SOW_GC-IPMT_Plant_Control_FY25_2025_04_16.pdf

Invasive Plant Control Services in Mississippi and Texas National Park Service

Statement of Work

1. OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE

The National Park Service (NPS) requires invasive plant control services in designated treatment areas across four park units within Mississippi and Louisiana including: Gulf Islands National Seashore (GUIS), Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (JELA), Natchez Trace Parkway (NATR), and Vicksburg National Military Park (VICK) (See Appendix A for a map of the locations).

Contractor services will include invasive plant control and associated data collection & reporting.

The target species are: camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora), Chinese parasol tree (Firmiana simplex), Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera), cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica), Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), kudzu (Pueraria montana), privet (Ligustrum japonicum, Ligustrum lucidum, Ligustrum sinense), and wisteria (Wisteria sinensis).

Contractors must submit a pricing sheet to include unit pricing rates for all labor (e.g., Crew Supervisor, Crew Member, Administrative/Clerical, etc.), equipment, materials, and supplies including pesticides, mobilization, and travel for the contract period. The pricing sheet must specify total costs for all four project sites as well as individual costs for each park unit. Contract rates may be fully loaded, incorporating overhead, profit, and escalation. These fixed rates will be included in the base award contract as the fixed price schedule.

The Contractor shall furnish all necessary personnel, vehicles, materials, supplies, equipment, and services to specifications identified in this SOW.

2. CONTRACT PERIOD AND OPTIONS

This contract will be a firm, fixed-price agreement with a performance period starting upon award and concluding on 10/02/2026. The ideal timeframe for service execution is late spring to late summer, varying by park and based on plant and wildlife biology.

3. PROJECT LOCATIONS AND DESCRIPTIONS

The contract will encompass the following four parks located within the states of Louisiana and Mississippi:

a. Gulf Islands National Seashore (GUIS) The project site is part of the Davis Bayou area of the park in Ocean Springs, MS (map in Appendix A; spatial data provided). This area consists of southern mixed hardwood forest, maritime forest, bayhead swamp, bayou, and tidal marsh. The target invasive species within the 40.2-acre treatment site are: Chinese tallow, cogon grass, glossy privet, Japanese privet, Japanese climbing fern, and Japanese honeysuckle. The estimated total overall invasive density is ≤10%. The site is accessible by trucks or utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) along Park Rd and Robert McGhee Rd. UTVs must be operated safely on Davis Bayou roads, including use of flashing lights on the vehicles and/or contractor-provided road signage used to indicate workers ahead.

b. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (JELA)

The 78.2-acre JELA treatment sites are situated within the bottomland hardwood and bald cypress swamp habitat of the Barataria Preserve Unit, between LA Highway 45 and Bayou des Famille in Marerro, LA (map in Appendix A; spatial data provided). The primary target species is Chinese tallow, with limited presence of camphor tree. Overall estimated canopy cover for both target species is <8%. Chinese tallow density is highest along the oxbows, ponds, and shorelines of Bayou des Famille, with some target trees growing in standing water. Approximately 85% of target trees are less than 6 inches in diameter at breast height, and approximately 3% of target trees are greater than 10 inches in diameter. Treatments should occur between August 1 and September 15 of the contract term to avoid disturbance to bats and nesting birds. Non-target, mature dwarf palmetto covers approximately 75% of the entire site. The site can be accessed by limited roadside parking along the highway and by hiking from three NPS parking lots. No motorized vehicles are permitted within treatment site boundaries. Treatment mixtures shall all be composed of herbicides approved for aquatic sites.

c. Natchez Trace Parkway (NATR)

The treatment sites within NATR are situated on one or both sides of the Parkway at various locations along the first 38 miles, beginning in Natchez, Mississippi, and extending north/northeast (map in Appendix A; spatial data provided). The habitat encompasses a mix of southeastern forests, woodlands, and some open grasslands. The primary target species is kudzu. Sites have had a long history of treatments, particularly for kudzu, with areas treated mostly annually for the past 12 years. Table 1 summarizes all treatment sites. Pretreatment surveys were conducted during 2024, and those cover estimates are provided below. All sites are easily accessible from the Natchez Parkway road, which is marked with mileposts. Treatment of areas near water require the use of aquatic-approved herbicides, and all applications must remain within park boundaries.

Table 1. Natchez kudzu retreatment sites.

