RSA_HerbicideTreatment_RFP_comb.pdf

Auburn University Request for Proposal

Invasive Shrub Control, Redstone Arsenal, AL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Section I: Request for Proposal 2 Statement of Purpose 2 Scope of Work 2

1. General 2

1.1. Description of Services/Introduction 2

1.2. Objectives 2

1.3. Site 2

1.4. Sope 2

1.5. Period of Performance 2

1.6. General Information 2

1.7. Qualifications 4

1.8. Key personnel 4

1.9. Pesticide safety 5

1.10. Service provider vehicles 5

1.11. Recordkeeping 5

1.12. Public disclosures 5

2. Definitions and Acronyms 6

2.1. Definitions 6

3. Government Furnished Items and Services 6

4. Service Provider Furnished Items and Responsibilities 6

4.1. General 6

5. Specific Tasks 7

5.1. Task 1. Project Management 7

5.2. Task 2. Invasive Shrub Treatment 7

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 1: Map of Treatment Area 9 TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 2: High Density Shrub Infestation 10 TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 3: Moderate Density Shrub Infestation 11 TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 4: Herbicide Prescription 12

Section II: Instructions to Proposers 13 Section III: Form of Proposal 14 Section IV: Evaluation Criteria 15 ATTACHMENT A – Pricing Sheet 17 ATTACHMENT B – Insurance Addendum 18

Section I. Request for Proposal

Statement of Purpose Auburn University (AU) is seeking to contract a service provider capable of controlling invasive shrubs in a forest setting with herbicides using backpack sprayers on slopes at Redstone Arsenal (RSA), Alabama.

Scope of work

GENERAL: This is a non-personal services agreement to provide invasive shrub management with herbicides on Weedin and Madkin Mountains within the boundaries of Redstone Arsenal. The service provider is expected to treat between 50 and 400 acres, depending on funding. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the service providers performing the services herein. Such the service providers shall be accountable solely to Auburn who, in turn, is responsible to the Government.

1.1. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES/INTRODUCTION: The service provider shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to provide invasive shrub management with herbicides within the boundaries of Redstone Arsenal, as defined in this Scope of Work (SOW), except for those items specified as furnished by the Government. The service providers shall meet the standards in this SOW.

1.2. OBJECTIVES: This project aims to control invasives shrubs in a forest setting, buffering existing mountain bike trails on Weeden and Madkin Mountain on Redstone Arsenal. This area includes approximately 18.5 miles of trails linking Weeden and Madkin Mountains. The goal of the treatment is to maintain and enhance biking trail access, improve habitat for understory plant species, and improve the natural tree regeneration process. The total project area is 431 acres, but treatment will only occur in specified areas outlined below. The service provider is expected to treat between 50 and 400 acres. This project involves foliar application of herbicides via backpack sprayers to control invasive honeysuckle and privet. The desired future condition for the Weeden and Madkin Mountain trail area is a native forb dominated understory with an overstory dominated by the native trees.

1.3. SITE: Weeden and Madkin Mountain is home to 18.5 miles of trails that are used primarily for mountain biking. Invasive bush honeysuckle and Chinese privet are encroaching on the trails, displacing native understory species, and impeding forest regeneration and development. The severity of the infestation has been categorized into three levels of infestation (see Technical Exhibit 2 and 3). Control of the invasive shrubs is expected to improve understory plant diversity, recreational use, and forest development. Control is expected to be achieved after multiple treatments. This contract is for the first of several projected treatments.

1.4. SCOPE: The primary objective of this contract will be to apply herbicide application through a 100-foot buffer on both sides of the mountain bike trails. The final treatment acreage will be determined after per acre prices are submitted and funding is secured.

1.5. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 1 May 2026 to 15 December 2026. Application is to be performed between 15 August 2026 and 1 October 2026.

1.6. GENERAL INFORMATION:

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

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

1.6.1.2. Quality Assurance: AU and the Government will evaluate the performance under this agreement.

AU reserves the right to inspect the service throughout the project and request that the service provider return to the site and chemically treat any untreated areas found during inspections.

