Non-native Invasive plant species control RFP FY26_comb.pdf

Auburn University Request for Proposal

Non-Native Invasive Plant Species Control, Fort Bragg, N.C.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page Section I: Request for Proposal 2

Statement of Purpose 2 Scope of Work 2

1. General 2

1.1. Description of Services/Introduction 2

1.2. Objectives 2

1.3. Scope 2

1.4. Period of Performance 2

1.5. General Information 2

1.6. Key personnel 4

2. Definitions and Acronyms 5

2.1. Definitions 5

2.2. Acronyms 6

3. Government Furnished Items and Services 7

4. Service Provider Furnished Items and Responsibilities 7

4.1. General 7

5. Specific Tasks 7

5.1. Basic Services 7

5.2. Kick-off meeting 8

5.3. Requirements 8

5.4. Completeness of Work 11

6. Applicable Publications 11 Technical Exhibit 1 12 Technical Exhibit 2 13

Section II: Instructions to Proposers 14 Section III: Form of Proposal 15 Section IV: Evaluation Criteria 16 ATTACHMENT A – Pricing Sheet 18 ATTACHMENT B – Insurance Addendum 19

Section I. Request for Proposal

Statement of Purpose

Auburn University is seeking to contract with a service provider capable of providing control and eradication of non-native invasive plant species in the training lands of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to include Camp Mackall. Service providers must be licensed in herbicide applications used to treat (control and eradicate) invasive species in North Carolina. The service provider must also be capable of identifying and mapping targeted invasive species.

Scope of work

1. GENERAL: This is a non-personal services agreement to provide control and eradication of non-native invasive plant species in the training lands of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to include Camp Mackall. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the service providers performing the services herein. Such the service providers shall be accountable solely to Auburn who, in turn is responsible to the Government.

1.1. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES/INTRODUCTION: Non-native invasive plant species (NIPS) pose a significant conservation and compliance challenge for environmental and natural resource management on military lands. Successful natural resource management is critical to the military mission, as it represents the primary means of sustaining testing and training lands. NIPS competitively displace native flora and adversely affect ecosystem integrity and function by altering water, energy, nutrient and disturbance cycles, which in turn can cause loss of biodiversity, increased soil erosion, damage to culturally significant resources and degradation of Threatened and Endangered (T&E) species habitat. These impacts violate numerous laws, statutes, and regulations. Moreover, NIPS negatively impact military operations by reducing acres available for training, compromising long-term sustainability of training lands, and diminishing training realism, thus hampering overall mission readiness. The magnitude and cost of these impacts will increase significantly over time without persistent action targeted at identifying, mapping, monitoring, and controlling NIPS.

The service provider shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform control and eradication of invasive species in the Training Lands on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as defined in this Scope of Work (SOW), except for those items specified as government furnished property and services. The service providers shall meet the standards in this agreement.

1.2. OBJECTIVES: The basic service objectives are to survey, map, control, and eradicate targeted NIPS within the Training Lands on Fort Bragg in accordance with the installation Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan. Wooded areas in the cantonment area, largely known as the Greenbelt, are included as Training Lands. All scientifically approved methods and techniques for survey/mapping, control and eradication are acceptable using the latest scientific research.

1.3. SCOPE: The primary objective of this Task Order (TO) is to provide non-native invasive plant species control for the Fort Bragg United States Army Garrison (USAG). All work will be performed on site at Fort Bragg.

1.4. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The period of performance is 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.

1.5. GENERAL INFORMATION:

1.5.1. Quality Control: Quality Control is the responsibility of the service provider. The service provider is responsible for the delivery of quality services/supplies to the Government.

1.5.1.1. Quality Control Program: The Government is committed to a highly interactive relationship between quality control by the service provider and quality assurance by the government recipient of services. This relationship shall be achieved through an effective Prevention Based Quality Control Program dedicated to ensuring the best possible products and services to end users.

1.5.1.2. Quality Assurance: The Government will evaluate the performance under this agreement.

1.5.2. Recognized Federal Holidays: The service provider shall not be required to perform services on recognized federal holidays. The recognized federal holidays include:

New Year’s Day Labor Day Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Columbus Day President’s Day Veteran’s Day Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day Juneteenth Christmas Day Independence Day

1.5.3. Hours of Operation: The service provider shall be responsible for conducting business, between the hours of 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM; Monday through Friday, except federal holidays or when the government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings or similar government directed facility closings. The service provider shall always maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this SOW when the government facility is not closed for the above reasons. When hiring personnel, the service provider shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the workforce are essential.

1.5.4. Place of Performance: The work to be performed under this agreement will be accomplished in the training lands of Fort Bragg, NC.

1.5.5. Security Requirements: The service provider does not need to have any level of security to conduct work under this SOW. Therefore, any service provider or persons working under this agreement does not need security clearance. The service provider personnel shall comply with all security and safety regulations, guidance, and procedures, including local, referenced in this SOW and in effect at the worksite.

1.5.5.1. Physical Security: The service provider shall be responsible for safeguarding all government equipment, information and property provided for the service provider use.

