Sol_140FS323Q0152.pdf

US Fish and Wildlife Service Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR Invasives Statement of Work (SOW)

United State Department of the Interior

UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR

5003 HALLET CIRCLE

CAPE CHARLES VA 23310-1128

STATEMENT OF

WORK (SOW)

Invasive Management Project

1.0 General. Maritime forest/shrub restoration through removal of invasive plants at Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).

1.1 Background. The US Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is seeking a contractor to treat a variety of invasive plant species in one (1) unit (Headquarters Unit) to improve the quality of the maritime forest habitat. The Contractor shall furnish everything necessary, including but not limited to all materials, chemicals, supervision, labor, equipment, transportation, operating supplies, and incidentals to perform invasive plant control services, except for those items identified herein as Government-furnished items. The Contractor shall perform services from late summer 2023 to early fall 2023. While cost-effectiveness is important, NWR is interested in identifying the most successful methods for controlling invasive plants in forest and shrub communities with minimum damage to native species and soils. The Contractor is expected to provide a procedural approach with innovative methods for treatment, including modifications to or combinations of methodologies, and to provide alternative cost estimates for those methods. All methods are subject to approval by our Pesticide Use Permitting review process.

See section 1.3 for more details.

1.2 Objectives. Refuge objective is to reduce invasive species (targeting shrub and tree species) which gives native plant composition a competitive advantage in the shrub and forest habitat. Long-term goal is to restore maritime shrub and maritime forest communities with less than 1% invasive composition for each treatment unit. A priority for treatment is to reduce non-target impact to native species and minimize soil disturbance and compaction.

1.3 Scope of Work.

General- Exotic plant control technicians will work closely with Refuge biological staff and will be under direct supervision of the project manager. Crews will keep a daily record of all invasive control (see Data below). All invasive plant species listed below will be treated using best management practices. Every effort shall be made by the invasive plant control technicians to avoid damage to native vegetation and/or wildlife. The invasive plant control technicians are responsible for the treatment and/or removal of all exotic plant species listed, which includes mature trees, shrubs, grasses, and vines in any life stage (sapling, seedling, etc.).

Proposed Methods -Hand-pulling is the preferred method of treatment; however, if hand-pulling is not an option only the methods described below may be used for herbicide application. Basal herbicide applications may be used with a triclopyr ester herbicide solution in Impel Red oil or another suitable adjuvant. Herbicide will be applied according to label rates, and preferably, the minimum amount required, using a low-pressure spray or paint brush to minimize spatter, drift, and non-target damage. Foliar spray applications may be used with a glyphosate herbicide solution in water with Bullseye blue dye. All seed-bearing grasses will be bagged, removed from the site, and disposed of properly. In some cases, the Project Manager may ask that trees or shrubs with ripe fruits or seeds be bagged and then removed from the site. Herbicide will be applied according to label rates and requirements and in a manner that will minimize non-target damage. The exotic plant control technicians will strictly adhere to all herbicide label application, precautionary, and safety statements. Further guidance on treatment methods will be outlined by the Project Manager on a site-specific basis.

The Contractor will provide treatment windows and frequencies of treatment as part of their proposal. Phases of work should include scouting and planning periods, treatment periods, and monitoring periods.

Targeted Plants

Plants identified as high priority for removal and maintenance by their invasive characteristics and historical presence in the Refuge units and their listing on the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States (https://www.invasiveplantatlas.org/)

Common Name Scientific Name Acres to Treat Headquarters Unit

Olives (autumn and thorny)

Elaeagnus umbellate and Elaeagnus pungens

Area of 60 acres impacted by species listed; follow up on 2021-2022 treatment. Spot retreatment and patchy novel treatment needed.

Privet All Ligustrum species Japanese stiltgrass Microstegium vimineum Tree-of-heaven Ailanthus altissima Multiflora rose Rosa multiflora European fennel Foeniculum vulgare Wisteria Wisteria spp.

English ivy Hedera helix Kudzu Pueraria montana var. lobata

Asiatic bittersweet Celastrus orbiculatus Callery pear Pyrus calleryana

There are many exotic plant species that can be encountered during the monitoring and removal of target plants that are not included in the previous table. Once identified, the Project Manager will authorize the management of species not listed. This authorization must record https://www.invasiveplantatlas.org/ added volumes and time spent. A contract modification may result from additional species identified.

