Sol_140FS324Q0144.pdf

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

0008349806 CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

X

115310

SIZE STANDARD:

% FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED ORFS3

REQUEST FOR

PROPOSAL

(RFP)

INVITATION

FOR BID (IFB)

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

REQUEST FOR

QUOTE (RFQ)

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY

CLASSIFICATION STANDARD

(NAICS):

SMALL BUSINESS

08/06/2024 1500 ED

07/17/2024

4046794158Lee Riley (No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

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

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

140FS324Q0144

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

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

1 5 0040670024OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

GAUTIER MS 39553-2500

7200 CRANE LANE

FWS MS SANDHILL CRANE NWR

15. DELIVER TO

Falls Church VA 22041 5275 Leesburg Pike FWS SAT Team 3

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$11.5

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

ISSUE DATE

DELIVERY FOR FREE ON BOARD

(FOB) DESTINATION UNLESS

BLOCK IS MARKED

11.

SEE SCHEDULEX

12. DISCOUNT TERMS THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED

ORDER UNDER THE DEFENSE

PRIORITIES AND ALLOCATIONS

SYSTEM - DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

(SDVOSB)

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

FWS SAT Team 3

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (WOSB)

ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (EDWOSB)

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

Solicitation 140FS324Q0144 is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). The anticipated award date is within 10 days after the close of this announcement.

This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAC Number:

2022-06, Effective Date: 05/26/2022.

This requirement is being solicited as a 100% (Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

XX

DATED

Fred Riley

. 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 (FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION) FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3

AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Government Use Only)

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021)

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: REFERENCE

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. 11/2021) BACK

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

Small Business Set-Aside. The applicable North

American Classification System (NAICS) code is

115310 Support Activities for Forestry. The small business size standard is 1,000 employees.

The Government intends to award a firm fixed price contract resulting from this combined synopsis/solicitation.

Line-Item Description(s): Tallow Treatment

Services (Refer to attached statement of work for details)

Period of Performance: Anticipated August 30, 2024 - September 30, 2025

Location of Work: (Refer to Statement of Work for details)

FWS MS Sandhill Crane NWR

7200 Crane Lane

Gautier, NS 39553-2550

Terms & Conditions:

- The provision at 52.212-1, Instructions to

Offerors -- Commercial, applies to this acquisition

- The provision at 52.212-2, Evaluation --

Commercial Items applies to this acquisition

(refer to terms and conditions for details)

Continued ...

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

5 2 of

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

3 5

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

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

140FS324Q0144

- Offerors must include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and

Certifications-Commercial Items and submit with its offer.

- 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 (refer to terms and conditions for details)

Any additional contract requirement(s) or terms and conditions determined by the contracting officer to be necessary for this acquisition and consistent with customary commercial practices are attached in the Terms & Conditions document.

The full text of the referenced FAR clauses may be accessed electronically at https://www.acquisition.gov/far/ or see terms & conditions attached to the solicitation.

In order to be eligible for award, all contractors must have an Active Registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) website https://sam.gov/content/home. Please note, SAM is a free website and there is never a cost to register your entity.

Prior to or following receipt of an award, the

Contractor must register with the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform

System (IPP) to submit requests for payment.

Refer to Terms and Conditions for details. Please note, IPP is a free website and there is never a cost to complete registration. Invoices for services will be paid after the end of the month of service, advanced payments are not allowed.

Important Submission Date Info:

A site visit is scheduled for Friday July 25, 2024, between the hours of 10:00 am ¿ 2:00 pm.

The location will be 7200 Crane Lane, Gautier, MS, and RSVP for the site visit must be submitted

Continued ...

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

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

4 5

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

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

140FS324Q0144

one day prior to the site visit to scott_hereford@fws.gov.

1. Question Submission: All questions regarding this Solicitation must be submitted in writing to the Contract Specialist, Lee Ann Riley at lee_riley@fws.gov no later than

Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at 3:00pm EDT. If necessary, questions received will be answered through an Amendment to this Solicitation. Emails must indicate the following in the subject line:

Question Submission for 140FS324Q0144.

2. Quote Submission: Quotes (including all required documents) must be transmitted via e-mail to the Contract Specialist, Lee Ann Riley at lee_riley@fws.gov, no later than Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 3:00pm EDT. Emails must indicate the following in the subject line: Quote

Submission 140FS324Q0144.

Required Submittal Documents:

Offerors responding to this solicitation must submit the following documents:

- SF 1449: Provide a completed SF 1449 with signature.

- SF 30: If applicable, provide signed amendments

(SF30)

- Quote: Submit a quote to include your SAM

Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Number, Company

Name, Address, Point of Contact (POC) Name, Email

& Phone Number.