Site Number

Milepost

(MP)

Site Name Acres Covered

Pretreatment % Cover

1 1 St Catherine's Creek 28.17 ≤ 25 2 1.5 Newell Road 0.63 ≤ 5

3 6.5 MP 6.5 2.17 ≤ 5

4 7 MP 7 10.15 ≤ 5

5 10.5 Emerald Mound Rd turnoff 3.78 ≤ 25 6 12.5 Loess Bluff 2.20 ≤ 5 7 16.5 Old Trace Stream crossing 2.3 ≤ 5 8 17.5 Coles Creek 0.56 ≤ 5

9 19 Bullen Creek 1.6 ≤ 5

10 26.8 MP 26.8 1.13 ≤ 5

11 27 MP 27 1.71 ≤ 5

12 30.5 Hwy 522 Interchange 11.25 ≤ 5 13 32.8 MP 32-33 Creek/Bridge 8.27 ≤ 5 14 33.5 MP 33.5 Creek/Bridge 1.37 ≤ 5

15 34 MP 34 0.76 ≤ 5

16 36.5 MP 36.5 1.71 ≤ 5

17 37.5 Hwy 61 22.26 ≤ 5

18 37.8 MP 37.8 2.61 ≤ 5

Total: 102.63 acres

d. Vicksburg National Military Park (VICK)

VICK is located in Vicksburg, MS, and has terrain characterized by steep loess ridges and valleys, with numerous headwater streams flowing through the lowlands. The treatment area is 61.8 total acres. Target invasive plant species are kudzu (8.9 acres; 6.7 acres of which overlap with wisteria), wisteria (13.1 acres; 6.7 acres of which overlap with kudzu), Chinese parasol tree (38.7 acres), and Chinese privet along the tour road (7.8 acres) (map in Appendix A; spatial data provided). Herbicide treatment methods should be foliar, hack-and-squirt, and/or basal, to the extent possible and effective.

Woody vegetation treated with stump-cut methods, and visible from the tour road after felling, must be moved at least 25 feet behind the standing wood line, ensuring that downed debris is not visible to visitors from the road. Treatments should occur between August 1 and September 15 of the contract term to avoid disturbance to bats and nesting birds. Access to treatment sites is available via nearby parking lots and pullouts. UTVs must be operated safely on park roads, including use of flashing lights on the vehicles and/or contractor-provided road signage used to indicate workers ahead. Off-road UTV use is prohibited. Herbicide application must be performed on foot. Treatment of areas near water require the use of aquatic-approved herbicides, and all applications must remain within park boundaries, as marked by orange carsonite posts with “NPS property” labels.

4. DESIGNATED NATIONAL PARK SERVICE REPRESENATIVES

Contracting Officer (CO): The CO is responsible for awarding the contract and, if necessary, modifying its terms. The CO is the sole individual authorized to approve changes in terms, conditions, or in the work that may result in adjustments in cost and/or time of performance, and payment requests.

Contracting Officer Representative (COR): Acting on behalf of the CO, the COR manages the day-to-day administration of contract services, including the review of ongoing work. The COR is responsible for inspecting operations outlined in the scope of services and providing recommendations to the CO regarding approval or disapproval. Additionally, the COR reviews and recommends approval or revisions of invoices before they are submitted to IPP.gov. Final approval of invoices for payment will be processed through IPP.gov.

Site Manager: The Site Manager serves as the designated representative of a park unit and works in coordination with, or in the absence of, the COR. The Site Manager may lead site visits, facilitate park access, designate staging areas, and manage other park-specific logistics.

Any arrangements or agreements made regarding the administration and execution of this contract with persons other than the CO or designee will not be considered binding upon the Government.

5. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES AND AUTHORITIES

NPS management policies mandate the control of invasive species up to and including total eradication when practical, or whenever such species threaten protection or interpretation of resources being preserved on NPS lands.

Authorities to control invasive plants on park lands include but are not limited to the following policies, Public Laws, Federal Regulations, and executive orders:

(1) Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended, Public Law 94-579

(2) Reclamation Act of 1902, 32 Stat 388

(3) The "Carlson-Folry Act" Public Law 90-583

(4) Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974, Public Law 93-629, as amended

(5) Endangered Species Act. Public Law 93-205, as amended

(6) National Park Service Organic Act, 39 Stat. 535

(7) Departmental Manual, Pesticide Use Policy, 517

(8) Executive Orders: 11514, 11738, and 11987

(9) National Park Service Management Policies, 2006

6. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The general requirements listed in this section pertain to all work, as applicable, but may be elaborated upon in the Description of Services section of this SOW.

