Performance Work Statement (PWS).docx

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

PEST PLANT GRAZING

MILL CREEK PROJECT, WALLA WALLA, WA

Part 1 – General Information

1. General: This is a service contract to graze vegetation at various locations at U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Mill Creek Project. The Government will not exercise any supervision or control over the Contractor employees performing the services herein. Contractor employees shall be accountable solely to the Contractor, who in turn is responsible to the Government. The mailing address for the Mill Creek Project is 3211 Reservoir Rd, Walla Walla, WA 99362.

1.2 Background: Mill Creek Project serves the public by managing lands along Mill Creek and around Bennington Lake. Much of this land is inundated by pest plants that need to be removed mechanically.

1.3 Objectives: The objective of this contract is to have the pest plants removed by grazing.

1.4 Scope: The Contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to apply grazing to the areas as defined in Part 3 of this Performance Work Statement (PWS). All visible leafy green vegetation within the work area shall be removed by goats down to the woody stem, or removed from the ground to a height of 4” or less. A shepherd must be onsite at least every 3 hours between the hours of 5:00 am and 9:00 pm and every 4 hours between 9:00 pm and 5:00 am. There are no camping facilities available at the Mill Creek Project, but areas are available for primitive no hook-up camping. These sites can accommodate a trailer. Water is available at various locations throughout the project. Potential camping sites, restrooms, and water locations are shown on the map in Part 3.

1.5 General Information:

1.5.1 Period of Performance: This is a Base + 4 contract. The period of performance shall be from May 15, 2024 to August 15, 2028.

1.5.2 Place of Performance. The work to be carried out under this contract will be performed at the Mill Creek Project, Walla Walla, WA, at the specific locations identified in Part 3 of this PWS.

1.5.3 Special Qualifications: The Contractor shall, without additional expense to the Government, be responsible for obtaining all necessary licenses and permits and for complying with any applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations in connection with the performance of the work. The contractor will also be required to have an onsite POC who is fluent in the English language.

1.5.3.1 Caseous Lymphadenitis: The contractor shall ensure all goats over 3 months old have been vaccinated for Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL) within the past year. All goats are to be inspected prior to shipment/transport to Mill Creek for active abscesses and symptoms of CL. Those goats with abscesses or showing symptoms of CL shall not be transported and used at Mill Creek. Goats will be inspected every 25 to 30 days while on site for abscesses and removed from site if showing symptoms of CL. A record of vaccinations will be provided if the COR requests one.

OR

The contractor shall provide proof of being a CL free herd by following the Washington State University WDDAL recommended protocol for blood serum testing. A representative portion of the herd must be tested (10 or more animals out of every hundred within the herd) within the calendar year of service and at least 30 days prior to coming on site. All goats are to be inspected prior to shipment/transport to Mill Creek for active abscesses and symptoms of CL. Those goats with abscesses or showing symptoms of CL shall not be transported and used at Mill Creek. Goats will be inspected every 25 to 30 days while on site for abscesses and removed from site if showing symptoms of CL. Proof of a CL free herd is considered documentation showing blood serum test results.

1.5.4 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The COR monitors all technical aspects of the contract and assists the Contracting Officer in contract administration. A letter of designation issued to the COR, a copy of which is provided to the Contractor, states the responsibilities and limitations of the COR. The COR is not authorized to change or waive any of the terms and conditions of this contract.

1.5.5 Post-award Conference. The Contractor agrees to attend a post-award conference, convened by the COR, and held telephonically or in person at Mill Creek Project. This meeting will be scheduled within 14 days of contract award at a time mutually agreeable to the Contractor and the COR.

1.5.6 Contractor Quality Control: The Contractor is responsible for performing quality control activities to ensure the standards of this PWS are met. The Contractor’s Quality Control Plan is the means by which the Contractor assures itself and the COR that adequate inspections of work performance are conducted.

1.5.7 Quality Assurance. The Government will evaluate the Contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP), a draft of which will be provided to the Contractor for review and comment prior to implementation. If services do not conform to contract requirements, the COR may require the Contractor to re-perform such services, at no additional expense to the Government. If the defective service is not corrected in a timely manner, the Government may deduct from the invoice for each day the requirement is not met.