Project Location - Management Units

Headquarters Unit (HQ) –HQ Management Unit is approximately 120 acres and is divided into 60 acres of mature maritime forest and 60 acres of mature shrublands. The maritime forest contains mostly loblolly pine, black cherry, several oak and hickory tree species. Understory shrubs are sparse and include autumn olive, thorny olive, privets, bayberry, and some holly (yaupon and American). Vines include grape, greenbrier, Virginia creeper, and trumpet creeper. Japanese stiltgrass and wisteria vines are in dense patches in parts of this unit while the privet and olives are scattered throughout and predominant on edges and in small openings. Work would occur in the 60 acres of maritime forest in this unit (Figure 1). This forested area was initially treated in 2021 with about 10 acres retreated in 2022. Retreatment and any plants that were missed in the initial treatment are needed (Figure 2).

Invasive plant species targeted include autumn olive, thorny olive, tree-of-heaven, privets, multiflora rose, Japanese stiltgrass and wisteria.

Data Daily progress reports will be completed by the technician crew and submitted to the Project Manager at the refuge. Reports should identify the species removed, methods, acreage and stem counts, type and amount of herbicide used, and coordinates of the worksite(s). This information must be submitted before refuge personnel sign off on the completion of work form accompanying the progress report. These data are not only essential for tracking areas treated but are required for submission into the USFWS Integrated Pest Management and Pesticide Use Proposal Database (PUPS).

Safety Herbicides, including mixing and application equipment will be brought by contractors. These materials will be applied, handled, and labeled properly at all times. Temporary storage of appropriately labeled excess pesticides will be permitted at refuge storage facilities. All herbicide and herbicide equipment must be removed prior to completion of the contract. Decontamination site exists do not exist on refuge property and must be handled by the contractor off site for post operations clean-up.

Other Requirements and Provisions

Plant Identification- Ability to identify all exotic, rare, and native plants of the Virginia Eastern Shore (Northampton and Accomack Counties) independently without supervision.

Equipment- Knowledge and licensure (where required) of both handheld and powered equipment used, with safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE) used by all personnel engaged in their use.

Herbicides- Crew leader/project manager must have current licensure for the application of restricted use pesticides in Natural Areas (Natural Areas Weed Management), which is regulated by the Virginia Pesticide Control Act law and regulation (Section 3.2, Chapter 39, and others, https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title3.2/chapter39/). All personnel involved in the use of pesticides will have formal training and utilize the PPE recommended by the pesticide label.

GPS- GPS equipment (with an accuracy of less than 15 meters) and field staff trained in their use to https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title3.2/chapter39/ enable accurate field verification of property boundaries to ensure that privately owned lots are not treated, and to provide accurate mapping of areas.

ArcGIS- If spatial treatment data is provided; it will be preferred as an ArcMap or ArcPro shapefile format, with attribute information reflecting the data found in the daily progress reports.

Project Time Frame Treatment will begin on or after time after August 1 and may continue through October 15, 2023. All treatment must be completed by October 15, 2023, to allow for a 30-day follow up inspection by refuge staff and any needed retreatment to occur before final payment on or by November 30, 2023.

2.0 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONTRACTOR

The Contractor shall provide all personnel, labor, supplies, equipment, tools, materials, transportation, supervision and other items and incidental services necessary to satisfactorily perform the noxious, invasive plant treatment services at the unit. The treatment unit is described in detail above. All work must be completed, and final payment made by November 30, 2023.

Unless otherwise established in the Purchase Order, the Contractor shall complete all work as set forth in the Project Scope of Work in full compliance with the terms of the Contract. The responsibilities of the Contractor include:

a. Within 15 days from receipt of the Purchase Order, the Contractor shall initiate control operations at the specified project location, unless stated otherwise in the Project Scope of Work, Purchase Order, or email correspondence with the Project manager. The Contractor shall notify the project manager via electronic mail seven days prior to entering the work site. Prior to initiating work, the Contractor shall provide an estimated work schedule to the Project Manager and an office telephone; cellular numbers for all supervisors working on exotic control work; and a valid email address. The Contractor is not authorized to perform work on any additional sites until such time as the Service has fully executed a Change Order for said additional work. Any work performed by the Contractor contrary to the Purchase Order shall be at the Contractor’s expense.

