SOW_for_Border_Fire_Seeding.pdf

Statement of Work

Border Fire Aerial Seed Application

McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area

Bureau of Land Management

STATEMENT OF WORK

AERIAL SEEDING

General

Schedule of items:

Item Seeding Unit Est. Acres to be seeded Est. Lbs

Seed 1 Border Fire Mix 1,195 13,600

Performance time: 25 Calendar Days (weather permitting)

Estimated start work date: Work can start after the following criteria have been met

Pre-work conference has taken place, mixed seed is available and after one inch of sustainable snow has accumulated on the ground.

Performance period: All work must be completed within the time allowed.

Requirement: It is required that the areas described in the Statement of Work be aerially seeded in accordance with these specifications.

End-product contracts/services: This is a BLM awarded contract that may use aircraft as a means of delivering a service or product. Aircraft used are not “Public Aircraft” and are not under the operational control of the BLM or subject to compliance with BLM Aviation Program policy and direction, and as such are not subject to the scheduling and airspace coordination procedures specified in Letters of Agreement with Department of Defense. These aircraft are general aviation aircraft operating IAW 14 CFR Parts 91, 133, and/or 137 while flying in general and/or special use airspace. Pilots will comply with all applicable Federal Aviation Regulations.

Description/Location of Work: Using Contractor furnished aircraft, equipment, supplies, and materials except for specified Government furnished property to seed designated areas with

BLM specified seed at the rate specified in Attachment A, using aircraft as stated in the Detailed

Specifications. Work under this contract is in Mesa County, Colorado and Grand County, Utah.

The work will consist of seeding areas burned by the Border Fire. Vicinity maps showing the project area within which the treatment unit will be located are attached. Contractor will not treat areas outside of identified work area.

Contractor: Designated area shall be seeded in conformance with these specifications and this

Statement of Work. Unless otherwise specified, the Contractor shall furnish at work sites all equipment, labor, supplies, and materials required to complete the job. The Contractor shall be responsible for service and repair equipment as necessary to continually maintain satisfactory work progress.

Work location

Base of Operation: The Contractor shall provide such operation facilities as may be required for competent performance of contract. Use of any operation area shall be arranged by and at the discretion and risk of the Contractor, and the Government shall not be held responsible for any loss, mishap, or accident due to conditions of any operating facility used. The Contractor shall provide appropriate warning signs for traffic if roads are used as operating sites.

Base Camp/Staging Area: Due to the remote and dispersed location of project sites, the

Contractor may choose to camp in the area, upon approval from the Bureau of Land

Management, Grand Junction Field Office. This approved area can also be used as a staging area for equipment and any needed equipment maintenance.

Staging area(s) for landing, seed loading, and equipment storage will be submitted by the

Contractor prior to the pre-work meeting and approved by the COR. The contractor is responsible for securing permission to use any property or facilities from the appropriate landowner or manager.

Environmental Consideration: Hazardous Materials: No hazardous materials shall be stored or disposed of on-site. Fuel, oil, and grease needed for equipment maintenance during the working period may be stored on site where no leakage or spillage will contaminate the ground. Standard secondary containment for storage tanks shall hold 110 percent of the capacity the largest single tank it contains and be impervious to any oil, glycol, produced water, or other toxic fluid for 72 hours. No staging, equipment maintenance, or refueling will be performed within 200 feet, of any stream channel or waters bodies where petroleum products or other pollutants from equipment may enter these waters.

Spills: The Contractor shall prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants to the environment by reducing the chance of spills through safe operating practices, maintaining equipment, stopping the source of spills, containing and cleaning up spills, properly disposing of spill materials, and shall take appropriate corrective action as approve by the COR. The excavated contaminated materials will then be disposed of at a certified hazardous waste facility. Any clean-up and disposal costs are the responsibility of the Contractor. The Contractor shall notify the BLM immediately following a spill.

