Statement_of_Work_GUIS__MS_Invasive_Plant_Trmt_SOW_2022_edits_6_24_22.pdf

Invasive Plant Treatments at West Petit Bois and Petit Bois Island

Mississippi District

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Statement of Work

OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE

Gulf Island National Seashore (GUIS) requires services for the treatment of 92.57 acres of various invasive plant species including, but not limited to, torpedograss (Panicum repens) and cogongrass

(Imperata cylindrica) at West Petit Bois and Petit Bois Islands in its Mississippi district.

GUIS consists of coastal watersheds including a mosaic of upland and wetland habitats that connect to coastal transition zones and ultimately estuarine and marine systems. GUIS has long provided important habitat and recreation areas on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, though their unique ecology is threatened by invasive species, with torpedograss (Panicum repens) and cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) infestations being the most extensive.

The objective of this work is to treat and eradicate, with pesticides approved in Appendix B, 92.57 acres of identified torpedograss (Panicum repens) and cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) infestations to the extent possible, as well as any additional invasive species identified within the designated treatment areas (Appendix A) in order to 1) promote return of natural ecosystem function to priority coastal ecosystems, 2) to return areas to ideal conditions/increase suitable habitat for native/listed species of plants and wildlife to occupy, 3) enhance connectivity between landscapes towards landscape scale change, 4) determine the most effective strategies for larger scale treatments of larger invasive plant infestations throughout the entire Mississippi District.

CONTRACT PERIOD

This will be a firm, fixed-price contract with a period of performance beginning upon award and ending on October 31st, 2022.

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.

Petit Bois Island is designated as “wilderness” and is therefore managed under the rules and regulations described within The Wilderness Act of 1964. Prohibited uses described in Section 4(c) of this act will not be permitted or authorized.

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

(10) The Wilderness Act of 1964

PROJECT LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

The invasive plant infestations targeted for control in this specific contract are located on West Petit Bois and Petit Bois Islands, in the Mississippi District of GUIS. Maps are included in Appendix A.

The invasive plant treatment areas for this contract includes a variety of habitats found on barrier islands, such as coastal dune systems and interdunal swales. The treatment areas are also located within areas designated as Wilderness and protected by the Wilderness Act of 1964. This protection restricts the use of motorized vehicles on areas designated as “wilderness” (Petit Bois Island).

DESIGNATED NATIONAL PARK SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES

CO: Contracting Officer who will award and modify the contract. The Contracting Officer is the only 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.

COR: The COR, acting on behalf of the Contracting Officer, is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the contract services, which include review of work in progress. Contracting

Officer’s Representative will be responsible for inspecting operations outlined in this SOW and will recommend approval or disapproval to the Contracting Officer. Additionally, the COR will approve invoicing prior to input into IPP.gov for payment.

Any arrangements or agreements made with regard to the administration and execution of this contract with persons other than the Contracting Officer or his designee will not be considered binding upon the Government.

GENERAL WORK REQUIREMENTS

Work may occur anytime from date of award until October 31st. Work shall be conducted between

Monday and Friday, 8am - 5pm, unless approved in advance by the COR (e.g. extended hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day during summer months). No work shall be conducted on weekends or Federal holidays unless agreed upon in advance by the COR.

Prohibited uses as described within Section 4(c) of The Wilderness Act of 1964 will not be permitted or authorized on Petit Bois Island. Therefore, the use of motorized vehicles and/or equipment within

Petit Bois Island will not be permitted or authorized. Ground disturbance is not permitted.

The Contractor shall furnish personnel services in areas such as project management, GPS/GIS/ArcMap data management, Data Entry specialists, Admin/clerical, Crew Supervisors and

Laborers. All workers conducting herbicide treatments shall carry a GPS tracking device to record the exact areas covered and treated. The Contractor shall perform the service of converting GPS data into electronic Geographical Information System mapping formats (GIS) as agreed upon with the

COR and provide that information to NPS.