1.5.5.2. Fraud, Waste, and Abuse: In accordance with AR 11-2, Internal Management Controls, the service provider shall be responsible for maintaining proper conduct and good discipline within the service provider-occupied work areas. Service provider personnel shall be encouraged to be alert to and report to designated representatives suspected of situations of fraud, waste, and abuse or other intentionally dishonest conduct observed during or in the performance of this agreement.

1.5.6. Special Qualifications: The service provider employees working under this agreement must be qualified in identification of Southeastern United States invasive species listed in Technical Exhibit 1.

Experience is required involving scientific procedures involving flora survey methods and invasive species treatment techniques for various targeted species. Personnel must be licensed in herbicide application used to treat (control and eradicate) invasive species in North Carolina.

General: This subsection is applicable to ALL the service providers personnel.

1.5.6.1. The service provider shall be responsible for ensuring all personnel performing work under this agreement possess and maintain current certifications, herbicide licenses as indicated in SOW; if necessary, security requirements during the execution of this agreement. Provide certification document to the Garrison IPMC.

1.5.6.2. The service provider personnel performing work under this agreement shall be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language to effectively carry out all agreement requirements. They shall have a command of both the written and spoken English language to communicate in person properly clearly, and effectively or via electronic devices (telephone or e-mail) with co-workers, customers, and the public.

1.5.6.3. The service provider personnel performing work under this agreement shall be U.S. citizens.

1.5.6.4. Automated Installation Entry (AIE): Service provider personnel shall gain access to Fort Bragg through the Posts Automated Installation Entry (AIE) Badge system. To register and receive an AIE access control badge, the service provider must complete and submit the Directorate of Emergency Services (DES) Form 118 to the IGSA Technical Representative (TR). Once submitted a NCIC (National Crime Information Center) Level III background check will be completed on each employee requesting access. No employees with prior felonies or three misdemeanors, excluding routine traffic violations, within the past five years will be granted access to Fort Bragg. All the service personnel shall be U.S. citizens and legal to work in the United States. Sponsorship is required for all non-DOW affiliated persons. The applications (DES Form 118) will be turned into the All-American Visitor Control Center for processing and approval.

1.6. KEY PERSONNEL:

1.6.1. The following are considered key personnel by the Government: The service provider shall provide a Program Manager (PM) and an Alternate PM (APM) who shall act for the service provider when the PM is absent. The PM or APM shall have full authority to act for the service provider on the TO, matters relating to daily operation of this TO. Names and qualifications of the PM and APM shall be included in the proposal.

The Project Manager shall be supported by a technical staff qualified to complete all work described in this SOW. The PM shall serve as the single POC and liaison for all work required. All work shall be accomplished with adequate internal controls and review procedures to eliminate conflicts, errors, and omissions and ensure the technical accuracy of all other items listed in this SOW.

Auburn and Fort Bragg will designate POC’s to serve as the points of contact for this contract. The Auburn and Fort Bragg POC’s will also coordinate internal contract reviews with pertinent review personnel. The service provider shall coordinate with the designated Fort Bragg POC, as well as the installation POC and tenant activity personnel, as required, to complete the described work. The service provider shall be responsible for coordinating/conducting research and information gathering from pertinent Fort Bragg (to include any tenant activity) personnel. The Fort Bragg POC’s will assist the service provider in coordination of all installation/activity/facility and tenant contacts and information gathering activities.

However, the service provider is responsible for physically gathering all data.

1.6.2. Qualifications for all key Personnel:

1.6.2.1. Program Manager (PM): The PM shall meet or exceed the following minimum qualifications:

Minimum 3 years’ experience managing projects of similar size and scope. The APM shall meet or exceed the same qualifications as the PM. The PM shall possess a valid state commercial herbicide applicator's license for North Carolina and shall comply with all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations applicable to the contract and to the products and materials used by the service provider in performing that work.

1.6.3. The service provider personnel:

1.6.3.1. The service provider employees, and any subcontractors performing any of the work under this contract shall possess a valid North Carolina commercial herbicide applicator's license and shall comply with all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations applicable to the contract and to the products and materials used by the service provider in performing that work.

1.6.3.1.1 A minimum of two (2) successful projects focused on non-native invasive plant control in native plant communities where rare or protected plant species were a management consideration within the last ten (10) years.

1.6.3.2. All the service provider personnel attending meetings and working in other situations where their status is not obvious to third parties, are required to identify themselves as the service providers to avoid creating an impression to members of the public that they are Federal government officials. They must also ensure that all documents or reports produced by the service provider are suitably marked as the service provider products or that the service provider’s participation is appropriately disclosed.

1.6.3.3. The service provider personnel will not be required to obtain and wear badges during performance of the services.

1.6.4. Public Disclosures: The service provider and employees shall make no public announcements or disclosures relative to information developed from this agreement (including future or programs resulting from this effort) nor to government-owned information made available to the service provider. All requests for information shall be directed to the Fort Bragg POC and the TR. Information or other related data shall not be released without prior written approval from Fort Bragg.