Staging/Storage: Staging/Storage area for equipment and materials should be located at least 200 feet from streams or any wetland/riparian habitat areas. Any equipment or vehicles driven and/or operated within, or adjacent to streams or other water should be checked and maintained daily to prevent leaks.

Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas: Landing in any Wilderness or Wilderness Study Areas is not allowed.

Washing Vehicles/Equipment: All vehicles/ground equipment being used on this project shall be steam cleaned or pressure washed prior to starting and/or ending project to prevent the spread of noxious weeds. The area used for this procedure must be pre-approved by the COR or PI.

Aerial Seeding

Aircraft: The Contractor shall furnish sufficient aircraft to satisfactorily seed the designated area in the time specified as required in this Statement of Work. Contractor shall be capable of flying seed at the rate and width specified in this Statement of Work over varying ground elevation, steep terrain, tight canyons. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State and

Local regulations.

GPS/ARC/INFO compatible navigation system

Aircraft: Shall be equipped with a GPS Guidance/Tracking system capable of accepting and utilizing ARC/INFO GIS Shapefiles (.shp) and of directly supplying Shapefiles (.shp) of treatment coverage to the Government in UTM projection North America Datum 1983 upon completion of each treated area or as required by the Contracting Officer.

Navigation: Differentially Corrected Global Positioning System (DGPS)

DGPS is required for tracking, and data collection. The Contractor shall provide all guidance equipment, materials, computers, printers, personnel, and services required for the system to be used. The system shall be sufficiently sensitive to provide immediate deviation indications (real-time). The DGPS system must be capable of determining a differentially corrected location with an error of no more than one to two meters in the horizontal plane. The guidance system shall be capable of updating current position at a rate of a minimum of one time per second. Differential correction must cover the complete operational area. During operation, differentially corrected signal must be accurately recorded at least 90% of the operational time. Differential correction may be provided by a portable differential station, FM radio fixed towers, or satellite.

Software: Software provided with DGPS must be designed for parallel offset in increments equal to the assigned swath width of the application equipment.

Project Log: Must be capable of a minimum rate of one-second logging intervals. Full record includes position, time, altitude, speed, track, application system on/off, job name/number, and differential correction status. The computer program must be capable of calculating and showing total acres treated during the application and also capable of downloading to a computer for analysis and review. The project log must show and differentiate between seed drop-on and seed drop-off when viewed on a computer monitor or printer. Export files of each project log shall be provided and must be compatible with ArcView or ARC-INFO GIS system on a standard USB memory stick. The Contractor may provide software that is compatible, and which will enable the files to convert into viewable files for ArcView or ARC-INFO GIS. The contractor must, upon request by the COR or Project Inspector, be able to supply project log data on a USB memory drive for review at any time during the contract. The Contractor will provide project log data at the end of each day’s application. The Contract will not be considered complete until the data have been reviewed and deemed complete with no skips in the treatment areas. The DGPS system must be capable of zooming in on any portion of the treatment to view a specific area with greater detail.

Visual Display Monitor and Control Keypad:

i. Capable of displaying swath width over project path.

ii. Mounted in a location that will allow the applicator to view the screen.

iii. Have a method to display nested polygons to indicate sensitive or no-seed drop areas within or adjacent treatment blocks.

iv. Have a feature that allows the applicator to return to the exact location of application shutdown and complete application without omitted or doubled treated areas.

v. Be able to input reference waypoints (A-B line):

vi. Have a feature which alerts applicator when they are about to enter or exit a specific treatment block or an exclusion area within a block.

Course Deviation Indicator (CDI): The course deviation indicator or course deviation light must have the capability to display both cross-track error and intercept angle to desired heading.

Cross- track error shall be adjustable down to 1’ foot.

Memory: Contractor must be capable of storing up to 10 hours of continuous project log data.

Flight Log: Must be capable of calculating and showing total acres treated during flight, must show the entire flight of the aircraft from takeoff to landing and differentiate between seed drop-on and seed drop-off. A color printout and Export files of each flight shall be provided on a standard removable drive, compact disc or other appropriate media approved by the contracting officer and the Grand Junction Field Office and must be compatible with ARC/INFO GIS.

