Performance Work Statement.docx

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT FOR WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT/RECREATION AREAS CHEMICAL HERBICIDE APPLICATION FOR LOWER GRANITE NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SECTION

SECTION C-1 GENERAL INFORMATION

C-1.1. STATEMENT OF WORK

C-1.1.1 Under the Lower Snake River Fish and Wildlife Compensation Plan (Comp Plan), the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) manages federal lands on the lower Snake River, along with other lands purchased and leased in adjacent areas of southeast Washington. These lands were developed and managed for terrestrial wildlife habitat [Habitat Management Units (HMU)]. Presently, USACE manages 84 HMUs encompassing over 50,000 acres (ac) from Lake Wallula on the lower Columbia River through the Snake River/Clearwater River confluence in Lewiston, ID.

C-1.1.2 Management of HMUs is split between the Lower Granite (Clarkston, Washington) and Tri-Rivers (Burbank, Washington) Natural Resources Management (NRM) teams. The Contractor is responsible for HMU and Recreation Area weed control upriver from and including Lyons Ferry on the west bank of the Palouse River. This includes public-use facilities and operational facilities on lands, recreation areas and waters of the Snake, Clearwater, Palouse, and Tucannon Rivers within Lake Granite, Lake Bryan, and the upper portion of Lake West, upstream of the Joso Bridge (see C-6.1.2 Facility Inventory).

C-1.1.3 The geographic range of items under this Performance Work Statement (PWS) encompasses approximately 100 river miles and 18,000 acres of land managed by the Lower Granite NRM team. Work shall include the following:

1. Chemical control of invasive, nuisance, and noxious weeds

2. Use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to document weed control activities

C-1.1.4 There are two broad categories of HMUs: 1) intensively managed, and 2) maintained. There are 9 intensively managed HMUs with active irrigation systems, maintained tree and shrub plots, and irrigated pastures. Three (3) of these HMUs are in Idaho while the remaining 6 are in Washington. Managed HMUs comprise remote shoreline corridors and large, rugged, upland tracts. The Contractor should be aware that several HMUs are accessible only by boat to include 2 intensively managed HMUs (see Section C.6.1.2 for Facility Inventory).

C-1.1.5 Depending on seasonal weather patterns within the geographic area, the annual spray season typically lasts March through October. Prior to work occurring at the start of each performance period, the Contractor must contact the COR and coordinate total services to be furnished during the spray season within each HMU footprint. The COR will provide a prioritized list of areas to be treated based on not to exceed (NTE) acreage amounts within each HMU established under C-4.6.1. Noxious weed control will be a priority among all HMUs. If, at any time during the annual spray season, unforeseen circumstances arise requiring reprioritization of treatment services, the COR may contact the Contractor to coordinate immediate treatment of a higher priority area(s), subject to the total NTE amount.

C-1.1.5.1 If the Contractor is unable to spray in an area due to human activity, the Contractor shall be required to return at a later time to complete the application.

C-1.1.7 The Contractor must adhere to all Washington, Idaho, and U.S. Coast Guard boating and vessel regulations and/or guidelines at all times, as well as Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) manned and unmanned aircraft regulations and/or guidelines. Unless otherwise stated, the Contractor must provide supervision, personnel, materials, supplies, parts, tools, equipment, vehicles, vessels, GPS/GIS software/hardware, and any other items and services necessary to monitor and treat the subject facilities and lands.

C-1.2. CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL

C-1.2.1. Contract Manager. The Contractor shall designate an on-site Contract Manager (CM) and Alternate to be responsible for overseeing work performance. The name, contact/cell phone number, and email address of these persons must be designated in writing and submitted to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) at the pre-work meeting.

C-1.2.1.1. The Contract Manager and Alternate shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all matters relating to daily operation of this contract.

C-1.2.1.2. The Contract Manager or Alternate shall be available during normal duty hours (C-1.7. ) and is expected to provide a call back requirement within the same day.

C-1.2.1.3. The Contract Manager and Alternate shall be able to fluently read, write, speak and understand English.

C-1.2.2. Contractor Personnel. To minimize risk, the Contractor shall not employ persons for work on this contract if the Contracting Officer (KO) considers such person a risk to the health, safety, security, or well-being of the public or Government employees or mission of the Government.

C-1.2.2.1. Contractor personnel and sub-contractors shall present a neat appearance and be easily recognized as Contractor employees by way of a uniform, firm logo, or other method of identification. Within 30 days of contract award, the Contractor shall provide employees (except management and clerical) appropriate work attire for the work activities/tasks in accordance with Engineer Manual (EM) 385-1-1, current version, to include toe cap footwear and other safety gear, clothing, material, personal protection, etc. All Contractor vehicles and vessels shall be readily identified with either permanent or magnetic signs that state the Company’s name. All employees of the Contractor and Subcontractors shall be 18 years of age or older. Documentation will be made available at the pre-work meeting, within 30 days of a new hire, and/or upon COR request.