The Army has unlimited rights to all documents/material produced under this contract. All documents and materials produced under this contract shall be Army owned and are the property of the Army with all rights and privileges of ownership/copyright belonging exclusively to the Army. These documents and materials cannot be used or sold by the service provider without written permission from IGSA Manager.

All materials supplied to the Army shall be the sole property of the Army and cannot be used for any other purpose

2. DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS

2.1. DEFINITIONS:

2.1.1. DEFECTIVE SERVICE. A service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with the Statement of Work (SOW).

2.1.2. DELIVERABLE. Anything that can be physically delivered, but may include non-physical things, such as meeting minutes, GIS product, or reports.

2.1.3. GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY (GFP) OR GOVERNMENT PROPERTY (GP). If applicable, (i.e., GFE and/or GFM). Property (i.e., equipment and material) in the possession of or directly acquired by the Government and subsequently made available to the service provider.

2.1.4. KEY PERSONNEL. The service provider employees who are critical for achieving SOW objectives.

Key personnel shall meet position qualification and experience requirements indicated in the SOW.

2.1.5. PHYSICAL SECURITY. Actions that prevent the loss or damage of government property.

2.1.6. QUALITY ASSURANCE (QA). A planned and systematic pattern of all actions necessary to provide confidence that adequate technical requirements are established; products and services conform to established technical requirements; and satisfactory performance is achieved. For the purposes of this document, quality assurance refers to actions by the Government.

2.1.7. QUALITY CONTROL (QC). All necessary measures taken by the service provider to assure that the quality of an end product or service shall meet agreement requirements.

2.1.8. SUBCONTRACTOR. One that enters into a contract with the service provider.

2.1.9. WORKDAY. The length of time during a day in which the service provider provides services, in accordance with the agreement.

2.1.10. WORK WEEK. Monday through Friday, unless otherwise specified.

2.2. ACRONYMS:

APM Alternate Program Manager APP Accident Prevention Plan AR Army Regulation CFR Code of Federal Regulations COTS Commercial-Off-the-Shelf DA Department of the Army DD Department of War DoW Department of War FL Fort Bragg FCL Facility Clearance GA Greenbelt Area GFE Government Furnished Equipment GFM Government Furnished Materials GFP Government Furnished Property IPMC Integrated Pest Management Coordinator IPMP Integrated Pest Management Plan IGSA Intergovernmental Support Agreement NIPS Non-native Plant Species PM Project Manager POC Point of Contact PUL Pesticide Use List PWS Performance Work Statement QA Quality Assurance QC Quality Control RCW Red-cockaded Woodpecker

TE Technical Exhibit TO Task Order TR Technical Representative USAG United States Army Garrison

3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES:

3.1. SERVICES: If applicable, The Government will provide the necessary ArcGIS feature class or map of specific areas to be treated and point locations if needed. Services of work performance are expected and applicable under this SOW.

3.1.1. The Government will identify species to be treated and identify known areas in which they occur throughout the growing season of the year. The locations will be within specified areas of the training lands (Technical Exhibit 2).

3.2. FACILITIES: Not applicable.

3.3. UTILITIES: Not applicable

3.4. EQUIPMENT: Not applicable.

3.5. MATERIALS: Not applicable.

4. SERVICE PROVIDER FURNISHED ITEMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

4.1. GENERAL: The service provider shall furnish all supplies, equipment, facilities, and services required to perform work under this agreement that are not listed under Section 3 of this SOW.

4.2. SECRET FACILITY CLEARANCE: Not applicable.

4.3. MATERIALS: Not applicable.

4.4. EQUIPMENT: 4-wheel drive vehicle for access to sites.

5. SPECIFIC TASKS:

5.1. BASIC SERVICES: Identification and treatment of invasive species in the training lands, to include wooded areas of the cantonment area and Camp Mackall, shall be an ongoing task for the duration of this contract. The species to be targeted are listed and categorized in Technical Exhibit 1. The species in category 1 are to be prioritized for treatment because of their high potential for further spread. They will be continually identified by the Installation Biologists & service provider personnel and treated accordingly.

Species in lower categories will also be identified and treated as needed. Invasive occurrences shall be treated a minimum of two times (if needed) for effectiveness of control/eradication of the site.

The service provider shall provide services for surveying and mapping targeted invasive species and treatments (mechanical and/or herbicide) to eradicate or control targeted non-native invasive plant species in specified areas in the training lands of Fort Bragg. The service provider shall assemble a team composed of personnel experienced in appropriate disciplines to accomplish the specified work.

5.1.1. The service provider shall survey and map locations for targeted invasive species in the training lands (Technical Exhibit 2). Maps for any specified areas will be provided by Installation Biologists. These areas can vary in size and will be identified by prominent features (drainage, road, LZ, DZ, AFP, etc.), fire management block, or training area. The service provider shall collect GPS data, using either points or polygons, to identify infestation of species and those that have been treated. Collected data shall be provided monthly along with Monthly Progress Reports.