b. Within seven working days from receipt of the Purchase Order, the Contractor shall email to the project manager the contact information for the Contractor’s designated certified ground crew supervisor(s) for the project. The Contractor’s ground crew supervisor must be always present when work on the site is underway. Any change to who is the ground crew supervisor must be approved in advance by the Project manager.

c. Ground Crew Supervisors shall be responsible for: 1) coordination with the project manager on a daily/weekly basis; 2) all control activities and crew safety on project sites; 3) ensuring that all contract crews are knowledgeable of, and remain within, property and treatment boundaries; 4) ensuring that every effort shall be made to avoid damage to native vegetation and wildlife, which includes site disturbance; and, 5) the collection, recording, and timely submission of all data and reports required. At regular intervals determined by the project manager and at the completion of initial treatment and site reassessment, a complete report will be submitted to the project manager detailing sites treated, number of plants or size of area treated, and type of treatment used. These data will be recorded on the “Weekly Progress Report” (WPR). It is the responsibility of the Contractor to submit complete and accurate WPR(s) to the project manager. Ground crew supervisors may supervise a maximum of eight crew members at any given time, unless otherwise noted in the Purchase Order or approved in writing by the Project manager.

d. The Contractor is required to use GPS units to identify and document treatment area boundaries for each day worked. Each crew member must carry a Garmin GPS or similar. Submitting GPS tracks without conducting a treatment shall be grounds for default. GPS tracks (if requested) and Weekly Progress Reports shall be delivered to the project manager on a weekly basis (e.g., each Tuesday for the previous week’s work).

Incomplete WPRs will be returned to the Contractor for completion.

e. All herbicide application must be consistent with label instructions (including plant condition), manufacturer’s guidance, and consistent with any additional application restrictions specified in an approved PUP. Application rates will not exceed the rate specified on the pesticide label. Under no circumstances shall a non-approved herbicide, or combination thereof, be used on the refuge. The Contractor shall properly dispose of or recycle all herbicide and adjuvant containers. The Contractor is also responsible for any leaks, spills, environmental damage, or theft of materials from the job site and for reporting quantities to the proper state and or federal authorities. The Contractor shall provide all personnel, labor, supplies, equipment, tools, materials, transportation, supervision and other items and incidental services necessary to satisfactorily perform the noxious, invasive plant treatment services at the units; including but not limited to heavy machinery, personal protective gear, chemicals, and tools.

f. The Contractor is responsible for the repair, restoration, or replacement of any native vegetation or property damaged resulting from any activity by the Contractor or their employees or subcontractors, at no cost to the Service and to the satisfaction of the Project manager.

g. 100% of target vegetation identified in the attached Scope of Work shall be treated in one thorough treatment. If 90% control is not achieved for any area of the project one month following completion of the initial treatment, one additional thorough retreatment of the area will be required and will be the responsibility of the Contractor at no cost to the Service. Control is defined as treatment effective in preventing re-sprout of treated target vegetation.

h. The contractor will be responsible for the collection, recording, and timely submission of all data, reports, and invoices required including Daily Progress Reports.

The contractor must have GPS equipment and trained field staff to enable accurate field verification of property boundaries and to provide accurate mapping of areas treated to ensure that privately owned lots are not treated. Geographically based data delivery will be provided for all treatment locations that are Arc GIS compatible files, the Project Manager will provide required fields to populate in the attribute table. The contractor will provide exotic plant occurrence data on a per project unit basis by species, chemical type, amount, hours worked, staff members, and treatment method in a excel database along with GPS data (in addition to Daily Progress Reports as required) before each project area will be approved by the project manager as complete.

i. The Contractor is requested to provide treatment windows and frequencies of treatment as part of their proposal. Phases of work should include scouting and planning periods, treatment periods, and monitoring periods.

3.0 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PROJECT MANAGER

a. The Project manager shall attend any “pre-quote meetings” for their project(s) to ensure that Contractors have sufficient information about the project area, targeted species, and site conditions in order to provide a reliable quote for the work to be conducted.

b. The Project manager shall be responsible for informing the awarded Contractor about timing of the treatment(s), conflicting scheduled events, and current site conditions that may affect completion of the contracted work. The Contractor is not responsible for any changes to the work specifications that have not been approved by the Service.

c. The Project manager shall monitor the activities of the Contractor and thus reserves the right to inspect, at any time, the Contractor's procedure, spray systems, spray solutions, and other ancillary equipment, and to approve or disapprove operating personnel.