C-1.2.2.2. The Contractor must ensure all employees have valid professional certifications and valid driver’s licenses before starting work under this contract, to comply with applicable local, state, and federal regulations and laws. All Contracted employees applying pesticides on USACE lands must adhere to the Walla Walla District Integrated Pest Management Program (IPMP) guidelines which require state or DOD commercial pesticide applicator licenses for those applying pesticides to USACE lands.

The Contractor, without additional expense to the Government, shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary licenses, permits, and insurance required to comply with all current federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, statutes, and regulations applicable in performance of this contract. Commercial applicator licenses shall be valid for the duration of the period of performance. Should a commercial applicator license expire at any time during the period of performance, the contractor shall immediately remove the affected personnel from chemical application activities until such time as they can show proof of a valid commercial applicator license. The Contractor shall hold general liability insurance and submit proof of such to the COR before work activities start. The insurance policy shall be valid for the duration of the period of performance and shall carry riders that cover drift, overspray and spills. Should the insurance policy term expire at any time during the period of performance, the contractor shall cease all chemical application activities on the last day of coverage until such time as they can submit proof of insurance for the term covering the remainder of the period of performance.

C-1.2.2.3. Training. The Contractor must ensure that all employees and sub-contractors have current safety training and necessary certificates, such as State Boat Operators Card/Certificate or ATV operators certificate, as required by local, state and Federal laws. The Contractor must apply risk management strategies to ensure personnel safety and must comply with safety requirements set forth in EM 385-1-1, current version, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Safety and Occupational Health (SOH) Requirements.

For jobs with multiple tasks that require an Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA), the Contractor shall prepare and submit an AHA. AHA requirements will be verified at the Pre-work meeting.

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) – Safe Clearance or Hazardous Energy Control Program (HECP) Procedures:

All Contractor work on site shall meet the requirements of "Safety and Occupational Health Office; Safe Clearance Program for the Control of Hazardous Energy, NWWP 385-1-20". This includes crossing dam facilities in order to access herbicide treatment areas. A digital copy may be obtained at the web address shown below in paragraph, Safe Clearance Training. Safe Clearance procedures are used by Project and Contractor personnel to protect personnel, equipment, and the environment, as well as ensure continuity of service. Violations will be reported to the Issuing Individual and violations may result in disciplinary action ranging from retraining to removal of safe clearance authorization.

Safe Clearance Training:

Contractor, subcontractor, vendors, and visitors shall take the appropriate level of HECP Procedure training commensurate with their job duties.

Any non-working personnel, contractors, vendors, and visitors that will be entering an area under Safe Clearance must take Awareness Level HECP training. Training and written tests for the modules below shall be completed on-line prior to commencing on-site work. Time estimates for training are as follows:

Awareness Level Training: Approximately 1 hour (non-working personnel, vendors, and visitors).

A copy of the Safe Clearance Program for the Control of Hazardous Energy (NWWP 385-1-20) can be found on the Walla Walla District Internet site at: http://www.nww.usace.army.mil/Portals/28/docs/contracting/OP385120.pdf.

All costs for this training shall be the responsibility of the contractor. Training is an annual requirement and will expire one year from completion date. Training is provided by Vivid Learning Systems and is available online at http://Hecp.vividlms.com. Cost for the training is displayed on the home page. Submit the training completion certification a minimum of seven days prior to the individual’s arrival onsite. Maintain training documentation on site, including the individual's name and date of training completion, in accordance with NWWP 385-1-20.

C-1.2.3. Security Requirements C-1.2.3.1. The Contractor must ensure all employees and sub-contractors have photo identification (e.g. driver’s license) in their possession at all times while providing work under this contract, which will be subject to random confirmation by the COR. Physical security at various project locations is subject to change with very little notice. When advised by the COR, the Contractor, Contractor employees, and sub-contractors must comply with any and all changing requirements. Such changes may reduce access to certain areas under this contract and may restrict the Contractor’s ability to drive across the dams. Contractor’s designated employees shall obtain appropriate USACE access badges, enabling them to cross secured access points within the project.

C-1.2.3.2. All contractor and all associated sub-contractor employees shall comply with applicable installation, facility and area commander installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures (provided by government representative). The contractor shall also provide all information required for background checks to meet installation/facility access requirements to be accomplished by installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services or Security Office. Contractor workforce must comply with all personal identity verification requirements (FAR clause 52.204-9, Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel) as directed by DOD, HQDA and/or local policy. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes clause of this contract, should the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any installation or facility change, the Government may require changes in contractor security matters or processes.

C-1.2.3.3. Contractor and all associated sub-contractor employees shall comply with adjudication standards and procedures using the National Crime Information Center Interstate Identification Index (NCIC-III) and Terrorist Screening Database (TSDB) (Army Directive 2014-05 / AR 190-13), applicable installation, facility and area commander installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures (provided by government representative, as NCIC-III and TSDB are available), or at OCONUS locations, in accordance with status of forces agreements and other theater regulations.

C-1.2.3.4. All contract employees, including sub-contractor employees who are not in possession of the appropriate security clearance or access privileges, will be escorted in areas where they may be exposed to classified and/or sensitive materials and/or sensitive or restricted areas.

