RFQ 99SWC-S1979 FIRE FUELS REDUCTION -.docx

STATE OF NEVADA

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION

Purchasing Division 515 East Musser Street, Suite 300 │ Carson City, NV 89701 Phone: 775-684-0170 │ Fax: 775-684-0188

Request for Qualifications: 99SWC-S1979

For

FIRE FUELS REDUCTION AND VEGETATION

MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Release Date: April 5, 2022

Deadline for Submission and Opening Date and Time: May 2, 2022 @ 2:00 PM

The State will continue to accept vendor proposals for qualification on an ongoing basis.

Refer to Section 8, RFQ Timeline for the complete RFQ schedule

For additional information, please contact:

Nancy Feser, Purchasing Officer II

State of Nevada, Purchasing Division

515 E. Musser Street, Suite 300

Carson City, NV 89701

Email address: nfeser@admin.nv.gov

(TTY for Deaf and Hard of Hearing: 1-800-326-6868

Refer to Section 9 for instructions on submitting an RFQ Response

VENDOR INFORMATION SHEET FOR RFQ 99SWC-S1426

Vendor Shall:

A) Provide all requested information in the space provided next to each numbered question. The information provided in Sections V1 through V3 shall be used for development of the contract;

B) Type or print responses; and

C) Include this Vendor Information Sheet in Section III of the Technical SOQ proposal.

Street Address:

City, State, Zip Code:

Telephone:

Fax:

Toll Free:

including address if different than above

Name:

Title:

Address:

Email Address:

Telephone Number:

Fax:

Name:

Title:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prospective vendors are advised to review Nevada’s ethical standards requirements, including but not limited to NRS 281A, NRS 333.800, and NAC 333.155.

All applicable Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) and Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) documentation can be found at: www.leg.state.nv.us/law1.cfm.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The State of Nevada Purchasing Division is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to provide Fire Fuel Reduction and Vegetation Services statewide. The intent of this RFQ is to qualify vendors in which agencies will request bids on an as needed basis from the list of qualified vendors. The RFQ does not hold awarded vendors to any prices, nor does it obligate the State to purchase goods or services from all awarded vendors. The purchase amount will be controlled by the individual using agencies through a purchase order submitted or specific scope of work and accepted by the vendor once an individual project has been bid and awarded and the vendor enters into a Services Agreement with the using Agency, refer to ATTACHMENT J – Service Agreement for Statewide Contracts and Mini Bid Process.

The State may award one (1) or more contracts in conjunction with this RFQ, as determined in the best interests of the State. It is the intention of the State to award contract(s) on a statewide basis; however, proposals may be considered regionally (Northern, Southern, Rural). Vendor’s proposal must identify the geographic region(s) in which services are being offered.

This contract(s) will be mandatory for State agencies located in geographic regions serviced by the contract. The University and Community College System, the Court System, the Legislative Counsel Bureau, and Political Subdivisions (i.e., cities, counties, school districts, etc.) may use the contract(s) resulting from this RFQ; however, they are not required to do so.

The State Purchasing Division will administer contract(s) resulting from this RFQ. The resulting contract(s) will be for an initial contract term of four (4) years, anticipated to begin June 1, 2021 subject to Board of Examiners approval, with an option to renew for two (2) additional years, if agreed upon by both parties and in the best interests of the State.

The State reserves the right to accept vendor proposals for qualification on an ongoing basis. Any future contract awards will be written based upon termination dates concurrent with contracts awarded as a result of the original RFQ.

0. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

All work is to be performed in a professional manner, with due diligence paid to protecting Government and private property and ensuring a safe working environment for crew members. Equipment and crews must be fully compliant with State and local employer safety and fire prevention codes and ordinances. Key personnel are required to ensure crew safety, as well as an industry accepted level of production. Routine inspections will be conducted by contracting agency to determine quality of work, production levels, and compliance with site protection requirements. Vendors will be required to have appropriate license(s) and insurance to qualify for all work in this RFQ. Copy of appropriate license(s) must be submitted with proposal. Vendors may also be required to provide a Performance Security in the form of a Surety Bond, Certificate of Deposit or Treasury Note. This requirement will be on a project-by-project basis and will be in an amount up to 100% of the project total.

0.0.1 Services may include, but are not necessarily limited to:

0.0.1.1 Forest Management Hand Crews

0.0.1.2 Large Tree Removal

0.0.1.3 Forestry Equipment

0.0.1.4 Pesticide Application

Aerial Seeding

0.0.1.5 Seed Drills/Application

0.0.1.6 Hauling Services

0.0.1.7 Ground Seeders/Spreaders

0.0.1.8 Shrub and Tree Planting

0.0.1.9 Controlled Fire

0.0.1.10 Road Construction/Maintenance/Rehabilitation

Project Planning and Management

Risk Assessments and Projection Planning

Targeted Grazing

Rotorcraft Aerial Seed, Herbicide, and Pesticide Application

Survey, Monitoring, Permitting, and Mitigation for Natural and Cultural Resources

0.0.2 Each service will be evaluated separately by the Evaluation Committee. The vendor must clearly identify in Attachment G Fire Fuels Reduction and Vegetation Management Services, the service(s) that they would like to be considered for. The Evaluation Committee members will review each service independently of the others and determine if the Vendor meets the criteria of this RFQ.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

RFQ PROCESS

The process by which RFQ Responses shall be considered for award under this RFQ consists of two (2) distinct stages.