Shapefiles are the preferred file format.

Seeding

Parameters: The Contractor shall furnish application equipment, supplies, and materials except for specified Government furnished property to seed designated burned areas with BLM supplied seed at the rates specified using appropriate application equipment and delivery method.

Location of project units: Work under this Contract is located in Mesa County, Colorado and

Grand County, Utah approximately 25 miles West of Grand Junction. The work location is shown on attached maps.

SUMMARY OF PROJECT UNITS TO BE TREATED:

Item Seeding Unit Est. Acres to be seeded Elevation Est. Lbs

Seed 1 Border Fire Mix

1,195 6,200ft to

7,500ft 13,600

Seed: Seed will be furnished by the Government at the Delta Seed Warehouse (5297 Sawmill

Mesa Rd, Delta CO), and it will be the contractor’s responsibility to transport seed to their chosen staging area/ landing facility. The contractor will then apply the seed within 5 days of acquiring the seed (weather permitting). Once acquired, the Contractor shall be responsible to protect seed from loss or damage. Seed damaged or lost while in the custody of the Contractor shall be replaced by the Contractor at no additional expense to the Government.

Seed Application: The Contractor must be able to evenly distribute the designated seed at the rates specified in this Statement of Work. Equipment that cannot perform the specified work shall be modified or replaced by the Contractor within two calendar days. Application equipment shall be equipped for carrying seed with distribution mechanism including release, shutoff, and spreading device which can be calibrated for spreading seed at the prescribed rate in an acceptable manner and uniform pattern. Seed application equipment shall include physical measures to prevent seed from blowing out. All seed (government furnished) for the project will be transported to the Contractor’s designated staging area/landing facility by the contractor and coordinated between the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and the contractor.

Application

Rate: Apply mixed seed at a uniform rate per horizontal acre, minimizing over-seeding outside of treatment boundaries. Seed strips shall be distributed in such a manner as to secure a high uniformity of seed distribution. Such distribution shall not vary more than 10 percent above or below the average distribution of seed per unit of surface specified for the particular area concerned. Electronic mapping data shall be provided and displayed to the COR on request. Seed application rate per acre is outlined below.

Seeder Calibration: The Contractor shall calibrate seeding equipment prior to application on the project. The Government will supply seed for calibration. Seed not used for calibration shall be recovered for use on the project.

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED GPS COORDINATES: Unit boundaries will be provided in electronic shape files. Boundaries will not be marked on the ground. After the contract is awarded more detailed maps can be provided. Some options are:

• Geo-referenced maps at a scale of 1:24k or larger (if more detail is needed) that can be used with the Avenza app

Seed Application Rate Per Acre

Item No. Unit Name Pounds Per Acre

1 Border Fire mix 11.4 lbs per acre

• Geospatial data formats the data can be provided in:

GPX file (can be used on a Garmin GPS)

KML file shapefile geodatabase

• Collector web map - the contractor could get an account through the ArcGIS Online

Geoplatform organization and we could share a web map for use in the Esri Collector app.

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS

Contractor: The Contractor shall provide all labor, transportation, tools and equipment necessary to perform the requirements of this contract.

Seed Application Equipment: The Contractor shall evenly distribute the designated seed at the rates specified. Equipment that cannot perform the specified work shall be modified or replaced by the Contractor prior to beginning work. Application equipment shall be equipped for carrying seed with distribution mechanism including release, shutoff, and spreading device which can be calibrated for spreading seed at the prescribed rate in an acceptable manner and uniform pattern.

Seed application equipment shall include lids/covers which fasten securely to prevent seed from blowing out.

Equipment: Equipment needs to have the capability to maneuver on, over, and through steep terrain.

Monitoring Equipment: The Contractor shall furnish equipment to monitor and insure evenly spaced, straight, regular, and complete coverage of all areas included in the seeding job.