C-1.2.3.5. E-Verify Program. Contractors shall comply with the requirements set forth in FAR clause 52.222-54 Employment Eligibility Verification and FAR Subpart 22.18 in using the E-Verify Program at (https://www.e-verify.gov/) (website subject to change) to meet the contract employment eligibility requirements. Contractors are encouraged to cooperate with Federal and State agencies responsible for enforcing labor requirements to include eligibility for employment under United States immigration laws in accordance with FAR 22.102-1(i). An initial list of verified/eligible candidates shall be provided to the COR no later than three business days after the initial contract award. When contracts are with individuals, the individuals will be required to complete a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, and submit it to the Contracting Officer to become part of the official contract file.

C-1.3. QUALITY CONTROL

C-1.3.1. The Quality Control Plan (QCP) is the means by which the Contractor assures himself and the COR that adequate inspections of work performance are being conducted so that all work meets contract specifications. The Contractor’s QCP shall be established and maintained for all services included in the contract and shall include the surveillance required to ensure all contract specifications regarding schedule compliance, proper equipment, materials, and work performance are met.

The Contractor shall also be responsible for controlling work quality through an effective quality control program involving management, training, and sufficient inspections of all work items including those of their subcontractor (s) to ensure compliance with all contract requirements. The QCP shall be structured to include a Quality Control Supervisor and support personnel as necessary to perform quality control. The Quality Control Supervisor and /or designee(s) shall be employed directly by the Contractor as part of their assigned duties of the Contractor’s field organization. The Quality Control Supervisor must have experience in quality control work and must be able to train others in providing accurate Quality Control Inspections.

C-1.3.2 The Quality Control Plan must minimally include:

C-1.3.3.1. A description of the inspection system for all services listed on the Performance Requirements Summary (PRS). The description must specify a monitoring strategy and include both the frequency and location of inspections, and the titles and organizational placement of the inspectors.

C-.1.3.3.2. A description of the methods to be used for identifying and preventing defects in the quality of service performed.

C-1.3.3.3. A description of the records required to document inspections and corrective or preventive actions taken and an example copy of a Quality Control (QC) Report showing all items under the PWS. The QC Report should have space for notes detailing problems which occurred during operations, information on any items needing attention or any deviation from normal operations.

C-1.3.4. Records of Quality Control inspections must be kept and made available to the COR, on a daily basis, throughout the contract performance period and for the period after contract completion until final settlement of any claims under this contract. The QC Report shall include spaces for supervisors and workers to acknowledge safety inspections of vehicles and equipment, and a check of the work area for unusual conditions, safety hazards, and vandalism. Spaces will also be made for tracking ongoing work for quality of workmanship and adherence to safety procedures to ensure contract compliance. Information will be provided by the Contractor for any action needing correction by the Contractor or the Government. All completed work shall be inspected for quality of workmanship and contract compliance with accompanying documentation on the QC Report. All QC Reports shall be verified by the QC representative and signed by the Contractor employee completing the work and the QC representative. Upon signing the QC report the report shall be electronically sent in a PDF format to the COR or representative on a daily basis or as information becomes available. Signed QC reports are used by the Government to determine what work has been completed successfully and will be used to determine Quality Assurance inspection timeframes and payment.

C-1.4. QUALITY ASSURANCE

The Government will evaluate the Contractor’s performance under this contract for those tasks listed on the Performance Work Statement (PWS), to establish acceptance of monthly invoices and as the basis for payment. The COR or Quality Assurance (QA) evaluators will follow the methods of surveillance specified in the Performance Requirements Summary (PRS); generally periodic inspections will be employed. Government personnel will record all QA inspections, and the COR will retain such records. The Government will perform inspections to verify the Contractor’s QC Reports and to provide the basis for final acceptance of contract work.

C-1.4.1. Deficiencies. If Contractor services do not conform to contract requirements, the Government may require the Contractor to perform the services again to comply with contract requirements at no additional expense to the Government. A written notice of deficiencies to be corrected, with a determination of whether the work can be re-performed or not, will be given to the Contractor or designated representative. The Contractor shall have three (3) calendar days from the date of a written notice to acknowledge the problem, state what corrective action was taken, and a plan for ensuring the deficiency does not occur again. If recurring deficiencies in an item or items indicate that the QC Program is not adequate, corrective actions shall be taken as directed by the COR. This may include the assignment of additional QC personnel without additional cost to the Government or replacement of the onsite supervisor.