First Stage

The first stage is a determination of whether or not the vendor qualifies under the set of General Minimum Qualifications (refer to Section 2.2). If a vendor is determined to not meet any one of the General Minimum Qualifications, the RFQ response in its entirety shall not be considered for award.

Second Stage

If the vendor meets all the General and Technical Minimum Qualifications, and is awarded a contract under this RFQ, Vendors will be required to follow the guidelines under Sections 2.4 and 2.5 regarding the bidding process.

GENERAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

It is mandatory that each component listed below in the Minimum Qualifications be addressed. Failure to address each component will result in disqualification of the RFQ response. Vendors proposing to receive an award through this RFQ must provide a detailed description of their SOQ, which must include, at a minimum, the following information.

Vendors will be required to have appropriate license(s) and insurance to qualify for all work in this RFQ. Copy of appropriate license(s) must be submitted with proposal; and

Vendors may also be required to provide a Performance Security in the form of a Surety Bond, Certificate of Deposit or Treasury Note. This requirement will be on a project by project basis and will be in an amount up to 100% of the project total.

TECHNICAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

It is mandatory that each component listed below in the Technical Minimum Qualifications be addressed. Failure to address each component shall result in disqualification of the RFQ response.

Vendors proposing to receive an award through this RFQ shall provide a detailed description of their SOQ, which shall include, at a minimum, the following information.

Vendors will be required to have appropriate license(s) and insurance to qualify for all work in this RFQ. Copy of appropriate license(s) must be submitted with proposal; and

Vendors may also be required to provide a Performance Security in the form of a Surety Bond, Certificate of Deposit or Treasury Note. This requirement will be on a project by project basis and will be in an amount up to 100% of the project total.

0.1 BIDDING PROCESS

Using Agencies will utilize a bidding system on an as needed basis for each project, and the awarded vendors will be notified based on the project’s needs. The RFQ does not hold awarded vendors to any prices, nor does it obligate the State to purchase goods or services from all awarded vendors. The purchase amount will be controlled by the individual using agencies through a purchase order submitted to and accepted by the vendor once an individual project has been bid and awarded. Refer to Attachment J – Service Agreement Template and Mini-Bid Process.

0.2 PROJECT MEETINGS FOR FIRE FUEL REDUCTION AND VEGETATION MANAGEMENT SERVICES;

0.2.1 Pre-Work Conference:

A Pre-Work Conference will be held prior to the start of each project. The vendor will be notified in advance of meeting time, date and place. The purpose will be to review required work, project drawings and specifications, construction schedules, payments, and administrative provisions of the contract;

0.2.1.1 The vendor, subcontractors and the persons responsible for coordination of the work shall be present at the meeting; and

0.2.1.2 The vendor shall be prepared to summarize and explain procedures planned for the project.

1. SCOPES OF WORK

In order for vendors to qualify for any fire fuels reduction service, proposing vendors must provide evidence of the required employee knowledge and skills through experience (attach resumes and/or CV), as well as a detailed description of services in the scope of work being proposed upon. A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in each of the scopes of work being proposed is preferred.

Work is to be performed in a professional manner, with due diligence paid to protecting private property and ensuring a safe working environment for crew members. Equipment and crews must be fully compliant with State and local employer safety and fire prevention codes and ordinances. On-site crew supervision is required to ensure crew safety, as well as an industry accepted level of production. Routine inspections will be conducted to determine quality of work, production levels, and compliance with site protection requirements. Any slash or high stumps that are left will constitute an incomplete job and payment will not be approved until complete.

1.1 FOREST MANAGEMENT HAND CREW SERVICES SPECIFICATIONS

1.1.1 Vendor(s) who qualify will provide skilled hand crew services to complete forest management-related work, including but not limited to:

1.1.1.1 Fuels reduction;

1.1.1.2 Tree thinning;

1.1.1.3 Wildlife habitat improvement; and

1.1.1.4 Erosion control.

1.1.2 Crews will be provided with written prescriptions that contain specifications and other pertinent information for each project;

1.1.3 Travel to worksite may require driving on narrow, winding, native surface roads for long distances. During the summer months, frequent encounters with hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders should be expected;

1.1.4 Crews must be able to work in difficult terrain that may include steep, rocky slopes, and areas of dense trees with large, unstable snags, poor footing and exposure to adverse weather. In addition, some work may be required in urban environments and may contain such hazards as structures, trees, power lines, and vehicles; and

1.1.5 Work includes lifting rounds of wood and segments of logs, limb wood, and brush.

1.1.6 Tree felling services will include the operation of chainsaws to complete felling, liming, lopping, bucking and brushing activities according to written prescriptions. Specifications identified below may be modified based on a specific prescription or scope of work.