However, inspection, or a lack thereof, shall not relieve the Contractor of any obligations or responsibilities nor shall it transfer any liability to the land listed as “Project Location” in the Scope of Work or to the Service.

d. Before signing the Weekly Progress Report(s), the Project manager shall verify that the content of the WPR(s) reflect control operations observed in the field and described in the approved Scope of Work.

e. Government Furnished Items. The Government will provide the following: water source and staging area at the refuge headquarters. Maps of the treatment area including a shapefile of target species locations within the Unit and cover class percentages and initial familiarization / orientation. Site visits prior to submitting a bid are strongly recommended.

4.0 Contract Type.

Firm Fixed Price

4.1 Place of Performance/Hours of Operation.

All work to be conducted on the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge. The Headquarters Unit is located within Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR just south of Cape Charles, Virginia. Additional staging is available at the Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR maintenance yard which is within a short distance of the management unit. Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR is staffed and open from 8 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday although calling ahead to make an appointment is recommended.

4.2 Key Personnel.

The Contractor shall identify key personnel, including number of applicators and site supervisor, and their experience in the proposal for this project. NOTE: Key personnel may not be removed from the task without express approval of the CO. The CO will attach a copy of the request and determination to the project files.

4.3 Specific Requirements.

All persons applying herbicide must have valid pesticide applicator license from State of Virginia, and must wear all appropriate protective PPE, both for herbicide use and for heavy equipment use.

The Contractor shall be able to identify all invasive and native coastal plants in all stages of development. Personnel conducting on-site treatment should have minimum of 2-years of experience treating invasive plants in native shrub and upland forest habitats, and knowledgeable about methodologies to minimize non-target impacts. Personnel providing technical work plan should have extensive experience conducting invasive control work for the purposes of habitat restoration and conservation (minimum of 5 years) and should be on-site at least once per management unit with their staff to provide instruction and supervision.

All equipment will be washed (following the best management practices (BMP) for washing described at http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Wetlands/documents/WetlandInvasiveBMP.pdf) prior to arriving at refuge and prior to leaving any site to avoid cross contamination of the habitats.

The Contractor is liable for the safety and health of its employees. The Contractor is responsible for the correct application of pesticides and chemicals according to EPA and State labels. The Contractor shall keep commercial application records in accordance with state and federal requirements. The Contractor shall follow all state and federal laws and have current and valid professional certifications before starting work.

The Contractor shall provide and maintain work environments and procedures, which will safeguard the public and Government personnel, property, materials, supplies, and equipment exposed to Contractor operations and activities. A written safety plan will be submittal for review and concurrence prior to beginning work, including study report investigations. This includes a spill prevention and response plan.

Treatment methods, pesticide mixtures and equipment (e.g., ATVs, heavy equipment, etc.) used will be evaluated and approved by Refuge staff in advance of treatment. Aerial spraying and restricted use herbicide will not be approved.

4.4 Site Visit.

Interested parties are encouraged to schedule site visits with the Refuge Biologist for the purposes of evaluating general and local conditions that may affect the cost or quality of performance prior to providing a proposal. The anticipated work amount identified above is estimates for evaluation and planning purposes only. In no event shall failure to inspect the site constitute grounds for a claim after the award.

5.1. Instructions for the Preparation of Offers

The Government will evaluate proposals in accordance with the evaluation criteria set forth in FAR 52.212-2.

(1) Past Performance. Offeror shall demonstrate satisfactory performance of same or similar work on previous contracts. Offeror shall provide information relevant to Offeror’s quality of service, timeliness of performance, customer satisfaction/working relationships, and management skill. Offeror shall submit a list of customers during the past 3 years, including names and phone numbers of contacts that the Government may use to verify that satisfactory performance was provided to customer. Offerors that are newly formed entities, without prior contracts as an entity, should list contracts and subcontracts completed by all key personnel.

(2) Knowledge & Experience. Provide the Government information regarding the following elements:

• Identify Key Personnel, their qualifications, years of experience, and their role in contract performance (i.e., Foreman, Crew Leaders, Applicator, etc.).