C-1.5. MEETINGS & COMMENCEMENT

C-1.5.1. Pre-Work Meeting. Prior to beginning work on this contract, the Contractor must attend a pre-work meeting at a time and place mutually agreed to by the Contractor and the COR. The pre-work meeting must occur not later than ten (10) working days following contract award. At this meeting, the COR will establish lines of authority and Government procedures for contract administration and work issues. The schedule of required submittals and reports, the List of Materials, Supplies furnished by the Government, and the list of pre-existing conditions will also be discussed. The Government shall furnish a letter of record documenting pre-work conference discussions to attendees within one week following the meeting. The Contractor shall submit, in completed form, the following items at the pre-work conference:

a. Organizational Plan outlining chains-of-command and specific personnel names;

b. Subcontracting Plan;

c. Letter of Authority for the Contract Manager;

d. Certificate(s) of Insurance;

e. Letter of Authority for the Contract Manager;

f. Letter(s) Appointing Quality Control Personnel

g. Quality Control Plan;

h. Accident Prevention and Reporting Plan

i. Activity Hazardous Analysis Plan;

j. Hazardous Material Communication Plan;

k. Hazardous Energy Control Plan.

C-1.5.2. Commencement. The draft plans noted above must be approved by the COR prior to commencement of work by the Contractor. Failure to complete plans approved by the COR will result in delays in notification to proceed which shall not be the basis of a Contractor claim.

C-1.5.3. Monthly Contract Meetings. The Contract Manager must meet monthly with the COR to review the past month’s performance, the upcoming month’s work requirements within each HMU footprint, and to discuss contract issues. The meetings will be held at a time and location agreed to by the COR and the Contract Manager prior to the meeting.

C-1.5.3.1 Monthly Schedule Submittal. A single legible copy of the last month’s schedule shall be submitted to the COR at the monthly meeting. The schedule will indicate the location, description and frequency of the work items and will provide space for the Contractor to indicate the date and time work was performed, as well as space for indicating the date and time work is completed and the initials of the on-site supervisor to verify completion of work. This same format will be used by the COR to present and approve the next upcoming month’s scheduled work.

C-1.5.3.2 Monthly Invoice Submittal. The Contract Manager must submit, via email, a spreadsheet that accurately tracks all billing information. This will include calculations by each month, each line item, and each designated pool/lake/ recreation account along with the monthly invoice The spreadsheet will provide a running account balance of work performed to date and work remaining in the current year of the contract. The Contractor and the COR will review the Contractor’s monthly spreadsheet and reconcile any noted discrepancies.

C-1.6. PHYSICAL SECURITY

C-1.6.1. The Contractor must be responsible for safeguarding all Government facilities, property and materials provided for Contractor use. All Government facilities, property and materials must be appropriately secured at all times. Specific security conditions may change based on threats to national defense and based on the risk of specific facilities to these threats. The Contractor must abide by these changing conditions at all times.

C-1.6.2. Key Control. The Contractor must ensure all keys and access cards issued to the Contractor by the Government are not lost, stolen or duplicated and are not used by unauthorized persons.

C-1.6.2.1. The Contractor must immediately report to the COR any occurrences of lost or stolen keys or access cards.

C-1.6.2.2. In the event keys are lost or stolen, the Contractor may be required, upon written direction of the Contract Officer, to re-key or replace the affected lock or locks without cost to the Government. The Contracting Officer has the option to replace the affected lock or locks or perform re-keying and deduct the cost of such from the monthly payment due the Contractor.

C-1.6.2.3. The Contractor must prohibit the use of keys issued by the Government by any persons other than the Contractor’s employees. The Contractor must not facilitate access of secured areas to persons other than Contractor personnel or Subcontractors engaged in performance of contract work requirements.

C-1.7. HOURS OF OPERATION

C-1.7.1. Normal Hours of Operation. The Government’s normal hours of operation are 08:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday exclusive of Federal Holidays. The Contractor’s normal hours of operation should parallel the Government’s. The Contractor must be available outside of normal hours of operation in the event of an emergency.

C-1.8. CONSERVATION OF RESOURCES

C-1.8.1. The Contractor must ensure employees practice resource conservation. The Contractor is responsible for operating under conditions that prevent the waste of utilities to include:

C-1.8.1.1. Environmental and Hazardous Materials. The Contractor must establish systems and controls to minimize use of hazardous materials and generation of hazardous wastes, maximize recycling of materials and comply with local, state and Federal guidelines for hazardous material and waste storage and disposal. The Contractor shall furnish the Government with copies of all Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) prior to using or storing such chemicals in or on Government lands and/or facilities. All machinery or equipment left on USACE lands for more than 4 hours must have a spill containment system capable of holding 125% of all liquids within the vehicle placed under it. Any hazardous liquids must be properly disposed of.

SECTION C-2 DEFINITIONS

C-2.1. Acceptable Quality Level (AQL). A predetermined value selected and used by the Government Quality Assurance inspector to distinguish between satisfactory and unsatisfactory performance. For evaluation by random sampling, AQL’s are stated in percentages and have three parts: lot size, sample size and allowable reject level.

C-2.2. Allowable Margin of Acceptance (AMOA) will be determined through the means of observed and statistically sound quality assurance surveillance.

C-2.3. Continuity of Services. Maintaining Recreation Lands and Wildlife Habitat to allow resources to continue to appear and function as intended, preventing the general decline of conditions (weed infestations).

C-2.4. Contracting Officer (CO or KO). “Contracting Officer” is the person executing this contract on behalf of the Government.

C-2.5. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). An individual designated in writing by the Contracting Officer responsible for administration of the contract.

