RFP 24_1683_Addendum_1 _park garlic mustard specs_Revised_3_22_24.docx

GARLIC MUSTARD ControL Algonac, Grand Mere, SAUGATUCK DUNES, Sterling, WARREN DUNES, WARREN WOODS, Fayette, Porqupine mts, tahqumenon Falls, and muskallonge STATE PARKs

REQUIRED INVASIVE SPECIES PRE-QUALIFICATION CATEGORIES:

HERBACEOUS AND HERBICIDE

BID #240000001683

BID DUE DATE: 3/29/2024 at 12pm - Noon

WORK STATEMENT

A BACKGROUND/PROBLEM STATEMENT

1. TREATMENT

a. Treat all live garlic mustard plants in the designated treatment areas or in the designated point locations.

b. The majority of treatments should be by herbicide application to garlic mustard during April (or May for UP parks) according to the specifications below. The remaining treatments should be hand pulling of isolated plants, plants mixed with natives, as follow-up to chemical treatments, and in areas missed with chemicals based on the specifications below.

c. REPEAT VISITS: Every existing mapped point and all other ground within each treatment area must be visited at least twice. A final follow-up inspection should be performed by the contracted project manager in every treatment area towards the end of the project window to insure all extant first and second year plants have been effectively killed by chemical or removed by hand pulling to meet the criteria in #12 below, and per pre-qualification specifications.

d. If garlic mustard is observed outside treatment zones and beyond perimeter of individual mapped points it is requested that contractor make note of approximate location and quantity in their final report. Notice to project manager sooner is also encouraged.

e. HERBICIDE APPLICATION:

· Foliar herbicide application should be used in areas where significant damage to non-target native vegetation can be avoided (due to timing of treatment or lack of native vegetation in the immediate area). Treatment should occur at the rosette stage. Treatments shall occur before garlic mustard plants mature to the point where they could flower and produce viable seed post herbicide application. The required herbicide is one of the following options:

(i) A formulation of glyphosate at a mix concentration of 4.0% by volume (2.2% active ingredient.

(ii) A formulation of 2,4-D amine at a mix concentration of 3% by volume.

(iii) Garlon 4Ultra at a mix concentration of 3% by volume (1.8% active ingredient).

(iv) Garlon 3A® at a mix concentration of 3% by volume (1.3% active ingredient).

(v) Garlon 3A® must be used in all wetlands or in areas within 50 feet of rivers, streams, or ponds and anywhere else necessary to comply with NPDES requirements.

· The non-ionic surfactant Cygnet Plus® shall be used at a rate of 0.8 percent of the mix volume with any of the above mixes.

· An appropriate dye shall be used in all herbicide mixes.

· Depending on the situation Milestone or Scythe may be used if requested for areas that respond poorly to the chemicals listed above.

· At some heavily-infested upland point locations (mapped as ½ acre or larger – category 4 or 5) within treatment areas, the DNR project manager may require the use of Oust XP at 0.5 to 1 ounce per acre, mixed with Cygnet Plus surfactant.

· Individual backpack sprayers must be calibrated for all Oust applications. All measuring and application equipment must be thoroughly cleaned following the use of Oust. The ideal application timing with Oust XP is in the rosette stage; rates over 0.5 ounce per acre should be used if plants have reached the bolting stage.

f. HAND-PULLING: For isolated plants or sparse patches adjacent to native vegetation (where herbicide would potentially drift onto non-target native plants) OR for treatment of plants that could flower and produce viable seed after an herbicide application, individual plants must be pulled out of the ground by hand or with a hand-held tool. Remove as much of the root system as possible; the root collar must be removed. After pulling the plant, compact the exposed soil back into the hole to reduce the exposure of the site to new seedlings. All pulled plants at all parks must be bagged and removed from the site, using care to avoid seed dispersal, and hauled to a designated disposal area. This can be a park dumpster. Note that the closest DNR-PRD disposal area for Grand Mere will be at Warren Dunes State Park.

