SOW CESU-17-35 INV SPEC SPT VAFB 18AUG2017.pdf

Scope of Work

MGT, INVASIVE SPECIES, VAFB

Project AFCE777717

CESU-17-35

GENERAL: Projects for execution under this CA by USACE do not include any functions to be performed that are inherently governmental. This determination is made with the assessment that places emphasis on the degree to which conditions and facts restrict the discretionary authority, decision-making responsibility, or accountability of Government officials using NFE services or work products.

This CA shall not be used for performance of personal services. These tasks provided by the customer for execution under this CA by USACE do not include functions to be performed that are personal services.

Any modifications to Cooperative Agreement activities as outlined by this SOW/PWS must be channeled through the Grants Officer’s Technical Representative (GOTR) and Grants Officer (GO) prior to Non-Federal Entity (NFE) implementation.

NFE personnel shall also wear a distinctive NFE furnished security (ID) badge/lanyard readily identifying the individual as a NFE employee. The badge shall be worn in a conspicuous place at all times when performing work under the Cooperative Agreement including attendance at Government meetings and conferences that take place outside of the Government facility.

NFE personnel shall identify themselves as an NFE employee when answering or placing calls on a Government telephone and when leaving outgoing or incoming messages on voice mail.

Use of acronyms in this identification is insufficient to meet this requirement.

All NFE email signatures shall identify them as such and will include their employer’s name.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 24 Months

GOVERNMENT POCS:

1. USACE Omaha District POC: Mr. David Leptien PM, (402) 995-2742, david.b.leptien@usace.army.mil

2. USACE Omaha District POC: Ms. Kali Evans, GOTR, (402) 995-2295, kali.l.evans@usace.army.mil

3. USACE Omaha District POC: Ms. Stephanie Rostermundt, Grants Officer, (402) 995- 2083, stephanie.a.rostermundt@usace.army.mil

This scope of work addresses the following tasks:

PROJECT

NUMBER

TITLE LOCATION

Project Management VAFB

AFCEOS777717 MGT, INVASIVE SPECIES VAFB

DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of the project is to control the presence and spread of invasive plant species as outlined by the goals and objectives of Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan, which includes Endangered Species Management Plans and Invasive Species Management Plans, approved in accordance with the Sikes Act. Project will target long-term, large-scale invasive species goals at Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Project will focus on removing eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) and Monterey pine

(Pinus radiata) in key areas that are habitat for endangered Lompoc yerba santa (Eriodictyon capitatum), Vandenberg monkeyflower (Diplacus vandenbergensis) and potentially federally threatened California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii). Avoidance of native trees and minimization of native plant disturbance is expected.

The project consists of one primary area with two option areas depending on the progress of environmental floodplain approval. The primary area for tree removal is along Highway 1 which runs through VAFB (Figure 1). All eucalyptus and Monterey pine will be removed within this area. If Highway 1 is needed to access trees, use of the highway should be limited with traffic coordination on VAFB.

If environmental floodplain approval is obtained (by VAFB) within approximately 4 months of project award for the area in Option A (Figure 2a), the area in Option A will be considered for eucalyptus removal with additional work in the Option B area (Figure 2b) as needed such that a total of all of Option A will be completed. Traffic control in Option A will need to be coordinated.

The total effort of this project is approx. 80 (100ft) trees. The primary area will be completed first, followed by Option A (if) floodplain approval is obtained. If floodplain approval is not obtained, Option B will be worked. Following the completion of the priority area, the NFE will move on to either A or B.

If environmental floodplain approval is not obtained for the area in Option A, tree removal in as much of the area in Option B working from north to south will be accomplished.

Success will be measured by the eradication of targeted non-native trees within the project area. Follow-up removal or herbicide treatment will be a minimal component of this project where it may be needed as part of an effective invasive species control approach.

All areas are accessible by a dirt or paved road. Although the trees in the areas will vary in height and size, the project assumes that a total of 100 eucalyptus and Monterey pine trees approximately 80 feet tall will be removed. Actual tree numbers and size may vary but the equivalent effort would be similar to the removal of 100 large 80-ft trees.