5.1.2. The service provider shall treat (control and/or eradicate) all targeted species found during the surveys. A strategy to prioritize and treat (control and/or eradicate) the targeted invasive species found in all areas will be developed. Prioritize and treat areas with largest occurrences of targeted invasive plant species, or as directed by Installation Biologists. Revisits will be made after the first treatment to assess the need for additional treatments.

5.1.3. The service provider shall monitor, and retreat (as needed) previously identified invasive plant locations in the training lands throughout the agreement period.

5.1.4. The service provider shall provide monthly progress reports with data collection and maps (section 5.3.3). The report shall also include the amount of herbicide applied by type, hours worked, and mileage driven, along with the collected spatial data.

5.1.5. The service provider shall provide a Final Report that describes the Project Goals and Objectives and the results of the completed services under this agreement in pdf format to Auburn. The report shall include a summary of amount of herbicide applied by type, hours worked, and mileage driven.

5.1.6. A comprehensive ArcGIS Geodatabase with records for all targeted invasive species will be delivered with the Final Report. The geodatabase must include an attribute table with fields populated with data collected (as described in section 5.3.3) for each invasive species mapped and treated.

5.2. KICK-OFF MEETING: The service provider shall attend a kick-off meeting with Auburn and the Fort Bragg POC, to discuss the work to be accomplished under this contract. The purpose of the meetings will be for the service provider to become familiar with expectations, various issues, initiatives, and programs.

At a minimum the following will be discussed:

• Fort Bragg Points of Contact.

• Information/data available at Fort Bragg.

• Information/data available at various facility and activity offices.

• Various Fort Bragg policy and program issues.

• Various Fort Bragg procedures for coordinating site visits.

• Other records, permits, reports to be discussed or reviewed.

As part of the Kick-off meeting, the service provider shall present the project work plan, including technical approach, compliance with all security requirements, milestones, meetings, coordination, submittals, and review period. The work plan shall address project organization, personnel, contract management; technical approach; coordination procedures and activity schedule; and describe the quality assurance and quality control procedures, and activities that will contribute to the successful execution of this contract.

5.3. REQUIREMENTS:

5.3.1. Non-native invasive plant species (NIPS) treatment prescription summary: Precise treatment timing for individual species can significantly improve treatment success (e.g., application of herbicide is most effective for certain species at specific times when they will translocate the herbicide to the roots).

However, this specificity of timing greatly limits the efficiency of treating sites that are spread over a large area. It is more efficient to treat all observed NIPS when a site is visited within the growing season, rather than waiting for the ideal time to treat each individual species.

5.3.2. Herbicides approved for use on DoW land will be provided. As much as possible, treatment methods should follow James Miller’s 1998, “Non-native Invasive Plants of Southern Forests -A Field Guide for Identification and Control.” Techniques for controlling NIPS are constantly evolving as new methods are identified and more is learned about the biology of specific species. As such, the treatment prescriptions presented here provide a general guideline and are subject to change.

5.3.3. All herbicides shall be applied, transported, stored, and disposed of in accordance with Federal, State, County and local regulations, as well as instructions on the EPA registration label. All herbicides shall be mixed in accordance with the label instructions so that the desired rate of application can be attained with the service provider’s application equipment. Mixing water is available at non-potable water fill stations and at the Endangered Species Branch. The service provider shall provide a secondary containment system around their herbicide mixing area when herbicides are mixed on government property. This containment system must be constructed of impervious materials. In addition, the service providers will ensure that no contamination of any water source occurs, and that emergency spill containment equipment is at the worksite and is capable of containing all potential herbicide spills from the service provider’s vehicles/equipment. Unused, mixed herbicides will be disposed of in accordance with local, County, State and EPA guidelines. Spray equipment cleaning will also be accomplished in accordance with these guidelines. Prior to leaving a worksite for the day, the service providers shall remove all equipment and unused materials, any waste materials, oil, empty herbicide containers and litter resulting from the contract activities on government property.

5.3.4. The service provider shall ensure exposure of non-target native plants to herbicides are avoided.

When working in protected plant sites, limit herbicide application to target species only and leave at minimum a 1-yard buffer around protected species in which no herbicide is applied. Herbicides shall not be applied either 24 hours before or after precipitation events or during periods of strong winds or rain.

Additionally, soil disturbance around NIPS infestations should be minimized.

5.3.5. The service provider shall follow the applicable guidance provided by the Installation Pest Management Plan (IPMP). Appendix B of the IPMP contains the Pesticide Use List approved for Fort Bragg. The amounts of approved pesticides and application locations shall be reported to the pest manager through Auburn and the TR. The IPMP will be provided by the government.

5.3.6. The service provider shall provide four-wheel drive vehicle(s) for transportation. Vehicle tag numbers shall be provided to the Fort Bragg POC one week prior to commencement of activities on Fort Bragg.

5.3.7. The service provider shall enter and submit data using EXCEL with the data provided in 5.3.3. The service provider is responsible for computer entry, proofing, and verification of all data. It is anticipated that the service provider will need (2) two-person team for 32 weeks during the growing season (5 days per week and 8 hours per day). The service provider is responsible for all travel and accommodations.