The Contractor shall perform work according to a Safety Plan developed by the Contractor. The

Contractor shall be familiar with and adhere to any and all Federal, state, or local safety regulations pertaining to aquatic and terrestrial plant control operations, as well as transportation operations including but not limited to UTVs, vehicles, and vessels. The Contractor shall be familiar with and adhere to any and all Federal, state, or local safety regulations pertaining to the trailering of vehicles and the transportation of and on-site use and storage of herbicides. The Contractor shall meet current state application license requirements and have substantial experience and knowledge of field plant identification and of current invasive plant control technologies. The Contractor shall be responsible for the on-site security of equipment and materials. Only non-restricted herbicides approved by NPS will be allowed for use at GUIS. A list of chemicals currently approved for use at GUIS is included in Appendix B.

The Contractor shall ensure protection of the work site from human trampling and resultant social trails. Material including but not limited to food, containers, bottles, cigarette butts, fruit peels, and human waste shall not be left on site. The operation of all vehicles and equipment shall be done in a manner appropriate to the site that does not adversely impact the soils, resources, adjacent native vegetation, buildings, or other components of the work site. The contractor shall mark/sign all treatment areas during, and for 72 hours after, herbicide application to notify and deter access by the general public/Park visitors.

GENERAL IMPERILED SPECIES CONSIDERATION

All work conducted from March 1st through September 1st shall take nesting shorebirds into consideration. A park shorebird biologist will be required to accompany any work that takes place in documented shorebird habitat during this time period. “Drift” of sprayed chemicals should be taken into account when working adjacent to nesting areas. Vehicle use on areas designated as Wilderness is not permitted. At the time of drafting this SOW, there was no shorebird nesting documented within or adjacent to the treatment area, but shorebird nesting can be unpredictable and may occur in the treatment area any time between the drafting of this SOW and September 1st.

Sea turtle nesting season begins May 1st and runs until October 31st. Vehicle use along the beaches will be restricted during this time period. Additional considerations for treatment areas in beach dune habitat may also apply (see above).

All animals found in the National Park are protected, including venomous snakes and alligators. All potentially hazardous wildlife should be avoided. Under no circumstances should animals be intentionally harassed or injured under this SOW.

SPECIFIC TECHNICAL WORK REQUIREMENTS

GUIS understands that invasive plant treatment practices and success may vary considerably depending on location, method of control, time of year, and level of aquatic inundation. Herbicide application via foliar spraying shall be the primary control method used. To achieve an acceptable kill rate, torpedograss and cogongrass infestations shall not be treated when greater than 10% of aboveground biomass is inundated with water, unless exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis with prior approval from the COR. All herbicide formulations utilized, except aquatic and pre-emergent herbicides, will include a dye in order to facilitate determination of treated areas upon inspection by the

COR. All inspections by the COR will occur within 72 hours of herbicide application and prior to any predicted rainfall. Any area considered treated by the contractor that does not meet a minimum 95% application rate, as evidenced by dye on the vegetation at time of inspection, will be re-treated at no cost to the Government.

Post-award Meeting

At least 14 days prior to the start of work, the CO will arrange a post-award (pre-work) kickoff meeting/call with the Prime Contractor. The Prime Contractor may choose to have one or more Sub-

Contractors present. The meeting agenda will include the following as a minimum:

• Review of contract

• Roles and responsibilities

• Work schedule

• Accident reporting

• General park rules and regulations, rules of the road

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

• Storm evacuation protocols

• Archeological resources protection requirements

• Natural resource protection requirements

• Site inspections

• Threatened and Endangered species

• No-spray areas

• Methods of access and transportation

During the post-award meeting the COR will provide the Contractor with the following park-specific information:

• Areas of access

• Equipment staging areas

• Park maps and project boundaries

• Treatment area boundary maps and/or geospatial files

• Park representative contact information

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

Work, Safety, and Quality Control Plan

At least 14 days prior to the start of work, the Contractor shall provide a Work, Safety, and Quality

Control (WSQC) Plan. This work plan component should identify and provide contact information for the Contractor project manager, field crew supervisor(s), and other Contractor representatives. It should include the state license numbers for each licensed herbicide applicator to be on-site in NPS park units. It should include dates and schedules for field treatments. The safety plan component shall describe emergency evacuation procedures. At a minimum, a description of the routes to the nearest hospitals, key personnel to contact in an emergency, and emergency phone numbers shall be included. In the event of a hurricane, the Contractor shall be responsible for removing at-risk equipment and personnel. The WSQC plan shall also contain the contractors planned method of marking/signing treatment areas during, and for 72 hours after, herbicide application to notify and deter access by the general public/Park visitors.