1.6.2. Recognized Federal Holidays: The service provider may be required to perform services on recognized federal holidays. The recognized federal holidays include:

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

1.6.3 Hours of Operation: Since the treatment area is a heavy recreational use area, the treatment must be closely coordinated with AU and the RSA Technical Representative (TR). No treatment shall occur without written approval from AU and the TR. Access to the project area may be restricted during certain dates and times due to scheduled functions in the project area. The service provider may only apply pesticides during times established by AU and the TR, generally this will be 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

1.6.4 Place of Performance: The work to be performed under this agreement will be accomplished within the boundaries of RSA, AL.

1.6.5. Security Requirements: Service provider personnel shall comply with all security and safety regulations, guidance, and procedures.

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

1.6.5.2. Fraud, Waste, and Abuse: In accordance with AR 11-2, Internal Management Controls: Service provider personnel shall be encouraged to be alert to and report suspected of situations of fraud, waste, and abuse or other intentionally dishonest conduct observed during or in the performance of this agreement to AU and TR.

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

1.6.5.4. The personnel performing work under this agreement shall be U.S. citizens.

1.6.5.5. Installation Entry: Service provider personnel shall gain access to RSA through the contractor Badge system. To register and receive a contractor badge, the service provider must complete and submit an access request form for all employees requiring access throughout the established contract period to the TR a minimum of 14 calendar days in advance of scheduled fieldwork. Once submitted a NCIC (National Crime Information Center) Level III background check will be completed on each employee requesting access. No employees with prior felonies or three misdemeanors, excluding routine traffic violations, within the past five years will be granted access to RSA. All personnel shall be U.S. citizens and legal to work in the United States.

1.7. QUALIFICATIONS: The service provider shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary licenses, certifications, and permits, and for complying with any applicable Federal, State, and municipal laws, codes, and regulations in connection with the use of pesticides under this contract. The service provider shall also possess a Alabama Pesticide Contractor’s License. The service provider should be aware of, and conduct training for all employees, in the safety requirements for the handling, transportation, storage, mixing, application, and disposal of pesticides. In addition, the service provider should be able to locate the work site using a 1:50,000 scale contour map.

1.7.1. Special License Requirements: All service provider personnel engaged in the selection, transportation, mixing, application, or disposal of pesticides on federal property must possess an appropriate state Alabama Commercial Applicator’s License. The service provider must provide a roster of all personnel and their licenses to AU a minimum of 30 calendar days in advance of scheduled fieldwork. No service provider employee without a valid pesticide license will be allowed to participate in the herbicide treatment.

1.7.2. The trade name, EPA registration number, and PDF copy of the label for each pesticide to be used by the service provider shall be submitted with the service provider’s proposal. Any changes to the proposed chemical shall be submitted in writing to AU prior to use on-site.

1.8. KEY PERSONNEL: The service provider shall provide a Program Manager (PM) and an Alternate PM (APM), who shall act for the service provider when the PM is absent. The PM or APM shall have full authority to act on matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The Project Manager shall be supported by a technical staff qualified to complete all work described in this contract. The PM shall serve as the single POC and liaison for all work required. All work shall be accomplished with adequate internal controls and review procedures to eliminate conflicts, errors, and omissions and ensure the technical accuracy of all other items listed in this contract.

1.8.1. RSA will designate a TR to serve as the points of contact for this contract. The TR will assist with coordinating access and internal reviews with pertinent review personnel. The service provider shall coordinate with AU and the TR to complete the described work.

1.8.2. Service Provider Personnel:

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

1.8.2.2. Project Manager: The project manager shall have a minimum of 5 years of experience successfully managing projects of similar size and scope to the project described in this SOW.

Qualifications and applicable licenses must be provided in the proposal at submission by the service provider for assessment.

1.8.2.3. Alternate Project Manager: The alternate project manager shall have a minimum of 3 years of experience successfully managing projects of similar size and scope to the project described in this SOW.

Qualifications and applicable licenses must be provided in the proposal at submission by the service provider for assessment.

1.9. PESTICIDE SAFETY: The service provider shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary licenses, certifications and permits, and for complying with any applicable Federal, State, and Municipal laws, codes, and regulations in connection with the use of pesticides under this contract.