5.3.8. The service provider shall conduct all activities in a manner that ensures safety of personnel and avoids damage to significant biological, cultural, or geological resources. By law, herbicides may only be handled and applied according to label instructions, and by licensed herbicide applicators or operators when working on public properties. Training and certification requirements are summarized in DoW 4150.07, Volume 2 “DoW Pest Management Program Elements and Implementation: Pesticide Applicator Training and Certification Program”, January 22, 2020. Consult the current Armed Forces Pest Management Board (AFPMB) approved list of pesticides and the DoW Pest Management Material List for Army approved herbicides and equipment, respectively, at https://www.acq.osd.mil/eie/afpmb/. The service provider shall comply with all safety and health requirements as outlined in Army Regulation 385-1, The Army Safety Program and OSHA Safety Standards to ensure the safe working conditions for his employees and government workers. The service provider shall implement a hazard communication program in accordance with 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.1200. The written hazard communication program shall address, as a minimum, the following: training (to include potential safety and health effects from exposure), labeling, current inventory of hazardous chemicals on site, and the location and use of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs). To ensure safety service provider’s personnel while working at field sites, the service provider shall also provide personnel/teams with cell phones or equivalent remote communication devices and supply a safety plan.

5.3.9. The service provider shall follow the product label as to the application rate, and time and extent of application of the herbicides. If the desired results are not achieved, the service provider will reapply the herbicide to those areas where treatment prescriptions fail to achieve the required level of control.

5.3.10. Reports/Deliverables: The service provider submit the following to Auburn and the Fort Bragg

POC:

• Monthly Reports: One (1) monthly progress/status report shall be submitted the last day of the month and shall be due no later than the 10th calendar date following the end of the reporting period. The first and last report may cover more than a month with prior concurrence of the Government.

• Invoices for partial payments shall be submitted to coincide with receipt of the monthly progress reports. In addition to geodata and maps, reports will include the amount of herbicide use (i.e., total amount and application rates/per area/location/herbicide), hours worked, and mileage driven. No partial payment shall be approved unless Auburn has received all progress reports that are due.

5.3.11. Final Report and ArcGIS Geodatabase: a final report that describes the project goals and objectives and the results of the completed services under this contract period in pdf format to Auburn. The final deliverable will also include a comprehensive ArcGIS geodatabase with records for all targeted invasive species. The geodatabase must include an attribute table with fields populated with data collected (as described below) for each invasive species mapped and treated.

5.3.12. Data: One (1) hard copy and one (1) electronic format of the raw and processed field data shall be due monthly and at the completion of the period of performance. Data shall be provided in MS Excel spreadsheet and ArcGIS geodatabase using the following template:

ID Number. Associated ArcMap/ArcGIS Collector number Invasive Species. The common/scientific name of the invasive species treated.

1st Treatment Date. Date of treatment using month/day/year format Type Treatment. Method used to control/eradicate invasive (i.e. cut spray, foliar spray, manual removal, basal bark, girdle) Chemical 1. Type of chemical used to treat the invasive species.

2nd Treatment Date. To be used for repeat treatment at a site.

Type Treatment. For repeat treatment Chemical 2. For repeat treatment Percent Killed: 0-25%, 26%-50%, 51%-75%, 76%-99%, Historic (no presence > 5 years) FP no. Associated Food Plot number

Status: Growing, Shrinking or Stable. (Growing = actively growing or spreading; Shrinking = reduction in growth/spread but re-growth observed; stable = dead/no new growth observed.

Raw field data shall include original copies of all data collected during the field survey. Auburn and the Government will review and provide any comments on the data deliverables within ten (10) days. Any revisions shall be mutually agreed upon within five (5) days following Auburn and Government comment.

The service provider is responsible for any damage and shall be required to reimburse the Government for the cost of any repairs resulting from execution or work related to this contract.

5.4. COMPLETENESS OF WORK: The service provider shall correct all deficiencies identified by Auburn, the Government, or in its own quality control review, relating to completeness or accuracy of the work, compliance with the agreement, delivery order, laws or regulations, or satisfaction of requirements relating to costs and cost accounting standards for cost reimbursements delivery orders.

6. APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS

6.1. The service provider must abide by all applicable regulations, publications, manuals, and local policies and procedures. The following shall be referenced and utilized during the performance of this task order:

• AR 25-2, Information Assurance

• AR 200-1, Army Environmental Protection and Enhancement

• AR 300-3, 28 Feb 95, Natural Resources-Land, Forest and Wildlife Management.

• AR 350-6, Installation Range Regulation

• AR 420-1, Facilities Engineering

• AR 530-1, Operations Security (OPSEC)

• DA Memorandum, Army Policy Guidance for Management and Control of Invasive

Species, 26 June, 2001

• DoW Instruction Number 4715.03, Natural Resource Conservation Program, 18 March 2011

• EM 385-1-1, Safety and Health Requirements Manual, 15 September 2008;

• Endangered Species Act (ESA), 16 U.S.C. 1531, Chapter 35.

