Solicitation 1284LL22Q4006 Weed Control.pdf

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

1. REQUISITION NUMBER

1058385

PAGE OF

1 72

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/

EFFECTIVE DATE

4. ORDER NUMBER 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

1284LL22Q4006

6. SOLICITATION

ISSUE DATE

05/04/2022

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

a. NAME

DANIEL SZAMBELAN

b. TELEPHONE NUMBER

208-765-7318 (No collect calls) 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIME

05/18/2022 1700 ET

9. ISSUED BY CODE 0281 10. THIS ACQUISITION IS UNRESTRICTED OR X SET ASIDE: 100.00 % FOR:

IDAHO PANHANDLE NATIONAL FORESTS SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SUPERVISORS OFFICE

3232 WEST NURSERY ROAD

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

NAICS:115310

COEUR DALENE ID 83815 SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

8(A)

SIZE STANDARD: $8.00

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

SEE SCHEDULE DPAS (15 CFR 700)

X RFQ IFB RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE 0343 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE 0281

USDA FOREST SERVICE

R1 REGIONAL OFFICE

26 FORT MISSOULA ROAD

MISSOULA MT 59804

IDAHO PANHANDLE NATIONAL FORESTS

SUPERVISORS OFFICE

3232 WEST NURSERY ROAD

COEUR DALENE ID 83815

17a. CONTRACTOR/

OFFEROR

CODE FACILITY

CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

UEI Number (Formerly DUNS):

Email:

TELEPHONE NO.

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER 18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW

IS CHECKED SEE ADDENDUM

19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

ITEM NO. SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

Multiple award indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) solicitation for region one (R1) weed control herbicide application. Please submit with quote:

-Standard Form 1449

- P r i c e C o s t S c h e d u l e -Past Performance -Applicator License -Representations and Certifications Period of Performance: Date of Award to 03/31/2027

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

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

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

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

X ARE

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

X

X

X 28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN 1

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

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

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: OFFER

DATED . YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

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

DANIEL A. SZAMBELAN

31c. DATE SIGNED

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

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

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

Year One Award Date of Contract to 03/31/2023

Year Two 04/01/2023 to 03/31/2024

Year Three 04/01/2024 to 03/31/2025

Year Four 04/01/2025 to 03/31/2026

Year Five 04/01/2026 to 03/31/2027

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE 32c. DATE 32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE 32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

33. SHIP NUMBER 34. VOUCHER NUMBER 35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

36. PAYMENT

COMPLETE PARTIAL FINAL

37. CHECK NUMBER

PARTIAL FINAL

38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER 39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER 40. PAID BY

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT 42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER 41c. DATE

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

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

Solicitation Number: 1284LL22Q4006 Ground Based Application of Herbicide IDIQ R1 National Forests

(i) 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.

(ii) This solicitation is issued as a request for quotation.

(iii) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2022-04.

(iv) This procurement is set aside for small businesses. The NAICS code is _115310 Support of Forestry Services_ and the Small Business Size Standard is __$8.0 Million_____.

R1 National Forests

(v) Schedule of Items/Price Schedule

Schedule of Services for Geographic Areas: Helena Side of the Helena-Lewis and Clark NF, Lewis and Clark Side of the Helena-Lewis and Clark NF, Eastside Custer-Gallatin NF, Westside Custer-Gallatin NF, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF.

Item No. Activity

Description of Activity Price Per

Acre -2022

Ordering Year 1

Price/Acre

Ordering Year 2

Price/Acre

Ordering Year 3

Price/Acre

Ordering Year 4

Price/Acre

Ordering Year 5

1.1a Truck Herbicide

Application (wetted acres)

Target Species Treated with herbicide l.lb Project Area Surveyed by

Truck (acres)

Project Area surveyed for target species minus wetted acres (acres)

1.2a

ATV/UTV

Herbicide Application (wetted acres)

Target Species Treated with herbicide

1.2b Project Area Surveyed by

ATV/UTV

(acres)

Project Area surveyed for target species minus wetted acres (acres)

1.3a Backpack/Horse back Herbicide

Application (wetted acres)

Target Species Treated with herbicide

1.3b Project Area surveyed by

Backpack/Horse back (acres)

Project Area surveyed for target species minus wetted acres (acres)

R1 National Forests

Schedule of Services for Geographic Areas: Bitterroot, Flathead, Kootenai, Lolo, Idaho Panhandle, Nez Perce – Clearwater National Forests.

Ite m No

Description of Activity1

Description of Ground Treatment

Price Per Acre –2022 Price/Acre

Price/Acr e 2024 Price/Acre

Price/Acre

2.1 TRUCK Herbicide

Application

Herbicide application along open or gated roads.

Includes survey of entire area for target species.

2.2

ATV/UTV

Herbicide

Application

Herbicide application along open or gated roads.

Includes survey of entire area for target species.

2.3 BERMED/BARRIC

ADED ROADS

Areas treated with herbicide using backpack sprayer, horse support or other non-motorized method.

Includes survey of entire area for target species.