• The Prime Contractor/Contractor will be required to self-perform a minimum of 80% of the work.

The Contractor shall be at the worksite during all times while on-site work activities are being conducted to facilitate communication, daily work priorities, accountability of performance standards, and to ensure receipt of deliverables.

• Work shall only be conducted between Monday and Friday, 8am - 5pm local time, unless otherwise approved in advance by the COR and/or applicable Site Manager. No work shall be conducted on federal holidays or weekends, unless agreed upon in advance by the COR, applicable Site Manager, and Contractor.

• The Contractor shall furnish all equipment and supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE), pesticides, dyes, and adjuvants needed to complete the specified service requested.

• The Contractor shall provide for the security of all equipment, materials, and supplies. NPS is not responsible for the security of equipment, materials, and supplies used for invasive plant control by the Contractor.

• The Contractor shall furnish personnel services relevant to the specific service requested in areas such as but not limited to project management, report writing, field data collection, office-based research, data management, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), data entry, administrative and clerical, Crew supervision, and field labor.

• The Contractor shall perform work according to a Work, Safety, and Quality Control Plan developed by the Contractor and submitted to NPS for approval. The Contractor shall be familiar with and adhere to all federal, state, or local safety regulations pertaining to aquatic and terrestrial invasive plant control operations, pesticide use and storage, transportation and trailering operations, including but not limited to the use of vehicles or UTVs. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are prohibited unless specifically authorized by the COR.

• The Contractor shall hold all required state business licenses, pesticide applicator certifications, training certificates, and permits for Mississippi and Louisiana prior to the commencement of work. Additionally, the Contractor must have extensive experience and expertise in field plant identification and current invasive plant control technologies.

• The use of chemicals shall fully comply with United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, manufacturer label instructions, state pesticide laws, and NPS requirements.

No pesticide shall be applied without prior approval from the COR and the applicable Site Manager. Refer to Appendix B for a list of previously used pesticides. Pesticides not on this list may be considered for application under this contract.

• The Contractor shall ensure protection of the worksite from Contractor-caused human trampling and off-target impacts to resources in the area. All Contractor materials, including but not limited to human waste, food, food wrappers, containers, bottles, cigarette butts, and other trash, shall be removed from the site.

7. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

It is the Contractor’s responsibility to request clarification of the work requested, if it is not completely clear to the Contractor.

7.1 Pre-Work Meeting

Following award of this contract and prior to on-site plant treatments, the COR will arrange a pre-work meeting (i.e., Microsoft Teams) with the Contractor, COR, and Site Managers within 90 days post award. The Prime Contractor/Contractor may choose to have one or more Subcontractors present, if applicable. The Contractor shall be responsible for recording meeting notes and distributing them to the COR within five working days after the meeting. The agenda for the meeting will, at a minimum, include the following:

• Roles and responsibilities

• Review of Contract

• Site inspections

• Park specific rules and regulations

• Work schedule

• Accident reporting

• Medical emergency processes, availability, emergency numbers, and contacts

• Cultural and Natural resources protection requirements including protected species

• Calling in and out of the Park Dispatch or point of contact each day

• No spray, closed, or restricted areas

• Review safety and evacuation plan(s)

• Documentation of Mississippi and Louisiana pesticide applicator certification for each

Crew Supervisor

• Contractor Certificate of Liability Insurance, if not previously provided to the CO

Before, during, or following the Pre-work Meeting, COR and/or Site Manager will provide the Contractor with the following park-specific information:

• Methods of access and transportation

• Equipment staging areas

• Treatment area maps and/or geospatial files

• Park representative contact information

7.2 Work, Safety, and Quality Control Plan Deliverable

At least 45 days prior to the start of on-site fieldwork, the Contractor shall submit park-specific Work, Safety, and Quality Control Plans (WSQCPs) developed by the Contractor. The WSQCPs must be submitted to the COR and should address potential hazards, along with strategies to avoid or minimize their impact. It must include emergency evacuation procedures, and details on the storage, transportation, use, and disposal of pesticides, adjuvants, secondary products, other hazardous materials, and personal protective equipment (PPE). As a part of the WSQCPs, the proposed pesticide treatment methods to be used for this contract shall be submitted and include product trade name(s), EPA registration number(s), pesticide specimen label(s), safety data sheet(s) (SDS(s)), herbicide mix formulations, method(s) of application, and expected timeframes of applications. The proposed pesticide list must be specific to both the park and target species.