• ER 385-1-92, Safety and Occupational Health Requirements for Hazardous, Toxic and

• Federal Acquisition Regulation, FAR Clause 52.236-13: Accident Prevention.

• INRMP, Fort Bragg Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan

• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. 4321.1.

• NIOSH/OSHA/USCG/EPA, Occupational Safety and Health Guidance Manual for Hazardous

Waste Site Activities, October 1985.

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Construction Industry

• Other applicable Federal, State, and local safety and health requirements.

• Standards, 29 CFR 1926, General Industry Standards, 29 CFR 1910, especially 29 CFR 1910.120 -

Hazardous Waste Site Operations and Emergency Response.

• Presidential Executive Order 13112, subject: Invasive Species, 3 Feb 1999

• Radioactive Waste (HTRW) Activities, 1 May 2007.

• Sikes Act, as amended by the Sikes Act Improvement Act (SAIA) of 1997, 16 U.S.C. & 670a et seq.

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Safety and Health Requirements Manual, EM 385-1-1, 3 September

1996.

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Safety and Occupational Health Requirements for Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste (HTRW) Activities, ER 385-1-92, 1September 2000.

• Miller, James. 1998. Non-native Invasive Plants of Southern Forests – A Field Guide for Identification and Control.

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 1

Fort Bragg Non-native Invasive Species Category 1 – Highest Invasive Potential Targeted for treatment wherever encountered Kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata) Fabaceae Lespedeza Bicolor (Lespedeza bicolor) Fabaceae Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense) Oleaceae Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin) Fabaceae Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) Fabaceae Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora) Rosaceae Giant Reed (Arundo donax) Poaceae Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) Simaroubaceae Japanese Climbing Fern (Lygodium japonicum) Lygodiaceae Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) Elaeagnaceae Chinese Tallow (Triadica sebifera = Sapium sebiferum) Euphorbiaceae Golden Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea) Poaceae Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana) Rosaceae Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) Meliaceae Johnson Grass (Sorghum halepense) Poaceae European Privet (Lingustrum vulgare) Oleaceae Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) Caprifoliaceae Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) Poaceae Watermilfoil or Parrotfeather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) Haloragaceae Alligator Weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) Amaranthaceae

Category 2 – Moderate to Low Invasive Potential Princess Tree (Paulowina tomentosa) Paulowniaceae White Mullberry (Morus alba) Moraceae Marsh Dewflower (Murdannia keisak = Aneilema keisak) Commelinaceae Vasey Grass (Paspalum urvillei) Poaceae Nandina (Nandina domestica) Berberidaceae Showy Rattlebox (Crotalaria spectabilis) Fabaceae Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum = Reynoutria japonica = Fallopia japonica) Polygonaceae Chinese Yam (Dioscorea polystachya = D. oppositifolia = D. batatas) Dioscoreaceae Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) Berberidaceae English Ivy (Hedera helix) Araliaceae Fuzzy Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) Scrophulariaceae Porcelain Berry (Ampelopsis glandulosa = A. brevipedunculata) Vitaceae Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei var. radicans) Celastraceae

Category 3 - Established Species Cannot be eradicated on landscape scale using currently available methods. No longer treated except in high quality natural areas. Highly restricted to ruderal habitats.

Chinese Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) Fabaceae Weeping Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) Poaceae

Cat 4 - Nearby Species with High Invasive Potential, but Not Yet Found on Fort Bragg

Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) Poaceae Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) Celastraceae Winged Burning-bush (Euonymus alatus) Celastraceae Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) Hydrocharitaceae Giant Salvinia (Salvinia molesta) Salviniaceae Brazilian Waterweed (Egeria densa) Hydrocharitaceae

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 2

(Technical Exhibit 2, cont’d)

Section II. Instructions to Proposers

Proposal Response

• Proposals should be submitted to the Procurement & Business Services Sourcing Event Portal on or before the time and date set for closing.

• Pursuant to the provisions of the State of Alabama Competitive Bid Law rules and regulations adopted there under, sealed bids will be received on the items noted herein by Procurement and Business Services of Auburn University, until the date and time stated.

• All bids are to be “F.O.B. Destination – Freight Prepaid and Allowed.”

• Alabama law (Section 41-4-116, code of Alabama 1975) provides that every bid submitted and contract executed shall contain a certification that the vendor, contractor, and all of its affiliates that make sales for delivery into Alabama or leases for use in Alabama are registered, collecting, and remitting Alabama state and local sales, use, and/or lease tax on all taxable sales and leases into Alabama. BY SUBMITTING THIS BID, THE BIDDER IS HEREBY CERTIFYING THAT THEY ARE IN FULL COMPLIANCE WITH ACT NO. 2006-557, they are not barred from bidding or entering into a contract pursuant to 41-4-116, and acknowledges that the awarding authority may declare the contract void if the certification is false. Bidder certifies that neither it, nor any of its employees who will provide or perform services under this contract have been debarred, suspended or declared ineligible as defined in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR 48 C.F.R. Ch. 1 Subpart 9.4). Bidder will immediately notify the University if the Bidder or any of its employees who will provide or perform services under this contract is placed on the Consolidated List of Debarred, Suspended, and Ineligible Bidders.