- Quote Schedule: Complete the attached document

- Past Experience & References: Complete the attached Past Performance document or your own version that addresses each element.

Your quote will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered if all the above required documents are not completed in full and received as part of your submittal package.

An award will be made to the Contractor whose submittal documents conform to the requirements as described in this solicitation and who, based on a subjective assessment from the Government, Continued ...

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

5 5

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

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

140FS324Q0144

offers the best value to include technical, past experience, and price. The Government reserves the right to award a contract to other than the lowest priced offer if, in its judgment, the non-cost factors outweigh the price difference.

Contracting Office:

Lee Ann Riley, Contract Specialist

SAT East Team 3, Goods and Services Acquisition

JOINT ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS

5275 Leesburg Pike

Falls Church VA 22041 lee_riley@fws.gov

Delivery: 09/30/2025

Period of Performance: 08/30/2024 to 09/30/2025

00010 Chinese tallow application

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

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

Furnish and Deliver FY 2024

MS Sandhill Crane NWR Chinese Tallow Initial Treatments in north Ocean Springs Unit

Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge Gautier, MS 39553

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 General: This is a non-personal services contract to provide herbicide application for treatment of Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera), a Mississippi Invasive Plant Council Category 1 invasive exotic, within the north Ocean Springs Unit of the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge (MSCNWR), Figures 1, 2. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn is responsible to the Government. The Contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform work services as defined in this Performance Work Statement except for those items specified as government furnished property and services. The Contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract. Quotes will include a cost per acre and a total cost. Total project size may increase or decrease depending on total project cost.

1.2 Introduction: The Contractor will cover 911 acres of the north Ocean Springs Unit project area on MSCNWR to identify Chinese tallow and apply the appropriate herbicide and adjuvant to control/treat up to 500 acres as needed. The Contractor will apply sufficient herbicide to control 95% of the Chinese tallow infestation. Contract shall provide a report including GPS tracks of areas treated and amount of herbicide used.

1.3 Period of Performance: The period of performance is anticipated to begin on or about August 1, 2024, thru November 31, 2024.

This time- frame would account for holidays and weather-days within the contract period. The initial treatment shall be completed by September 1, 2024, and a 95% control rate must be reached 2 months post treatment. Final reporting information shall be delivered before final payment.

1.4 Place of Performance: The work to be performed under this contract will be within the boundaries of the MSCNWR Ocean Springs Unit (Figure 1). MSCNWR headquarters are located at 7200 Crane Lane, Gautier, MS 39553 (30.450o, -88.655o). Details concerning treatment areas are identified in Figure 2 as well as the Scope section of this document.

1.5 Type of Contract: This is a Fixed Price contract/task order.

1.6 Security Requirements: n/a

1.7 Physical Security: The Contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all government equipment, information, and property provided for Contractor use. At the close of each work period, government facilities, equipment, and materials shall be secured.

1.8 Key Control (if applicable). The Contractor shall establish and implement methods of making sure all keys/key cards issued to the Contractor by the Government are not lost or misplaced and are not used by unauthorized persons. NOTE: All references to keys include key cards. No keys issued to the Contractor by the Government shall be duplicated. The Contractor shall develop procedures covering key control that shall be included in the Quality Control Plan. Such procedures shall include turn-in of any issued keys by personnel who no longer require access to locked areas. The Contractor shall immediately report any occurrences of lost or duplicate keys/key cards to the Contracting Officer.

1.8.1 In the event keys, other than master keys, are lost or duplicated, the Contractor shall, upon direction of the Contracting Officer, re-key or replace the affected lock or locks; however, the Government, at its option, may replace the affected lock or locks or perform re-keying. When the replacement of locks or re-keying is performed by the Government, the total cost of re- keying or the replacement of the lock or locks shall be deducted from the monthly payment due the Contractor. In the event a master key is lost or duplicated, all locks and keys for that system shall be replaced by the Government and the total cost deducted from the monthly payment due the Contractor.

1.8.2 The Contractor shall prohibit the use of Government issued keys/key cards by any persons other than the Contractor’s employees. The Contractor shall prohibit the opening of locked areas by Contractor employees to permit entrance of persons other than Contractor employees engaged in the performance of assigned work in those areas, or personnel authorized entrance by the Contracting Officer.

1.9 Special Qualifications: n/a

1.10 Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings: The Contractor agrees to attend any post award conference or progress meetings convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 42.5. The Contracting Officer, Contracting Officers Representative (COR), Government/Site Representative (GR/SR), and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the Contractor to review the Contractor's performance and/or status of work. At these meetings, the Contracting Officer will apprise the Contractor of how the government views the Contractor's performance and the Contractor will apprise the Government of problems being experienced, if any. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the Government.

