Work_Statement.docx

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT – Upper Snake Field Office Performance Work Statement 2024 Big Desert Fuel Break Seeding F-1

1.1. Description of Services/Introduction: The Upper Snake Field Office, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is acquiring services for seed application. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, supplies, and incidentals; and perform all work necessary to complete applications in accordance with the specifications provided.

1.2. Background: The Big Desert Fuel Break Seeding is a rangeland drill seeding treatment consisting of 2,730 acres. The treatment areas consist of sagebrush steppe habitat that has been previously modified (mowed) or disturbed (wildfire) and is primarily comprised of native and introduced herbaceous vegetation with widely scattered low stature (<8” tall) native shrubs. Vegetation within the treatment area is typical of the Great Basin and consists primarily of bluebunch wheatgrass and Wyoming big sagebrush along with other native vegetation. The topography of the project area consists of gently rolling lava plains with associated basalt bluffs and desert playas with elevations ranging from 4,700 to over 5,500-ft above sea level. Slopes within the seeding areas are generally less than ten percent and are easily traversable with agricultural tractors.

1.3. Objectives: The objective of this service is to successfully establish fire tolerant perennial grasses into the designated fuel breaks. Drill seeding of the herbaceous seed shall be performed in a uniform fashion across the entirety of the project area.

1.4. Scope: The objective of this treatment is the planting of herbaceous seed on 2,730 acres of rangeland within the southern Big Desert of the Upper Snake River Plain. The herbaceous seed will be drilled to a depth of ¼ to ½ inches at a bulk rate of 12.0 lbs./acre and adequately covered with soil to protect the seed and promote germination.

1.5. Period of Performance: Application operations will begin on or after October 1, 2024, as soon as weather and ground conditions are favorable. The Contracting Officer’s representative will notify the contractor that favorable conditions have been met and the contractor shall be prepared to commence application operations within 3 calendar days of notification. The contractor shall complete operations within 18 calendar days once the application is initiated. This application may coincide with the early snowfall and/or poor weather and site conditions. During the contract and application period, county, state and BLM jurisdiction roads and remote airstrips may not be suitable for staging areas due to muddy, wet, or snow-covered conditions.

Estimated Start Date: October 1, 2024 Estimated End Date: November 30, 2024

1.6. General Information

1.6.1. Hours of Operation: Seed Application Operations will be permitted only during daylight hours. The Contractor will be allowed to work six days per week including Saturdays. Work will not be permitted on Sundays and holidays, unless authorized by the COR.

1.6.2. Federal Observed Holidays: In addition to any holidays declared by Executive Orders, the following Federal Legal Holidays are observed: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day.

1.6.3. Place of Performance: The project area is located within the southern end of the Big Desert approximately 18 miles northwest of Aberdeen, Idaho within Power, Bingham, and Blaine Counties. All work will be performed on land administered by the BLM or on State of Idaho or private land where treatment has been authorized. General-purpose maps will be included with the solicitation to give the minimum information needed for a Contractor’s project bid. Once the project is accepted by the Contractor, final project maps will be provided by Government. See location map for the general location of project area and access.

1.6.4. Access: Legal public access to the project area will be identified on the map prior to the Contractor beginning implementation. Seasonal road closures may exist (Contractor will be notified of closures upon award). Contractor will assume responsibility for any additional access if desired. If roads or any type of access become subject to damage, because of adverse weather conditions or other natural and or political reasons, the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) will relay information to the Contractor, and a Stop Work Order may be implemented by the Contracting Officer (CO) until other access can be decided.

1.6.5. Pre-work Conference: A pre-work conference will be held prior to the commencement of work. The Contractor will be notified in advance of meeting time, date, and place. The purpose will be to review required work, specifications, payment, and administrative provisions of the contract. The Contractor and the persons responsible for coordination for the work (Contractor Representative/Foreman) shall be present at the meeting. The Contractor shall be prepared to summarize and explain procedures planned for the project and provide a schedule to meet the time frames of the project.