2.4

NON-MOTORIZED

Herbicide Application

Treatment with herbicide using backpack sprayer, R1 National Forests horse support or other non-motorized method, Includes survey of entire area for target species.

2.5

NON-MOTORIZED

Herbicide

Application Incidental Weeds on

Trails

Areas treated with herbicide using backpack sprayer, horse support or other non-motorized method.

Includes survey of entire area for target species.

8a

LOLO NF ONLY

BACKPACK

Herbicide Application -Remote 1

Treatment Area ¼ mile to 5 miles to the site.

8b

LOLO NF ONLY

BACKPACK

Herbicide Application -Remote 2

Treatment Area 5-15 miles to the site.

R1 National Forests

Schedule of Herbicides (Optional Items) Chemical Name Unit of measure Price per Unit (Fiscal Year 22)

Price per Unit (Fiscal Year 23)

Price per Unit (Fiscal Year 24)

Price per Unit (Fiscal Year 25)

Price per Unit (Fiscal Year 26)

Aminopyralid

Chlorsulfuron

Clopyralid

Dicamba

Glyphosate

Imazapic

Imazapyr

Indaziflam

Metsulfuron methyl

Picloram

Triclopyr

2, 4-D

Schedule Notes:

a) Items labeled as optional are not required to be exercised by the government. If exercised, the contractor will be required to perform the optional work in accordance with the terms and conditions of this contract. The Government is not obligated to procure the herbicides through this IDIQ. Government may supply herbicides to the Contractor on an individual basis when the district ordering the task order is able to provide the herbicide needed for spraying and a cost savings to the Government can meet by procuring the herbicides through another order.

b) Multiple awards will be made from this solicitation, contractors may submit pricing for only the Forest Districts they are available to cover.

c) Minimum and Maximum Contract Amounts -During the period specified in FAR clause 52.216-18, ORDERING, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum of $2,500.00, but not in excess of $250,000.00.

d) The ceiling limit for the IDIQ contract shall not exceed Two (2) Million dollars.

e) The minimum ordering amount of $1,000.00 shall be met by the first task order placed on the IDIQ.

R1 National Forests

(vi) Description of Requirement (Statement of Work)

C.1 SCOPE OF WORK

This statement of work consists of ground-based application of herbicide to control targeted invasive plants (hereafter weeds) on lands administered by the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Custer-Gallatin National Forest, Beaverhead-Deer Lodge National Forest, Flathead National Forest, Kootenai National Forest, Bitterroot National Forest, Lolo National Forest, Idaho Panhandle National Forest, and Nez Perce – Clearwater National Forest.

Most of the weeds to be treated are on the current State and County Noxious Weed Lists and Early Detection Lists. Weed species shall be identified on task order.

Work to be performed by the contractor includes: a) providing, mixing, and applying the specified herbicide to the target invasive plant(s), and b) completing and submitting Forest Service provided application, treatment and/or inventory records electronically, and spatial records (tracking log and GIS files if identified in task order) (See Appendix A - Daily Herbicide Application Logs and Treatment/Inventory datasheet).

The contractor will furnish all materials , equipment, labor, licensing, supervision, workman’s compensation, unemployment insurance, transportation, operating supplies, and incidentals necessary to safely apply herbicides that are registered in the state in which it is applied, using ground-operated spraying apparatus, in strict compliance with the herbicide labels. A variety of herbicides may be used as described in the task orders. Contractor may need to supply their own herbicide if the ordering station does provide them. If the Contractor needs to furnish their own chemicals, they shall not charge over the agreed upon prices in the price cost schedule.

Many pay items require the collection of electronic data. This includes both weed inventory point and polygon spatial records and a tracking log that captures travel routes. See Section C.10 for a more detailed description.

A vicinity map identifying each Geographic Area is attached to this contract. Specific site maps identifying units and road access shall accompany all task orders. There may be areas that have limited access due to travel restrictions and/or terrain within each District. Within these areas the Forest Service shall select a method of treatment that meets the contract or task order requirements. Some of these areas may be limited to foot or horse travel.

C.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE Services covered under this contract are to be performed during the first ordering year date of award through March 31, 2023, with four (4) additional ordering years.. Work shall commence when target weeds’ phenologic stage and weather conditions make them most susceptible to herbicide effects as per the manufacturers’ recommendations. Individual task orders will identify specific start work and completion dates.

Work will generally begin on or around May 15th.

R1 National Forests

C.3 LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF WEED TREATMENT AREAS

Project Location The unit bid groups are as follows:

• Helena Side of the Helena-Lewis & Clark National Forest which include the Helena, Townsend, and Lincoln Ranger Districts. These districts fall within the following counties:

Lewis and Clark, Powell, Jefferson, and Broadwater.

• Lewis and Clark Side of the Helena-Lewis & Clark National Forest which include the Rocky Mountain, Judith Mussel Shell and Belt Creek-White Sulphur Ranger Districts.

These districts fall within Broadwater, Meagher, Cascade, Wheatland, Judith Basin, Choteau, Lewis and Clark, Pondera, Glacier, Fergus, and Golden Valley Counties.