1.1.6.1 Tree fellers must be able to directionally fell trees away from residual trees or objects to be protected;

1.1.6.2 Tree to be cut larger than six (6) inches in diameter may be marked with paint (color to be determined between awarded vendor and State’s designee). Trees that are less than six (6) inches in diameter may be designated by description;

1.1.6.3 Trees typically range in size from one (1) inch to twenty-four (24) inches DBH, but may include larger trees;

1.1.6.4 Cut trees in area not designated for firewood sales must be limbed on all sides, bucked into four (4) foot lengths and stacked for burning, depending on the prescription unless specified differently in a scope of work;

1.1.6.5 In areas designated for firewood sales, cut trees larger than eight (8) inches in diameter must be limbed on all sides, bucked into four (4) foot lengths, and stacked for removal by individuals purchasing firewood permits unless specified differently in a scope of work;

1.1.6.6 Borax will be applied to all freshly cut green evergreen tree stumps larger than ten (10) inches in diameter to prevent the spread of root disease unless specified differently in a scope of work;

1.1.6.7 Maximum stump height is six (6) inches above high ground level unless specified differently in a scope of work ;

1.1.6.8 Trees that are less than six (6) inches must be cut flush with the ground unless specified differently in a scope of work; and

1.1.6.9 Typical brush species are primarily ceanothus, manzanita, oak, and chinkapin, and are mostly three (3) to six (6) feet high. Designation for brush removal is generally by description (e.g. remove fifty (50) percent of the brush) to reduce fuel continuity.

1.1.7 Disposal of cut material will be accomplished by hand piling for burning, chipping, scattering, and/or removal from site, as designated by the project manager or through a scope of work. All piles must be located so that live trees are not scorched during the burning process. Pile locations will be decided by awarded vendor and the State’s designee. Accurate recordation for hours of use and biomass produced is required.

1.1.8 Erosion control services that may be requested include routine light maintenance on roads and trails that can be done by hand, such as digging, trenching and/or removing sedimentation from drainage structures installed along park roads and trails. Other erosion control may include tilling, application of fertilizer, seeding, mulching, irrigation, and the application and establishment of erosion control materials (i.e., geotextile fabric).

1.1.9 Cost items shall be provided by the vendor to accomplish specific forestry-related tasks using the units below during the bidding process.

1.1.9.1 Service Associated with Scope

Service Associated With Scope

Cost Unit

All other work and materials necessary to complete work (e.g. generator fuel) will be considered incidental and included in the payment of cost items.

LARGE TREE REMOVAL SERVICES SPECIFICATIONS

1.1.10 Awarded vendor will provide large tree removal on an as needed basis.

1.1.11 Equipment used must be able to operate on uneven, rocky ground;

1.1.12 Equipment used must be able to selectively remove individual trees;

1.1.13 Equipment used must be able to operate in close proximity to homes and other structures;

1.1.14 Tree stumps shall be cut to a height of six (6) inches or what is deemed to be appropriate based on site limitations (to be determined by State’s designee and awarded vendor), and then treated with a borax solution. If the entire tree is not specified for removal, then logs remaining on the lot must be bucked as necessary to insure that each log or log segment is completely on the ground;

1.1.15 All felled trees must be limbed, and the slash must be removed from the property, or chipped, blown and scattered on the property as directed by the State’s designee. Wood chips left on the parcel must not exceed two (2) inches in depth;

1.1.16 If project specifications include that the awarded vendor remove materials for commercial purposes, then the awarded vendor may be expected to reduce or negotiate their fees. Vendors must indicate in their response whether or not they will remove materials for commercial purposes, and if so, define their process and fee schedule, along with their willingness to negotiate when appropriate;

1.1.17 Upon receipt of a work order, the awarded vendor shall have all work completed within thirty (30) days;

1.1.18 The awarded vendor’s activities upon any Government, State, or private property shall be confined to spaces, areas, roads and locations as directed by the State’s designee; and

1.1.19 The awarded vendor will work only on normal workdays, Monday through Friday, and between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. After hours work and work on Saturdays, Sundays, and State holidays will not be permitted unless the awarded vendor obtains written approval from the State’s designee.

1.1.20 Services will be provided by the vendor to accomplish large tree removal using the units below:

1.1.20.1 Class A: Any tree that can be laid down with a clear path on said property. (e.g., A 200’ tree or a 30’ tree regardless of the height and diameter, if the tree has a clear path to fall and can be easily topped and limbed. This job would require one (1) or more people);

1.1.20.2 Class B: Any tree needing to be climbed, trimmed, topped and pieced out. (This job requires one (1) climber/faller and one (1) or more ground person); and

1.1.20.3 Class C: Mechanical involvement required. (e.g., Crane job – 100’ crane. This job would require two (2) or more people).

1.1.21 Appropriate signage meeting State Highway and local county jurisdiction’s requirements must be provided by awarded vendor.

1.2 FORESTRY EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATION

1.2.1 Vendors must indicate in their response the manufacturer and model of available equipment, the capabilities of the equipment, and the operator/crews available to man the equipment.