As a part of the WSQC Plan, the Contractor must submit the proposed herbicides to be used.

Pesticides used in National Parks must be reviewed and preapproved within the NPS Pesticide Use

Proposal System (PUPS); therefore, the contractor is strongly encouraged to select from one of the pre-approved herbicides listed in Appendix B. If the contractor wishes to use an herbicide not listed in Appendix B, it is imperative to submit the proposed herbicides at least 30 days in advance of use for NPS/GUIS staff to submit and obtain appropriate approvals. The contractor must include the EPA registration number, the MSDS sheets, method of application, and approximate dates of application in all proposed herbicide requests. All herbicide formulations utilized, except aquatic and pre-emergent herbicides, will include a dye in order to facilitate determination of treated areas. The herbicide formulations shall be mixed per label directions and meet label concentration recommendations and limits. Applications cannot be made when sustained winds exceed 10 mph at ground level, since adjacent native vegetation could be subjected to damage by spray drift. Additionally, applications cannot be made if local weather forecasting projects a 50% or greater chance of rain within 4 hours, since treatment effectiveness will be reduced. Local forecasts should be determined by using this URL: https://www.wunderground.com/. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis with prior approval from the COR.

A first draft WSQC Plan will be submitted at least 14 calendar days prior to the start of work. The

COR will review and request any necessary revisions to this Plan. The contractor will complete all necessary revisions and submit a second draft WSQC Plan to the COR. The COR will review the second draft Plan and request any additional revisions. The Contractor must submit the fully revised, final plan to COR at least 7 calendar days prior to the start of work.

Data Collection, Deliverables, and Timetable

The field crew supervisor is responsible for collecting the following Daily Progress Report (DPR) data:

park unit and area, date, start time, end time, crew member names, total crew hours, data recorder, easting and northing coordinates, each target species treated (scientific name), percent cover of each target species (listed separately), acres (and/or square feet) treated, method of treatment by species, herbicide name by species treated, herbicide application rate by species, quantity of herbicide used, adjuvant trade name(s), adjuvant unit(s) of measure, quantity of adjuvant used, carrier(s) (i.e., water, oil, none), equipment used, and additional pertinent notes (e.g., notation of weather delays). This information will be supplied weekly to the COR.

All field crew personnel should collect GPS track data while conducting plant treatments. Track data should be combined into a digital GIS file, and geospatially correct polygons of areas treated should be created. Creation of PDF maps (cartographic product) maps of each area treated, including number of acres treated as calculated from polygons. Park-specific raw data, digital GIS polygon files, and PDF maps should be provided to COR within three business days of completing treatment.

In addition to the deliverables above, the Contractor will provide the COR with a short project update narrative once weekly, or more frequently if circumstances arise that warrant such communication. The narrative should describe what was accomplished relative to project goals, including explanations of work delays. DPRs and geospatial deliverables should be submitted within the timetables described above and therefore may or may not be attached as part of the weekly project updates.

The Contractor will submit a Work, Safety, and Quality Control Plan, as described above, which must be approved by the COR prior to the start of work.

Supplies and Equipment

The Contractor shall furnish all necessary personnel, vessels, vehicles, materials, equipment, and services to specifications identified in this Statement of Work (SOW).

The Contractor will be responsible for providing herbicide applicators with all supplies and equipment for invasive plant control with one exception. The park will provide water as an herbicide carrier and for https://www.wunderground.com/ container rinsing as needed when within the Davis Bayou area or dock referred to as the “Government

Boat Dock”. When water is provided, the Contractor will provide a back-flow device to prevent contamination of NPS hoses and water sources. A fresh water source is not available on West Petit Bois and Petit Bois islands. The Contractor will be responsible for transportation of fresh water to both islands.