• East Side Custer-Gallatin National Forest which includes Ashland and Sioux Ranger Districts. These districts include Rosebud, Powder River, and Carter Counties

• West Side Custer-Gallatin National Forest which includes the Beartooth, Yellowstone, Gardiner, Bozeman, and Hebgen Ranger Districts. These districts fall within Stillwater, Carbon, Sweetgrass, Park, Gallatin, and Madison Counties.

• Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest which include the Pintler, Wisdom/Wise River, Dillon, Butte/Jefferson and the Madison Ranger Districts. These districts fall within Anaconda-Deer Lodge, Granite, Powell, Beaverhead, Jefferson, Madison, Silverbow, and Gallatin Counties.

• Lolo National Forest which includes the Seeley Lake, Missoula, Ninemile, Superior, and Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger Districts. These districts fall within Mineral, Missoula, Sanders, Ravalli, Powell, Granite, Lake, and Lewis and Clark Counties.

• Flathead National Forest which includes the Tally Lake, Glacier View, Hungry Horse, Spotted Bear and Swan Lake Ranger Districts. These districts fall within Flathead, Lake, Missoula, Lewis and Clark, and Powell Counties.

• Kootenai National Forest which includes the Libby, Rexford/Fortine, Trout Creek, and Cabinet Ranger Districts. These districts fall within Lincoln and Sanders Counties.

• Idaho Panhandle National Forest

• Nez Perce – Clearwater National Forest which includes the Salmon River, Red River, Moose Creek, Lochsa/Powell, North Fork and Palouse Ranger Districts. These districts fall within Idaho, Clearwater and Latah Counties.

• Bitterroot National Forest which includes the Stevensville, Darby-Sula, and West Fork Ranger Districts. These districts are located in Ravalli County Montana and the Magruder corridor is located in Idaho County, Idaho.

Target Weed Treatment Weed treatment will occur along roads and trails, utility corridors, on open rangelands, and in some open timber stands. Treatment areas will be identified on maps. Terrain will vary from gentle (0 to 30%) to slopes up to 60%. The Forest Service weed manager will estimate the percentage of the treatment area that is accessible by truck, ATV/UTV, backpack, or horse.

Motorized off-road and off-trail travel for control will be authorized on an area-by-area basis.

Travel off-road or trail may be restricted in some sensitive areas and could require backpack work.

Task order will specify any such areas.

Infestation levels vary from light to moderate to heavy in the treatment areas depending on aspect, elevation, canopy cover. Target species are dependent on task order. Most of the weeds to be treated are on the current State and County Noxious Weed List. Contractor will be required to notify the COR and provide a spatial layer (point or polygon) of any weeds on the applicable state Noxious Weed List, Early Detection List, and applicable County Weed lists and/or any notable weeds found in the project area. Therefore, the contractor shall be knowledgeable and able to identify all weeds on the applicable State and Counties Noxious Weed List.

The contractor is required to cover all of the project area (task order) to find the target weed(s). In any given project area, the exact location and the exact acres of any given weed infestation is unknown. The task order will identify the estimated acres.

Schedule of Services for Geographic Areas: Helena Side of the Helena-Lewis and Clark NF, Lewis and Clark Side of the Helena-Lewis and Clark NF, Eastside Custer-Gallatin NF, Westside Custer-Gallatin NF, and Beaverhead-Deer lodge NF.

Pay Items - 1.la - Truck Herbicide Application (wetted acres) Roadside truck spraying is defined as 35 feet from the edge of the road; one mile of roadside spraying is equal to 8.5 acres. Truck must be capable of spraying along the edge of road using either hand gun nozzle, pulling hose, or boom spray. Weeds are often found every few feet along roads; it is unusual to have stretches of roads longer than 100 feet with large infestations. These areas may require the use of broadcast spraying to achieve an effective treatment. Many roadsides are nearly weed-free and will only need spot spray. While most weeds are found on the road edge, it is not unusual to have to pull hose off the main road surface to spray weeds in cut and fill-slopes.

Price per acre is cost of application (wetted acres), chemical, a daily application record will be completed for each day and treatment location, and deliverables (see C.9).

Pay Item - 1.lb-Truck Project Area Surveyed for Weeds Cost per acre for coverage of project area when surveying for weeds between treatment (wetted) sites. Price per acre is cost of surveying project area and deliverables (see C.9).

Pay Items - 1.2a-ATV/UTV Herbicide Application (wetted acres) OHV will treat weeds in areas with physical limitations (width of trail, rocks, and slopes too steep for truck), travel restriction, or other resource concerns. Weed infestations to be treated range from widely scattered to dense patches in meadows, and near riparian areas. Price per acre is cost of application (wetted acres), chemical, a daily application record will be completed for each day and treatment location, and deliverables (see C.9).

Pay Item -1.2b ATV/UTV Project Area Surveyed for Weeds Cost per acre for coverage of project area when scouting for weeds between treatment (wetted) sites. Price per acre is cost of surveying project area and deliverables (see C.9).