1.6 Safety:

1.6.1 Safety Standards: The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) standards and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Safety and Health Requirements Manual (EM 385-1-1), dated 15 Sep 08, as amended. The Contractor shall provide all necessary personal protective equipment for its employees. A PDF version of EM 385-1-1 may be accessed at:

https://www.usace.army.mil/Safety-and-Occupational-Health/Safety-and-Health-Requirements-manual/

1.6.2 Exposure Hours: In accordance with EM 385-1-1 paragraph 01.D.05.c, the Contractor shall submit project work hours to the COR at the completion of the work. Work hours include all hours on the project where an employee is in an on-duty pay status.

1.6.3 Accident Reporting. The Contractor shall notify the COR immediately of damage to Government or private property and injury to any person resulting from its operations under this contract. In the event that an accident or injury occurs on Government lands, the Contractor shall first notify the appropriate local emergency service organization, and then the COR, as soon as practicable. All damages which are determined to have been caused by negligence or incompetence on the part of the Contractor shall be corrected by expeditious and appropriate action by the Contractor at no cost to the Government. The Contracting Officer may determine an equitable amount of payment which shall be withheld pending correction of such action(s).

1.6.4 Communicable Diseases: The Contractor shall be responsible for any and all information and protective devices necessary for employees to work in and around jobs requiring cleaning and/or removal of human wastes or body fluids. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that all Contractor employees follow proper hygienic, disposal, and cleanliness practices.

1.7 Security:

1.7.1 General security requirements and guidance: The security requirements described below apply to all contract personnel (including employees of the prime Contractor ("Contractor") and all subcontractor employees) supporting the performance requirements of this contract. The Contractor is responsible for compliance with these security requirements. Questions regarding security matters shall be addressed to the designated Government representative (e.g., Contracting Officer Representative (COR), Requiring Activity (RA) representative, or Contracting Officer (if a COR or other RA representative is not appointed)). Contract personnel are critical to the overall security and safety of US Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE) installations, facilities and activities, and security awareness training contributes to those efforts. The Department of Defense (DoD) and Army security training requirements specified below, if applicable, are performance requirements; all applicable contract personnel shall complete initial training within 30 days of contract award or the date new contract personnel begin performance on the contract. Within five business days from the completion of training, the Contractor shall provide written documentation (e.g., email or memorandum) to the Government representative. The documentation shall include the names of contract personnel trained and which training they completed; the Contractor shall maintain training records as part of their contract files and be prepared to provide copies of training certificates to the Government representative. Contractor personnel and vehicles are subject to search when entering federal installations. Additionally, all contract personnel shall comply with Force Protection Condition (FPCON) measures, Random Antiterrorism Measures (commonly referred to as "RAMs"), and Health Protection Condition (HPCON) measures. The Contractor is responsible for meeting performance requirements during elevated FPCON and/or HPCON levels in accordance with applicable RA plans and procedures --this includes identifying mission essential and non-mission essential personnel. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes clause of this contract, should the FPCON or HPCON levels at any individual facility or installation change, the Government may implement security changes that affect contract personnel. The Contractor shall ensure all contract personnel are aware of their security responsibilities, including any site-specific requirements identified in local policies or procedures.

1.7.2 Physical security and access control requirements: All contract personnel requiring physical access to a federal installation or facility shall comply with the access control procedures of that location. Contract personnel requiring unescorted access to meet contract performance requirements on a DoD installation in the US shall be vetted by the installation/facility Provost Marshal/Directorate of Emergency Services/Security Office using the National Crime Information Center-Interstate Identification Index (commonly referred to as "NCIC-111") and Terrorist Screening Database (commonly referred to as "TSDB"). Contract personnel shall comply with all personal identity verification requirements specified in installation/facility policies and procedures. Contract personnel who do not meet requirements for unescorted access to USAGE facilities shall coordinate escorted access with the Government representative, as needed. Contract personnel who receive keys, access cards, or lock combinations that provide access to government-owned property shall comply with key and lock control procedures of the RA.

1.7.3 Suspicious Activity Reporting training (e.g. iWATCH, CorpsWatch, or See Something, Say Something): All contract personnel shall receive initial and annual refresher training from the RA representative on the local suspicious activity reporting program. This locally developed training provides contract personnel with general information on suspicious behavior, and guidance on reporting suspicious activity to the project manager, security representative or law enforcement entity.