2. Bidders must propose specific treatment technique(s), specific herbicide(s), and surfactant(s) in their bid. Specific brand name chemical products must be listed in the bid and are subject to approval by the DNR project manager. Herbicides or surfactants other than those specified in #1.e. above will be considered if requested by the bidder, but the bidder must include such information in the bid with a brief written justification of why they wish to make the change. Any herbicide or concentration other than those specified above must be approved by the DNR Project Manager prior to use. The Contractor shall apply herbicide at a concentration not outside label directions for the appropriate task (treatment application). All herbicide concentrations must be mutually agreed upon by the Contractor and the DNR project manager prior to treatment. Likewise any mechanical methods beyond basic hand pulling should also be explained in each bid proposal.

3. All herbicide treatments must be according to label specifications and performed by a certified commercial pesticide applicator. Proof of certification in appropriate categories will be required prior to start of work. Herbicide may not be applied during wet weather conditions. Overspray onto non-target vegetation and/or soil as well as runoff of the herbicide into the ground or water must not occur. The exception being where Oust XP applications are intended to be both a pre- and post-emergence treatment; in these situations soil treatment is desired.

4. SURVEY/MAPPING

a. For all treatment areas, thoroughly survey all uplands and wetlands in the entire zone for garlic mustard. In order to thoroughly survey the entire zone, it is required that surveyors systematically walk transects through each zone at a tight spacing (approximately 50–75 feet apart). Each person surveying must have a GPS unit, Field Maps App, Web App or similar recording track logs. The bidder’s proposed survey methodology and type of GPS equipment should be described in their bid response. Alternate survey methods besides tightly-spaced transects will be considered if proposed in the bid response. Maps of known locations of garlic mustard are available from the web link provided later in this document. Treatment forms and gpx data files will be provided at time of award. PDF maps of UP parks only will be provided as well. However, identification/location of all garlic mustard within the defined treatment areas is the responsibility of the contractor, regardless of what is currently shown on the maps. GPS coordinates are available for known infestation point locations, but portions of the areas may not have been surveyed.

b. Each garlic mustard population (point location) treated, and each point location visited but not treated, shall be recorded using DNR-PRD Invasive Plant Mapping protocol and treatment/mapping form. The protocol requires recording an estimate of the size and density of each population on the form provided. All point locations provided by DNR must be navigated to and updated with the current population size and density (based on condition at the time of initial treatment for the season). In addition, new GPS point locations shall be mapped to the nearest 50-feet or better (only for newly discovered infestations not on the original map provided to the contractor, and per the Invasive Plant Mapping protocol). As stated in the protocol, populations of garlic mustard greater than one acre shall also have a GPS track recorded around the perimeter of the population. All new points shall be labeled as specified in the protocol with the unique 2-letter code for your company provided by DNR, and no two points can have the same ID number.

c. When treating isolated points (points outside of zones) contractor shall navigate to those points, treating, and updating the mapping/population data. For small populations (individual/few/several) a minimum area of 100 feet radius must be searched around the point. For larger populations, the largest area in the mapped size range must be covered, plus an additional 100 feet in all directions.

5. Signs must be posted by the Contractor wherever chemical treatment occurs within 50 feet of a trail, parking lot, or other developed area or anywhere else where there is a reasonable expectation of public exposure to the herbicide. Signage shall remain in place for the minimum length of time as determined by the herbicide label and for a maximum amount of time as agreed between the Contractor and the DNR project manager. The Contractor is responsible for removing all signage.

6. Treatment may not occur over standing water without an EGLE Aquatic Nuisance Control (ANC) permit. If the contractor determines treatments will occur over standing water they must contact DNR project manager and obtain a copy of the DNR’s ANC permit. Treatments that fall under ANC coverage must follow all conditions set forth in the ANC permit. ANC treatments will be documented at the zone level. If any part of a zone falls under ANC then entire zone is typically considered under ANC.