1.2.2 Equipment to be utilized on fuels management and/or forest health and/or habitat enhancement projects that may include, but is not necessarily limited to:

1.2.2.1 Tree shears

1.2.2.2 Brush masticators and mowers – light, medium, and heavy duty

1.2.2.3 Feller bunchers

1.2.2.4 Forwarders

1.2.2.5 Cut to length operators

1.2.2.6 Heavy cranes

1.2.2.7 Wheeled skidders

1.2.2.8 Tracked skidders

1.2.2.9 Tub grinders

1.2.2.10 Chippers

1.2.2.11 Bulldozers

1.2.2.12 Lawson Aerator

1.2.3 Awarded vendor will be required to supply operator(s), equipment transport, and if applicable, water for fire suppression/dust abatement.

1.2.4 General project specifications (project specific specifications will be described in a scope of work prior to commencement of each project and may deviate from the specifications listed below):

1.2.4.1 All vegetation and slash identified for treatment shall be cut at a maximum of six (6) inches above the normal plane of ground (measured at stump height on uphill side);

1.2.4.2 No slash and other vegetative debris shall be more than twelve (12) inches deep as measured from the ground level unless specified differently in a scope of work;

1.2.4.3 No damage to crop trees as a result of contract operations is permitted;

1.2.4.4 All cut vegetation shall be kept within unit boundaries;

1.2.4.5 Any cut vegetation falling into ditches, roads, road banks, trails or adjacent units shall be removed by the end of the work day;

1.2.4.6 No masticated or cut material shall lean against or be suspended by leave trees;

1.2.4.7 Vegetation that is within two (2) feet vertical or horizontal of any obstacle such as large rocks or fences will not require treatment; and

1.2.4.8 All boles or pieces up to ten (10) inches in diameter shall be masticated.

1.2.5 Specifications for cut material (slash):

1.2.5.1 Fifty (50) percent shall be less than or equal to six (6) inches in length;

1.2.5.2 Forty (40) percent shall be less than or equal to two (2) feet in length; and

1.2.5.3 No more than ten (10) percent shall be equal to two (2) to four (4) feet in length. No slash shall exceed four (4) feet.

1.2.6 Chaining

1.2.6.1 D8 or larger tractors; The contractor will be responsible for furnishing 2 dozers capable of pulling an anchor chain assembly which is approximately 180-200 feet in overall length and weighs an estimated 22,000 to 28,500 pounds and capable of mountain seed dribblers. The dozers must be furnished with skilled and experienced operators and the necessary support. Work environment will consist of varied terrain and topographic features including hills, draws in a mountainous setting.

1.2.6.2 Government or using Agency will supply anchor chain, pigtail chains, swivels, clevices, and associated pins, seed dribblers and repair parts for all of the above. Generally, contractor will be required to pick up and transport chain from a BLM office location to the identified work site.

A. Ely or smooth

1.2.6.3 One (1) way vs two (2) way chaining; Type of chaining required will be identified in the scope of work but will generally consist of either a one way chaining or 2 way chaining.

1.3 PESTICIDE APPLICATION SPECIFICATION

1.3.1 Vendor must be compliant with NRS 555;

1.3.2 License issued by the Nevada Department of Agriculture in the appropriate pesticide category(s) prior to submitting a proposal. Questions regarding this requirement should be addressed to the Nevada Department of Agriculture at (775) 688-1180. Any response submitted by a non-licensed vendor, or vendor that has “applied for” a license, will not be accepted until license is issued. A copy of the license or the license number must be submitted with response;

1.3.3 Records, application documentation and labels must be available on site;

1.3.4 Awarded vendor must have the ability to take spot weather to determine temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity;

1.3.5 Spot, whole tree, and broadcast treatments may be required in some cases;

1.3.6 Application equipment that is carried by hand, on ATV’s, as a slide in unit on a truck, or purpose built spray equipment on specialized vehicles may be required;

1.3.7 Application equipment must be cleaned daily and must be easily operable and easily metered;

1.3.8 To prevent drift, spraying operations will be halted when sustained wind speed is greater than or equal to eight (8) mph, or when the State’s designee determines that there is the potential for drift off the project site;

1.3.9 Routine inspections will be done by a qualified State designee;

1.3.10 Mixing tanks must be equipped with portable containment systems and clean-up materials/tools;

1.3.11 Metering equipment and replacement spray nozzles must be available on project site;

1.3.12 Awarded vendor for Pesticide Application will be required to carry Pollution Liability and Pollution Legal Liability Insurance. (See Attachment E of this document for minimum requirements);

1.3.13 If preventative tree spraying is done, tank pressures need to be at least 400 pounds per square inch (psi) in order to reach the tops of some trees;

1.3.14 Government or using Agency may or may not supply chemicals and adjuvants (including indicator dye). Government or using Agency provided provisions will be identified in a scope of work;

1.3.15 Vendor may supply chemical if needed; and

1.3.16 Or the chemical maybe supplied by the Agency.

AERIAL SEEDING

Seeding Operations

The Vendor shall seed designated areas in conformance with the Detailed Specifications, but not to include Department of Wildlife projects under RFP 72DOW-S578.

Vendor shall be capable of seeding small irregular shaped areas and avoiding lands not State/Private that are not included in the contract.