C-2.6. Contractor. The term Contractor refers to the prime Contractor and all Contractor employees and personnel. The prime Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring all Subcontractors comply with the provisions of this contract.

C-2.7. Debris. Tree limbs, branches, logs, stumps, driftwood, rocks, detached aquatic weeds, accumulations of weeds, tumble weeds, and all other naturally occurring materials on the ground or in the water.

C-2.8. Deduct Percentage. The percentage obtained when the price for providing a specific requirement for a billing cycle is diminished because the Observed Acceptance Rate (OAR) is below the Acceptable Quality Level (AQL).

C-2.9. Defective Service. A service or output that does not meet the standard of performance requirement specified in the contract for that service.

C-2.10. Hayed: the act or action of making hay (to cut grass, clover, or the like, and store for use as forage) C-2.11. HMU. Habitat Management Unit C-2.12. Lot. The total number of potential service outputs in a surveillance period.

C-2.13. Lot Size. Total number of required services per inspection period from which a sample is to be drawn. In statistical terms, this is the population.

C-2.14. Observed Acceptance Rate (OAR). The observed rate of acceptable performance based on statistically sound quality assurance surveillance.

C-2.15. Organic Litter. All naturally occurring materials on the ground including, but not limited to leaves, seedpods, needles, twigs, weeds, grass clippings, animal remains and/or feces, etc.

C-2.16. Performance Requirement. The point that divides acceptable and unacceptable performance of a task according to the PRS and the Inspection of Services clause 52.245-1. It is the number of defects or maximum percentage of defects in the lot that is acceptable.

C-2.17. Quality Assurance. A planned and systematic pattern of all Government 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 purposes of this contract, quality assurance refers to actions by the Government assurance functions for a contracted service.

C-2.18. Quality Assurance Representative (QAR). An individual designated to inspect the Contractor’s performance.

C-2.19. Quality Control. Those actions taken by a Contractor to control the production of outputs to ensure that they conform to the contract requirements.

C-2.20. Random Sampling. A sampling method where each service output in a lot has an equal chance of being selected for quality assurance surveillance.

C-2.21. Sample. A sample consists of one or more service outputs drawn from a lot for quality assurance surveillance.

C-2.22. Sample Size. The number of samples to be taken per lot size to ensure a statistically significant Observed Acceptance Rate (OAR) to be measured against the assigned AQL.

C-2.23. Weeds. Consists of an invasive or non-desirable herbaceous plant that has leaves and stems that die down at the end of the growing season to the soil level. They have no persistent woody stem above ground. Herbaceous plants may be annuals, biennials or perennials (included but not limited to broadleaf plants and grasses).

C-2.24 OHWM – Original High-Water Mark

SECTION C-3 CONTRACTOR-FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES

C-3.1 The Contractor is responsible for their communication services in support of Contractor operations. Communications can be difficult because of terrain. In remote areas, satellite telephones may sometimes be the only means for employees to remain in contact. The Contractor shall provide all communications equipment that is reliable and necessary to ensure employee safety and operational efficiency.

C-3.2. ATV Use. No ATVs with less than four wheels will be allowed for work on Government land. Maximum speed for such vehicles shall be 15 MPH. When using an ATV, the operator shall abide by all stipulated guidelines in Safety Manual EM 385-1-1, current version, to include the use of a Department of Transportation (DOT)-certified helmet at all times. Unless prior written approval is granted by the COR, all ATV use will be used on designated trails only.

SECTION C-4 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

C-4.1. GENERAL INFORMATION

The Contractor shall provide efficient and proper chemical weed control for recreation areas, wildlife habitats, and structures on lands and waters of Lake Granite, Lake Bryan, and the upper portion of Lake West (upstream of the Joso Bridge), within the States of Washington and Idaho.

Chemical weed control is a crucial aspect of properly managing this habitat. The Contractor must coordinate the selection and application schedule of chemical herbicides with the COR and Wildlife Biologists to ensure optimal food plot, pasture, and field management and minimize adverse effects on wildlife habitat. This contract operates on a collaborative basis, emphasizing effective communication between the contractor, COR, and Wildlife Biologists. The COR and Wildlife Biologists will identify areas requiring chemical treatment within the NTE limits listed under C-4.6.1. The Contractor must proactively communicate those areas to the COR if those areas are not identified for chemical treatment in the current spraying season C-1.1.5. This collaborative approach ensures comprehensive coverage and timely treatment of weed populations.

C-4.2. FOOD PLOTS (Contains Desired Vegetation) C-4.2.1. USACE maintains food plots within established Habitat Management Units (HMUs) to meet habitat requirements of providing a winter food source for wildlife using the HMU. Maintenance requires field preparation, planting, irrigation, and fertilization. Irrigated crops usually are corn, grain sorghum, buckwheat, wheat, Sudan grass hybrid, millet, or sunflowers. Other crops may be substituted. Wheat, canola, and dryland alfalfa are some acceptable dryland crop alternatives.