7. In all treatment areas where an ANC permit is required and obtained, the Contractor will be responsible for posting the required advisory signage as specified in the ANC permit for the site. In locations where ANC signage is required, it may be used in place of the other signage previously described above (i.e., it is not necessary to do both). ANC advisory signage must be posted surrounding the landward side of any area where chemicals will be applied over standing water on the day of treatment (just prior to commencing spraying) at 100-foot intervals. The approved sign may be downloaded from the EGLE aquatic nuisance control web site (www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3313_3681_3710-57109--,00.html ). The Contractor is responsible for printing and duplicating the sign, attaching it to stakes (supplied by the Contractor), and posting the signs at the required 100-foot intervals along the landward side of any area where chemicals will be applied over standing water. Signage shall remain in place for the minimum length of time as determined by the herbicide label and the requirements of the ANC permit and for a maximum amount of time as agreed between the Contractor and the DNR project manager. The Contractor is responsible for removing all signage.

8. To maintain compliance with the federal Clean Water Act, pesticide treatments under this contract that occur “in, over, or near waters of the state” will fall under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Certificate of Coverage under the EGLE General Permit for Nuisance Plant and Algae Control (GP #MIG032000, COC #MIG031000). All treatments conducted in areas that fall under this Certificate of Coverage must follow all conditions of the NPDES general permit and the DNR, Parks & Recreation Division Pesticide Discharge Management Plan. NPDS treatments will be documented at the zone level. If any part of a zone falls under NPDS then entire zone is typically considered under NPDS and is treated and documented accordingly.

9. As it is likely that some treatments will fall under NPDES the DNR will provide a copy of their NPDES permit to all awarded contractors for this project.

10. The Contractor will be provided with treatment area boundaries via GPS Exchange format (.gpx) file and will be expected to navigate and find treatment area boundaries in the field using GPS. The DNR project manager will provide clarification, including ground-marking, if necessary, upon request of the Contractor.

11. The Contractor is responsible for supplying all equipment needed to complete the job, including herbicide, sprayers, safety equipment, signs, and transportation.

12. The Contractor is responsible for re-treatment if rain occurs within six (6) hours of the original treatment.

13. The Contractor is expected to achieve a minimum of 98% treatment (chemical and/or hand removal) of the extant garlic mustard and a minimum of 98% kill of any chemically treated garlic mustard within the treatment areas. If the follow-up visit reveals that chemical treatment did not result in 98% or better kill, then hand pulling must be used to reach that minimum standard.

14. Equipment Moving and Weed Seed Contamination All equipment, footwear, clothing, and all other materials brought to each park (and in some cases sites within each park) for this project must be completely clean and free of ALL plant material, organisms and soil (seeds, pieces of vegetation, chunks of soil, etc.) prior to arrival at each park location. This shall include both inside and outside of all vehicles. Power washing and/or similar methods shall be used as needed, for all undercarriages, metal and rubber tracks, tires (chained and unchained), and all other parts of vehicles brought to each park to ensure they are clean and free of seed, plant materials and soil. These precautions are critical to preventing the spread of invasive plants, disease causing organisms and vectors as well as contamination of genetic material (seeds) from locations outside of each state park.

All footwear, clothing, and equipment must be checked and cleaned of seeds, other plant fragments, and soil again before moving between work areas of differing ecological quality to prevent the spread of invasive plants between relatively un-infested areas and heavily infested areas. Travel routes and order of work between treatment areas may be dictated by the DNR project manager to further prevent the possible spread of invasive seed and plant material.

15. No off-road vehicles (quads, trucks, etc.) are allowed off of designated roads or parking lots. ORV’s may be allowed on some trails with prior approval by the DNR project manager. Where off-road vehicles are allowed in treatment areas they must not create ruts deeper than 2 inches and must not create worn down pathways devoid of vegetation. Use of ORVs (where approved) for transportation of people and supplies should be kept to a minimum. If any ruts or tracks greater than 2 inches deep are created, the DNR project manager must be notified immediately. The Contractor may be required to repair damage to site.