Pay Item - 1.3a Non-motorized Herbicide Application Non-Motorized is defined as backpack or horseback spraying or other approved non-motorized method includes treatment of wilderness trails or remote areas too steep to access by motorized equipment or where motorized vehicle use is not acceptable. Price per acre is cost of application (wetted acres), chemical, a daily application record will be completed for each day and treatment location, and deliverables (see C.9).

Pay Item - 1.3b Non-motorized Project Area Surveyed for Weeds Non-Motorized is defined as backpack or horseback spraying or other approved non-motorized method includes treatment of wilderness trails or remote areas too steep to access by motorized equipment or where motorized vehicle use is not acceptable. Cost per acre for coverage of project area when surveying for weeds between treatment (wetted) sites. Price per acre is cost of surveying project area and deliverables (see C.9).

Schedule of Services for Geographic Areas for Pay Items 2.1 to 2.5 are Bitterroot, Flathead, Kootenai, Lolo, Idaho Panhandle, Nez Perce – Clearwater National Forests. Pay Items 2.6 and 2.7 are for Lolo National Forest only.

Pay Item 2.1 - Truck Herbicide Application While most weeds are found on the road edge, it is not unusual to have to pull hose off the main road surface to spray cut and fill-slopes. These areas may require the use of broadcast spraying to achieve an effective treatment. Many roadsides are nearly weed-free and will only need spot spray. A small amount of hose reel work may be associated with truck work when weeds extend beyond the reach of the boom but still within the cut or fill slopes of the road. Distance from road edge may vary from approximately 20 to 100 feet; distance from the road edge, miles of road, and acreage calculations will be included in the task order. The contractor can expect to remove the occasional downed tree. Truck must be capable of spraying along the edge of road, using either hand gun nozzle, pulling hose, or boom spray. Price per acre is cost of application, chemical, surveying the project area, a daily application record will be completed for each day and treatment location, and deliverables (see C.9).

Pay Item 2.2 - ATV/UTV Herbicide Application For purposes of this contract, and ATV, UTV, RTV and Argo all mean the same thing: a motorized vehicle designed for off-road travel. While an ATV is smaller, lighter, and can therefore go through narrower places, using a larger UTV is within the scope of work for the same off-road areas. Hose reel work may be associated with ATV/UTV weed treatments when weeds extend beyond the reach of the boom but are still within the cut or fill slopes of the road.

Distance from road edge may vary from approximately 20 to 100 feet; distance from road edge, miles of road, and acreage calculations will be included in the task order. The contractor can expect to remove the occasional downed tree.

ATV/UTV equipped with spray equipment designed to spot spray or boom spray for use in areas inaccessible to trucks. Terrain will vary and travel variances will be required.

ATV/UTV work may include readily accessible areas off-road. These areas will be defined in the task order. Generally, off-road motorized travel is not allowed; therefore, off-road motorized weed work must comply with all guidelines and regulations identified in the task order and be done in a manner that does not encourage public off-road motorized travel (minimal cutting of downfall, no cutting green trees, and no making trails). Price per acre is cost of application, chemical, a daily application record will be completed for each day and treatment location, surveying project area, and deliverables (see C.9).

Pay Item 2.3 - NONMOTORIZED—Bermed/Barricaded Roads Non-Motorized is defined as backpack or horseback spraying or other approved non-motorized method includes treatment of wilderness trails or remote areas too steep to access by motorized equipment or where motorized vehicle use is not acceptable.

These roads are not accessible by motorized means, and must be treated using backpack, horse support, or other non-motorized method. Roadbeds can be considered long polygons of weeds.

Unlike trails or off-road areas, the roadbed makes for easier travel although roads may be brushed in or washed out and weed densities may require broadcast spraying using a considerable amount of herbicide. Access to water may be limited. The contractor may encounter the occasional downed tree. Price per acre is cost of application, a daily application record will be completed for each day and treatment location, chemical, surveying project area, and deliverables (see C.9).

Pay Item 2.4 - NON-MOTORIZED—Incidental Weeds on Trails.

Non-Motorized is defined as backpack or horseback spraying or other approved non-motorized method includes treatment of wilderness trails or remote areas too steep to access by motorized equipment or where motorized vehicle use is not acceptable.

This item includes trails with low weed densities and require spot spraying. Weed densities require spraying are less than 4 gallons per mile. The area to be considered includes the trail bed to a 15 ft. distance on each side. Maximum distance from a trailhead is 15 miles. Water may or may not be available along the trail. Trails may be rugged and steep. Backpack and/or horse/mule spraying is acceptable, and wheeled carts or sleds may only be used outside wilderness areas. Price per acre is cost of application, a daily application record will be completed for each day and treatment location, chemical, surveying project area, and deliverables (see C.9).

Pay Item 2.5 NON-MOTORIZED- Herbicide Application

Non-Motorized is defined as backpack or horseback spraying or other approved non-motorized method includes treatment of wilderness trails or remote areas too steep to access by motorized equipment or where motorized vehicle use is not acceptable.