Lower Granite Pool (Lake Granite): 4.22 acres of food plots Little Goose Pool (Lake Bryan): 66.23 acres of food plots Lower Monumental Pool (Lake West): 8.99 acres of food plots.

C-4.3. PASTURES (Contains Desired Vegetation) C-4.3.1. Pastures are maintained at a height of 3-5 inches from 1 April – 15 June to provide feeding areas for goslings. All pastures need annual care. Total area of pastures is 34.91 acres. In September of each year, the pasture areas are hayed to eliminate tall vegetation and provide winter foraging for migratory geese. All hay is usually removed from USACE lands within 48 hours of baling.

Lower Granite Pool (Lake Granite): 9.61 acres of pastures Little Goose Pool (Lake Bryan): 25.29 acres of pastures C-4.4. FIELDS (Contains Desired Vegetations) C-4.4.1. Fields are non-irrigated upland grassland that USACE manages to support specific wildlife needs. Mowing or Haying will occur after 15 July and prior to 1 November.

Lower Granite Pool (Lake Granite): 31.23 acres of fields Little Goose Pool (Lake Bryan): 648.33 acres of fields Lower Monumental Pool (Lake West): 221.98 acres of fields

C-4.5. PROTECTION OF NATIVE AND DESIRED VEGETATION

C-4.5.1. Contractor Responsibility: The contractor shall prioritize the protection of native and desired vegetation, including grasses, trees, and shrubs, during all chemical herbicide applications. It is imperative that the contractor takes proactive measures to prevent any negative impact on this vegetation during herbicide application activities.

C-4.5.2. Preventative Measures: The contractor shall implement all necessary precautions to safeguard native and desired vegetation from herbicide exposure. This includes, but is not limited to, using appropriate application techniques, selecting herbicides that minimize risks to non-target vegetation, and employing physical barriers or shielding methods where applicable.

C-4.5.3. Mitigation of Damage: In the event that damage or death occurs to native or desired vegetation as a result of herbicide application, the contractor shall take full responsibility for mitigating the impact. This may involve replacing dead or damaged vegetation with species of equivalent value and characteristics as determined by USACE including acceptable planting methods.

C-4.5.4. Documentation and Reporting: The contractor shall maintain detailed records of herbicide application activities, including the specific areas treated, herbicides used, application rates, and any observations regarding the condition of nearby vegetation. Any incidents of damage or death to native vegetation shall be promptly reported to the COR for evaluation and appropriate action.

C-4-5-5. Compliance with Environmental Regulations: All herbicide application activities shall comply with applicable environmental regulations and guidelines, including those pertaining to the protection of native and desired vegetation and wildlife habitats. The contractor shall adhere to best management practices to minimize environmental impact and ensure the preservation of resources.

C-4.5.6. Training and Supervision: The contractor shall ensure that all personnel involved in herbicide application receive adequate training on the identification and protection of native and desired vegetation. Supervisors shall oversee application activities to ensure compliance with established procedures and protocols for vegetation protection.

C-4.5.7. Communication with US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE): The contractor shall maintain open communication with USACE regarding herbicide application plans, potential risks to native and desired vegetation, and any concerns or observations related to vegetation health. Collaboration between the contractor and the USACE is essential to ensure the successful implementation of weed control measures while protecting valuable resources.

C-4.6. WEED CONTROL

C-4.6.1. Under the USACE Integrated Pest Management Program (IPMP) and Aquatic Pest Management Program (APMP), the Contractor must control weeds throughout all Contract Areas following specific requirements found in the Pest Management Program (C-6.5). Weed control shall be conducted in areas of HMUs established by the COR before the start of the performance period C-1.1.5 (including food plots, pastures, fields, and shrub and tree plots), in all public use areas (including campsites, boat ramps, day use areas, public parking areas, grassy areas and fields within the bounds of developed parks, visitor center grounds, around picnic shelters, light poles, signs, planter beds, under benches, asphalt trails, sidewalks, viewpoints, shorelines, and USACE managed roads), operational facilities, the Lewiston Levee system, and the earthen embankment and riprap at Lower Granite and Little Goose Dams. Special attention should be paid to False Indigo Bush along the shorelines of recreation areas. These should be controlled to prevent their spread downriver into adjacent HMUs. Controlling noxious or invasive weeds means killing them by chemical methods to prevent seed production. All applicators must be individually licensed for the proper Pesticide Application Category in the State of Washington and/or Idaho.

Most chemical applications, except for return spot spraying should be performed by 1 June of each year, as treating weeds in the rosette stage is highly effective. The District Integrated Pest Management Plan allows flexibility in management so that weed infestations can be identified and management can be adjusted as needed.

Applications on Federal land are made under the 2021 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Pesticide General Permit (PGP). USACE has filed a Notice of Intent to operate under the following PGP tracking numbers.

Idaho State Permits:

- IDG87BJ22 – Application to Water

- IDG87BH31 - Ordinary High-Water Mark to Water’s Edge EPA NPDES PGP Permit ID number for Walla Walla District Land managed in Washington State:

- WAG87004E - Below Ordinary High-Water Mark and Aquatic (to water) The total acreage that may be treated within each pool/lake is provided below, as well as an approximation of acreage treated under various methods.