Work Crew: All Crew for operation of equipment and seed handling and loading shall be furnished by the Contractor.

Seeding Operation

Flight Hazards: Any ground or aerial hazards that would pose a danger to Contractor, Contractor’s personnel or operating equipment shall be identified, mitigated and/or avoided by the Contractor and brought to the Government representative’s attention.

Rate of Seeding: Seed shall be distributed at the rate stated in this Statement of Work or as directed by the Contracting Officer or the Contracting Officer’s Representative (CO/COR).

Application Conditions: Seed shall not be applied when the wind speed exceeds ten miles per hour. Seeding will be timed to occur on snow. Seeding may commence after one inch of sustainable snow has accumulated on the ground.

Coverage: The entire surface within the designated boundaries of the job area shall receive uniform coverage with the seed. Seeding strips shall be patterned and flown in such a manner as to secure as high a uniformity of seed distribution. Such distribution shall not vary more than 10 percent above or below the average distribution of seed per unit of surface specified for the particular area concerned. Inspection will be made as operations progress to determine uniformity of application. Any areas missed by the Contractor or seeded to less than the concentration specified shall be reflown and brought up to standard, or by suitable deduction from contract price, at the option of the Government. No additional cost to the Government will be incurred.

Seed openings of the distribution mechanism shall be inspected at sufficient intervals to insure proper functioning and even distribution of seed. If at any time inspection of equipment reveals that seed openings are not properly operating or that feeders are blocked, the COR may require reseeding of that portion of the area or areas if the Government determines it was not properly seeded, at no additional cost to the Government.

Tests for Uniformity and Rate of Application: The Government will conduct tests as operations progress to determine uniformity of seeding. Standards of performance will be determined by adequate weight records of seed flown on each individual flight and for each particular seeding trip covered, and ground recovery of samples of seed actually distributed. All work of weight recording, and ground recovery will be done by the Government at no cost to the

Contractor. Should the Contractor wish to object in any way to the weight recording and/or ground recovery sampling done at any particular time by the Government, the Contractor shall be present in person or by authorized representative to voice said objections when said weight recording and/or ground recovery samplings are done, and to agree upon new records and/or samples at the time, where after the weight recording and ground recovery sampling done by the

Government shall be final and binding in the settlement of contract.

Work Stoppages: The Government reserves the right to stop seeding operations at any time when seeding conditions are considered sufficiently unfavorable to warrant stoppage. Stoppage shall continue until seeding operations are again authorized by the Government. No monetary compensation will be given to the Contractor for work suspensions.

Completion of Contract: The contract will be considered completed, and payment due when all seed furnished to the Contractor by the Government has been seeded to the standards specified above; or when all areas designated under the contract have been seeded to specifications; or if performance under the contract is ordered to be terminated by the Government; and when the

Contractor has furnished the Government with the Shapefiles and Printouts.

Environmental Consideration: The project site shall be cleaned up, and all refuse shall be removed and disposed of at an approved landfill.

Quality assurance

A. Codes and Standards: The work shall comply with codes and standards applicable to each type of work and as listed in the individual sections of these specifications.

B. Conflict: Where conflict occurs between reference documents and project specifications, the project specifications shall govern.

Sequencing and scheduling

Work Schedule: When requested by the CO/COR, the Contractor shall submit an updated schedule within 1 calendar day to the CO, with a copy to the COR.

PROJECT MEETINGS

Meeting Schedule: When requested, the Contractor shall submit an updated schedule within 1 calendar day.

Pre-Work Conference: A pre-work conference will be held prior to the start of work. The

Contractor will be notified in advance of meeting time, date, and place. The purpose will be to review required work, Work Location Maps and specifications, schedules, payments, and administrative provisions of the Contract.

Attendance: The Contractor, any subcontractors and the persons responsible for coordination of the work shall be present at the meeting.