Non-motorized application of herbicide at remote sites that require hiking distances of ¼ mile up to 15 miles from the nearest road or trailhead to reach the project site. Terrain will vary from gentle ground to steeper slopes. Access to project sites will typically be on hiking trails or old roadbeds. Contractor may encounter the occasional downed tree; task order may have more details. Access to water may be limited. The amount is paid by the acre and is a one-time payment regardless of the number of trips made. Treatment areas will cover a minimum of 1 acre and will not exceed 10 acres. Price per acre is cost of application, a daily application record will be completed for each day and treatment location, chemical, surveying project area, and deliverables (see C.9).

Pay Item 2.6 [Lolo NF only] NON-MOTORIZED-Remote Herbicide Application 1 Non-Motorized is defined as backpack or horseback spraying or other approved non-motorized method includes treatment of wilderness trails or remote areas too steep to access by motorized equipment or where motorized vehicle use is not acceptable.

Backpack or horse supported application of herbicide at remote sites that require hiking distances of ¼ mile up to 5 miles from the nearest road or trailhead to reach the project site. Terrain will vary from gentle ground to steeper slopes. Access to project sites will typically be on hiking trails or old roadbeds. Contractor may encounter occasional downed trees; task order may have more details. Access to water may be limited. The amount is paid by the acre and is a one-time payment regardless of the number of trips made. Treatment areas will cover a minimum of 1 acre and will not exceed 10 acres. Price per acre is cost of application, a daily application record will be completed for each day and treatment location, chemical, surveying project area, and deliverables (see C.9).

Pay Item 2.7 [Lolo NF only] NON-MOTORIZED-Remote Herbicide Application 2 Non-Motorized is defined as backpack or horseback spraying or other approved non-motorized method includes treatment of wilderness trails or remote areas too steep to access by motorized equipment or where motorized vehicle use is not acceptable.

Backpack or horse supported application of herbicide at remote sites that require hiking distances of 5 mile up to 15 miles to reach the project site. Terrain will vary from gentle ground to steeper slopes. Access to project sites will typically be on hiking trails or old roadbeds. Contractor may encounter occasional downed trees. Access to water may be limited. The amount is paid by the acre and is a one-time payment regardless of the number of trips made. Treatment areas will cover a minimum of 1 acre and will not exceed 10 acres. Price per acre is cost of application, a daily application record will be completed for each day and treatment location, chemical, surveying project area, and deliverables (see C.9).

C.4 CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE

The contractor shall provide a contract representative for the performance of work. The name of this person and an alternate(s) who can act for the contractor when the contractor is absent shall be designated in writing to the Contracting Officer. The contractor representative or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contractual matters relating to daily operation of this contract, and must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.

C.5 CERTIFICATION AND PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

The contractor and employees shall be experienced in invasive plant management, plant identification, and herbicide application. Regardless of area, the contractor and employees shall be proficient in identifying target and non-target species in all stages of development. The contractor performing herbicide mixing or application operations under this contract must meet state certification and application requirements for the use and application of Restricted Use herbicides and must hold a current Montana Commercial Pesticide Applicators License.

Personnel employed by the Contractor must be briefed and trained in application and safety techniques. Personnel employed by the Contractor must be under the direct supervision of a licensed applicator at all times on the National Forest.

The contractor will show adequate proof of bonding and insurance coverage.

Personnel shall have experience in mapping with a GPS unit and provide deliverables in C.9.

C.6 Contractor Quality Control The Contractor shall:

1. Develop a Quality Control Plan, specific to this contract, that demonstrates how the Contractor will comply with the contract requirements. The plan shall include:

a. A description of Contractor Quality Control procedures and methodology, including a description of:

i. How the Contractor will determine the correct period(s) for application.

ii. The techniques used to ensure coverage.

iii. The techniques used to ensure application stays within boundaries designated on the Task Order; and

iv. The techniques used to ensure the correct application rate(s).

b. Location of the Contractor Quality Control records

2. Provide the Quality Control Plan to the Contracting Officer within 30 calendar days of contract award: and

3. Provide Contractor Quality Control Inspection Records, including application maps and application records, to the Contracting Officer:

c. Upon the request of the CO.

d. Upon Contractor submittal of an invoice; and

e. At any time throughout the performance period and for the period after contract completion until final settlement of any claims under this contract.

Government Quality Assurance Inspections

4. General.

f. The Government will monitor Contractor compliance with all requirements of the contract.

g. The Government will review the Contractor’s Quality Control Plan, Inspection

Records, and customer comments as frequently as determined necessary by the Contracting Officer.

h. Government Quality Assurance Inspections will be made by random sampling or entire inspection of the work and follow up of customer comments in accordance with the Quality Assurance Plan. When validating customer comments, the possible cause of unacceptable performance will be determined. If any Government action or lack of action was the cause, the complaint is not valid, and deficiencies shall not be counted against the Contractor.

i. Work that does not meet the contract requirements will be brought to the Contractor’s attention. Repetitive or continuous failure to meet contract requirements may result in a quality adjustment to payment or the Contractor’s right to proceed may be terminated.