• AU reserves the right to award in whole or in part, by line item, or make multiple awards, where such action serves Auburn University’s best interest.

• Proposers may withdraw proposals at any time prior to the time and date set for opening.

• The University reserves the sole and exclusive right to reject or accept any or all proposals and to waive any informality in proposal. The best interest of the University and their subsequent facilities shall be considered as the number one determining factor in selecting or not selecting a Proposer.

• No department, school, or office at the University has the authority to solicit official proposals other than Procurement and Business Services. All solicitation is performed under the direct supervision of the Director of Procurement and Business Services and incomplete accordance with the University policies and procedures.

• The University reserves the right to conduct discussions with proposers, and to accept revisions of proposals, and to negotiate price changes. The University will make reasonable efforts to protect proprietary information but all records are subject to State of Alabama open records laws.

• Proposers submitting proposals which meet the selection criteria and which are deemed to be the most advantageous to the University may be requested to give an oral presentation to a selection committee. Procurement and Business Services will schedule the presentations.

• The University is committed to the development of Small Business and Small Disadvantaged business (SB & SDB) suppliers. If subcontracting is necessary, the contractor will make every effort to use SB & SDB in the performance of this contract. Reporting will be required throughout the duration of the contract indicating the extent of SB & SDB participation.

• The Suppliers shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the University, its officers, agents, and employees from any claims, damages, and actions of any kind or nature arising from or caused by the use of any materials, goods, equipment, or services furnished by the Supplier, provided that such liability does not attribute to the sole negligence of the University.

• The successful supplier will have to attest to the following: By signing this contract, the contracting parties affirm, for the duration of the agreement, that they will not violate federal immigration law or knowingly employ, hire for employment, or continue to employ an unauthorized alien within the state of Alabama, Furthermore, a contracting party found to be in violation of this provision shall be deemed in breach of the agreement and shall be responsible for all damages resulting therefrom.”

• Read and comply with all instructions, specifications, General Terms and Conditions, and Bid Conditions.

Section III. Form of Proposal

Proposal Format

• Proposal should be submitted in MS Word® and/or Adobe PDF® formatting only.

o If there is any information or required submittals, which due to size limitations cannot be incorporated following the preferred formatting, please note for the evaluator where the information can be found in response.

Paginated Format

• Cover Letter o The proposer shall provide a cover letter describing a brief history of the Proposer and its organization. The letter will list the Principal or Officer of the organization who will be the University’s primary point of contact for clarifications or during negotiations.

• RFP Response

• Describe, in detail, how the proposer plans to successfully complete the tasks listed in section 5 and address the University’s requirements.

o List and provide an explanation for any conditions of the Scope of Work which the proposer is unable or unwilling to complete.

o Highlight the company’s expertise o Names and qualifications of key personnel.

• Pricing o Official Bid Price Sheets (See Attachment A)

• Experience o A listing of other projects/customers similar in size and scope to the services described in the RFP. This list must include the name of the customer and the name, telephone number, and email address of an appropriate contact for each customer.

o Successful completion of projects of similar size and scope supporting Department of Army installations will be considered most applicable experience.

o Successful completion of projects of similar size and scope supporting Department of Defense other than Department of Army installations will be considered second most applicable experience.

o Successful completion of projects of similar size and scope supporting federal government departments outside the Department of Defense will be considered third most applicable experience.

o Successful completion of projects of similar size and scope supporting state and local governments will be considered fourth most applicable experience.

o Successful completion of projects of similar size and scope supporting private entities will be considered fifth most applicable experience.

Section IV. Evaluation Criteria

• In awarding the contract, the University may take into consideration the skill, facilities, capacity, experience, ability, responsibility, previous work, reputation, financial standing of the bidder or respondents, and the amount of other work being carried on by the bidder. The inability of any bidder to meet the requirements mentioned above may be cause for rejection of proposal.

• Selection shall be made in the best interest of the University. An Agreement will be awarded to the successful respondent who, in the opinion of the University, has best demonstrated competence and qualification for the type of services required at fair and reasonable prices/compensation and whose proposal is deemed to be in the best interest of the University.

• Where contract negotiations with a respondent do not proceed to an executed contract within a time deemed reasonable by the University (for whatever reasons), the University may reconsider the proposals of other respondents and, if appropriate, enter into contract negotiations with one or more of the other respondents. Proposals shall remain valid and current for the period of 90 days after the closing date and time for submission of proposals.

• The respondent and University agree that time is of the essence in all respects concerning the award of contract and performance hereunder.

• Individuals from the Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment will form the evaluation committee for this RFP. The University shall determine the award after evaluating each response on the following points.

1. Pricing – 50%

• Supplier having the lowest overall cost in dollars.

• Attachments A must be completed and submitted with proposal to be considered eligible.