BACKGROUND:

Invasive plants are liable to be troublesome, aggressive, intrusive, detrimental, or destructive to agriculture, silviculture, or important native species and are difficult to control or eradicate (California Food and Agriculture Code 5004). Non-native invasive species are introduced in a variety of ways including unintentionally, through contaminated grass or other seed, and intentionally. These plants lack the natural controls from their native environments, and combined with the aggressive growth characteristics and unpalatability of many of these weeds, once they get a foothold, they can dominate and replace more desirable vegetation.

Air Force Bases contains many sensitive plant communities, such as riparian corridors and stream channel areas, vernal pool grasslands, or other seasonally wet habitats, where special laws and guidelines apply to protect important natural resources. Removal of invasive trees is generally recognized by resource protection agencies as beneficial to resources when the activities are carried out in a manner that protects fish, wildlife, riparian vegetation, and water quality.

TASKS:

1. Develop a strategy and schedule to remove eucalyptus and Monterey pine in the primary area along Highway 1 and two option areas (Figures 1 and 2) at Lompoc gate and California Blvd. Consideration of traffic control at Lompoc Gate, migratory bird nesting season/nesting bird avoidance (15 February through 15 August), avoidance of coast live oak and native plants, and other environmental coordination are required.

2. Cut and remove eucalyptus and Monterey pine (approximate effort equivalent to 100 trees 80-feet tall). Apply Garlon herbicide on cut eucalyptus stumps. Familiarity with effective herbicide application and use to prevent re-growth of eucalyptus is required.

3. Follow up with herbicide application as needed on cut eucalyptus after initial removal and herbicide application.

4. Follow up with removal of Monterey pine and eucalyptus seedlings as needed.

5. Expected outcome includes eradication of eucalyptus and Monterey pine in designated areas by the end of the project.

DELIVERABLES:

1. NFE shall prepare a strategy and timeline for completion. The schedule for submission will be determined at the kick-off meeting.

2. Monthly updates on progress will be provided no later than the 10th of month. These updates will be submitted to both the GOTR and VAFB POC and may be submitted by email.

HERBICIDE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

1. NFE personnel will require license/certification by the State of California to apply herbicides.

1.1. Herbicide Application Requirements: Provide all labor, tools, equipment, test equipment, PPE and clothing, material and parts, transportation and other incidentals necessary to travel to the installation, to spray designated trees within the installation

1.1.1. All herbicides and herbicide application shall comply with DoDI 4150.07, DoD Pest Management Program; AFI 32-1053, Integrated Pest Management Program;

the VAFB Integrated Pest Management Plan; Armed Forces Pest Management Board (AFPMB) list of Approved herbicides; and the State of California Pesticide Regulations, and be registered for use in the State of California. A list of those herbicides requested to be used must be submitted to the VAFB POC NLT 30 calendar days after option award and must be coordinated through the HazMart. A list of all herbicides to be applied is to be provided, with SDS and labels, to the Installation Pest Management Coordinator (IPMC) 15 calendar days prior to application. If another herbicide is preferred, the NFE shall submit an AF Approval Request Form for Non-Standard Pesticides to the IPMC 30 calendar days prior to application. Any non-standard herbicides need to have command approval prior to use and will require a longer approval period. Storing and mixing of pesticides may not be allowed on the installation; check with the Installation Pest Management Coordinator for up-to-date information.

1.1.2. Herbicides shall not be applied at, near, or over waters of the U.S or within 15 feet of ponded wetlands (or surface waters).

1.1.3. Only personnel licensed/certified by the State of California shall apply herbicides.

Copies of all herbicide application certifications shall be provided to the VAFB POC within 30 calendar days after option award. Licensed/certified personnel performing herbicide application shall submit their herbicide certification information and coordinate with the IPMC. All licenses/certifications must be in the proper category of the type of work being performed. Qualified Applicator Certificate, Qualified Applicator License, and Pest Control business license copies are to be provided to the IPMC at the beginning of the contract and with every option renewal.

FIGURE 1

Eucalyptus and pine removal area southwest of Highway 1. A dirt road that parallels Highway 1 will be used for access to the project area located between the dirt road and Highway 1. Tree removal is concentrated to the north with scattered trees to the south.

FIGURE 2a

Option Area A. Eucalyptus removal at Lompoc Gate. Oaks will be avoided.

FIGURE 2b

Option Area B. Eucalyptus and pine removal area off California Blvd.