Unless otherwise specified, the Vendor shall furnish at work sites applicator(s) experienced in applying seed in rough, rocky or mountainous terrain, all equipment, labor, supplies, and materials required to complete the job.

The Vendor shall service and repair his/her equipment as necessary to maintain satisfactory progress on work.

The Contract Officer/Project Manager will allow Vendor to continue or stop application if weather factors dictate.

The Contract Officer/Project Manager will give permission to start, approximately one (1) hour from notification of conditions, depending on location of project.

Rate of Seeding – Seed shall be distributed at the rate stated in the Detailed Specifications, or as directed by the Project Manager. Some seeding rates may be reduced due to availability of seed.

Some line items for seeding have different varieties of seed, therefore, the seeding pattern (swath width) cannot exceed the expectation of the variety that will be the narrowest broadcast pattern.

Seeding Conditions – Seed shall not be applied when the wind speed exceeds ten miles per hour unless permission is given by the Project Manager in writing. It may also be desired by the State of Nevada that the ground be covered by a minimum of two inches of snow, or unfrozen muddy ground conditions, during seeding operations. Therefore, seeding may be delayed if there is no show on the ground and snow is expected in the weather forecast.

Coverage – The entire surface within the designated boundaries of the job area shall receive uniform coverage with the seed except for such areas as may be excluded by State of Nevada. Areas excluded from seeding operations within the work site boundaries shall not be included in the acreage computed for payment. Such areas will be specified in advance of seeding operations on work maps. Seeding strips shall be patterned in such a manner as to secure as high a uniformity of seed distribution as practicable. Such distribution shall not vary more than fifteen (15) percent above or below the average distribution of seed per unit of surface specified for the area concerned. Application shall be made to obtain proper distribution and uniform coverage of seed. Checks will be made as operations progress to determine uniformity of application. Any areas missed by the Vendor or seeded to less than the concentration specified shall be reapplied and brought up to standard, compensated by seeding additional acreage, or by suitable deduction from the contract price, at the option of the State of Nevada, and at no additional cost to the State of Nevada.

Seed openings of the distribution mechanism shall always be checked at enough intervals to ensure proper functioning and even distribution of seed. If at any time inspection of equipment reveals that seed openings are not properly operation or that feeders are blocked by trash, the Program Manager may require re-seeding of that portion of the area that the State of Nevada determines was not properly seeded, at no additional cost to the State of Nevada.

Vendor shall be required to start work within three days after being notified by the Contracting Officer/Project Manager. The timing of seed application is dependent upon seed delivery, seed testing, and snow-covered ground or unfrozen muddy conditions. The snow-covered ground or unfrozen muddy conditions may make desert roads impassable. Sagebrush seed is extremely fluffy and may require special equipment to seed. It is the Vendor’s responsibility to assure that the seeding equipment has suitable agitation and feeder mechanisms to evenly distribute the seed at the specified rate without damaging the seed.

Work Stoppages – The State of Nevada reserves the right to stop seeding operations at any time when seeding conditions are considered sufficiently unfavorable to warrant stoppage. Stoppage shall continue until seeding operations, are again authorized by the State of Nevada. Because of the nature of the work, any time for which work is suspended by the State of Nevada because of unsuitable seeding conditions, will not be counted against the contract completion time. However, no monetary compensation will be given to the Vendor by reason of such work suspension. Vendor agrees to work diligently to complete the seeding application. Partial days in which any amount of seeding was accomplished may be counted as full days of performance time if the State of Nevada deems Vendor is not being diligent in completing the contract.

Safety Hazards – Any ground or above ground hazards that would pose a danger to Vendor’s personnel or operating equipment must be identified and mitigated by the Vendor prior to commencing operations.

The Vendor shall furnish equipment to apply seeds to the designated areas in the time specified.

The Vendor shall provide enough equipment to satisfactorily seed the designated areas in the time specified as required in the Detailed Specifications.

Equipment shall be capable of traveling at moderate speed and close enough to the ground for proper control of seed.

Seed Bucket(s) or Hopper(s) – Sagebrush seed presents unique problems due to bulkiness and tendency to bridge in the seed bucket or hopper. In additions, it is anticipated that some of the sagebrush seed will have a high moisture content which causes seed to compact, clump, and bridge even more severely. Therefore, seed bucket(s) or hopper(s) shall include a mechanical agitation system to prevent the seed from bridging in the bucket or hopper. Equipment that cannot perform the specified work shall be modified or replaced by the Vendor.

Equipment shall be equipped for carrying seed with an approved distribution mechanism complete with release, shutoff, and spreading device, which can be calibrated for spreading seed at the prescribed rate in a satisfactory manner and uniform pattern. Seed bucket(s) or Hopper(s) shall include lids, which fasten securely to prevent seed from blowing out.

The Vendor shall calibrate seeding equipment prior to application on the project. The State of Nevada will provide seed for calibration. However, the seed may not be available until approximately two days prior to the approximate start date of the project. Seed used for calibration shall be recovered for use on the project.

Communications Equipment/Systems

The Vendor shall provide a communication system so that the Vendor personnel engaged in the project at different locations can always communicate with each other and so that the State of Nevada Project Manager may communicate with the Vendor at any time to discuss performance matters.