16. Campgrounds: When contractor is working in and around campgrounds and other high density/high occupancy infrastructure, particularly on or near campsites caution should be taken including the following: 1. Make sure the site is not currently occupied. If it is and treatment must occur due to presence of target species contractor should consult with park manager. 2. If treatment is on an unoccupied site or near an occupied site contractor should sign appropriately and provide advance notice to the campers. If they have concerns that cannot be alleviated, then contractor should consult with park manager. 3. Vehicle usage should be kept to a minimum. Campgrounds are where are visitors (especially children) recreate and do not always gave their guard up for vehicles and activities associated with invasive species control. 4. Signage should be removed promptly per label or these specifications.

17. The Contractor must obtain prior approval to work on Saturdays, Sundays, or Memorial Day due to high park visitor use. Other specific dates may be unavailable for work due to special events at one or more of the parks. The Contractor will be notified of any such dates a minimum of two weeks in advance.

18. All equipment must be removed from the site within one (1) week following completion of work under this contract.

19. The Contractor shall make known to the public its presence through signage, vehicle logos, uniforms, or some other means of identifying the ongoing work whenever workers are present on site. This is especially important in campgrounds and other high visibility areas.

20. The Contractor shall leave the background GPS “track log” turned on during their entire time surveying and treating for each of their required visits. The track log shall be saved and submitted with the GPS mapping data as documentation of the areas covered. Each employee surveying shall have their own GPS unit. Track data of surveying shall be submitted after each site visit.

21. All GPS data must be submitted to the DNR electronically at the conclusion of the project (if not before) as either GPS Exchange format (gpx) files or ArcGIS shapefiles in the Michigan Georef (meters) coordinate system. (1) New invasive plant waypoints, (2) tracks/polygons around large populations, and (3) the “track logs” for surveying/treating must be submitted as separate files, with exactly ONE gpx file or shapefile for each of these three items. If track logs are submitted in gpx format, they may be split into multiple files if necessary, to reduce file size.

22. An alternative to PDF maps, treatment forms and gpx files the awarded contractor(s) is encouraged to use the readily available web map application for onsite navigating, mapping new points, updating existing points and streaming their transects live to DNR via the web whenever possible. All data fields must be completed (same as paper form). Three point-layers will exist in the web App, one for each visit to checkoff and a third for continuous point reference. A forth layer will be for DNR compliance notes. PDF maps and handheld GPS units and paper forms may be the best option in the Upper Peninsula as cellular signals can be unpredictable. The web application can also generate maps if the contractor needs additional maps beyond what DNR may provide.

23. All Lower Peninsula work shall be completed during the period April 1, 2024 and May 31, 2024. The Upper Peninsula work is to be completed during the period May 1, 2024, and June 30, 2024. It is expected that that foliar treatments be made at the optimal time (no snow cover and temperatures above 50 degrees) and as early within the designated calendar window for each peninsula. Bidders should recognize the extent of the geographic area required to cover within tight treatment windows and have appropriate levels of staff to successfully treat in the optimal window.

Payment will not be made for work that occurs outside these respective windows unless permission is giving in writing by the DNR project manager.

D DESCRIPTION OF TREATMENT AREA

Treatment areas at all parks contain high quality flora, including rare and protected (endangered or threatened) plants that must be identified and carefully avoided during this contract activity.

The treatment areas are within the boundaries of Grand Mere, Warren Dunes, Algonac, Highland, Sterling and Saugatuck Dunes State Parks, near Three Oaks, Stevensville, Bridgman, Algonac, Hartland, Monroe, Muskegon and Saugatuck, Michigan, respectively. Warren Dunes is approximately 1,950 acres, Grand Mere is approximately 985 acres and Saugatuck Dunes is approximately 996 acres in size, all well known for their tall sand dunes and diverse dune forests and associated wetlands. The treatment areas at Algonac are within wet-mesic flatwoods forest and lakeplain oak openings. At Highland the treatment area is oak hickory forest of varying terrain dominated by mountain biking trails. At Sterling, the treatment areas are on dikes surrounding marshes associated with Lake Erie.