1.9.1. Training: The service provider should be aware of and conduct training for all employees in the safety requirements for the handling, transportation, storage, mixing, application, and disposal of pesticides. The service provider should train each applicator in the proper use of PPE and to apply pesticides in the safest manner for protection of personnel and the environment.

1.9.2. PPE: Personnel handling pesticides shall wear protective clothing and/or equipment as recommended by the pesticide manufacturer.

1.9.3. Transportation of pesticides used on this contract shall be in strict accordance with label instructions and the generally approved and accepted procedures for safe transportation of pesticides.

1.9.4. Personnel handling pesticides should wear protective clothing and/or equipment as recommended by the pesticide manufacturer.

1.10. SERVICE PROVIDER VEHICLES: The service provider’s vehicles shall be clearly marked with the company logo and pesticide warning placards in accordance with DOT Hazmat Regulation Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) parts 100-185. Additionally, the transportation of pesticides used on this contract shall be in strict accordance with label instructions and the generally approved and accepted procedures for safe transportation of pesticides.

1.10.1. Spill Kit: Each service provider vehicle shall be equipped with a spill kit capable of responding to a spill of the quantity of pesticides contained in the vehicle.

1.11. RECORDKEEPING: The service provider shall maintain true and accurate records of all pesticides applied under this contract. Records shall include the following information:

• Date and time of application.

• Name of applicator.

• Location of application site.

• Crop or target to which applied.

• Acreage, size of area treated, or total amount of pesticide applied.

• Target pest for which applied.

• Pesticide used and application rate.

• Type of equipment used.

• Notation of any unexpected occurrence at or during application, such as spillage, exposure of humans or non-target animals, or drift, and any corrective or emergency action taken.

• Names, concentrations and quantities of all pesticides disposed of and the manner of disposition.

Records shall be maintained for a period of two (2) years. On a weekly basis, a record of all pesticide applications shall be reported to AU and the TR.

1.12. PUBLIC DISCLOSURES: The service provider employees shall make no public announcements or disclosures relative to information developed from this agreement (including future or programs resulting from this effort) nor to government-owned information made available to the service provider. All requests for information shall be directed to the TR. Information or other related data shall not be released, by either the service provider, to other government agencies (DoW and Non-DoW), private groups, private individuals or private agencies without prior written approval from the TR.

2. DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS

2.1. DEFINITIONS:

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

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

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

2.1.9. KEY PERSONNEL. Service provider employees who are critical for achieving SOW objectives.

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

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

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

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

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

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

2.1.19. WORK WEEK. Possibly 7 days per week, unless otherwise specified.

3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES

3.1. MATERIALS: The Government will provide necessary maps and ArcGIS shapefiles showing indicating the treatment area boundaries.

4. THE SERVICE PROVIDER FURNISHED ITEMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

4.1. GENERAL: The service provider shall furnish all supplies, equipment, personnel, and services required to perform work under this agreement that are not listed under Section 3 of this SOW. Water may be obtained from hydrants located on the installation.

5. SPECIFIC TASKS

5.1. TASK 1. PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Project success is contingent upon efficient and effective project management.

5.1.1. Kick-off meeting: An in-person kick-off meeting will be held at RSA, including, at minimum, the service provider PM, AU, and TR. The meeting will be scheduled within 45 calendar days of the period of performance start date in coordination with AU and TR. As part of the kick-off meeting, the service provider shall present the project work plan, including technical approach, compliance with all security requirements, milestones, meetings, coordination, submittals, and review period. The work plan shall address project organization, personnel, contract management; technical approach; coordination procedures and activity schedule; and describe the quality assurance and quality control procedures, and activities that will contribute to the successful execution of this contract. The kick-off meeting will also involve a field tour of treatment sites.

5.1.2. Health and Safety Plan: a minimum of 30 calendar days prior to scheduled field work, the service provider shall submit a draft health and safety plan to AU and TR for review and approval. The service provider shall incorporate feedback from AU and TR into a final health and safety plan and submit the final version within 10 calendar days of scheduled field work. No field work will be completed without an approved health and safety plan.

5.1.3. Additional meetings: Virtual or in-person meetings may be requested by AU or the Government throughout the period of performance.