1.11 Contracting Officer Representative (COR)/Government/SR Representative (GR/SR): The COR/SR will be identified by either separate letter or other form of notification. The COR/GR monitors all technical aspects of the contract and assists in contract administration. The COR/GR is authorized to perform the following functions: assure that the Contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract; conduct inspections necessary in connection with contract performance; maintain written and oral communications with the Contractor concerning technical aspects of the contract; issue written interpretations of technical requirements, including Government drawings, designs, and specifications; monitor Contractor performance and notify both the Contracting Officer and Contractor of any deficiencies; coordinate availability of government furnished property and provide site entry of Contractor personnel. A letter of designation issued to the COR, a copy of which is sent to the Contractor, states the responsibilities and limitations of the COR, especially regarding changes in cost or price, estimates or changes in delivery dates.

The COR is not authorized to change any of the terms and conditions of the resulting order.

1.12 Key Personnel: The following personnel are considered key personnel by the government: Scott Hereford, Scott_hereford@fws.gov, Site Representative. The Contractor shall provide a contract manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate who shall act for the contractor when the manager is absent shall be designated in writing to the Contracting Officer. The contract manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The contract manager or alternate shall be available between

1.13 Identification of Contractor Employees: All Contract personnel attending meetings, answering Government telephones, and working in other situations where their contractor status is not obvious to third parties are required to identify themselves as such to avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public that they are Government officials. They must also ensure that all documents or reports produced by contractors are suitably marked as contractor products or that contractor participation is appropriately disclosed. The Contractor personnel will be required to obtain and wear badges (or company attire indicating name of company) in performance of this service.

1.14 Data Rights (If applicable): The Government has unlimited rights to all documents/material produced under this contract. All documents and materials, to include the source codes of any software, produced under this contract shall be Government owned and are the property of the Government with all rights and privileges of ownership/copyright belonging exclusively to the Government. These documents and materials may not be used or sold by the contractor without written permission from the Contracting Officer. All materials supplied to the Government shall be the sole property of the Government and may not be used for any other purpose. This right does not abrogate any other Government rights.

II. BACKGROUND

2.1 Treatment and management of invasive exotic plants has been identified as one of the highest priorities within the National Wildlife Refuge System. Invasive exotic plants displace native plant communities and native wildlife including threatened and endangered species. Their rapid growth and copious seed production permit the establishment of dense, impenetrable forests and thickets that shade out desirable native plant species, affect water flow and drainage, obstruct human and wildlife movement and public viewing opportunities. In general, invasive exotic plants degrade native habitat quality decreasing native species abundance and diversity. Refuges employ a variety of management techniques to control invasive exotic plants including herbicides (primary means), mechanical controls (heavy equipment), cultural controls (prescribed fire), physical controls (hand pulling seedlings & vines), and biological controls (when available). Invasive exotic removal work is performed by refuge staff, independent Contractors, volunteers, and volunteer groups. Refuges prioritize treatments based upon the targeted plant species ‘category’ of invasiveness; that is, the ability of the targeted plant to colonize and impact native plant habitats.

III. SCOPE OF WORK

3.1 Objective: Herbicide re-treatment and control of Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera), a Mississippi Exotic Pest Plant Council Category 1 invasive exotic, on the north Ocean Springs Unit of MSCNWR. Treatment of Chinese tallow on this part of MSNWR will control this invasive north of the Perigal Swamp.

3.1.1 Treatment Area: The overall goal of this effort is to sweep the 911-acre project area of the north Ocean Springs Unit on MSCNWR to identify Chinese tallow in all life stages and apply the appropriate herbicide and adjuvant to control/treat up to 500 acres as needed. The project area includes the following refuge management compartments: all O-01, O-02, O-03, and O-04 to just south of Perigal Swamp into O-20; the north parts of O-05 and O06 to just south of Perigal Swamp; northwest O-07; and Perigal Swamp in the south end of O-13.

3.2 Contractor must comply 100% with the agreed-upon plan of work. Method of treatment will be by ground. Applications must be at the appropriate rate suggested by the manufacture and in accordance with the label. All work must be done according to work statement, EPA standards, and herbicide label restrictions. Foliar applications will be limited to Chinese tallow plants no more than 2.5 feet in height. All chemicals to be used shall be submitted and approved by MSCNWR prior to use.