1.7.4 Pre-screen candidates using E-Verify Program: Contractors shall comply with the requirements set forth in FAR clause 52.222-54 Employment Eligibility Verification and FAR Subpart 22.18 in using the E-Verify Program at (https://www.e-verify.gov/) (website subject to change) to meet the contract employment eligibility requirements. Contractors are encouraged to cooperate with Federal and State agencies responsible for enforcing labor requirements to include eligibility for employment under United States immigration laws in accordance with FAR 22.102-1(i). An initial list of verified/eligible candidates shall be provided to the COR no later than three business days after the initial contract award. When contracts are with individuals, the individuals will be required to complete a Form 1-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, and submit it to the Contracting Officer to become part of the official contract file.

1.7.5 Physical Security. The Contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all government equipment, information, and property provided for Contractor use.

1.7.6 Key Control. The Contractor shall establish and implement methods to ensure all keys issued to the Contractor by the Government are not lost or misplaced and are not used by unauthorized persons or for any other than authorized purposes. The Contractor shall prohibit the opening of locked areas by Contractor employees to permit entrance of persons other than Contractor employees engaged in the performance of assigned work in those areas, or personnel authorized entrance by the COR. No keys issued to the Contractor by the Government shall be duplicated. The Contractor shall immediately report any occurrences of lost or duplicate keys to the COR.

1.7.7 Security. All contractor and all associated sub-contractors employees shall comply with applicable installation, facility and area commander installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures (provided by government representative). In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes clause of this contract, should the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any installation or facility change, the Government may require changes in contractor security matters or processes.

1.8 Protection of Government Resources:

1.8.3 Environmental Protection: The Contractor shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations concerning prevention, control, and abatement of environmental pollution. Environmental pollution is defined as the presence of chemicals, physical or biological elements, or other agents which adversely affect human health and welfare, unfavorably alter ecological balances, affect other species, or degrade the utility of the environment for aesthetic and recreational purposes.

1.8.2 Disposal of Waste Materials: All vehicles used for waste hauling will have an enclosed compartment to prevent any spillage or loss of waste. The Contractor shall remove all wastes from Project property and dispose of it in a safe and legal manner. Disposal of any materials, trash, garbage, chemicals, etc., in areas adjacent to drainage ditches, ponds, or lakes shall not be permitted. If any waste material is dumped in unauthorized areas, the Contractor shall remove the material and restore the area to its original condition.

Part 2 – Contractor Furnished Items and Services

2.1 General: The Contractor shall furnish all supplies, equipment, facilities, transportation, and services required to perform work under this contract.

2.1.1 Goats: The Contractor shall provide enough goats to complete the work typically between 15 May and 15 August of the contract year. All goats should be healthy and free of disease. Goats may be brought on site using a trailer. There are areas available to park the trailer while not in use.

The contractor will be responsible for notifying the visitors of any hazards associated with their goats through signs.

There are two specific time frames for grazing. The first grazing is typically between 15 May to 15 June and focuses on the levee area to remove general vegetation from the levees. The second time frame is approximately 15 July to 15 August. The focus of this time frame is to remove invasive weeds from the specified areas. Time frames may change depending on vegetative growth and needs of the Project. Coordination will be made with the Mill Creek COR on start dates.

All goats brought onsite will be restricted from grazing any vegetation outside of the zone area. Contractors may use an electric fence or other means of keeping the goats in the work zone. Any electric fence will be signed to alert the public to the hazard.

Water and protection from the elements will be provided to ensure the health of the goats while on the project.

Sheep may be brought on as needed by the contractor. All requirements that apply to goats will apply equally to sheep.

The contractor will be responsible for notifying the visitors of any hazards associated with their goats through signs.

2.1.2 Fencing: The Contractor shall provide fencing suitable to keep the goats corralled while grazing. The fence should also be suitable to keep visitors out of the grazing area. If the fence is electrified, the contractor will need to alert the public to this through signage in order to avoid any accidents.

2.1.3 Work Areas: All work is to be completed at the Mill Creek project at eleven (11) different locations. The map below shows the work area overview. Areas are available for no-hook up camping as designated on the map and can handle a pull behind trailer. Water will be provided to the contractor at the designated sites below. All zones may be grazed at once or separately. In Zones 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 Mill Creek or Yellowhawk Creek may be used as a barrier to keep the goats corralled if desired, while Zone 3 and 4 is not near any surface water and will require a complete fence to keep the goats corralled.