Presentation: At this meeting the Contractor shall be prepared to summarize and explain procedures planned for the projects.

Progress Meetings: Meetings shall be held at the project site, or as determined by the CO/COR.

Notification: Meetings may be called by either the CO/COR or the Contractor. Request shall state who should attend and include an agenda.

Final Inspection: This meeting shall be held at the project site, or as determined by the

CO/COR. The Contractor and the COR shall be present during this inspection.

Payment

Payment: Measurement for payment for aerial seeding will be actual area, in acres, within the designated boundaries satisfactorily seeded in conformance with these specifications.

Measurements will be made from Shapefiles and Printouts. Payment will be made at the unit price per acres specified in the Bid Schedule which is made a part hereof and shall include the cost of all work described in this paragraph and the Work Data Sheets.

Government-furnished property

Property: The Government will furnish all seed at a centralized storage facility. The contractor will be responsible for obtaining the seed from the seed storage facility and transporting seed to work sites.

Return of Property: Excess seed will be returned to the Bureau of Land Management’s storage facility upon notification by the contractor unless otherwise determined.

Inspection and acceptance

Inspection: The COR/ PI will make periodic inspections as a basis for payments and recommendations for adjustments in work quality. The Contractor is encouraged to observe inspection while they are being made and have a supervisor on site to confer with the COR/ PI.

Shapefiles will be viewed and/or given to the COR/ PI on a daily basis. The determination of acres completed shall be agreed upon by the Contractor and the COR/ PI on a daily basis.

Final acceptance

Work Performed: According to the specifications, the treatment will be considered acceptance for payment if all deliverable services are complete.

Final Payment: Shall be made upon final acceptance of services, Government receipt of

Shapefile Printouts from Contractor, return of Government-furnished property (if any) and receipt of a proper invoice through IPP.gov. Payment will be made by “acre”. All acres identified in the mapped work-area shall be completed in order to receive 100% payment.

General information

Location: The government -furnished property will be provided by the Bureau of Land

Management, Grand Junction Field Office, Grand Junction, CO, 81506. The seed for the aerial seeding will be located at a seed storage facility (5297 Sawmill Mesa Rd. Delta 81416). The contractor may collect the seed directly from the warehouse. Notice of two business days will be given (970 623 5224) so that a representative can meet the contractor at the seed storage facility for seed pick up. A fork lift will be available at the seed storage facility. Once delivered, the

Contractor shall be responsible to protect seed from loss or damage.

Time: Seed will be available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM or as needed and approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (tbd) . Advanced notice will be needed so that a representative can meet to access the seed.

Return of property: Excess seed will be returned to the Bureau of Land Management unless otherwise determined. Empty seed bags will be either disposed of by the contractor or reclaimed by the Bureau at the Bureau’s discretion.

4. Loading-off loading: The contractor will be responsible for providing necessary equipment and personnel to unload and load seed. All seed will be premixed in 50 lb. sacks.

ATTACHMENT A

Project name: Border Fire Aerial Seeding

District office: Grand Junction Field Office, Grand Junction, Colorado

County: Mesa County, Colorado; Grand County, Utah

Approximate performance period: February 14, 2024 – March 15, 2024 Landscape: flat to mountainous terrain

Border Fire seed mix (1,195 acres)

Species

Total

LBS

Desired

SQUIRRELTAIL, BOTTLEBRUSH, ELEL5, TURKEY

LAKE 1300

SQUIRRELTAIL, BOTTLEBRUSH, ELEL5, PUEBLO 3550

RICEGRASS, INDIAN, ACHY, RIMROCK 800

DROPSEED, SAND, SPCR 1900

BLUEGRASS, SANDBERG, POSE, UP COLO+D27 3000

SUNFLOWER, ANNUAL, HEAN3 1300

BEEPLANT, ROCKY MOUNTAIN, CLSE 550

SALTBUSH, FOURWING, ATCA2 1200

Total 13600

• Seed mix is bagged in 50 lb bags.