1.6.6. Invoicing: Invoices shall be submitted through IPP for payment, after services have been performed with supporting invoice on company letterhead and referenced purchase order number. Unit Costs offered must be “All-Inclusive” for materials, labor, transportation, surcharges, fees, and services necessary and incidental to seed application. Invoices shall reflect only those costs indicated in the Price Schedule. All expenses relating to maintenance and operation of equipment shall be considered in the inclusive pricing. The Contract will be considered completed and payment due when all seed furnished to the Contractor by the Government has been seeded to the standards specified above; or when all areas designated under the contract have been seeded to the said standards. Measurement for payment for seeding will be the actual area, in acres, within the designated boundaries satisfactorily seeded in conformance with these specifications. Measurement will be made from the ArcGIS polygons provided by the government. Acreages will be computed from horizontal distances as shown on maps. Payment will be made at the unit price per acre specified in the Pricing Schedule and shall include the cost of all work described in this paragraph and the Detailed Specifications, including any re-seeding, if such work is required. Acreages will not be computed from DGPS acreages covered. Contractor must factor in additional seeding application time required for coverage of the polygons, complete seeding, and any contour application that may be required to properly cover the area.

1.6.7. Project Boundary Marking: The location and access to the unit(s) are shown on the project area map. The unit boundaries will not be identified by flagging, it will be up to the contractor to identify and verify boundaries in the field using maps and electronic devices to stay within the unit(s).

1.6.8. Notification of Cessation or Restart of Work: The Contractor will have personnel on project site prior to commencing daily application, during application, and will notify Contracting Officers Representative (COR) or Project Inspector (PI) of changing weather conditions. The COR/PI will allow Contractor to continue or stop application if weather factors dictate. The COR/PI will give the permission to start, approximately one (1) hour from notification of conditions, depending on location of project from the Upper Snake Field Office.

1.6.9. Personnel Requirements: The Contractor must always maintain an adequate work force to ensure timely completion of the work and is responsible for the crew knowing the requirements of the contract. The crew is also responsible for maintaining a safe working environment following OSHA standards.

1.6.9.1. Key Personnel: The following personnel are considered key personnel by the Government: A Contractor Representative must be on-site always directing work. This person must be fluent in English and will also serve as an on the ground contact person for the COR/PI. Failure to maintain a Contractor Representative will result in suspension of work until an acceptable on-the-ground Contractor Representative is provided. A maximum of five (5) days will be allowed to produce a qualified Contractor Representative. Failure to do so within five days may result in the Contracting Officer (CO) issuing a Suspend Work Order. CO and COR must be informed of any changes of Contractor Representative. The contractor will furnish a legible list of all contract employees (last name, first name) to the assigned COR. If there are any changes to the list of contract employees during the life of the contract a new list will be provided to the COR.

1.6.9.1.1. Applicators: Shall be furnished by the Contractor and shall be experienced in applying seed in rough, rocky, or mountainous terrain, all equipment, labor, supplies, and materials required to complete the job.

1.6.9.1.2. Work Crew: Shall be furnished by the Contractor for handling, loading, and applying the seed. The Contractor shall furnish the necessary qualified mechanics for maintenance of equipment and shall furnish all fuel, oil, and service required for operation of equipment and vehicles.

1.6.10. Camping: Camping on agency-administered lands will only be allowed on site(s) pre-approved by an authorized officer. Camping areas for crews will be identified and surveyed for cultural resources prior to use of that camp location. Some camp sites including designated camp sites have been identified and cleared for use, ask the COR for details. The Contractor shall maintain all camping areas in an orderly and sanitary manner. The ordering and maintenance of portable toilets and dumpsters is the responsibility of the contractor. All fire regulations and restrictions shall be followed. All garbage and refuse shall be removed from the camp site(s) by the Contractor and disposed of offsite before final payment is made.

1.6.11. Risk and Damages: The Contractor shall assume all risks in connection with performance of the contract and shall be liable for any damages to persons or property in connection with the prosecution of the work, including the applicator or other employees of the Contractor.