• A copy of lead persons Virginia commercial applicator’s license, including license number and expiration date (other than lead person may work under lead persons http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Wetlands/documents/WetlandInvasiveBMP.pdf) license).

• Brief description of your experience and ability in herbicide application techniques, transport and storage.

• Brief description of your experience and ability with treatment of invasive plants in a habitat restoration project; particularly those related to forest and shrub restoration and work with coastal habitats or sensitive soils (sandy or wetland soils).

• Brief description of your experience and ability with the identification of target weed species and to accurately monitor sites for target plants

• Include your experience with utilizing GPS technology to mapping infestations and keeping required application records.

(3) Technical Approach & Capacity. Provide the Government the following information:

• The treatment methods (i.e., foliar spray, girdling, cut stump, basal spray, etc.) and treatment

• timing and frequency and any supporting justification on why it’s the most effective control method.

• List of equipment or resources available to this particular project including application equipment, GPS unit (s), vehicles, etc. Identify the equipment that will be used to treat/access the site and move around within the treatment area; explaining the minimum impact to soils and native vegetation and include pounds per square inch rating on any equipment to be used.

• Identify any follow-up treatment needed to go through November 2023 to ensure restoration of native vegetation and provide separate cost estimates for a treatment window.

• Identify any follow-up treatments after November 2023 to ensure native understory and shrub species restoration.

• Identify the chemicals (including surfactants) to be used and formulations.

• Identify methods of mechanical treatment (mowing, cutting, etc.) if proposed.

(4) Price. - Offeror shall provide cost for treatment by 10-acre blocks on the Headquarters Unit (e.g., price per 10-acre block of six 10-acre blocks).

5.2 Constraints.

The Contractor shall ensure all equipment moved onto Refuge land is free of soil, seeds, vegetative matter and other debris that could contain or hold noxious weeds or seeds. Due to the sensitive nature of soils, only low-pressure equipment should be used for treatment. The Contractor shall coordinate access and treatment activities with the Refuge.

All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation which shall be considered by the agency. At time of proposal submission please submit any historical data as well as published pricing. Award will be made based on Lowest Price Technically Acceptable.

In order to be eligible for award, firms must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM). Offerors may obtain information on registration in SAM by calling 866-606-8220, or via the Internet at https://www.sam.gov.

6.0 Deliverables and Reports.

http://www.sam.gov/

In addition to the applicable requirements, the Contractor shall provide the following deliverables and reports:

GPS locations (GIS polygons) of area treated; and report summarizing effort, timing, amount, and mixture of herbicides used, effectiveness of treatment, and any recommended follow-up treatments.

GPS tracks and Weekly Progress Reports shall be delivered to the project manager on a weekly basis (e.g., each Tuesday for the previous week’s work).

6.1 The Contractor must coordinate closely with project manager on scheduling of work and must be flexible to accommodate optimal treatment window and weather. Contractor will notify Refuge staff in writing of expected visits to the Refuge with minimum notice of 2 business days.

6.2 The Contractor shall bring problems or potential problems affecting performance to the attention of the Project Manager as soon as possible. Verbal reports will be followed up with written reports when directed by the Project Manager.

7.0 Performance Standard.

Accurate daily application records will be maintained by the Contractor.

Performance Evaluation. The Project Manager will evaluate performance of Contractor through monitoring of treatment during and after work performance and through review of documents.

Acceptable Quality Level (AQL).

• The Contractor shall complete 100% of the treated areas within the specified dates and achieve 90% kill of invasive plants, with less than 5% non-target (native plants) kill.

• The Contractor shall follow the quality control plan submitted as part of their bid.

• The Contractor shall follow EPA labels and supplemental labels with no deviation.

Additional reduction in chemical use may be required by the Refuge based on historic effectiveness.

• The Contractor’s daily commercial application record shall be accurate and maintained with no deviation.

8.0. Procedures for Payment. Invoicing and payments will be made via IPP through www.ipp.gov.

http://www.ipp.gov/

Figure 1. Area in blue (approximately 60 acres) to treat and retreat as needed on Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR, Headquarters Unit as outlined in this SOW.

Figure 2. Treatment areas in 2021 and 2022, Headquarters Unit.