5.1.4. Reporting: Each week during the treatment period, the service provider shall provide documentation of the amount of herbicide used and the areas in which it was used to AU and TR. Hand drawn maps of the treatment area each week are acceptable if they are easily interpreted.

5.1.4. Final deliverable report: The service provider shall provide a final report documenting the herbicide treatment by 15 November 2026. At minimum, the report shall describe the project planning process, the treatment approach, the treatment process, and any obstacles faced by the service provider, as well as all pesticide logs used to track herbicide usage.

5.1.5. Invoicing: One invoice shall be submitted for the total project cost after the final deliverable is provided and approved by AU.

5.2. TASK 2. INVASIVE SHRUB TREATMENT: This project aims to control invasive shrubs surrounding trails on Weeden and Madkin Mountains on RSA. The treatment involves foliar (spot) herbicide applications using backpack sprayers to control c honeysuckle and privet.

5.2.1. The project areas have been broken into three conditions high, moderate, and low based on the density of invasive species on that section of trail. High condition is considered sections of trails with 50% or greater of cover while moderate is 20% - 49% and low being less than 20%. Pictures provided in the technical exhibits 2 and 3. The low treatment involves individual plants greater scattered throughout the treatment area. Invasive shrubs range from 1-8 ft tall.

5.2.2. Treatment of invasive shrubs shall follow the herbicide prescription (Technical Exhibit 4). In summary, the treatment shall occur between 15 August and 1 October 2026. The foliar application shall consist of a mixture of Triclopyr 3 Amine: 2% + Glyphosate 5.4lb: 2% + MSO: 0.5%. The chemicals shall be aquatic label only. The target application rate shall be 8-12 Gallons per Acre. Labels for each proposed chemical shall be included in the proposal from the service provider. IF THE HERBCIIDE

LABELS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PROPOSAL IT WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED

INCOMPLETE. Applications must be made using backpack and handheld sprayers. No broadcast spraying is allowed in either area to avoid damaging or killing non-target vegetation. Service provider must minimize non-target kill. The service provider is responsible for their coverage of herbicide and is expected to have a greater than 90% coverage inside treatment area. If this 90% target is not met following inspection by AU and TR, the service provider is responsible for completing the treatment. The service provider is responsible for treating targeted areas provided to them in an ArcGIS shapefile. No flagging will be provided by AU or TR. The service provider can flag boundaries but is responsible for removing flagging after treatment.

5.2.3. The service provider may obtain water from charged hydrants on RSA. The service provider is responsible for ensuring hydrants are responsibly opened and closed from their operations.

5.2.4. Pesticide label: The pesticide label is the law and the service provider shall be responsible for following the label, as written. If the service provider is found to be applying pesticides off-label, the service provider will be immediately be escorted off the installation, be subject to a stop work notice, and MAY have their contract cancelled.

5.2.4. Pesticide disposal: The service provider shall not dispose of any pesticide or pesticide containers at any location on the Installation outside the treatment area. All disposal costs will be at the service provider’s expense. Under no circumstances shall pesticide equipment be washed out or cleaned on RSA.

5.2.4. Requirements: The service provider shall conduct all activities in a manner that ensures safety of personnel and avoids damage to significant biological, cultural, or geological resources. The service provider shall comply with all safety and health requirements as outlined in Army Regulation 385-1, The Army Safety Program and OSHA Safety Standards to ensure the safe working conditions for his employees and government workers. To ensure safety of the service provider personnel while working at field sites, the service provider shall also provide personnel/teams with cell phones or equivalent remote communication devices, and supply a safety plan.

5.2.4.1. Chemical(s) to be applied must either be on the RSA approved pesticide list (digital copy available by request from IPMC) or chemical label and MSDS must be provided to IPMC for one-time application approval. Amount of chemical used must be provided to the IPMC before project completion (information must include brand name, active ingredient, EPA Registration Number, concentration, and total gallons of finished product applied).

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

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

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 1: Weedin Mountain trail treatment area

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 2: High Density Shrub Infestation

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 3: Moderate Density Shrub Infestation

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 4: Herbicide Prescription

REDSTONE ARSENAL INVAIVE SHRUB TREATMENT

Target species: Bush Honeysuckles, spp.

