Weeds 2016 - WVCR.docx

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

The West Virginia State Rail Authority (SRA), is soliciting bids for weed and fall brush control on the WV Central Railroad from MP 0 to 91 and on the 6-mile spur of the Dailey Branch (Elkins to Beverly, WV). Vendor must have hi-rail equipment in order to perform weed spraying of the railroad right of way.

1 acre = 43,560 square feet

PROJECT A: Ballast Weed Control from Tygart Junction (MP 0) to MP 91 and the Dailey Branch to Beverly (6 miles)

Area to be covered:

1. 97.0 miles of main line roadbed with an 18 feet wide coverage

2. Approximately 7.8 miles of sidings with a 20 feet wide coverage.

3. Approximately 3.0 acres of road crossing approaches.

The required results:

1. Achieve a “near bare” condition with the least time possible.

2. Maintain a “near bare” condition through the winter of 2016-2017..

3. Achieve above results with no damage to adjacent property.

4. Failure to achieve this result will require the vendor to re-spray at no charge to the State Rail Authority.

Applicator must have capability of treating weeds that have escaped previous application during brush application.

Application must be made early May 2016 to mid June 2016.

Application must not be made during rain or eminent rainfall.

At road crossings, where safe and practical, treat 20 feet beyond the 18 feet roadbed pattern for a distance of 200 feet at each quadrant.

Warranty for weed spraying

If the vendor’s spraying fails to achieve “near bare” conditions within one month of spraying, and/or fails to maintain the condition as indicated previously through the winter of 2016-2017, the vendor will re-treat the areas affected as required to achieve the contracted goals at no cost to the SRA.

PROJECT B: Fall Brush Control on the WVCR from Tygart Junction (MP 0) to MP 91.0 and the Dailey Branch (6 miles)

Area to be covered: (for bidding purposes assume 75% of area listed below will require brush control)

1. 97.0 miles of brush control to cover an area from the edge of the ballast spray and extending 10 feet beyond to a height of 20 feet.

2. Approximately 7.8 miles of sidings with brush control to cover an area from the edge of the ballast spray and extending 10 feet beyond to a height of 20 feet.

3. Contractors must use Krenite or equivalent preparation for fall brush control.

The required results are:

1. A total kill of all brush within the spray area. Failure to achieve this result will require the vendor to re-spray at no charge to the State Rail Authority. Applicator must have capability of treating weeds that have escaped previous application during brush application.

At road crossings, apply to standing or cut brush (with foliage) within the same pattern as the weed control. A program should also be used to “spot treat” any vines, briars, etc. that are established within the roadbed pattern.

Warranty for brush control

If the vendor’s spraying for brush control fails to destroy budding during the following spring season, the vendor will reapply Krenite (or equivalent) at no cost to the SRA.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Method of application

Vendor must supply all materials, equipment, labor, licenses, etc. The successful vendor will coordinate the date of performance with the operator of the WVCR, Mr. Mark Smith (304) 642-3050, Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad. Mr. Smith will give the vendor permission for track access. After verifying the performance date, the vendor must notify the SRA who will provide an employee to accompany the vendor.

Spray Limitations of the WVCR

The State Rail Authority advises interested vendor of flora and fauna, which are adjacent to the right-of way of the WVCR. Contractor shall apply herbicide in a manner as not to in anyway affect adjacent residential property, agricultural areas, game fish in rivers and tributaries, game animals and songbirds, or truck gardens.

CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

1. The Contractor shall provide the railroad with a Daily Activity Report which will be signed by a Railroad Representative who will accompany the Contractor each day. The Daily Activity Report should include the areas treated, the chemicals and rates applied and the amount of acres treated.

2. Railroad employee shall advise Contractor of designated areas to provide spray and any other areas designated as nonsprayable by wetland or environmental concerns. It shall be the Contractor’s responsibility, however, to determine the safe application of all chemicals.

3. Equipment and Safety – All spraying operations must be carried out under the observation of the railroad employee in charge. All equipment must be of a modern design and specifically constructed to lend the safest most efficient methods to every operation.

4. Contractor operators shall be licensed within the state of West Virginia and shall carry on their person the appropriate certification card any time they are engaged in spraying operations on WVCR property. Documentation of all required licensing must be provided prior to award.

5. Contractor shall perform herbicide application work in full compliance with US, Environmental Protection Agency, other Federal Regulatory and State Departments of Agriculture requirements.

6. Contractor shall provide assurance that all Contractor personnel employed on WVCR property have been provided on-track safety training in compliance with CFR-46 – 214 Subpart C in either the contractor’s own On-Track Safety Program or an approved program such as the AREMA program. Railroad employee in charge will provide specific on-track safety information during the daily job briefing.

7. Herbicide containers must be disposed of in full compliance with EPA regulations off WVCR property and shall be the sole responsibility of the Contractor.

8. Contractor shall ensure that spraying will not be performed when wind velocity exceeds the maximum permissible by law and/or there is an immediate prediction of rain. Spraying will cease immediately upon the advent of rain. Hy-rail truck speed shall not exceed 15 MPH for roadbed applications and 10 MPH for broadleaf/brush applications while spraying to ensure adequate coverage.

9. Contractor shall perform an initial calibration of the spraying rig to ensure that application rate is as designated and that maximum permissible legal rate is not exceeded. Contractor making a significant change in spray setup (different nozzles, etc.) shall recalibrate rig to ensure application at the proper rate.

10. Contractor must consider drift and the potential for root uptake in adjoining neighborhood properties. Great care must be taken to ensure that the application is effective on railroad property only.

11. Contractor must have at least one million dollar general liability insurance and provide the WV State Rail Authority a certificate listing us as an additional insured.

Cost

The amount of each project shall include all costs for labor, equipment, materials, housing, transportation, mobilization, demobilization, and all other incidentals while adhering to the scope requirements. This job will be awarded to the lowest bidder based on the total of both projects.

Wage rates

All wage rates paid by the Vendor under this contract must be in compliance with, The West Virginia Department of Labor Prevailing Rate Chapter 21-5A.