3.3 The Contractor shall provide all personnel, labor (i.e., herbicide application), equipment, supplies (i.e. chemicals, herbicides, adjuvant), transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other non-personal services necessary to perform the requirements of this contract order and shall plan, schedule, coordinate, and ensure effective performance of required services for the entire duration of contract. Crews must avoid all areas marked as “off limits”; coordinates will be provided to the Project Manager for these locations. Treatment applications shall be performed in such a manner as to protect non-target organisms, the environment, and the public. NOTE: The Contracting Officer reserves the right to require the Contractor to replace any operating personnel, or equipment used in the performance of this Contract if the personnel, or equipment are violating, or have violated, any state or federal laws; or are unsafe; or for any valid reason. In this event, the Contractor shall as soon as reasonably possible, upon written or verbal notice (to be later reduced to writing) from the Contracting Officer, provide replacements satisfactory to the Contracting Officer at no additional cost.

3.4 Work performance shall be defined as 100% of identified species infestations to be treated, and a 95% control rate (Acceptance Criteria [AC]) achieved two months post-treatment. If the AC is not met, it shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to re-treat areas until the control rate is achieved at no additional cost to the Government (FWS). The MSCNWR and Contractor shall conduct surveys to determine if the 95% control rate is reached. However, MSCNWR will make the ultimate decision if the 95% control rate is reached. Likewise, a treatment map with digital gps points of the Chinese tallow treated will be submitted with a summary report prior to final project payment.

3.5 The Contractor will provide adequate personnel for the purpose of loading and dispersing of the chemicals. The Contractor will be responsible for all unloading/loading operations. Movement of chemicals, water, and equipment in and around the treatment locations will be the sole responsibility of the contract applicators. All personnel and equipment to be used will be appropriately licensed and certificated as appropriate for the work to be done. The Contractor will be responsible for providing sufficient equipment, fuel (for equipment), safety items, spill response kit, personnel and their subsistence needs during the project period, as well as checking all work sites for hazards of any type which could affect their ability to accomplish the spraying project.

3.6 The Contractor will provide USFWS with contact information for all ground personnel, vehicles, and equipment, identification information (including make, model, color, name of company, and contact information) at least 48 hours before implementation of the project.

3.7 Where applicable, the name brand and quantity of herbicide proposed by the contractor must be pre-approved by the USFWS through a Pesticide Use Proposal (PUP) 14 days prior to application. Rates applied shall not exceed the highest rate recommended on the label for that treatment. Upon request, the USFWS can supply a list of commonly used chemicals for the

Southeast Region. Contractor will be required to report how much of each chemical is used.

3.8 The Contractor will supply equipment to meter chemicals and water mixtures and will provide mixing and loading equipment and water. Water hauling services may be required. The Contractor must be capable of calibrating equipment to the final application rate specifications. *NOTE: All equipment and personnel must be able to work at a semi-remote and semi-primitive site (i.e., no electrical or water hookups, bathrooms, or other facilities available).

3.9 Public Safety: Public safety must be ensured when spraying or using herbicides. Refuges are heavily visited by the public. In application areas where there is potential for public use, the Refuge shall advise the Contractor of any public use hazards. It shall be the ultimate responsibility of the Contractor to initiate spray operations – GO/NO GO. The Contractor shall mitigate for herbicide contamination on federal land and adjacent private property, and any adjacent waters. Herbicides shall be applied and utilized as approved or recommended on the label. Any fines or penalties for herbicide contamination or resultant environmental damage shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.

3.10 The Point of Contact must be notified at least 48 hours prior to any application of chemical.

3.11 No heavy equipment will be allowed to operate within the treatment units.

3.12 The Contractor shall avoid any damage to native vegetation and wildlife other than any identified native vegetation to be treated. The Contractor shall not collect, harass, harm, or molest native plants or wildlife. The Contractor shall avoid damage to sensitive archaeological sites such as Native American middens and shell mounds. The Contractor must use hand tools when applying herbicide and operating in areas where Native American middens and shell mounds exist. The Contractor shall be responsible for the removal of all trash and treatment-related equipment. The Contractor shall be held liable if damage was determined to be the fault of the Contractor (negligence), the result of improper treatment techniques, or the result of Contractor control activities.

3.13 It Ground crews shall be transported by vehicles furnished by the Contractor. Each ground crew shall consist of one supervisor and no more than six crewmembers per supervisor. The ground crew supervisor must be a licensed herbicide applicator, and shall be responsible for data collection, herbicide application and inventory, herbicide safety procedures, and crew supervision.

The ground crew supervisor shall have navigation equipment such as a hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS) unit, to mark areas of treatment for submittal to the Refuge. All targeted plants, or populations of such plants, shall be treated and treatment sites recorded at each designated location before proceeding further as per the COR’s specifications. The Refuge COR/COTR shall provide technical support concerning species treatments for each delineated work area. Under no circumstances shall a non-approved herbicide or combination thereof, be used without knowledge or permission of the COR and an approved pesticide use proposal (PUP). Ground crews accessing the treatment area need be aware that most of the acres to be treated contain seasonal wetlands and sensitive habitats and soils. Therefore, all heavy equipment used will be restricted to improved MSCNWR roads.