2. History and Past Performance of the Company – 50%

• Relevant experience

• Demonstration of the selected supplier’s prior successful experience with the specified activities

• References

• Names and Qualifications of key personnel

Attachment A – Pricing Sheet

Invasive Plant Species Control, Fort Bragg, NC Rates

Task 1.

Project

Management

Task 2.

Invasive Species

Treatment

Task 3.

Invasive Species Survey

Task 4. GIS Data

Collection and

Management

Positions

Rate Unit Hrs

Dollars Hrs Dollars Hrs

Dollars Hrs

Dollars

/ hr

TRAVEL COSTS

Rate / Unit Qty

Dollars Qty Dollars Qty

Dollars Qty

Mileage / mile

Lodging

Per Diem

MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, & SUPPLIES

SUBCONTRACTORS

TOTAL SUBCONTRACTORS

TOTAL LABOR COSTS

TOTAL TRAVEL COSTS

TOTAL

MATERIALS/SUPPLIES

TOTAL COST

ATTACHMENT B – Auburn University Insurance Addendum

Within forty-eight (48) hours after bid or PO is submitted to the supplier, the apparent low bidder must submit an approved Insurance Certificate to the Owner. The Contractor shall procure at its own expense and maintain without interruption during the entire term of this contract, insurance of the kinds and limits listed hereunder. Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO), or industry equivalent, Certificates of Insurance, and Additional Insured Endorsements issued by the contractor’s insurance carrier shall be furnished to Auburn University before beginning work and shall include the following additional insured endorsement:

"Auburn University, its Board of Trustees (individually and collectively), Administrators, Faculty, Designer of Record, Alabama Department of Finance, Division of Construction Management (DCM), Staff, Employees, and Agents are named as additional insureds in respect to General, Umbrella, and Automobile Liability.

All contractors and subcontractors must include United States Army as an additional insured party.

Coverage afford the Additional Insureds is Primary and Non-Contributory except for Employer's Liability and contain no exclusions of the additional Insureds relative to job accidents. Policies are endorsed to include a Waiver of Subrogation in favor of Auburn University. Thirty (30) days notice of cancellation applies (ten (10) days notice for non-payment of premium) in favor of Additional Insured."

The insurance coverages required under this contract are minimum insurance limits required and are not intended to limit the responsibility or liability of the Contractor. If any subcontractors are used to fulfill this contract, they, or the General Contractor on their behalf, shall carry the same coverages and limits of insurance outlined herein. It shall be the Contractor’s responsibility to ensure compliance of this requirement.

a. Workers’ Compensation and Employer’s Liability Insurance:

i. Workers’ Compensation insurance shall be written in accordance with statutory coverage required by the State of Alabama. A self-insurer must provide a certificate issued by the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations stating the contractor is qualified to pay its worker’s compensation claims.

ii. Employer’s Liability Insurance shall be written with minimum limits of:

1. Bodily Injury by Accident $1,000,000 each accident

2. Bodily Injury by Disease $1,000,000 each employee

b. Commercial General Liability Insurance:

i. $1,000,000 each accident

ii. $1,000,000 each employee

iii. Commercial General Liability Insurance shall be written on an occurrence form and shall provide at minimum the following limits:

1. Each Occurrence $1,000,000

2. General Aggregate $2,000,000

3. Products-Completed Operations Aggregate $2,000,000

4. Contractual Liability $1,000,000

5. Personal & Advertising Liability $1,000,000

6. Damage to Rented Premises $100,000

iv. Policy must cover all activities to be performed by the Contractor, including explosion, collapse, excavation, and underground work.

v. Policy shall be endorsed to be Primary and Non-Contributory to any insurance held by Auburn University.

c. Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance:

i. Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance shall be written to include coverage for bodily injury and property damage arising from ownership, maintenance or use of all owned, non-owned, leased, hired automobiles.

ii. Automobile Liability Insurance shall be written with minimum limits of:

1. Combined Single Limit $1,000,000

d. Commercial Umbrella/Excess Liability Insurance:

i. The Commercial General Liability and Commercial Automobile Liability limits specify above may be satisfied though a combination or primary and umbrella/excess liability policies written on a follow form.

e. Environmental Liability Insurance:

i. Environmental Liability Insurance will be provided.

ii. Environmental Liability Insurance shall provide Contractors Environmental Impairment Liability/Pollution Legal Liability shall be written with minimum limits of:

1. Each Claim $1,000,000

2. Annual Aggregate $2,000,000

iii. Claims made policies must include a three-year reporting period or coverage must be provided for up to two (2) years after the completion of a project.

f. Professional Liability Insurance:

i. Professional Liability/Errors and Omissions Liability will be required if the contractor is acting as a licensed professional while performing a service for Auburn University. Licensed professionals include but are not limited to Architects and Engineers.

ii. Professional Liability/Errors and Omissions Liability Insurance shall be written with minimum limits of:

1. Each Claim $1,000,000

2. Annual Aggregate $3,000,000

iii. Claims made policies must include a three-year reporting period or coverage must be provided for up to two (2) years after the completion of project.

g. Policy Providers:

i. All insurance coverage shall be…