Part 3 – Specific Tasks

3.1 Remove Vegetation:

3.1.1 Zone 1: The Contractor shall provide goats to graze the area described as the South Levee. The total acreage of this is area is 2.5 Acres. The area is roughly 22’ x 4,700’. The contractor will be responsible for containing all goats as part of this work. Grazing does not need to be applied to the entire length of this zone at once and can be accomplished in stages. The adjacent area will be closed to public access during this work. The contractor will be responsible for notifying the visitors of any hazards associated with their goats or fence through signs. Goats will have access to the water in Mill Creek.

3.1.2 Zone 2: The Contractor shall provide goats to graze the area described as the North Levee. The total acreage of this is area is 2.7 Acres. The area is roughly 22’ x 4,700’ and includes the area just below the Diversion Dam. The contractor will be responsible for containing all goats as part of this work. Grazing does not need to be applied to the entire length of this zone at once and can be accomplished in stages. The adjacent area is open to public access including dog walkers and horseback riders. The contractor will be responsible for notifying the visitors of any hazards associated with their goats through signs. Goats will have access to the water in Mill Creek.

3.1.3 Zone 3: The Contractor shall provide goats to graze the area described as the Forebay Levee. The total acreage of this is area is 2.25 Acres. The area is roughly 45’ x 2,200’. The contractor will be responsible for containing all goats as part of this work. Grazing does not need to be applied to the entire length of this zone at once and can be accomplished in stages. The adjacent area is open to public access including dog walkers and horseback riders. The contractor will be responsible for notifying the visitors of any hazards associated with their goats through signs. This is the dry side of the levee and goats will not have access to any natural surface water. A water trough may be used and filled up using the potable water source about 200’ from the center work site.

3.1.4 Zone 4: The Contractor shall provide goats to graze the area described as the Yellowhawk Creek. The total acreage is 2.5 acres. The contractor will be responsible for containing all goats as part of this work. Grazing does not need to be applied to the entire zone at once and can be accomplished in stages. The adjacent area is open to public access. The contractor will be responsible for notifying the visitors of any hazards associated with their goats through signs. Water is available from the creek and the contract will not need to provide a water station.

3.1.5 Zone 5: The Contractor shall provide goats to graze the area described as the Office Lot Levee. The total acreage is .15 acres. Grazing does not need to be applied to the entire zone at once and can be accomplished in stages. The adjacent area is open to public access. The contractor will be responsible for notifying the visitors of any hazards associated with their goats through signs. Water is available where the work zone meets Mill Creek.

3.1.6 Zone 6: The Contractor shall provide goats to graze the area described as the Community College Levee. The total acreage is .14 acres. The contractor will be responsible for containing all goats as part of this work. Grazing does not need to be applied to the entire zone at once and can be accomplished in stages. The adjacent area is open to public access. The contractor will be responsible for notifying the visitors of any hazards associated with their goats through signs. Water is available where the work zone borders Mill Creek.

3.1.7 Zone 7: The Contractor shall provide goats to graze the area described as the Forebay. The total acreage is 2.6 acres. This area has a ten-foot-tall wire barrier running down the center. The contractor will be responsible for containing all goats as part of this work. Grazing does not need to be applied to the entire zone at once and can be accomplished in stages. This area will require crossing over Mill Creek on a grating bridge that the Corps will install when the contractor is ready. The Corps will also clear a path large enough for the contractor to install their fence. The adjacent area is open to public access but has very low visitation due to the tall grasses. The contractor will be responsible for notifying the visitors of any hazards associated with their goats through signs. Water will be available where the work zone crosses Mill Creek, and along the southern edge. The Forebay area is dependent on flows being low enough that a bridge can be built for access. If flows do not get low enough this could be modified out of the call.

3.1.8 Zone 8 (Late Summer Grazing): The Contractor shall provide goats to graze an additional four 2-acre plots anywhere within the Mill Creek Project area. The total acreage is 8 acres but may be expanded or contracted depending on changing vegetative growth and needs of the Project depending on the grazing year. Additional costs for expanding the area will be proportional to the bid received for this contract.

Time frame for the grazing will be determined each year depending on plant growth and weather. Late Summer Grazing should take place after the flood control grazing. The start timeframe for this grazing will be after the start of teasel bloom but before the majority of the bloom ends.

The main focus of this grazing is to remove invasive species such as, but not limited to, star thistle, teasel, Japanese knotweed, Himalayan blackberry, poison hemlock, cocklebur and/or white byrnie. The contractor will be responsible for containing all goats as part of this work. Grazing does not need to be applied to the entire area at once and can be accomplished in stages. The potential areas range from steep and narrow to flat.

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