Additionally, documentation of Mississippi and Louisiana pesticide applicator certifications for each Crew Supervisor must be included in the WSQCPs.

The Contractor is to follow regulations, laws, policies, and guidelines of NPS and all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules and procedures. The Contractor shall:

• Provide a safe and healthy environment for all employees while at NPS sites.

• Include documentation of applicable Contractor safety programs (e.g., chainsaw) applicable to this scope of services within the WSQCPs.

• Provide a level of public safety commensurate with exposure at NPS worksites.

• Comply in rectifying all unsafe or unhealthful conditions called to attention by the COR.

• Allow for informal, formal, announced, and unannounced safety inspections by the COR, Site Manager(s), and/or Park Safety Officer(s) or Collateral Duty Safety Officer(s) to verify compliance.

The CO/COR may request up to two revised draft WSQCPs for review and approval. All review comments must be fully incorporated into the plan before it is considered final and complete. The WSQCPs should be tailored to the specific parks receiving treatments. On-site work by the Contractor at park units cannot begin until a final, complete versions of WSQCPs have been approved by the COR. Copies of the WSQCPs should be made available to on-site Contractor staff as needed during work activities.

The WSQCPs should include the following measures as described below in 7.2.1 through 7.2.6.

7.2.1 General Safety Measures

The Contractor shall implement safety controls to protect the life, health, and safety of employees and others, as well as prevent damage to property, materials, supplies, equipment, and natural and cultural resources during the performance of this contract. The Contractor shall also be responsible for securing equipment and for any loss or damage to equipment while it is in an NPS unit.

The Contractor shall ensure they have the appropriate equipment to perform work safely. The Contractor must be familiar with and comply with all applicable federal, state, territorial, and local safety regulations regarding vehicle operation, trailering, and UTV use. All vehicles and equipment must be operated in a manner that minimizes impact on the site, including soils, wetland resources, adjacent vegetation, buildings, and other worksite components. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that their equipment and supplies do not pose hazards on trails, sidewalks, or other pedestrian areas.

The Contractor shall implement a Hazard Communication Program in compliance with 29 CFR 1910.1200. Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) shall be obtained for all hazardous materials used in contract performance. As part of the WSQCPs, the Contractor shall submit these SDSs along with a complete inventory of hazardous materials to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) before bringing the materials on-site.

Should the Contractor discover any conditions at the site that constitute a safety or health hazard, the hazard shall immediately be reported to the COR or Site Manager.

7.2.2 Pesticide Storage, Transportation, Use, and Disposal

The Contractor shall be knowledgeable of and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local safety regulations governing aquatic and terrestrial invasive plant control operations, including the storage, transportation, and application of pesticides.

• All pesticides shall be EPA/state registered or have the appropriate state Special Local Needs (Section 24(c) FIFRA) registration. Contractor shall provide registration information to the Site Manager and/or COR as a part of the WSQCPs.

• The Contractor is liable for any penalty, fines, or damages resulting from the misuse of pesticides.

• The Contractor shall strictly follow all pesticide specimen label instructions, including application guidelines, precautionary statements, and safety requirements. Additionally, the Contractor must be knowledgeable of and comply with all applicable local, state, and federal safety regulations, including but not limited to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), OSHA standards, EPA Worker Protection Standards, and applicable state statutes.

• The Contractor shall ensure that the on-site Crew Supervisor prints, and maintains copies of all applicable pesticide specimen labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) as part of the final WSQCPs.

• While on-site, pesticides and adjuvant concentrates must remain under the direct control of the Crew Supervisor, as the state certified applicator. Alternatively, these may be securely stored in a ventilated, locked truck, trailer, or shed, as close to the treatment site as practicable and in compliance with state statutes.

• All products shall be stored in properly sealed containers that are in good condition to prevent spills or releases. Containers must be clearly labeled to identify their contents, inspected daily for leaks, and securely stored to minimize the risk of leakage.

• The Contractor shall ensure that all empty containers are kept in a secured, ventilated, and locked truck, trailer, or shed.