Scattered pockets of garlic mustard are found throughout Grand Mere, and Saugatuck Dunes State Parks, although repeated control efforts for many years have reduced its abundance significantly at these parks. Garlic mustard is found in both dense and scattered populations throughout the forested dune areas of Warren Dunes. Many dense populations occur as well and are concentrated along trails, roadsides, and in disturbed areas. Treatments at these three parks by contractor (both herbicide and hand pulling) have been occurring annually since at least 2009 and some locations even earlier. At Highland Recreation Area DNR led efforts with volunteers have been occurring for the past 10 years. At Algonac and Sterling State Parks treatments have been ongoing by contract since 2018. Garlic mustard is still abundant within the treatment areas at Algonac SP and less so at Sterling SP.

Most of the treatment zones within the UP parks are much larger in acreage than the known areas of garlic mustard. Where it is known to occur, it is lightly infested and isolated within a few point locations. Due to inconsistencies in work quality and GPS signal to date none of the treatment zones were searched or mapped adequately until 2023. The point locations provided are typically the main area the park or volunteers have been treating unless updated by contractor work in 2023. Zones were established by Stewardship Unit staff in 2023 to have contractor thoroughly search a much broader area than any garlic mustard plants are known to occur. They remain unchanged from 2023.

Mosquitoes, ticks, other biting insects, and poison ivy are common at these parks. Nearly all treatment areas at Grand Mere, Warren Dunes and Saugatuck Dunes require extensive hiking on high dunes to remote areas. Most UP parks are in campgrounds and day-use areas and are more easily accessible. Zones at Algonac and Sterling are on or very near accessible trails.

ORV access within treatment areas is not allowed. Vehicle and ORV access to most treatment areas at the dune parks is not an option either, however, the contractor will be able to access some trails via ORV (with specific prior permission) including all the dikes at Sterling SP if desired. Campground sites are easily accessible by vehicle.

See table of zones, acres and points outside of zones below.

E PROJECT CONTROL AND REPORTS

l. Project Control

a. The Contractor will carry out this project under the direction and control of the DNR project manager, who will be a representative of the Parks & Recreation Division, Stewardship Unit.

b. The Contractor must contact the DNR project manager within five (5) business days after the contract is awarded to provide an approximate schedule of work start and end dates.

c. The Contractor will notify both the DNR project manager and the park manager a minimum of 24 hours prior to beginning on-site work at any of the parks, and within 24 hours following final completion of all on-site work at the parks under this contract.

d. The contractor will make good effort to stop and notify booth attendant and/or park HQ of their arrival on site. Contact phone numbers will be made available upon request.

e. Once work begins on site, the Contractor will keep the DNR project manager informed of the progress of the work at least weekly and any real or anticipated problems (such as chemical spills, injuries, etc.) as they arise. The Contractor will also inform the DNR project manager of any long-term breaks in work (longer than one week) during the course of the project.

f. The Contractor will also notify the DNR project manager when they believe they are approximately 48 hours away from expected completion at each park for both chemical application and hand pulling so that final field inspections can be scheduled.

g. All follow-up procedures and deadlines specified in pre-qualification Exhibit A, Section 1.04 apply.

2. Reports

Within two weeks following the completion of the project, the Contractor shall submit one electronic copy of a brief report using the templates provided. All information must be filled in completely on the report templates.

In addition to the final report template and associated pesticide information, the Contractor must provide a) GPS data for all newly mapped garlic mustard points, b) completed invasive mapping forms showing updates to all existing garlic mustard points and data for all new points and c) a GPS track log of all areas surveyed and treated. The number of full bags pulled per zone must be recorded and reported on the final report form along with bag size.