IV. APPLICABLE DIRECTIVES

4.1 All Contractor employees performing work directly onsite must adhere to all local regulations, rules, policies relating to the obtainment of proper clearances, building access, site access, and badges. If applicable, must complete background investigation, computer security, and records management training.

4.2 The Contractor must abide by all applicable regulations, publications, manuals, and local policies and procedures.

4.3 OSHA, 29 CFR 1910 (as applicable)

4.4 EPA regulations

4.5 The Contractor is responsible for acquiring and maintaining all federal and local licenses, certifications, and permits as required. This includes the State Certified Pesticide Applicator (License). The Contractor shall be required to submit a copy of the licenses to the Contracting Officer prior to the award date. The only exception to this requirement is that the MSCNWR will provide the Section 7 permit for endangered species for this contract. A copy of the Section 7 permit will be furnished to the Contractor and all conditions will be followed. Endangered species occur in the treatment area and adhering to the Section 7 permit conditions may require increased coordination with MSCNWR.

4.6 Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act

4.7 The Contractor (or their representatives) will not litter. Litter violations will be handled under Federal Code of Regulations 50CFR27.94(a), which carries a fine of $100.00 per incident upon conviction.

V. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

5.1 Supply and apply herbicide according to desired outcomes as per label directions and quantities.

5.1.1 Employ approved Current Control Technologies (CCTs) for controlling Chinese tallow infestations within the treatment area.

Examples of CCTs can be referenced through http://wiki.bugwood.org/Archive:SEEPPC/Chinese_Tallowtree_- _Triadica_sebifera_L. Current Control Treated plants shall be cut or left in place at the contractor’s discretion. The Crew Supervisor shall be responsible for notifying the COR /SR within three weeks of treatment completion so that area can be inspected.

Areas not treated, or not responding to treatment shall be required to be retreated at the Contractor’s expense, if it is determined that the Contractor provided inadequate treatment measures. The Contractor shall be responsible for 100% treatment and 95% control (two months post-treatment) of Chinese tallow within the delineated treatment area.

5.1.2 Treatment

5.1.2.1 Hand crews will exclusively be used when treating Chinese tallow on MSCNWR. Foliar applications will be limited to Chinese tallow plants no more than 2.5 feet in height.

5.1.2.2 Apply herbicides according to label instructions and in such a manner and rate to provide adequate coverage within the designated treatment areas. Application rates shall be no more than the maximum permitted by label and manufacturer’s specifications. The Contractor shall only apply herbicides that have been approved through the US Fish and Wildlife Service Pesticide Use Proposal process. Confirmation of permitted herbicides shall be coordinated with the COR/SR/Refuge Manager and approved 14 days prior to application. The Contractor shall be held liable for the use of any non-approved herbicides or damage occurring from the usage of a non-approved herbicide.

5.1.2.3 The Contractor shall canvass 100% of the treatment area.

5.1.2.4 Non-Target Damage: The Contractor shall, to the best of his/her ability, avoid non-target damage to native vegetation and avoid disturbance and impacts to native wildlife. Contractor will not apply herbicides when wind speeds are in excess of 7 mph (or as agreed upon by GR) or when inversion conditions occur to limit drift.

5.1.2.5 Handling, Mixing, Chemical Disposal: All herbicides and adjuvants/surfactants shall be handled and stored in accordance with instructions on the EPA registration label. All herbicides shall be mixed and applied in accordance with the label instructions.

Unless noted, the Contractor shall be responsible for providing, handling, mixing and disposing of all herbicides and adjuvants/surfactants. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing all mixing water on all USFWS projects. In addition, the Contractor shall ensure that no contamination of any water source occurs, and that emergency spill containment equipment or spill kit shall be present at the worksite and shall be capable of containing all potential herbicide or surfactant spills from contract vehicles or equipment.

5.1.2.6 The Contractor shall perform an initial treatment and a re-treatment, as necessary, to ensure Acceptance Criteria is met.

5.1.2.7 Contractor shall provide a report to include GPS tracks of treated areas and chemical usage report.

5.2 The Contractor shall complete the herbicide application during the specified dates as directed by the COR/SR.

5.2.1 The Contractor shall coordinate with the Government to determine the date(s) and time(s) of herbicide application to minimize impacts on other Government activities and so refuge staff has time to close roads and trails in the treatment area prior to treatment beginning. Contractor must have work dates and a plan of work approved by the USFWS 48 hours prior to beginning work, preferably established during a face-to-face pre-work meeting.