Obligations of the Contractor

The Contractor shall be required to have a sufficient number of Crew Supervisors and ground crews to complete work within the period of performance of this contract.

The Contractor is responsible for obtaining all permits and chemical approvals prior to treatment. A list of currently approved herbicides is available in Appendix B.

All company trucks and vehicles must display the company name and telephone number. When parking on the road shoulders, all tracks left in the sand must be raked out after leaving the work area.

Exercise care and protect all native vegetation at the project site. The Contractor is responsible for the restoration or replacement of all damaged native vegetation, at no cost to the Government. Repair, replace, or restore to original condition, all property damaged as a result of any activity by the

Contractor, to the satisfaction of the COR. This includes, but is not limited to, soil grade disturbance resulting from heavy equipment/stump removal, pavement surface, turf areas, mixing zones, man-made structures, and equipment.

For each day worked at NPS park units, the Contractor shall use Daily Progress Reports (DPRs) to collect information as explained in the Data Collection, Deliverables, and Timetable section, above. DPRs should be provided to the COR on a weekly basis.

The Contractor shall provide field personnel with all supplies and equipment for invasive plant control projects, including vehicles (e.g., 4x4 Pick-up(s), vessel(s), and UTV(s) for transportation to work sites, GPS equipment for collecting site positions, herbicides and adjuvants, sprayers, machetes, hand tools, chainsaws, brush cutters, safety equipment, and suitable communications capability and any other equipment needed to facilitate operational coordination and safety of crewmembers.

Whenever work is being performed, the Contractor shall provide an on-site crew supervisor that is a certified pesticide applicator within Mississippi. The crew supervisor/certified applicator may supervise up to the maximum number of crew members as permitted by the state license at any given time. A copy of each supervisor's certification will be provided to the COR prior to initiation of on-site supervisory duties. The Contractor shall assign ground crew supervisor(s) to each project and shall be on-site at all times during control operations until project completion. The ground crew supervisor should be able to communicate with all crew members in a common language and shall be responsible for: 1) overseeing all control activities and safety on project sites, 2) assuring that all contract crews are knowledgeable of, and remain within the property and treatment boundaries, 3) coordinating with the COR on a daily basis,

4) assuring availability and compliance with all appropriate herbicide labels, most recent Safety Data

Sheets (SDS), Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), permit conditions, 5) assuring equipment is safe and in proper working condition, and 6) avoiding damage to native/listed vegetation and wildlife.

Contractor Qualifications

Prospective Contractors and Sub-Contractors must have no violations of Federal, State or Territorial laws or regulations related to pesticide use or nuisance and invasive plant 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.

Equipment Requirements

Invasive plant management involves the use of machinery that is inherently hazardous such as chainsaws and machetes in sensitive natural areas. Implementation of invasive plant control requires skill in operating and maintaining specialized equipment in a hostile environment, and the ability to follow the procedures and policies established by the DOI and the NPS for conducting such operations.

Contractor shall provide one GPS unit per field employee (UTM compatible) capable of achieving a minimum of 10-meter accuracy, and one cellular phone per supervisor/applicator. The Contractor shall provide their phone numbers to COR. Equipment used shall be in good repair and operating condition at all times, and comply with all Federal, State, and local vehicle 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.

All equipment and vehicles entering into NPS units shall be free of mud, soil, weeds, seeds, other living organisms, and other such debris that could contain or hold seeds or other propagules. The Contractor shall thoroughly wash all equipment before entry to NPS units. 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 the site. Contractor shall have spill kits available and clean-up protocols in place for all vehicles.

All clothing and PPE shall be decontaminated (free of invasive pests) on a daily basis or prior to entering a new treatment location.

Crew Supervisor Requirements

1) In possession of a state-specific applicators license appropriate for each state/park unit available for inspection at any time by the COR.

2) Coordination with designated COR upon a mutually agreed upon timeframe (daily/weekly/other).

3) Responsible for all control activities and safety on project sites.

4) Assuring that all contract crews are knowledgeable of and remain within property and treatment boundaries.