• The Contractor is fully responsible for any leaks, spills, environmental damage, or theft of materials from the worksite.

• The Contractor shall use secondary containment equipment for mixing and dispensing pesticides.

• Pesticide applications cannot be made when wind speeds and/or rainfall exceed label requirements. The Contractor is responsible for monitoring weather forecasts for the treatment areas to ensure compliance.

• The Contractor shall properly dispose of all pesticide containers and other hazardous materials in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and off-site of NPS property.

7.2.3 Emergency and Storm Evacuation Procedures

The WSQCPs shall outline emergency evacuation procedures, including description of the routes to the nearest hospital(s). Each WSQCP should also list all key personnel and their emergency contact information, including representatives from the NPS, Contractor Crew Leaders, and other relevant Contractor contacts.

7.2.4 Personal Protective Equipment

All Contractor Crew Supervisors and Crew Members shall wear appropriate PPE, as required of the task being performed and as specified by pesticide labels, SDSs, and EPA, state, and NPS regulations. The required equipment shall be specified in the WSQCPs and may include but is not limited to appropriate gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, chaps, high visibility clothing when working along roadsides, and any other equipment required for the specific tasks being performed. The COR or Site Manager may stop work by any Crew Member found not wearing required safety equipment.

7.2.5 Fuel and Spill Prevention

The Contractor shall avoid using equipment or vehicles that are leaking fluids. To the extent practical, all equipment maintenance should be conducted off-site; however, the WSQCPs should outline fueling and lubrication practices for equipment, on-site fuel and lubricant storage, potential spill sources, spill control measures, and spill response procedures. Any pesticide or other material spills during spraying operations must be reported immediately to the Site Manager and COR. All spilled materials shall be contained and cleaned up immediately. The Contractor should have absorbent materials (e.g., absorbent mats, snakes, or loose absorbent) readily available for containment of spills over soil, with no ground disturbance (e.g., digging trenches) until NPS personnel respond. Additionally, spills exceeding legal reporting thresholds must be reported to the appropriate regulatory agencies. The WSQCPs should also address the proper disposal of rinsate, leftover chemicals, and containers.

7.2.6 Environmental and Resource Protection

All Contractor staff will avoid damage to non-target natural and cultural resources in the park.

Contractor access to the worksites will minimize soil disturbance and trampling and/or breakage of vegetation, streambanks, springs, or any other park resources. No chemicals or other substances will be released into streams or groundwater and no ground disturbance shall occur unless approved by the COR or Site Manager.

No disturbance or collecting of plants, wildlife, soil, cultural artifacts, or other park resources will occur. All animals found at work sites are protected, including alligators and venomous snakes.

All potentially hazardous wildlife should be avoided. Under no circumstances should animals be intentionally fed, harassed, or injured.

All Contractor generated waste including but not limited to leftover food, food wrappers, plastic bottles and the like shall be disposed of legally, off government property, at the completion of each workday.

7.3 Invasive Plant Control

Invasive plant management strategies may vary significantly based on location, target species, control methods, time of year, access methods, and available funding. The target species may include annual or perennial herbs, grasses, woody or non-woody vines, shrubs, trees, and/or aquatic plants.

The work may involve both manual and mechanical methods, such as pulling and cutting, as well as chemical treatments including aquatic or terrestrial pesticide applications.

At the present time, pesticides are relied upon heavily to control invasive plants. Methods of application should follow best management practices and potentially include foliar spray, frill/girdle/hack & squirt, cut stump, and basal bark applications. Vines and seedlings of some target tree species in mixed plant communities may be hand-pulled to minimize the impact of pesticides on non-target vegetation, including when wind speeds or rain amounts exceed thresh holds indicated in specimen label(s). Pulled seedlings or vines should be left hanging on the native vegetation or in a pile to reduce the possibility of re-growth.

7.3.1 Data Collection and Data Deliverables

The Contractor shall collect, record, and provide operational field data using various formats, including written field data sheets and electronic formats such as, but not limited to, Global Positioning System (GPS) data. The Contractor will convert GPS data into electronic GIS files compatible with ArcGIS Pro 3.3.1 (or any updated version) and provide this information to the COR. Additionally, the Contractor shall create PDF maps (cartographic products) for each treated area and including the total number of acres treated, as calculated from treatment polygons.

The Crew Supervisor is responsible for collecting the Daily Progress Report (DPR) data.