5.3 The Contractor shall clean and flush spray equipment in accordance with EPA guidelines. All spray tanks and mixing tanks must be properly cleaned (triple rinsed) prior to arrival because this will not be allowed on site. Contractor/operator may not flush/rinse out tanks onto the ground after the job is completed. Prior to leaving the worksite for the day, the Contractor shall remove all equipment and materials associated with contract on government property unless approval has been granted by the Refuge Manager, and/or a storage site has been identified.

5.4 Contractor is responsible for cleaning up any spills that may occur.

5.5 The Contractor shall avoid any damage to native vegetation and wildlife. The Contractor shall not collect, harass, harm, or molest native plants or wildlife. The Contractor shall be responsible for the removal of all trash and treatment-related equipment.

Trash shall be removed daily. If damage occurs, the Contractor shall be held liable if damage was determined to be because of Contractor negligence, the result of improper treatment techniques, or the result of Contractor control activities.

5.6 Special Conditions

5.6.1 The COR shall inform the Contractor of the time schedule as work progresses. However, the Contracting Officer may halt work at any time upon written notice.

5.6.2 Weather and site conditions may interfere with the work completion schedule negotiated at the award conference. The Contracting Officer may halt work at any time upon written notice for conditions beyond the control of the contractor. If this result in significant time lost, the completion date for the project can be re-negotiated by the CO/COR/SR and the contractor.

5.6.3 A line-item cost estimate for this project should be submitted and must include the price per acre.

5.6.4 A pre-award site visit is scheduled for Friday July 25, 2024, between the hours of 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. The location will be 7200 Crane Lane, Gautier, MS, and RSVP for the site visit must be submitted one day prior to the site visit to scott_hereford@fws.gov.

VI. WORK TIME/HOURS OF DUTY

6.1 Work will not be performed on the following holidays without prior approval: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

6.2 Hours of Operation: The Contractor is responsible for conducting business, between the hours of 5am – 6pm Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government directed facility closings. For other than firm fixed price contracts, the Contractor will not be reimbursed when the government facility is closed for the above reasons. The Contractor must always maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS when the Government facility is not closed for the above reasons. When hiring personnel, the Contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the workforce are essential.

VII. SUPPLIES, MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, AND UTILITIES

NOTE: As a government agency dedicated to “working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people,” the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service strives to incorporate the most ecologically sound and environmentally beneficial technologies, materials, and practices into all aspects of planning and operations. To help achieve this mission and meet Executive Orders (EOs) and Department of the Interior (DOI) planning requirements, the USFWS has implemented strategies to reduce the environmental impacts associated with procurement, lease acquisition, waste prevention and recycling, facility design, construction, operation and management, contracting and permitted commercial visitor services. These strategies have been collectively referred to as the FWS’s Green Procurement and Waste Prevention & Recycling Program (Greening Program) and are a part of the FWS’s overall approach to environmental management.

7.1 Government-Furnished Property and Services. The Government will provide the Contractor with the following items:

7.1.1 Services/Supply: none

7.1.2 Facilities: none

7.1.3 Utilities: none

7.1.4 Equipment: none

7.1.5 Materials: none

mailto:scott_hereford@fws.gov.

7.2 Supplies, Materials, and Equipment: to be provided by the Contractor.

7.2.1 All supplies, equipment, parts, and material(s) required to successfully complete this requirement (unless otherwise provided by the Government as indicated above). All equipment to be used in the performance of work described herein is subject to the approval of the Government Representative (GR).

VIII. SUPERVISION

8.1 To ensure performance and accomplishment of the work as outlined herein, the Contractor shall always provide adequate and competent supervision for all work to be accomplished by the Contractor’s employees. When contract work is in progress, supervisory personnel shall be always available to receive notices, reports, or requests from the GR/COR or his authorized representative. At no time shall Government representatives direct or supervise the activities of the Contractor’s employees.

8.2 On-site Supervision. An on-site supervisor, with the ability to speak and understand English clearly and with the authority to act for the Contractor on a day-to-day basis and to sign inspection reports and all other correspondence on behalf of the Contractor, shall be always present at the work site when contract work is in progress, unless a contractor employee can act on the supervisor’s behalf.

8.3. Supervisory Responsibilities. Supervisory responsibilities shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

8.3.1 Providing an adequate labor force; this includes the immediate replacement of personnel dismissed for cause or leaving employment of their own volition.

8.3.2 Ensuring that Contractor personnel are properly trained to perform their assigned work in a proper, safe, and efficient manner, and ensuring that the proper supplies, materials, and equipment are on hand.