SEE ADDENDUMIS CHECKED

CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

FACILITYCODE

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

OFFEROR

FS3

Falls Church VA 22041 5275 Leesburg Pike FWS, SAT Team 3 FWS, SAT Team 3

0008349902 CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

X

561730

SIZE STANDARD:

% FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED ORFS3

RFPIFB

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

RFQ

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NAICS:

SMALL BUSINESS

07/21/2023 1700 ED

07/14/2023

7033582024Tonia Ellen (No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIMEb. TELEPHONE NUMBER a. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

140FS323Q0152

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

1 15 0040623710OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

CAPE CHARLES VA 23310-1128

5003 HALLET CIRCLE

FWS ESTRN SHORE OF VA NWR

15. DELIVER TO

Falls Church VA 22041 5275 Leesburg Pike FWS SAT Team 3

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$9.5

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW

ISSUE DATE

DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

11.

SEE SCHEDULEX

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

FWS SAT Team 3

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

In accordance with the terms of FAR 12.603:

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Eastern Shore of Virginia, National Wildlife Refuge needs a contractor for maritime forest, shrub restoration through removal of invasive plants.

Long-term goal is to restore maritime shrub and maritime forest communities with less than 1% invasive composition for each treatment unit. A priority for treatment is to reduce non-target impact to native species and minimize soil

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

XX

DATED

Tonia Ellen

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

31c. DATE SIGNED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT:

REF.

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

40. PAID BY39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER

37. CHECK NUMBER

FINALPARTIAL

36. PAYMENT

FINALPARTIAL

35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

34. VOUCHER NUMBER33. SHIP NUMBER

COMPLETE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41c. DATE41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

disturbance and compaction.

Refuge objective is to reduce invasive species

(targeting shrub and tree species) which gives native plant composition a competitive advantage in the shrub and forest habitat.

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice.

This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

The solicitation number for this requirement is

140FS323Q0152 and this is a Request For Quote

AR FAC 2023-03 May 26, 2023

The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2023-03 May

26, 2023

A small business set-aside

The associated NAICS code is 561730

The statement of work is in the attachment

Continued ...

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

15 2 of

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

3 15

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

140FS323Q0152

entitled Invasive Management Project

Period of Performance will be August 1, 2023 thru

September 30, 2024

Location: National Wildlife Refuge, Eastern Shore of Virginia, 5003 Hallet Circle, Cape Charles, VA

23310-1128

The provision at 52.212-1, Instructions to

Offerors Commercial, applies to this acquisition and a statement regarding any addenda to the provision.

The provision at 52.212-2, Evaluation Commercial

Items, is applicable.

Offerors shall include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications Commercial Items, with its offer, or submit a printout to their Online Reps and Certs.

The clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and

Conditions Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.

The clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and

Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or

Executive Orders Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.

Site Visits are encouraged

Offers are to be E Mailed ONLY to:

Tonia_ellen@fws.gov

Delivery: 11/30/2023

Period of Performance: 08/01/2023 to 09/30/2024

00010 Invasive plant treatment

Period of Performance: 08/01/2023 to 11/30/2023

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

G - Contract Administration Data

Electronic Invoicing and Payment Requirements - Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) (April 2013)

Payment requests must be submitted electronically through the U. S. Department of the Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform System (IPP).

"Payment request" means any request for contract financing payment or invoice payment by the Contractor. To constitute a proper invoice, the payment request must comply with the requirements identified in the applicable Prompt Payment clause included in the contract, or the clause 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items included in commercial item contracts. The IPP website address is: https://www.ipp.gov.

Under this contract, the following documents are required to be submitted as an attachment to the IPP invoice [Contracting Officer to edit and include the documentation required under this contract]:

The Contractor must use the IPP website to register access and use IPP for submitting requests for payment. The Contractor Government Business Point of Contact (as listed in SAM) will receive enrollment instructions via email from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRBSTL) within 3 - 5 business days of the contract award date.

Contractor assistance with enrollment can be obtained by contacting the IPP Production Helpdesk via email IPPCustomerSupport@fiscal.treasury.gov or phone (866) 973-3131.

If the Contractor is unable to comply with the requirement to use IPP for submitting invoices for payment, the Contractor must submit a waiver request in writing to the Contracting Officer with its proposal or quotation.