Required DPR and National Invasive Species Information Management System (NISIMS) information includes: applicator(s), state certified applicator(s), data recorder, location coordinates (easting and northing), location name, park unit code, start date, start time, end time, total hours worked, species treated (scientific name), percent cover for each species treated, total acres treated, wind speed, air temperature, pesticide trade name(s), type of formulation(s), pesticide EPA registration number(s), dilution rate of the product(s) applied, application rate(s), application rate unit of measure (UOM), total mix volume, carrier, carrier UOM, adjuvant trade name(s), adjuvant application rate(s), application rate UOM, and equipment type name (e.g., backpack sprayer, hatchet, squirt bottle). This information will be supplied daily to the COR.

All field crew personnel should collect GPS track data while conducting invasive plant control. The Contractor shall combine this track data into a digital GIS file organized by park unit and develop geospatially accurate polygon shapefiles of treated areas, from which treatment acreages can be calculated. Each polygon must include the required data, as previously outlined, in the attribute table. The Contractor shall also create PDF maps (cartographic products) for each treated area, showing the total acres treated, as calculated from the polygons. GIS polygon files, track line files, and PDF maps of the treated areas must be submitted to the COR within three business days of completing treatment at each park unit.

Additionally, the Contractor shall provide the COR with a weekly project update narrative, or more frequently if necessary, detailing progress relative to project goals. The narrative should include a summary of work completed, explanations for any work delays, and their potential impact on the project schedule(s). Daily Progress Reports (DPRs) and geospatial deliverables should be submitted within the specified timeframes and may or may not be included with the weekly project update.

7.3.2 Access and Staging Areas

Access and staging areas will be provided before, during, or following the pre-work meeting.

This information will include the locations of access points to the work areas and, if applicable, areas where equipment and/or supplies can be temporarily stored. Contractor must provide appropriate transportation and, when applicable, pesticide delivery vehicles to access worksites. If a work area is in a designated wilderness, motorized access and use of mechanized equipment may be limited and will be discussed during and following the pre-work meeting.

7.3.3 Treatments and Control Measures

All control efforts in treated areas must achieve at least 95% effectiveness in preventing re-sprouts of all target vegetation within the designated treatment areas under this contract. If any project area does not meet the 95% kill rate within three months of project completion, the Contractor shall perform one additional thorough treatment at no additional cost to the Government. For further performance requirements, refer to the Performance Criteria and Progress Completion Tracking section below.

At all times when work is being performed, the Contractor shall provide an assigned on-site Crew Supervisor that is a certified pesticide applicator within the applicable state(s) where the work is being performed.

The Contractor shall provide Crew Members with all necessary equipment and supplies required for invasive plant control services under this contract. This includes, but is not limited to, appropriate vehicles or vessels for transportation to worksites, GPS equipment for site position and track log collection, pesticides and adjuvants, sprayers, machetes, hand tools, chainsaws, personal protective equipment (PPE), potable water, and suitable communication devices. The Contractor shall also supply any additional equipment needed to ensure operational coordination and Crew Member safety.

The Contractor is responsible for restoring or replacing any excessively damaged native vegetation at no cost to the Government. Additionally, the Contractor shall repair, replace, or restore to its original condition any property damaged due to unauthorized or negligent activities by the Contractor and/or Subcontractor(s), as determined by the CO. This includes, but is not limited to, disturbances to soil grade caused by heavy equipment or stump removal, damage to pavement surfaces, turf areas, mixing zones, man-made structures, and equipment.

7.3.3.1 Crew Supervisor Qualifications and Responsibilities

The Crew Supervisor must be able to communicate with all Crew Members in a common language and shall be responsible for the following:

• Overseeing all control activities and ensuring worksite safety.

• Ensuring that all Crew Members are knowledgeable of and remain within designated park and treatment boundaries.

• Coordinating with the COR and/or Site Manager within mutually agreed-upon timeframes (daily, weekly, or as required).

• Ensuring the availability of and compliance with the WSQCPs for all Crew Members, including adherence to pesticide labeling, on-site access to the most recent SDSs, and compliance with applicable permit conditions.

• Ensuring all equipment is safe and in proper working condition.

• Avoiding damage to wildlife and non-target native vegetation.

• Ensuring that all Crew Members, including the Supervisor, have a GPS device turned on, capable of recording in UTM, and set to log a position at least every 30 seconds while in the field, and ensuring proper recording of all treatment activities within each site.