Lower Granite Pool HMUs (Lake Granite): Total weed control acreage not to exceed 480 acres

1. Aerial applications 200 acres

2. Boom spraying 100 acres

3. Backpack spot spray 180 acres Lower Granite Pool Recreation and Operations (Lake Granite): Total weed control acreage 269.26

1. Boom spraying approximately 20-30 acres

2. Backpack spot spray approximately 90-100 acres

3. Woody Vegetation Treatment (shorelines) 2 acres Lewiston Levee System and Lewiston Levee Parkway: Total weed control acreage 162.05

1. Boom spraying approximately 25.05 acres

2. Backpack spot spray approximately 10-15 acres

3. Woody Vegetation Treatment (shorelines, rip rap, Levee Banks) 5-8 acres Little Goose Pool HMUs (Lake Bryan): Total weed control acreage not to exceed 700 acres

1. Aerial applications 300 acres

2. Boom Spraying 200 acres

3. Backpack spot spray 200 acres Little Goose Pool Recreation and Operations (Lake Bryan): Total weed control acreage 144.87

1. Boom spraying approximately 30-40 acres

2. Backpack spot spray approximately 20-40 acres

3. Woody Vegetation Treatment (shorelines) 1 acre Lower Monumental Pool HMUs (Lake West): Total weed control acreage not to exceed 560 acres

1. Aerial applications 400 acres

2. Boom Spraying 100 acres

3. Backpack Spot Spray 60 acres Lower Monumental Pool Recreation and Operations (Lake West): Total weed control acreage 25.98

1. Boom Spraying approximately 2-3 acres

2. Backpack spots spray approximately 4-5 acres

3. Woody Vegetation Treatment (shorelines) 1 acre C-4.6.2. To ensure compliance with regulations and to facilitate quality assurance, the Contractor must provide the COR with Daily Application reports establishing target-weed species and their locations within 48 hours after application. The Daily Application report will also identify application personnel, environmental conditions, materials used, and methods and rates of each application of any pesticide.

The Contractor shall furnish and use GPS-enabled equipment to mark the locations of infestations and chemical treatment. Accuracy of data must be at a minimum of 27 feet or 9 meters with a preferred accuracy of 9 feet or 3 meters.

The Contractor must also provide the COR with annual summary reports including Actual (prior year) Applications Records and Anticipated (current year) pesticide use by January 15 of each year. This report will include GPS data showing the location and treatment area of noxious weeds found within the work area. The requirements for GPS/GIS and report file requirements shall comply with the information as outlined in Technical Exhibit C-6.6, PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. Controls must minimize threats to all non-target species, including persons, and must strictly comply with all local, state, and Federal environmental protection and occupational health and safety laws.

Because of the risk of liability associated with pesticide use, any failure by the Contractor in this requirement relating to health, safety, hazard exposure, Endangered Species Act, and Biological Opinion may result in immediate termination of the contract for default.

C-4.6.3. Weed proliferation is highly variable and requires some flexibility in an effective approach to control. This specification is a level-of-effort requirement because weed control outside of designated areas can expand beyond available fiscal resources. The Contractor must control additional acres of weeds annually, as specified in pricing schedule quantities. Controlling noxious weeds means killing them by chemical methods to prevent annual seed production. Separate treatments throughout the growing season will be required through spot, vehicle, or aerial chemical application in areas indicated by the COR, within 14 days of the time scheduled, as negotiated with the COR. Adverse weather may change plans and require re-negotiation of schedules with the COR. Measuring different methods of chemical application can be difficult.

C-4.6.4 Target Weed Species found during ordinary work routine:

a. All Class A Weeds for the State of Washington and Idaho (EDRR) shall be eradicated

b. All Class B Weeds for the State of Washington and Idaho (Control List) shall be eradicated, except when found in relative abundance throughout the HMU. These plants shall be controlled within the shrub and tree plots.

c. The following Weeds shall be given control priority: Caper Spurge, Yellowflag iris, Whitetop, Canada thistle, Dalmatian Toadflax, Diffuse and Spotted Knapweed, Houndstongue, Kochia, Rush Skeletonweed, Yellow starthistle, Perennial pepperweed, Scotch thistle, Puncturevine, and Bull thistle.

d. Tree-of-Heaven, Tamarisk (Salt Cedar or Tamarix aphylla), and Russian olive (when found isolated or less than 3 inches dbh.) shall be controlled.

e. Any weed population found creating a solid monoculture greater than 2,500 sq. ft. needs to be brought to the attention of the COR as soon as possible.

f. False Indigo Bush found above OHWM shall be controlled.