5) Assuring that copies of the safety plan, appropriate herbicide labels, SDSs or MSDSs, the scope of work and area maps are on site at all times and available at any time for inspection by the COR.

6) Avoid damage to native vegetation and wildlife. Collecting the Daily Progress Report (DPR) data as described in the Data Collection, Deliverables, and Timetable section, above. This information will be supplied weekly to the COR.

7) Assure that all individuals in the field, including him/herself, have a GPS turned on capable of recording in UTM and set to record a position at a minimum of every 30 seconds, and assure that all treatment sites are properly recorded.

8) Provide and ensure that employees wear protective clothing, shoes, eye protection, and any other PPE required by labels, laws, regulations, ordinances, and/or manufactures instructions for materials and equipment.

9) Crew Supervisor shall not supervise more crew members than is authorized under the state applicators license.

Crew Supervisor Qualifications

Each crew supervisor shall possess the following minimum qualifications:

1) Knowledge and two (2) years of substantial experience in field identification and current control technologies of invasive pest plants common to the ecosystem being treated.

2) Knowledge of indigenous plants with characteristics visually similar to invasive pest plants being treated.

3) Awareness of the potential impacts and liabilities of misapplication of herbicide and how to avoid them.

4) Working, current knowledge of resource management methods, biological processes, and vegetation treatment techniques.

5) Knowledge of data organization, record keeping, and global positioning system (GPS) mapping techniques, including the ability to collect discrete geolocation data points in the field.

6) Knowledge, ability, and willingness to handle herbicides in the course of invasive plant control, a current state applicators license for Mississippi.

7) Ability to work under adverse environmental conditions including: high humidity and temperatures, inclement weather, exposure to poisonous plants, venomous reptiles, biting and stinging insects, and difficult terrain such as dense thickets. Knowledge of and ability and willingness to implement the safety plan.

8) A current CPR card.

9) Knowledge of Threatened and Endangered species for Mississippi.

Crew Member Qualifications

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

1) Ability to correctly identify plants, including indigenous plants similar to invasive plants being treated.

2) Ability to mix, handle, and apply herbicides in accordance with label directions and crew supervisor instructions.

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

4) Ability to work under adverse environmental conditions including: high humidity and temperatures, inclement weather, exposure to poisonous plants, venomous reptiles, biting and stinging insects, and difficult terrain such as dense thickets.

5) Ability to collect discrete geolocation data points in field

Site Visits Inspections/Evaluations

During the contract period, the COR or other NPS representatives may conduct site visits to the work areas to inspect the performance of the Contractor. The site visits may or may not be coordinated with the Contractor.

Payment and Invoicing

Invoices must be complete and detailed. Detailed invoices include all labor categories (i.e. Crew

Supervisor, Crew member etc.), labor rates and hours per labor category, a breakdown of equipment and equipment rates and hours, Supplies and supply rates and quantities. Comply with fee and payment requirements per the contract Terms and Conditions.

Eligible crew operating time is the time the crew spends performing invasive plant control operations in accordance with the award. Eligible crew operating time includes travel from the designated project location to the treatment sites and includes herbicide spray operations and travel time from spray site to spray site within the same park unit. Eligible operating time does not include travel from Contractor’s office or place of lodging to project location, crew time for lunch and break periods, down time for equipment repair or other crew time or weather delays.

APPENDIX A: Torpedo grass treatment areas

APPENDIX B

HERBICIDES PRE-APPROVED FOR USE AT GULF ISLANDS NATIONAL SEASHORE

Herbicide Name

EPA

Number

Razor Pro Herbicide 22800366

Element 4 6271900040

Habitat Herbicide 24100426

Garlon 4 6271900040

Polaris Herbicide 22800534

Garlon 4 Ultra 6271900527

Roundup Pro Concentrate 52400529

Alligare Flagstaff Herbicide 8192700061

Aquaneat Aquatic Herbicide 22800365

Escort XP Herbicide 43201549

Rodeo 6271900324

Garlon 3A 6271900037

Roundup Custom Herbicide 52400343

Method 240 SI Herbicide 43201565