• Collecting DPR data as specified and submitting it daily to the COR.

• Ensuring all equipment and Crew Member clothing are decontaminated daily or before entering a new treatment location to prevent the spread of invasive pests.

Each Crew Supervisor shall possess the following minimum qualifications:

• Hold a current applicable state pesticide applicator certification in the appropriate categories required for the work and in compliance with state regulations.

• Ability to supervise Crew Members serving as applicators under their certification.

• Have at least two (2) years of substantial experience in field identification and the application of current control technologies for invasive pest plants common to the ecosystem being treated.

• Knowledge of native plants with characteristics similar to the target invasive species.

• Understand the risks and liabilities associated with pesticide misapplication and how to prevent them.

• Knowledge of resource management methods, biological processes, and vegetation sampling.

• Knowledge of data organization, record keeping, and GPS mapping techniques.

• Knowledge of and willingness to handle pesticides during invasive plant control.

• Ability to work under adverse environmental conditions including high humidity and temperatures, inclement weather, exposure to poisonous plants, venomous or poisonous reptiles, biting or stinging insects, and in hostile terrain.

• General knowledge of Threatened and Endangered plant and animal species within applicable park unit(s) as identified by park staff.

• Knowledge of and ability and willingness to implement the WSQCPs.

7.3.3.2 Crew Member Qualifications

Crew Members performing invasive plant control operations shall possess the following minimum qualifications:

• Ability to correctly identify plants, including native plants similar to the plants being treated.

• Ability to mix, handle, and apply pesticides in accordance with label directions and Crew Supervisor instructions.

• Ability to operate and maintain specialized equipment for invasive plant control.

• Ability to handle and maintain tools, equipment, and supplies in good working order for daily operations.

• Ability to follow the procedures and policies established by NPS for conducting operations.

• Ability to work under adverse environmental conditions including high humidity & temperatures, inclement weather, exposure to poisonous plants, venomous or poisonous reptiles, biting or stinging insects, and in hostile terrain.

• Knowledge of and ability to follow requirements established in WSQCPs.

7.3.3.3 Equipment Requirements

Contractor shall be responsible for providing all supplies and equipment for the work performed including but not limited to vehicles, GPS equipment, radios, pesticides and adjuvants, sprayers, chainsaws, and safety equipment. At all times, equipment used shall be in good repair and operating condition, and comply with all federal, state, and local regulations. All equipment shall meet all safety standards as established for that piece of equipment. All equipment shall be operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. All equipment shall be equipped with all appropriate safety guards, as specified by the manufacturer. The CO reserves the right to request replacement of equipment or personnel, if deemed to be unsafe or operating in an unsafe manner.

The Contractor will provide Crew Supervisor(s) and Crew Members with suitable communication capability to facilitate operational coordination and safety. Contractor shall provide one GPS unit per each Crew Supervisor and Crew Member (UTM compatible with a minimum of 10-meter accuracy) and one cellular phone per Crew Supervisor. Contractor shall provide phone number(s) and email address(es) of Crew Supervisor(s) to COR.

All equipment and vehicles entering park units shall be inspected by the Contractor before entering into park units and shall be free of mud, soil, weeds, seeds, eggs, other living organisms, and other such debris that could contain or hold seeds, other propagules, eggs, or larva. The Contractor shall power-wash all equipment before initial entry to a park unit and may be required to power wash between mobilizing to different work sites. The NPS reserves the right to reject equipment that is dirty and could potentially spread unwanted plants, animals, or substances within the units. Vehicles may require cleaning upon leaving a project site.

NPS has right to inspect each piece of equipment, prior to moving it into the work area and moving between work areas. The COR may coordinate inspections of equipment. If the Contactor desires to clean equipment on NPS land, such as at the end of a project or prior to moving to a new treatment location, Contractor shall coordinate with the COR to determine appropriate cleaning methods and locations.

8.0 PERFORMANCE CRITERIA AND PROGRESS COMPLETION TRACKING

It is the responsibility of the COR and Site Manager to determine progress and completion tracking associated with the following performance criteria. The Contractor may be present for these inspections, but these activities are not billable deliverables. It is the responsibility of the Contractor, at no cost to the Government, to meet the performance criteria as specified below.