*Government Quality Assurance – Herbicide Application Coverage and Mortality

1. Government Quality Assurance Timing:

a. The Government will inspect the herbicide application work generally within one month. This will provide time for the effects of the herbicide to become evident.

b. For Contractor work performed in late summer and fall, the Government will ensure that the proper amount of herbicide was applied and may or may not inspect for herbicide effects to become evident.

2. Government Quality Assurance will determine:

a. The application coverage of the project area. Indications of application coverage include the presence of drooping, wilting, chlorosis, interrupted seed maturation, and drying of plant parts (stem, leaves, reproductive parts), beyond recovery; and

b. The percent mortality of the target species in the project area. Mortality is defined as the condition in which the target invasive plant species identified on the Task Order have been chemically treated to effectively interrupt and/or stop growth processes to stop seed production, prevent re-growth, and establishment of new seedlings. Indications of plant mortality shall include drooping, wilting, chlorosis, interrupted seed maturation, and drying of plant parts (stem, leaves, reproductive parts), beyond recovery.

c. Compliance with all other contract requirements.

3. Herbicide Application Standards. The Contractor shall meet or exceed the following herbicide application standards:

a. Application Coverage shall meet or exceed 90% of target species within the project areas identified in Task Orders and attached maps issued under this contract; and

b. Percent Mortality shall meet or exceed 80% mortality of the target species within the project areas identified in Task Orders and attached maps issued under this contract.

c. Contractor shall comply with all other contract requirements.

4. The Contracting Officer’s determination of Contractor compliance with herbicide application coverage and mortality will be determined based on:

a. Application Coverage: Visual Inspection of up to 100% of the project area covered by the Task Order.

b. Percent Mortality:

i. Plots along randomly located transects within each treatment area that are representative of the treatment area; or

ii. Visual Inspection of up to 100% of the project area covered by the Task

Order.

c. Other contract requirements: Contracting Officer assessment of compliance.

5. Re-treatment. If Government Quality Assurance determines that herbicide application coverage has not met the 90% standard, and mortality has not met or exceeded the 80% identified herein (See Government Quality Assurance Inspections), the Government will issue a written Notice of Noncompliance. The Contractor shall, after receipt of a Notice of Non-compliance, correct the deficiencies at no additional cost to the Government by treating sites that were missed and/or re-spraying areas where the mortality was inadequate. If the follow-up inspection by the Government determines that the contract requirements have been met, the Contractor will be eligible to receive full payment.

If the Contractor does not comply with re-treatment requirements, this constitutes grounds for contract termination for cause based on failure to perform and payment will not be made.

Quality Assurance Plan/Requirements:

Task/Critical Subtask

Quality Performance

Standards

Acceptable Quality Level

Means of Measurements Penalties Incentives

Application Coverage of the Project Area

Application Coverage shall meet or exceed 90% of target species within the project areas identified in Task Orders and attached maps.

Complete and submit pesticide use records in a timely fashion.

90-100%

Application records will have all items filled out.

Visual inspection of up to 100% of the project area covered.

Inspection of gridding thoroughness and techniques.

If necessary, weed samples and/or herbicide solution samples will be collected to determine if adequate herbicide was applied.

Review of records.

Re-treatment

No payment for application coverage less than 90%

Poor performance evaluation

Possible termination

100% pay for work meeting 90% coverage

Positive performance evaluation

Percent Mortality

Percent mortality shall meet or exceed 80% mortality of the target species within the project area

80-100% Plots along randomly located transects within each treatment area if needed.

Visual inspection of up to 100% of the project area covered.

Re-treatment

No payment for mortality less than 80%

May be reflected on performance evaluation

Possible termination

100% pay for work meeting 90% mortality

Positive performance evaluation

Other contract requirements

100% compliance

100% Contracting Officer assessment of compliance

Reduced payment for some items.

Re-work

Possible termination

Positive Performance Evaluation

C.7 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AND GENERAL PROVISIONS

1. A pumping system shall be used to fill the spray mixing and spray application tanks that will avoid contamination of wells, springs, streams, lakes, and ponds used as a water source. The system shall be so constructed that a back flow from the mixing or application tanks will not be possible if the pump loses prime.

a. Screens will be attached at the intake end of hose to prevent the uptake and unintentional transport of aquatic invasive species (plant and animal). No bodies of water with known aquatic invasive species (plants and animals) shall be used as a water source. Approved locations shall be provided in the Task Order. It is highly suggested that you supply your own water from a well or municipal water source.

2. Herbicide pouring and mixing operations will not occur within 150 feet of any open water source.

3. Spray drift shall be avoided. Do not spray when winds exceed an average of 6 miles per hour.

4. No spraying shall be done inside ditches containing water unless it is within the labeled use of the particular herbicide being used.

5. The Contractor shall be expected to take at least three (3) relative humidity readings on each day that herbicides are applied. The readings shall occur at the beginning of the day’s application, during the hottest time of day during application, and at the end of the day’s application. Spraying shall not occur when the relative humidity reading drops below 25% unless authorized by the COR. The daily humidity readings shall be recorded on the daily application record.

6. Spraying shall not occur while it is raining or snowing. The Contractor shall take all reasonable precautions to avoid spraying if it appears that precipitation sufficient to wash herbicide(s) off target species or into open water may occur within 2 hours after herbicide application or as cautioned by the herbicide label.