8.3.3 Taking action to prevent general carelessness by employees and/or abuse of facilities or equipment.

8.3.4 Establishing an effective and comprehensive safety program.

8.3.5 Indoctrinating employees to report fire, hazardous conditions, maintenance deficiencies, and graffiti.

8.3.6 Continually ensuring that the conduct of the Contractor’s employees reflect favorably upon the Contractor’s and FWS organization(s). If applicable, supervisory personnel are responsible for ensuring that employees fully support and participate in the energy-conservation program within the facilities. Use lights or other energy-consuming equipment only in areas where and when work is being performed. Secure lights and other equipment when not in use or needed.

IX. CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS

9.1 Supervisory Personnel. All supervisory employees engaged in directing the work to be accomplished under this contract shall possess, at least with-in the last two years of recent, (within the past four years) experience in directing the subject service-type operations in a supervisory capacity for buildings/property of the approximate size/scope under this contract.

X. DELIVERABLES

10.1 Frequent reporting/accounting of overall progress and (to-date) expenditures (i.e., 25%, 50%, 90%) or as determined by the Government/Site Representative.

10.2 Universal Daily Progress Report (U-DPR), to be provided prior to commencement of work, documenting all locations treated in UTMs, habitat types, herbicides and surfactants used and their respective volumes, dates treated, number of applicators, hours worked, targeted species and stems/acreage treated and seedlings pulled, equipment used and hours, etc., which shall be submitted to the FWS Site Manager or his/her designee on a bi-weekly basis (minimum).

10.3 A detailed treatment report that will include an electronic map that includes GPS points of all Chinese tallow treatment will be submitted within 2 weeks of completing the treatment and includes a chemical use section detailing application rates, coverage area and other chemical facts.

10.4 Coordination, application, and wrap-up meetings

10.5 Work plan to include schedule.

10.6 Safety/spill response plan.

10.7 A government representative will inspect all areas periodically during the contract period and will perform a final inspection of all areas 60 days following treatments.

10.8 Copies of all task order invoices (signed by the Contractor Crew Supervisor/Site Manager) shall be submitted to the FWS Site Manager as agreed upon by the Government and the Contractor. Invoices shall be submitted no more frequently than monthly.

DELIVERABLES SCHEDULE

(This technical exhibit lists any reports or documentation that is required as a deliverable and includes the frequency, # of copies, medium/format and who/where it is to be submitted. A deliverable is anything that can be physically delivered but may include non-physical things such as meeting minutes.)

Deliverable Frequency # of Copies Medium/Format Submit To Routine reporting/accounting of progress and (to-date) expenditures

25%, 50%, 90% 1 Hard/soft copy in MS Word or Excel format

COR/SR/Manager

U-DPR Recorded daily;

submitted weekly

1 Hard/soft copy in MS Word or Excel format

Government Representative/Manag er

Treatment Report 2 weeks post initial treatment

1 Hard/soft copy in MS Word or Excel format and associated geo- referenced files.

Government Representative/Manag er

Coordination, application, and wrap-up meetings

As directed by the

COR/SR

n/a Meeting Government Representative/Manag er

Quality Assurance Plan

1.1 The Contractor shall institute a complete quality-control program to ensure that the requirements of this contract are provided, as specified. The overall goal of the program should be to identify and correct any problems that may exist before they are identified by or reported to the Government Representative (GR)/Site Representative (SR). This will aid in ensuring the contractor meets time schedules, adheres to standard commercial practices, and complies with Performance Work Statement/contract in an efficient, ethical, and productive manner. As a minimum, the program shall include:

1.1.1 An inspection system covering all the services required under Section V (Performance Requirements) with a comprehensive checklist to be used to inspect contract performance during scheduled and unscheduled inspections, and the name(s) of the individuals who will be performing the inspections.

1.1.2 A system for identifying and correcting deficiencies and/or a pattern of deficiencies in the quality or quantity of services provided before the level of performance becomes unacceptable and/or Government inspectors point out the deficiencies.

1.1.3 A file of all inspections conducted by the Contractor and corrective actions taken (at Contractor’s expense). This should include follow-up inspections to ensure that corrective action was appropriate, complete, and timely. This documentation shall be organized in a logical manner, kept current, and made available to the GR and the Contracting Officer (CO) during the term of the contract.

1.1.4 When notified of a deficiency, items designated as unsatisfactory or below standard shall be re-performed by Contactor at no additional cost to the Government. All corrective action must be completed by the next working day of notification of the deficiency. If not, a deduction may be made (as determined from the applicable month’s invoice).