8.1 Site Visit Inspections and Evaluation

During the period of performance of this Contract, the COR or Site Manager may conduct site visits to the work areas to inspect the performance of the Contractor while on-site treatments are being conducted. The site visits may or may not be coordinated with the Contractor.

If, at any time, the COR or Site Manager determines that the work is unsatisfactory or being conducted in an unsafe manner, the Contractor will be notified, the issue shall immediately be addressed, and corrections shall be made that satisfy the COR or Site Manager.

The Contractor is responsible for providing all data deliverables (i.e., Daily Progress Reports, GIS track logs, GIS polygon shapefiles, and PDF maps) and invoices to COR for review, prior to submission of invoices for payment through IPP.gov. Failure of the Contractor to agree with the COR on work performed will be settled under the disputes clause of this contract.

8.2 Three Month Re-Inspection and Evaluation

The COR or Site Manager will inspect the work area three (3) months after completion of treatments at each park to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatments. All control efforts of treated areas shall be at least 95% effective in preventing re-sprouts of all target vegetation, with less than 1% mortality of non-target plants. If a 95% kill rate of target plants is not achieved for any area of the project three months following treatments at each park receiving treatments, one additional thorough treatment of the project area will be the responsibility of the Contractor, at no cost to the Government, and no invoicing will be accepted for this service. Destruction or permanent damage to any sensitive species shall be cause for possible penalties or dissolution of the contract.

9.0 ADJUSTMENTS FOR INADEQUTE PERFORMANCE

NPS goals including protecting park resources in their natural state are a priority, and while the deduction provision for work omitted or improperly performed is designed to protect NPS’s interests, it is not a desirable substitute for accomplishing the job through the normal process. It is designed to assure that NPS pays only for services provided and is fairly compensated for damage(s) resulting from such operations.

Failure to perform the required services as indicated in the specifications herein constitutes a deficiency.

All work will be regularly inspected by the COR or Site Manager and any deficiencies will be reported by the CO in writing to the Contractor. The COR will make the sole determination as to the existence of a deficiency in performance.

Corrective action taken by the Contractor shall be taken promptly and the work satisfactorily accomplished. Deficiencies in daily tasks shall be completed within the day the deficiency is noted.

All other deficiencies shall be corrected within 24 hours of the period indicated by the COR or Site Manager.

If such deficiencies are of a nature that precludes satisfactory re-accomplishment within the specified time frame, no further opportunity will be provided to the Contractor to cure the deficiencies and the provisions for monetary adjustments will apply.

In the event the Contractor, for any reason whatsoever, fails to successfully perform a task, the NPS has a right to terminate the contract with ten (10) days written notice to the Contractor and/or reduce the contract award by an amount equal to the costs to complete the work as specified.

10. PAYMENT AND INVOICING

Invoices must be complete and detailed. Detailed invoices shall include cost breakdowns by park.

The Contractor is responsible for providing all data deliverables (i.e., Daily Progress Reports, GIS track logs, GIS polygon shapefiles, and PDF maps) and invoices to COR for review, prior to submission of invoices for payment through IPP.gov. The dates on data deliverables must align with the period of performance noted on the invoice. The CO/COR will not approve an invoice without these data deliverables.

11.0 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

11.1 FAR 52.245-1 Government Property

The Government may provide government property to be used by the Contractor. This may include but is not limited to keys, storage areas, pesticides, dye, and/or adjuvants. This will be specified during or following the pre-work meeting.

11.2 Pesticide Use Violations

The Contractor, associated Subcontractor(s), and staff must have no violations of federal, state, or territorial laws or regulations related to pesticide use or invasive species control resolved by mediation, Consent Order, or fine within the previous two (2) years. Any violations brought against the Contractor during the period of performance of this contract may be grounds to terminate the contract.

APPENDIX A

TREATMENT LOCATIONS

APPENDIX B

NPS PREVIOUSLY USED PESTICIDES

Pesticide Trade Name EPA Registration Number Alligare Triclopyr 3 81927-13 Alligare Triclopyr 4 81927-11 AquaNeat 228-365 Arsenal 241-346 Element 3A 62719-37 Element 4 62719-40 Garlon 3A 62719-37 Garlon 4 62719-40 Garlon 4 Ultra 62719-527 Milestone 62719-519 Ranger Pro 524-517 Razor Pro 228-366 Rodeo 62719-324 Transline 62719-259 Vastlan 62719-687