SECTION C-5. APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS AND REFERENCES

C-5.1. Any reference to a federal, state, and local law, or regulation is for emphasis only and does not relieve the Contractor of the obligation to be aware of and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local county laws and regulations. The Contractor shall perform in accordance with the most current version of the following individual standards and codes, manuals, and other documents:

a. ER 1130-2-550 - "Recreation Operations and Maintenance Policies”

b. EP 1130-2-550 - "Recreation Operations and Maintenance Guidance and Procedures” ER 200-2-3 – “Environmental Compliance Policies”

c. EM 385-1-1 - "USACE Safety and Health Requirements Manual"

d. 29 CFR 1910 - Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), current provisions American National Standard For Tree Care Operations

e. ANSI A 300-2001 American Standard for Nursery Stock – ANSI Z60.1-2004

f. Consumer Product Safety Commission's Handbook for Public Playground Safety, Publication Number 325, current provisions

g. Equipment Manufacturer’s Repair Operating and Maintenance Manuals Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

h. Washington Department of Health drinking water regulations, current provisions

i. Idaho Department of Environmental Quality drinking water regulations, current provisions 49 CFR, Department of Transportation, current applicable regulations

j. 40 CFR, Environmental Protection Agency, current applicable regulations Washington Department of Ecology, current applicable regulations

k. Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, current applicable regulations Washington Industrial Safety and Health Administration, current regulations National Institute of Safety and Occupational Health, current provisions National Fire Protection Code, current provisions, specifically:

l. NFPA 1 Fire Prevention Code

m. NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code

n. NFPA 55 Standard for the Storage, Use, and Handling of Compressed and Liquefied Gases in Portable Cylinders

o. NFPA 302 Fire Protection Standard for Pleasure and Commercial Motor Craft

p. NFPA 303 Fire Protection Standard for Marinas and Boatyards

q. NFPA 306 Standard for the Control of Gas Hazards on Vessels

r. NFPA 395 Standard for the Storage of Flammable and Combustible Liquids at Farms and Isolated Sites

s. NFPA 301 Code for Safety to Life from Fire on Merchant Vessels

t. NFPA 329 Recommended Practice for Handling Releases of Flammable and Combustible Liquids and Gases

u. NFPA 704 Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response

SECTION C-6 TECHNICAL EXHIBITS AND ATTACHMENTS

C-6.1. MAPS – ATTACHMENT 1

General location maps and design drawings are provided for Contractor information at the end of this document. These maps are provided to give the Contractor a general idea of where wildlife HMUs and Recreation Areas are in relation to each other and to provide an idea of the extensive geographic scope of this contract. Some sites are accessible by road and other sites are accessible by boat only. The maps will show general boundaries of facilities within HMUs, etc. The level of detail in the provided maps, combined with the facility inventory (C-6.1.2) should be sufficient for the Contractor to determine costs for transportation between sites and overall logistics of operation.

Lower Granite NRM Full Project Area 36x14 in.pdf Map Series – Recreation Areas, Levees, and Operations.pdf Lower Granite HMU Overview Maps 11x17 in.pdf Little Goose HMU Overview Maps 11x17 in.pdf Lower Monumental HMU Overview Maps 11x17 in.pdf

C-6.1.2. FACILITY INVENTORY – ATTACHMENT 2 AND 3

The facility inventory provided is the best approximation available as of March 2024. These quantities should be accurate to (+) or (-) 5%. Attachment 2 (HMU Areas) and Attachment 3 (Recreation Areas) include each location, and a summary of the facilities associated with each HMU or Recreation Area.

C-6.2. REQUIRED REPORTS

The Contractor is required to generate, complete, and submit reports to the Government. Documents shall be comprehensive in terms of both content and presentation; text, maps, figures, charts, and illustrations shall be error-free. Any initial report made verbally is to be followed up with an official written report. If any initial report submission is followed by a corrected version, then the corrected report is to be provided to the COR no later than 1300 hrs the following workday. All reports should be marked official and final unless corrected. If corrected, they should be identified as such, then marked final.

a. Incident/Accident Report (Within 24-Hours of Incident): An accident constitutes an incident or act involving the Contractor, which may or may not have caused obvious damage to persons or property. This includes injuries to Contractor employees, members of the public, or damage to Government or personal property. The Contractor shall notify the COR by telephone within 30 minutes of any incident or accident, followed by a written report. These reports shall include, but are not limited to, location, nature of the injury or accident, authorities notified, and the action taken along with any other pertinent information such as who was injured and how it may have happened. These reports shall be accompanied by sketches, graphs, drawings, and photographs, as needed, and forwarded to the COR within 1 working day following the injury or accident.

b. Observed Damages (As Needed): As stewards of the natural environment and custodians of USACE property, the contractor bears a crucial responsibility to promptly report any instances of damage or vandalism observed during their operations. This includes but is not limited to identifying and reporting unauthorized activities such as homeless encampments, illegal tree and brush cutting, as well as instances of wildlife poaching or killing. Timely reporting of such incidents is paramount to the preservation and protection of the ecological integrity of USACE-managed lands. By promptly notifying appropriate authorities, the contractor plays a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of such activities, facilitating swift intervention measures, and ensuring the continued conservation of natural resources and wildlife habitat within the designated areas.

c. Contractor Quality Control Report (Daily): Completed by Contractor Quality Control personnel. This report details Contractor surveillance of work, records performance achieved, deficiencies observed,…