Place: Understory treatment, overstory; various pine, cedar, mixed hardwoods Timing: August 15-October 1

Herbicides:

Aquatic Label Only Triclopyr 3 Amine (ex. Garlon 3A) Glyphosate 5.4lb (ex. Aquamaster, ‘Rodeo’) MSO (ex.

Loveland)

GPA-target rate: 8-12GPA Utilize the following per acre Rx:

Triclopyr 3 Amine: 2% + Glyphosate 5.4lb: 2% + MSO: 0.5% Watch-outs from the labels:

PRECAUTIONS: Avoid contact of spray drift, mist or drips with foliage, green bark or non-woody surface roots of desirable plant species. Use application techniques that prevent or minimize contact of this product with foliage of desired trees or other plants through direct contact or off-target spray movement.

Note: If tank mixing with Rodeo herbicide, mix the Garlon 3A with at least 75% of the total spray volume desired and ensure that Garlon 3A is well mixed before adding the Rodeo to avoid incompatibility.

The Ester formulation of Garlon has been found to be superior to the Amine version in regard to controlling bush honeysuckle, spp. However, due to the sensitivity of the tract, Garlon 3A has been prescribed.

Retreatment will be necessary due to the nature of the species.

Always be cognizant of the maximum labeled rate per product, not to go above in a one-year rotation.

Always follow labeled directions.

Section II. Instructions to Proposers

Proposal Response

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

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

• All bids are to be "F.O.B. Destination - Freight Prepaid and Allowed."

• Alabama law (Section 41-4-116, code of Alabama 1975) provides that every bid submitted and contract executed shall contain a certification that the vendor, contractor, and all of its affiliates that make sales for delivery into Alabama or leases for use in Alabama are registered, collecting, and remitting Alabama state and local sales, use, and/or lease tax on all taxable sales and leases into Alabama. BY

SUBMITTING THIS BID, THE BIDDER IS HEREBY CERTIFYING THAT THEY

ARE IN FULL COMPLIANCE WITH ACT NO. 2006-557, they are not barred from bidding or entering into a contract pursuant to 41-4-116, and acknowledges that the awarding authority may declare the contract void if the certification is false. Bidder certifies that neither it, nor any of its employees who will provide or perform services under this contract have been debarred, suspended or declared ineligible as defined in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR 48 C.F.R. Ch. 1 Subpart 9.4). Bidder will immediately notify the University if the Bidder or any of its employees who will provide or perform services under this contract is placed on the Consolidated List of Debarred, Suspended, and Ineligible Bidders.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Section III. Form of Proposal

*If a subcontractor is expected to be used by the proposer, the company must be named in the proposal at the time of submission. Any changes to the planned subcontractor involvement must be submitted to AU in writing and approved prior to completion of any work. Any requirements of the service provider must be extended to the subcontractor. All information requested of the service provider in this RFP also extends to the subcontractor, including the information requested below.

Proposal Format

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

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

Paginated Format

• Cover Letter o The proposer shall provide a cover letter describing a brief history of the

Proposer and its organization. The letter will list the Principal or Officer of the organization who will be the University’s primary point of contact for clarifications or during negotiations.

• RFP Response o Provide a brief history of the company and description of services it provides.

o Describe, in detail, how the proposer plans to successfully complete the specific tasks. If the proposal includes the use of a subcontractor, the company must be named in the proposal.

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

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

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

• Pricing o Official Bid Price Sheet (Attachment A).

Section IV. Evaluation Criteria

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

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

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

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

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

1. Pricing – 50%

• Supplier having the lowest overall cost in dollars.

• Attachment A (pricing sheet) must be completed to be considered eligible.

2. Qualifications, History, and Past Performance – 50%

• Relevant experience

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

• Qualifications of proposed PM and APM

• References

ATTACHMENT A – Pricing Sheet

Proposer pricing is requested for the items below. The services to be provided for each item are defined in the Scope of Work of this RFP. PLEASE INCLUDE A NARRATIVE

EXPLANATION OF THE COSTS AND HOW THEY WERE CALCULATED

ACCOMPANYING THIS SHEET.