The above report shall be sent, preferably by email, to:

Alicia Ihnken IhnkenA@michigan.gov and cc Project Manager Bob Clancy clancyr@michigan.gov

Parks & Recreation Division Michigan Department of Natural Resources PO Box 30257 Lansing, MI 48909

F INFORMATION REQUIRED FROM BIDDERS

Return the “Contractor Bid Response” form with the following information:

1. Work Plan/Task Description Provide a brief technical plan (sequential summary and description of tasks) for accomplishing the work. Describe your proposed specific type of equipment to be used. List all chemicals to be used. Indicate the approximate number of days that are anticipated to complete the fieldwork and the estimated number of personnel expected to be working on site.

2. Project Staffing The Contractor must be able to staff a project team (or individual) which possesses the talent and expertise necessary to complete the tasks associated with this project. Include names of each person/employee (grouped by job title) that will be employed in the work. If any people will be working on this project that were not listed in your company’s pre-qualification documents, they must be identified. The project manager must be identified.

3. Subcontractors List all subcontractors; include firm name and address, contact person, complete description of work to be subcontracted. Include descriptive information concerning subcontractor's organization and abilities. Any subcontractors to be used on this project must have been already named in your company’s approved pre-qualification.

4. Prior Experience Provide three references who can verify prior experience of your company directly related to the specific work to be performed in this project. Include sufficient detail in the description of work performed to demonstrate the relevance of the experience to this project.

The successful bidder will be a pre-qualified vendor who has experience controlling invasive species, especially garlic mustard, in a manner similar to the specifications of this project, possesses a team (or individual) capable of carrying out the work effectively and with knowledge of the identification of the target species and associated native and non-native plants found in similar habitats in this area, and use the most cost-efficient technique(s) that are effective but cause the least amount of incidental damage to the surrounding native vegetation.

G PRICE PROPOSAL

All prices/rates quoted in bidder's response to this work statement will be firm for the duration of the Contract. No price changes will be permitted.

This project will be bid on a lump sum basis by treatment area as itemized in the bid response form. The price for each treatment area should reflect the complete cost of conducting treatments as specified for each area. This includes the cost of all herbicide, equipment, labor, and transportation. NO additional charges (such as equipment repair) beyond the original bid price will be permitted.

Bidders may submit bids for any combination of line items/treatment areas. A different vendor may be awarded for each bid line item if price and overall proposal warrants. Indicate in your bid any price discounts that may apply for completing multiple line items if awarded to your business.

Return the “Contractor Bid Response” form on the Sigma website where this project is posted by the due date noted at the top of page one of this work statement.

H PRE-BID INFORMATION

NO pre-bid meeting is scheduled for this project.

Detailed maps for each park (including all park boundaries, treatment zones and mapped points) have been provided at the following WebApp link. This web map along with this work statement should provide the information needed for formulating specific bids tailored to the expected amount of work in each treatment area.

https://midnr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=b235364c8b624b82ac3a3271d6bb22

NOTE: Ledged for WebApp Link: blue polygons = park boundaries; white polygons = treatment zones; teal dashed lines = park trails; green points = in a contract zone; red points = in contract, but not in a zone.

Treatment/mapping data forms and .gpx or .shp data files can be provided for all parks/zones/points to the contractors award work upon request. Georeferenced PDF maps for the UP parks can be provided if requested. Prospective bidders are also strongly encouraged to visit the parks to view the treatment areas on their own time prior to submitting a bid.

Questions about this project may be submitted to conleyk1@michigan.gov until 4:PM, March 27, 2024. Questions and answers are expected to be posted by close of business on March 28, 2023. Bids are due no later than 12 PM on Friday, March 29, 2024.

I EVALUATION/AWARD

The state will review all proposals and information provided by the Bidder in the Bidder Response Form and any additional attachments. Submissions will be evaluated for a technical pass/fail determination based upon proposed work plan for completing this project, personnel qualifications and prior experience. Pricing will be evaluated for only those Contractors who pass the technical portion of the evaluation.

J PRE-QUALIFICATION TERMS

All terms and conditions included in the pre-qualification documents apply to this project, unless specific variances are given in this work statement above. This includes review and acceptance of work, performance evaluation, payment, and liquidated damages clauses.

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