Weed Site Report forms. Illegible maps shall be rewritten by the contractor. Forms and maps shall be paper clipped together, not stapled.

The COR may revise forms as needed, but they will be comparable to the forms included as attachments. If forms are revised, the COR shall provide the Contractor with the new forms in electronic and hard copy forms at the pre-work for each task order.

C.5.1.4 The Contractor shall be competent at reading topographic and transportation maps and aerial photos and using GPS units to locate sites. They shall also be competent using GPS units to collect UTM coordinates for documenting new sites on Report forms. The BLM will provide training in the use of the NISIMS geodatabase for data collection.

C.5.1.5 Treatment areas for pay purposes are calculated by GIS in acres for units and miles for linear features like roads and trails, with an average treatment width specified.

C.5.1.6 Species List for Treatment – See Attachment 2 for the list of noxious and invasive weed species that may require treatment, as designated by the CO. This list is subject to change as the State of Oregon lists new species as ‘Noxious weeds,’ as new State noxious weeds are found within the project area, or as the BLM identifies invasive species that are targeted for control.

C.5.2 General herbicide requirements C.5.2.1 All herbicide use shall follow Project Design Features (Attachment 4) and herbicides labels. All herbicides and adjuvants used will be labeled for forestry and rights-of-way use and will be on the approved BLM list found at B.5.2.10 and Attachment 5. If new chemicals are approved for BLM use, the list on B.5.2.10 will be amended and provided to the Contractor.

C.5.2.2 Nozzle size/fan design will be set to the lowest application pressure (200 – 800 micron diameter droplets) to ensure adequate plant coverage with minimal drift. To minimize drift, do not apply herbicides when wind speeds exceed 10 mph, except in riparian zones where wind speed must be less than 5 mph.

C.5.2.3 Do not apply herbicides when rainfall is imminent or when fog obscures the visibility of target plants.

C.5.2.4 Aquatic formulated herbicides are prescribed for all herbicide applications.

C.5.2.5 Do not spray on BLM lands within 500 feet of any residence, unless written permission has been obtained from the land owner or as indicated by the TO.

C.5.2.6 For all herbicide applications, weeds will be sprayed at rates per the chemical label and as approved by the CO. The CO may require the contractor to modify the rate of herbicide application during the contract, depending on the species being treated, the effectiveness of the treatment, and the conditions on the ground. In general, plants will be sprayed until wet, and the minimum amount of herbicide will be used to effectively kill the plant. Per acre rates will not exceed the maximum rates identified on C.5.2.10.

C.5.2.7 All equipment, backpack sprayers, ATV and vehicle-mounted nozzles, sprayers, and hoses will be in good working order. Nozzles shall be free of dirt, with tight fittings and seals in place to prevent leaking.

C.5.2.8 Herbicides shall not be applied when the ambient temperature exceeds the limits stated on the label.

C.5.2.9 Herbicides shall be securely transported to avoid all leaks or damage to containers. Transporting shall follow label requirements.

C.5.2.10 Herbicides allowed with average and maximum rates of acid equivalent per acre:

C.5.2.11 Herbicide handling, mixing, and loading:

Herbicides will be used in strict accordance to the labels. The Contractor shall take all suitable measures to avoid the spill or release of undiluted product during the loading, transportation, and mixing phase of this project. This may include the use of a containment devise, such as a “pop-up” pool or similar device. All spilled herbicide shall be recovered and utilized as per application label specifications.

Mixers and loaders shall wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during mixing and loading operations following State Law.

To prevent gross errors in the field in mixing and application, regular testing of field calibrations (pumps and nozzles) and calculation shall occur so as to meet the ‘target pounds per acre’ and not exceed the maximum pounds per acre of chemical.

The contractor shall not wash out spray tanks in or near streams. Mixing and loading operations shall not occur in any area where an accidental spill would contaminate an aquatic body. During weed treatments, the Contractor shall not rinse equipment on private lands (other than their own property). Rinsate shall only be poured on untreated noxious weeds where no damage would occur to non-target species or in non-vegetated areas, such as gravel pits, where it will not run-off or enter any water body. Rinsate may also be collected and added to the next days tank mix.

All chemical containers shall be disposed of at sites approved by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ). Chemical containers shall not be disposed of in the contract area.

B…