The Vendor shall furnish enough equipment to have communications with the State of Nevada either by using radio frequencies designated by the Project Manager or by providing a radio to the Project Manager.

GPS Technology – The aircraft must be equipped with global positioning system that is used to establish flight lines for 100% coverage.

Vendor shall be required to utilize a Differentially Corrected Global Positioning System (DGPS) for electronic Navigation.

Vendor’s system must be capable of utilizing ArcNao or ARC-INFO shape files created by the State of Nevada and given to the Vendor on a USB Thumb Drive or by email.

The Vendor shall provide all guidance equipment, materials, computers, printers, personnel, and services required for the system to be used. The system shall be sufficiently sensitive to provide immediate deviation indications (real-time).

The DGPS system must be capable of determining a differentially corrected location with an error of no more than one to two meters in the horizontal plane. The guidance system shall be capable to updating current position at a rate of a minimum of one time per second. Differential correction must cover the complete operational area. During operation, differentially corrected signal must be accurately recorded at least 90% of the operational time. Differential correction may be, provided by a portable differential station, FM radio fixed towers, or satellite.

Software provide with DPGS must be designed for parallel offset in increments equal to the assigned swath width of the application equipment.

Must be capable of a minimum rate of one-second logging intervals. Full record includes position, time altitude, speed, track, application system on/off, job name/number, and differential correction status. The computer program must be capable of calculating and show total acres treated during the flight, and capable of downloading to a computer for analysis and review. The project log must show the difference between spay-on and spray-off when viewed on a computer monitor or printer. Export files of each project log shall be provided and must be compatible with ArcMap or ARC-INFO GIS.

The Vendor must, upon request by the Contract Officer/Project Manager, be able to supply project log data on a USB Thumb Drive for review at any time during the contract. The Contract will not be considered complete until the data has been reviewed and deemed complete with no skips in the seeded areas. The Vendor shall provide a map with project log data at the end of each day’s application.

DGPS system must be capable of zooming in on any portion of the treatment to view a specific area with greater detail.

Visual Display Monitor and Control Keypad: (1) Capable of displaying swath over project path: (2) mounted in a location that will allow the applicator to view the screen: (3) have a method to display nested polygons to indicate sensitive or no-spray areas within or adjacent to treatment blocks: (4) have a feature that allows the applicator to return to the exact location of application shutdown and complete application without omitted or doubled treated areas: (5) be able to input reference waypoints (A-B line): (6) have a feature which alerts applicator when they are about to enter or exit a specific treatment block or an exclusion area within a block.

Course Deviation Indicator (CDI): The course deviation indicator or course deviation light must have the capability to display both cross-track error and intercept angle to desired heading. Cross-track error shall be adjustable down to (1) foot.

Memory: Must be capable of storing up to 8 hours of continuous project data.

The State of Nevada will provide to the Vendor an electronic file containing coordinate positions of treatment areas in an ARC-INFO GIS format.

The State of Nevada will also define verbally and/or with flagging perimeter boundaries of treated and excluded areas.

Ground flaggers and an auto-flagger system (if aircraft is utilized) can supplement the DGPS system, but not substitute for it.

Seed

Seed will be furnished by the State of Nevada at the location stated in the Detailed Specifications.

Vendor shall load and transport seed from the pickup point to the operational loading sites and shall be responsible for its protection from loss or damage due to weather, rodent, insects, theft, or any other hazard.

Any seed damaged or lost, while in the custody of the Vendor, will be replaced by the State of Nevada, and actual cost to the State of Nevada for replacement will be deducted from payments due the Vendor.

All unused seed shall be returned to the pickup point by the Vendor or nearer destination, if so directed, upon completion of work or termination of the contract.

Base of Operations

The Vendor shall provide such facilities/equipment as may be required for competent performance of contract.

Vendor shall be responsible for access to the site. The use of any loading area shall be arranged by and at the discretion and risk of the Vendor, and the

State of Nevada shall not be held responsible for any loss, mishap, or accident due to conditions of any site used.

The Vendor shall provide appropriate warning signs for traffic if roads are used as loading sites.

Crew Requirements

Crew for handling seed and loading equipment shall be furnished by the Vendor.

The Vendor shall immediately upon entering the project sites begin work, locate control points, section corners, and take such action to prevent their destruction.

Products and Completion

The Vendor shall provide a Trimble, AgNav, ARC-INFO or ARCVIEW electronic file in UTM projection North America Datum of treatment coverage upon completion of each treated area or as required by the Contracting Officer/Project Manager.

The Contract will be considered completed and payment due when all seed furnished to the Vendor by the State of Nevada has been seeded to the standards specified above; or when all areas designated under the contract have been seeded to the said standards; or if performance under the contract is ordered terminated by the State of Nevada.

Restoration of Resources – Vendor is responsible for cleaning up all worksites before leaving the area. Final payment may be withheld until the Vendor has complied with the requirement. Vendor shall restore, at their expense any public or private access roads damaged by the Vendor. Restoration shall be back to the same condition they were in at the commencement of work.