Failure of the Government to notify the Contractor of a deficiency does not relieve the Contractor of the obligation to perform services nor does it relieve the Contractor of the responsibility to ensure that quality control measures are adhered to for contract compliance.

1.2 Performance Indicators and Acceptable Quality Levels

1.2.1 Comply with work production/work schedule(s) except for Excusable Delays. 100% compliance

1.2.2 Comply with all work requirements and standards as indicated within the Work Statement. 100% compliance

1.2.3 Comply with all contract terms and conditions. 100% compliance

1.2.4 Must not damage government resources, fish, wildlife, and/or property. 100% compliance

1.2.5 Always maintain safety of workers and work environment. 100% compliance with no deviations

1.2.6 Maintain a Quality Control Plan and immediately disclose/report any problems. 100% compliance

1.2.7 Ensure all equipment is in good working order during the entire period of performance and safeguard the use and storage of all chemicals. 100% compliance

1.2.8 The Contractor shall submit the proposed herbicide brand name(s) and application rate(s) to Refuge staff for approval via a Pesticide Use Proposal (an internal USFWS document). 100% compliance

1.2.9 The task shall be considered completed following a thorough final inspection of the delineated treatment area by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), and only if it is determined that the Contractor treated 100% of the Chinese tallow infestation within the delineated treatment area after the initial and re-treatment phases have been completed and achieved a 95% control rate two months post-treatment. If it is determined that the Contractor did not achieve a 95% control rate, and was found in non-compliance, additional re-treatment of the entire area shall be performed at the Contractor’s expense. 100% compliance

1.2.10 Whenever possible and to the greatest extent of the Contractor’s capabilities, herbicide drift shall be avoided.

The Contractor shall be held responsible for extensive non-target damage (to be determined by the COR/SR). 100% compliance

1.3 Surveillance Methods

1.3.1 Regularly scheduled inspection/review of work

1.3.2 Inspection of materials, equipment, and chemicals. The CO/COR/SR reserves the right to inspect, at any time upon notice to the Contractor, the Contractor’s procedures, spray system, spray solution, and other ancillary equipment, and operating personnel. Inspection, however, shall not relieve the Contractor of any obligations or responsibilities, nor shall it transfer any liability to the Refuge.

1.3.3 Contractor logs/reports

1.3.4 Final payment shall be held until a 95% control rate is reached for the treatment area as determined by the final inspection conducted by Refuge staff 2 months post treatment. Prior to reaching a 95% control rate and after the initial treatment, 75% of the awarded contract can be invoiced by the Contractor for payment. The remaining 25% of the awarded contract cannot be invoiced until a 95% control rate is reached. Unless 95% coverage is shown on targeted vegetation, the Contractor must return to the unaffected portion of the site and re-spray at their own expense within 13 months of the original treatment.

1.4 Incentives

1.4.1 Non-compliance with Performance Work Statement will result in negative performance evaluation/rating.

1.4.2 A positive performance rating will be given for overall satisfactory work and compliance related to the contract.

QUESTIONS/QUOTE SUBMITTAL/PRICE QUOTE

All Questions and Concerns must be directed to the Contracting POC ONLY:

The Contracting POC is Lee Ann Riley, Contract Specialist, USFWS. Please email inquiries to lee_riley@fws.gov no later than Tuesday July 30, 2024, C.O.B.

Quote Submittal:

Quoters are required to submit a written/electronic quote via email to Contract Specialist, Lee Ann Riley lee_riley@fws.gov on or before Tuesday August 6, 2024 @ 3:00 pm ES.

Price Quote:

Submittal of a quote price to include all non-personnel services to identify Chinese Tallow and apply the appropriate herbicide and adjuvant to control/treat up to 500 acres as needed at FWS MS Sandhill Crane NWR. Budget to include material/supplies, equipment, manpower, overhead and all necessary components to fulfill this requirement. PLEASE PROVIDE QUOTE ON

ATTACHED QUOTE SCHEDULE.

The Government will award a delivery/purchase order resulting from this solicitation to the responsible quoter whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the government in terms.

Payments:

The Contractor MUST be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.GOV) to participate in this requirement. The SAM can be found at https://www.sam.gov. Payments will be made via Electronic Funds Transfer using the data within the SAM registration database. The Contractor is also required to be registered in the Invoice Processing Payment Platform System (IPP.GOV) to submit electronic invoices. Any questions regarding this billing system should go to the Customer Support for the IPP directly at telephone: 866-973-3131 or by email: ippgroup@bos.frb.org. The contractor must submit all cost and pricing data, receipts, and vouchers as an attachment to the electronic invoice in the IPP.GOV that matches and supports what is being invoiced.

Note: The order is subject to…