I - Contract Clauses

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference. (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this website: https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

52.204-7 System for Award Management. (OCT 2018)

52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance. (OCT 2018)

52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items. (FEB 2021)

52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items. (OCT 2018)

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items. (JUL 2021)

52.223-1 Biobased Product Certification. (MAY 2012)

52.223-2 Affirmative Procurement of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts. (SEP 2013)

52.225-25 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging in Certain Activities or Transactions Relating to Iran-Representation and Certifications. (JUN 2020)

52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors. (DEC 2013) https://www.ipp.gov/ mailto:IPPCustomerSupport@fiscal.treasury.gov

52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (OCT 2020)

The Offeror shall not complete the representation at paragraph (d)(1) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument" in paragraph (c)(1) in the provision at 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services- Representation, or in paragraph (v)(2)(i) of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications- Commercial Items. The Offeror shall not complete the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services" in paragraph (c)(2) of the provision at 52.204-26, or in paragraph (v)(2)(ii) of the provision at 52.212-3.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision-

Backhaul, covered telecommunications equipment or services, critical technology, interconnection arrangements, reasonable inquiry, roaming, and substantial or essential component have the meanings provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

(b) Prohibition. (1) Section 889(a)(1)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2019, from procuring or obtaining, or extending or renewing a contract to procure or obtain, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to-

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(2) Section 889(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2020, from entering into a contract or extending or renewing a contract with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system.

This prohibition applies to the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services, regardless of whether that use is in performance of work under a Federal contract. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to-

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(c) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award Management (SAM) (https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for "covered telecommunications equipment or services."

(d) Representations. The Offeror represents that-

(1) It [ ] will, [ ] will not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract or other contractual instrument resulting from this solicitation. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(1) of this section if the Offeror responds "will" in paragraph (d)(1) of this section; and

(2) After conducting a reasonable inquiry, for purposes of this representation, the Offeror represents that-

It [ ] does, [ ] does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or use any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(2) of this section if the Offeror responds "does" in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

(e) Disclosures. (1) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "will" in the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment-

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services-

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained:

Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the Product Service Code (PSC) of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(2) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "does" in the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment-

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the OEM or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services-

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained:

Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the PSC of the service being provided;

and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the

52.204-26 Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services-Representation. (OCT 2020)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision, "covered telecommunications equipment or services" and "reasonable inquiry" have the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

(b) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award Management (SAM) (https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for "covered telecommunications equipment or services".

(c) Representations. (1) The Offeror represents that it [ ] does, [ ] does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument.

(2) After conducting a reasonable inquiry for purposes of this representation, the offeror represents that it [ ] does, [ ] does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services.

52.237-1 Site Visit. (APR 1984)

Offerors or quoters are urged and expected to inspect the site where services are to be performed and to satisfy themselves regarding all general and local conditions that may affect the cost of contract performance, to the extent that the information is reasonably obtainable. In no event shall failure to inspect the site constitute grounds for a claim after contract award.

52.237-2 Protection of Government Buildings, Equipment, and Vegetation. (APR 1984)

The Contractor shall use reasonable care to avoid damaging existing buildings, equipment, and vegetation on the Government installation. If the Contractor's failure to use reasonable care causes damage to any of this property, the Contractor shall replace or repair the damage at no expense to the Government as the Contracting Officer directs. If the Contractor fails or refuses to make such repair or replacement, the Contractor shall be liable for the cost, which may be deducted from the contract price.

52.212-2 Evaluation - Commercial Items. (OCT 2014)

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers: best value to include technical experience, past performance, and price.

Technical and past performance, when combined, are significantly more important when compared to price.

(b) Options. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer's specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items. (JUL 2021)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

(1) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (JAN 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(2) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (JUL 2018) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(3) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (AUG 2020) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

(4) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (NOV 2015).

(5) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (AUG 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).

(6) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004) (Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78 (19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).

(b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items: (Contracting Officer check as appropriate.)

[ ] (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (JUN 2020), with Alternate I (OCT 1995) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).

[ ] (2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (JUN 2020) (41 U.S.C. 3509).

[ ] (3) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (JUN 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111-5). (Applies to contracts funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.)

[ ] (4) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (JUN 2020) (Pub.

L. 109-282) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

(5) (Reserved)

[ ] (6) 52.204-14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (OCT 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

[ ] (7) 52.204-15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (OCT 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

[ ] (8) 52.209-6, Protecting…