7. The Contractor shall avoid applying herbicide on inclusions of shrub and tree cover which is relatively heavy in an otherwise open treatment area. These avoidance sites may be discussed with the COR or Inspector.

8. Buffer strips may be designated by the Forest Service during operations to protect rare plants or water influenced areas. No spraying shall occur within these designated buffer strips. Maps provided to the Contractor will account for buffer strips and avoidance areas in most, but not all projects.

9. The Contractor shall ensure that containers or tanks used for herbicide application are not washed out within 150 feet of open water: springs, ditches, streams, ponds, or lakes. The contractor will follow all local, State, Federal and label regulations involving rinsing and washing procedures.

10. The Forest Service is not responsible for the safety of the Contractor nor any operators or assistants. The Contractor shall provide and maintain work procedures which will safeguard the public and Government personnel, as well as the Contractor’s own personnel. The Contractor shall be expected to use reasonable safety procedures and equipment while operating on National Forest lands.

11. The Contractor and all application personnel are required to review, understand, and follow the herbicide label recommendations, requirements, precautions, and prohibitions.

12. The Contractor shall carry and have within easy access during all spraying operations, a label and MSDS for the herbicides being used.

13. The Contractor will remove all herbicide containers from the National Forest and dispose of or recycle them in accordance with all local, state, and federal requirements.

14. A tight fitting and secure lid are mandatory on all spray tanks and herbicide containers.

15. Herbicides shall be transported daily to the project site as follows: Transport, as closely as possible, only the estimated quantity needed for that day’s work; transport concentrate containers only in a manner that will prevent spills; and transport herbicides and additives in a compartment that is isolated from food, clothing, and safety equipment.

16. The contractor will inspect equipment daily for leaks and suspend operations until all leaks are repaired.

17. All equipment will be in good mechanical condition and will be inspected prior to work.

The spray pattern, application rates and calibration shall be checked before beginning the job and may be requested more frequently if deemed necessary by the Forest Service.

Calibration calculations shall be provided to the Forest Service once at the start of the spring application season, once at the start of the fall application season, and as requested during the operating season.

18. Herbicide application operations will not occur when any one of the following conditions exists in a treatment area:

a. Wind velocity exceeds six (6) miles per hour.

b. Relative Humidity readings are less than 25%.

c. Frost, snow, or ice covers target plants.

d. Emergency closures such as Fire Restrictions.

e. When in non-compliance with the contract provisions

19. The Spill Plan for the National Forest lands is found in the Attachment section of this package. Compliance with this plan is mandatory. All spray operations and herbicide transport vehicles will have standard adequate spill containment and cleanup materials and equipment. Operators will be trained in responding to and dealing with any spills of herbicide.

20. The contractor will keep spray vehicles and equipment appearing neat, professional, and organized. Spray residues on the vehicles, equipment, tanks, and employee clothing will be kept to a minimum by regular cleaning. It is important during contract performance to project a professional image and to demonstrate that the herbicide applications are performed carefully, professionally, and without spillage.

21. The contractor will be familiar with the list of environmental protection measures included in each Forest Lands Weed Mitigation Measures. These measures outline the standard mitigation measures from each respective National Forest. Please see the table

Government Furnished Material for the proper title and how to obtain each document.

Each Record of Decision is available upon request.

22. The Contractor will apprise the COR or Inspector of the spray operation location plans on a weekly basis.

23. Herbicide will not be applied at a pressure that exceeds 40 pounds per square inch (psi) at the nozzle.

C.9 DELIVERABLES

Key Deliverables

Item No. Deliverable Objective Due 1 Daily application records Report documenting tasks & issues weekly. 10 days after completion of service

C.9.2 RECORD KEEPING AND DELIVERABLE REQUIREMENTS

Federal and State laws require record keeping for all applications of pesticides on public lands.

Forest Service Manual 2900 requires record keeping of all treatments in the national database of record. The Contractor shall provide complete, accurate, and detailed records throughout the duration of the contract and provide the Government with legible, readable copies of such records on Forest Service provided forms (attached).

1. Upon completion of each project or unit of work on the contract, and prior to or accompanying each invoice, the Contractor shall provide the Government with a summary of all applications on that invoice or project along with individual daily application records and a GPS file in the form of a shapefile.

2. The Contractor is required to complete a Daily Application Record for the areas treated and submit the original (or readable photocopy) to the correct corresponding Forest.

3. The Contractor will notify the COR within 48 hours of discovery and record GPS locations of all potential invader or new invader weed species (as identified on State and County Noxious Weed List) encountered and submit these records to the COR at the completion of each Task Order.

4. Daily weather records will be provided on the daily application records.

5. Electronic data collection is defined as the collection of spatial and tabular data of the target species treated and surveyed using GPS hardware and software.

a. The contractor is required to provide the electronic data to the Forest Service. The contractor shall utilize a GPS unit capable of downloading data into ArcGIS software or able to give the Forest Service a shapefile. Tracks and points must be collected using WGS 84 Datum.

b. The final product is an ArcGIS point shapefile and line shapefile (or compatible) containing all locations of treated sites and project area surveys that specifies target species and date collected (i.e., one point feature every 5 meters in continuous infestations), and track log of area treated, and track log of covered/inventoried area and any species found would have a point with date collected.