Task Category Low Density

Moderate Density

High Density

Cost ($) per acre Invasive Shrub Control (50-99 acres)

Labor Equipment Materials/Supplies Subcontractor Travel Total

Invasive Shrub Control (100- 199 acres)

Labor Equipment Materials/Supplies Subcontractor Travel Total

Invasive Shrub Control (200- 350 acres)

Labor Equipment Materials/Supplies Subcontractor Travel Total

ATTACHMENT D – Auburn University Insurance Addendum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

b. Commercial General Liability Insurance:

i. $1,000,000 each accident

ii. $1,000,000 each employee

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

1. Each Occurrence $1,000,000

2. General Aggregate $2,000,000

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

4. Contractual Liability $1,000,000

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

6. Damage to Rented Premises $100,000

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

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

c. Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance:

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

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

1. Combined Single Limit $1,000,000

d. Commercial Umbrella/Excess Liability Insurance:

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

e. Environmental Liability Insurance:

i. Environmental Liability Insurance will be provided.

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

1. Each Claim $1,000,000

2. Annual Aggregate $2,000,000

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

f. Professional Liability Insurance:

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

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

1. Each Claim $1,000,000

2. Annual Aggregate $3,000,000

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

g. Policy Providers:

i. All insurance coverage shall be issued by an insurer licensed as an admitted insurer or authorized by the Alabama Insurance Commissioner of Insurance as a surplus line’s insurer. The Insurance Company must have a minimum of current A.M. Best’s rating of A-, Class V.

h. Notification Endorsement:

i. Each policy shall be endorsed to provide that the insurance company agrees that the policy shall not be canceled, materially changed, allowed to lapse, or allowed to expire until Auburn University has received thirty (30) days of written notice. Renewal certificated shall be sent to Auburn University within five (5) days following the renewal or any expiration date of coverage.

i. Deductibles:

i. A contractor may elect to secure an insurance program with a deductible or self-insured retention (SIR) of up to $25,000 without prior approval from the University. Any deductible or SIR larger than $25,000 must be approved by the University. Contractor may be required to furnish audited financial statements to determine the contractor’s financial ability to absorb the obligation of a deductible or SIR without material impact on the solvency of the contractor.

j. Waiver of Subrogation:

i. Auburn University requires that all policies of insurance for liability related to this agreement be on a primary and noncontributory basis as respects any other insurance and/or self-insurance carried by the University. In all instances, any commercial insurance and/or self-insurance maintained by Auburn University shall be excess. Unless precluded by law, a waiver of subrogation in favor of Auburn University shall be included on all insurance policies maintained by Contractor.

k. Impairment of Liability:

i. In the events the insurance program required by Auburn University were to have any pending claim(s), which may limit or exhaust any aggregate limits by more than 20%, Auburn University shall be notified within thirty (30) days. Auburn University may require additional insurance or reinstatement of the limits of liability as necessary to protect the financial interest of the University.

l. Duty to Provide Copies of Insurance Policies:

i. Auburn University shall be entitled, upon request and without expense, to receive copies of policies and endorsements thereto and may make any reasonable requests for deletion or revision or modification or particular policy terms, conditions, limitations, or exclusions except where policy provisions are established by law or regulations binding upon either of the parties or to underwrite such policies.

m. Notice of Incident:

i. Contractor shall inform Auburn University Risk Management and Safety of all incidents and/or accidents that occur on Auburn University premises or that might otherwise give rise to a claim against Auburn University and shall be responsible for providing appropriate written notification. Such notification shall be provided as soon as reasonably possible but will not exceed twenty-four (24) hours after Contractor is aware of the incident/accident.

n. Indemnity Provisions:

i. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Contractor shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Auburn University, its Board of Trustees, Faculty, Staff, and Agents from and against any and all claims, damages, losses and expenses, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, arising out of, related to, or resulting from performance of services under this contract, regardless of whether such claim, damage, loss or expense is caused in part, or is alleged but not legally established to have been caused in whole or in part by the negligence or other fault of a party indemnified hereunder.

The supplier agrees to the insurance requirements and will submit with the required backup to the department within 48 hours of the Purchase Order being issued. The department will keep these on file and upload the required backup in the PO comments for backup.

Supplier Name

Supplier Contact

Signature

Date

Insurance Addendum_2_9_26_Env.Liability_Required