Monitoring

A State of Nevada representative shall monitor the Vendors GPS to assure Vendor’s compliance with contract specifications.

Tests for uniformity and rate of application – The State of Nevada will make tests as operations progress to determine uniformity of seeding. Standards of performance will be determined by adequate weight records of seed applied on each individual path and for each seeding strip covered, and ground recovery of samples of seed actually distributed. All work of weight recording, and ground recovery will be done by the State of Nevada at no cost to the Vendor. Should the Vendor wish to object in any way to the weight recording and/or ground recovery sampling done at any particular time by the State of Nevada, the Vendor shall be present in person or by authorized representative to voice said objections when said weight recording and/or ground recovery samplings are done, and to agree upon new records and/or samples at the time, where after the weight recording and ground recovery sampling done by the State of Nevada shall be final and binding in the settlement of the contract.

Payment

Measurement for payment for seeding will be the actual area, in acres, within the designated boundaries satisfactorily seeded in conformance with these specifications. Measurement will be made from the ArcGIS polygons provided by the State of Nevada. Acreages will be computed from horizontal distances as shown on maps. Payment will be made at the unit price per acre specified in the Bid Schedule and shall include the cost of all work described in the paragraph and the Detailed Specifications, including any re-seeding, if such work is required. Acreages will not be computed from DGPS acreages covered. Vendor must factor in additional seeding application time required for coverage of the polygons, complete seeding, and any contour application that may be required to properly cover the area.

1.4 SEED DRILLS/APPLICATION SPECIFICATION

1.4.1 Vendors must indicate in their response the manufacturer and model of all of the equipment that will be used, transport and operators;

1.4.2 Agricultural Seed Drills – Designed to place seed into prepared seedbeds. These drills must have multi-species capabilities that allow for the sowing of both grains and legumes and then side dressing each seed row with granular or liquid fertilizer. Agricultural seed drills must be precisely metered so that seeding rates can be calibrated for a variety of seed sizes and types. This type of drill will be used with a tractor equipped with a three point hitch. Due to the complexity and delicacy of this type of drill, use on rough or rocky ground is not acceptable;

1.4.3 No-Till Drills – Designed to place seed into untilled seed beds in agricultural and pastoral areas. In addition, no-till drills can be used in areas where native vegetation is primarily grasses, perennial and annual forbs and the occasional sub-shrub. This type of drill will be used to place multiple seed species and fertilizer. It must be capable of being used in slightly rougher terrain and somewhat rockier soils than an agricultural drill, and will be used on slopes up to four (4) to five (5) percent. Hydraulic controls must be used for this type of drill and must be set up with a three-point hitch for operation;

1.4.4 Rangeland Drills – Designed for drilling seed on wildland sites with a variety of soil types. Minimal ground preparation is required where grasses, forbs and small shrubs are common. Plowing, crushing or chaining and/or burning may be used as a pre-treatment on sites with mature brush and/or small trees with Government or State designee approval;

Vendors may provide drills and carts;

Agencies may provide drills and carts;

Vendors must be able to calibrate drill equipment prior to the project whether provided by the vendor or the agency;

Contractor shall keep a written log with daily entries indicating the date, time, and number of bags utilized in each set of drills. This log shall always be kept current and shall be available for inspection by the State or Government at the work site during all working hours;

Contractor shall furnish at the worksite all equipment, labor, supplies, and materials required to complete the work within the specified performance time. The Contractor shall service and maintain equipment, including State/Government-Furnished equipment, as necessary to maintain satisfactory progress on the work. The Contractor shall be responsible for all the State/Government-Furnished equipment as long as it is in his/her custody and shall protect equipment and spare parts from loss or damage due to theft or any other cause. Worn or broken parts that are replaced by the Contractor shall be presented for inspection by the Project Inspector;

The Contractor must furnish and be proficient with the use of, a hand-help GPS unit capable of uploading shapefiles. It will be the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure that all treatment activities occur within the designated treatment boundaries by utilizing a GPS unit. The contractor may flag the boundaries of the treatment units at their discretion; however, the contractor will be responsible for the removal of all flagging prior to demobilizing; and

The Contractor shall properly dispose of all empty seed bags, tags, strings, pallets, or any other associated trash

1.5 HAULING SERVICES SPECIFICATION

1.5.1 Awarded vendor will drop off container on project site (roll on, roll off system);

1.5.2 Container must be capable of holding woody biomass (chipped or unchipped; but not in the same container).

1.5.3 Available container volumes should be ten (10), twenty (20), and thirty (30) cubic yards, or volume specified by State’s designee; and

1.5.4 The containers will be hauled by the awarded vendor from project sites to landfills, power plants, or biomass recycling centers on specially constructed heavy trucks.

1.5.5 Awarded vendor may be requested to remove previously cut fuel wood from a project site. Vendors should include in their response a minimum bid per cord that will be paid to the State Agency awarding the project to remove fuel wood or other by-products for commercial sale and a listing of available equipment necessary to complete this task.

GROUND SEEDERS/SPREADER SPECIFICATIONS

1.5.6 Hand and electric broadcast seeders, to consist of a hopper to contain a given volume of seed, a seed propeller that distributes seed over an area in front of the seeder, and a metering lever that provides the ability to control the rate/amount/pounds per unit volume.