D.1 GOVERNMENT INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

The Contracting Officer Representative or designated Inspectors may inspect the treatment sites 14 days following completion of task order for signs of herbicide damage to the plants (wilting, color change, or stunted growth). Deviations from 14 days will be identified in the task order. A determination of acceptance will be based on discoloration and wilt of the plants through ocular easements within the treatment or inventory area. If easements are disputed, plots may be utilized. Enough time needs to lapse between the treatment and the inspection to determine efficacy. If the contractor fails to meet the minimum 90 percent affected targeted plants, the contractor shall rework the area.

Daily logs and electronic data must be submitted within 14 days after the completion of field work and prior to invoicing.

PAYMENT

Payment at contract price will be made on a per acre cost less any deductions or adjustments as provided in the PWS. Minimum payment will be for completed tasks.

Certification of payment will accompany each invoice. Final invoices for each task order shall include a contract release.

Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) The Forest Service is utilizing the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) for the electronic submission and tracking of contracts/purchase orders, invoices, and payment information. IPP is a secure Government-wide, Web-based invoice processing service. Visit http://www.ipp.gov to learn more.

Upon award of a contract, Contractors must enroll at https://www.ipp.gov/vendors/enrollment-vendors.htm. Contractors shall submit all invoices electronically via IPP. Paper copies of invoices will no longer be accepted.

Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System

(a) General. This contract is subject to Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Agriculture Acquisition Regulations (AGAR), and Forest Service Acquisition Regulations (FSAR) that require past performance evaluations to be completed and entered into the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS).

http://www.ipp.gov/ https://www.ipp.gov/vendors/enrollment-vendors.htm https://www.ipp.gov/vendors/enrollment-vendors.htm

(b) Contact Information. At the Prework Meeting, the name and email address of the Contractor Representative will be required.

(c) Assessment. Upon completion of the work associated with the contract/delivery orders, an evaluation will be initiated by the Contracting Officer in the CPARS system and the Contractor Representative will receive an auto-email from CPARS with instructions for completion of the evaluation.

SECTION F--DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

Contract Period of Performance

AGAR 452.211-75 Effective Period of the Contract (FEB 1988)

The effective period of this contract is from date of award through 5 years and 6 months if FAR 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (NOV 1999) is exercised. Task Order period of performance may extend past the expiration of this contract with all terms and conditions of this contract remaining in full force until the task order expires.

Contract Ordering Year Start of Contract/Option Date Last Day of the Contract Period Year One Award Date of Contract 03/31/2023 Year Two 04/01/2023 03/31/2024 Year Three 04/01/2024 03/31/2025 Year Four 04/01/2025 03/31/2026 Year Five 04/01/2026 03/31/2027

Task Order Performance Period and Estimated Start Work Date(s)

(a) The estimated start work date and a required completion date for each Task Order will be specified by the Contracting Officer on the Task Order at the time the Task Order is issued to the Contractor. Any deviation of this date must be approved by the Contracting Officer Representative.

(b) The Start Work Date for each Task Order.

The Contractor may propose, and the Contracting Officer may accept (at the CO’s discretion), an alternate start date for the Notice to Proceed. The Contractor shall make such requests in advance, in writing, and shall obtain written CO approval of the proposed date(s) prior to commencing operations.

(c) Required Completion Date for each Task Order.

(1) The Contracting Officer will establish a specific required completion date for each Task Order by considering the size of the Task Order (number of acres) and the amount of time left in the Treatment Season that is effective for the control of the target species.

(2) The Contracting Officer will establish the specific required completion date for each

Task Order by giving the Contractor, at a minimum, the amount of time identified in the table below. The Contracting Officer may establish a required completion date that exceeds the minimum number of calendar days required by the table below.

(3) If there is insufficient time left in the treatment season for effective treatment of the targeted species, the Contracting Officer may establish the required completion date for the Task Order in the following Treatment Season, or later if necessary to accommodate the amount of time stated below, as long as no performance will be required past the last date authorized for performance under this contract. In such cases, the Contracting Officer may also specify the last date that the Contractor may perform work in each Treatment Season, and/or may suspend the Contractor’s work until the next Treatment Season. Resume Work Order date(s) will be determined by the Contracting Officer based on plant phenology.

Size of Task

Order

Minimum Number of Calendar Days in the Treatment Season to be included in the Task Order’s Required Completion Date

1. Task Orders from 150-800 acres

60 calendar days

2. Task Orders from 801-7000 120 calendar days

(4) If the Contractor is issued Task Order(s) with overlapping performance periods, contact time will run concurrently on those Task Orders. The performance period(s) for individual Task Orders may extend past the last day of the total contract period as long as no performance will be required past the last date authorized for performance under this contract (See FAR 52.216-18 Ordering, and FAR 52.216-22 Indefinite…