1.5.7 Metering must be done by determining a set area (usually a square foot frame with square inches marked), adjusting the equipment metering levers to the prescribed seeding rate provided by the State’s designee’s resource plan, walking and cranking with a manual seeder, or by driving the electric seeder over the set area at the average speed the operator will be traveling, then counting the number of seeds found within the set area. The seeder can then be adjusted up or down to the prescribed seeding rate.

1.5.8 Hand seeders will be carried by a field worker and cranked at a steady rate, following determination of actual seeding rate and adjustment to the prescribed rate.

1.5.9 Electric seeders will be mounted on a vehicle and driven at a set speed and setting, again following a determination of actual seeding rate and adjustment to the prescribed rate.

1.5.10 Vendor may supply seeds if needed;

1.5.11 Or the seed maybe supplied by the Agency;

1.5.12 Weed free testing; and

1.5.13 Germination tests for all seed.

1.5.14 Whether the vendor or agency supplies the seeds, all seed will be tested to ensure that current government standards (federal/state) for noxious weeds and germination are met.

1.5.15 When required by the State designee’s resource plan, soil disturbances will be completed, in order to put the broadcast seed in closer contact with the soil. On small sites, this will be accomplished by raking and on larger sites by use of a harrow, tine drag or a chain link drag pulled by an ATV or similar vehicle.

1.5.16 In some cases, awarded vendor will be required to broadcast seed over snow, to allow the seed to gradually carry down through the snow pack and eventually deposit on the soil surface with a source of moisture.

1.5.17 Awarded vendor must be able to calibrate equipment to meet the prescribed seeding rate.

1.5.18 Awarded vendor must have labor available to hand rake small areas and equipment such as rakes, harrows and drags in order to put seed in good contact with the soil.

1.5.19 Awarded vendor must have a certified tree climber if requested. Vendors must indicate in their response if they have ISA certification for Tree Worker or Arborist and detail any experience in this area. This requirement is dependent on the specific project and the area.

1.6 SHRUB AND TREE PLANTING SPECIFICATIONS

1.6.1 May include bare root and containerized plants.

1.6.2 Survival rates will be monitored, documented and reported to the contracting agency per the scope of work.

1.7 CONTROLLED FIRE SPECIFICATION

1.7.1 Crews to apply controlled fire to natural vegetation under specified conditions and after precautionary actions have been taken to ensure that the fire is confined to a predetermined area, in compliance with NRS 527.

1.7.2 Awarded vendor must be able to write a controlled fire plan. The plan must be prepared by a person qualified to oversee a controlled fire, be approved by the State Forester prior to implementation, and contain at least:

1.7.2.1 A description and map of the area to be burned;

1.7.2.2 A list of personnel and equipment necessary to commence and control fire;

1.7.2.3 A description of the meteorological factors that must be present before commencing a controlled fire, including surface wind speed and direction, transport wind speed and direction, minimum mixing height, minimum relative humidity, maximum temperature and fine fuel moisture;

1.7.2.4 A description of considerations related to common behavioral patterns of fires in the area to be burned, including various burning techniques, the anticipated length of the flame and the anticipated speed of the fire; and

1.7.2.5 The signature of the person who prepared the plan.

1.7.3 Before signing the written plan, the person qualified to oversee the fire must evaluate and approve the anticipated impact of the fire on surrounding areas which are sensitive to smoke (NRS 527.128).

1.7.4 A direct supervisor, who is qualified to oversee such fires and crews, must remain on site for the duration of the fire.

1.7.5 Vendors must indicate in their response whether their personnel are NWCG qualified for prescribed fire positions, and must provide documentation to show qualifications with their response.

1.8 ROAD CONSTRUCTION/MAINTENANCE/REHABILITATION SPECIFICATION

1.8.1 Vendors must indicate in their response the manufacturer and model of available equipment necessary to complete this work, the capabilities of the equipment, and the operator/crews available to man the equipment as they pertain to the specifications of this scope of work.

1.8.2 Road construction activities may include, but are not necessarily limited to:

Road blazing;

Grading;

Backhoe/Track Hoe work;

Rock removal;

Tree removal;

Cut and fill work;

Skid trail construction;

Installation of drainage structures such as, but not limited to:

Culverts, bar ditches

Rolling dips

Trench drains

Tile drains

Erosion control barriers and structures

Temporary drainage crossings

Existing road and skid trail maintenance; and

Skid road rehabilitation following project conclusion.

Vendors must have a familiarity with drainage fabrics and geotextiles. Vendors must include in their response, detailed experience in comparable projects.

PROJECT PLANNING OR PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Vendors will complete vegetation management, fuel reduction, and other project implementation plans that may consider historical, present and desired future conditions of any, but not limited to the following:

Fire occurrence and impacts;

Fuel loading;

Vegetation condition and biodiversity;

Soil condition and health;

Invasive species;

Riparian and wetlands;

Rangeland uses and values;

Recreation;

Water quantity and quality;

Wildlife species and habitats;

Archeological…