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2. Definitions

2.1. Contractor: A supplier or vendor awarded a contract to provide specific supplies or service to the government. The term used in this contract refers to the prime.

2.2. Contracting Officer (CO): A person with authority to enter into, administer, and or terminate contracts, and make related determinations and findings on behalf of the government. Note: The only individual who can legally bind the government.

2.3. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): An employee of the U.S. Government appointed by the contracting officer to administer the contract. Such appointment shall be in writing and shall state the scope of authority and limitations. This individual has authority to provide technical direction to the Contractor as long as that direction is within the scope of the contract, does not constitute a change, and has no funding implications. This individual does NOT have authority to change the terms and conditions of the contract.

2.4. Deliverable: Anything that can be physically delivered but may include non-manufactured things such as meeting minutes or reports.

2.5. Equipment: A tangible item that is functionally complete for its intended purpose, durable, nonexpendable, and needed for the performance of a contract. Equipment is not intended for sale and does not ordinarily lose its identity or become a component part of another article when put into use. Equipment does not include material, real property, special test equipment or special tooling.

2.6. Key Personnel: Contractor personnel that are evaluated in a source selection process and that may be required to be used in the performance of a contract. When key personnel are used as an evaluation factor in best value procurement, an offer can be rejected if it does not have a firm commitment from the persons that are listed in the proposal. The prime contractor is responsible for performance of all subcontractors.

2.7. Quality Control: All necessary measures taken by the Contractor to assure that the quality of an end product or service shall meet contract requirements.

2.8. Subcontractor: One that enters into a contract with a prime contractor. The Government does not have privity of contract with the subcontractor.

2.9. Safety Hazards: Any ground or above ground hazards that would pose a danger to Contractor’s personnel or operating equipment must be identified and mitigated by the Contractor prior to commencing operations.

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3. Government Furnished Property and Services

3.1. The Government will provide the following items to the Contractor:

3.1.1. The government will furnish all seed required for the contract. The Contractor shall be responsible for loading and hauling the Government furnished seed from the field office to the work site. Seed will be available by appointment, contact the COR. Upper Snake Field Office, 1405 Hollipark Dr., Idaho Falls, ID 83401.

3.1.1.1. Seed provided: Siberian wheatgrass (Stabilizer). 32,900 pounds seed/658 bags (approximate). Seed will be provided in 50-pound bags.

3.1.2. Provide various USGS 7.5-minute quadrangles (1:24,000 scales) or GIS equivalent with clear cut project area boundaries clearly identified.

3.1.3. Provide GIS shapefiles of the fuel break network that is to be seeded.

3.1.4. An Avenza map file will be provided that delineates the treatment perimeters. The Contractor must have a smart device capable accepting and displaying Avenza map files.

3.1.5. A list of contacts, including emergency contacts, will be provided at the pre-work meeting.

3.2.

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4. Contractor -Furnished Items and Services

4.1. Equipment Requirements

4.1.1. The Contractor will furnish all tools, labor, supervision, equipment, materials (excluding seed), supplies, transportation, training, and incidentals necessary to accomplish the task in accordance with the specifications provided within the designated performance time. The Contractor shall supply, service, and maintain such equipment (tractors, implements, transports) as necessary to maintain satisfactory progress on the work. Operators skilled in the operation of the furnished equipment shall be supplied by the Contractor. Equipment shall be furnished and maintained in good mechanical conditions throughout the term of the contract. The Contractor shall furnish all required fuel, oil, and lubricants for operation of all Contractors furnished equipment (tractors, implements, transports).

4.1.2. The Government will have the option to inspect the Contractor's equipment and work before, during, and after completion of this contract.

4.1.3. Application Equipment:

4.1.3.1. Tractors: The Contractor shall furnish the necessary tractors with adequate drawbar horsepower, traction, and weight to accomplish the seeding requirement within the time limits specified by the government. Rollover protection structures are required on equipment regardless of age, as defined in CFR1920-1000-1002.

4.1.3.2. Implements: The Contractor shall furnish the necessary implements to accomplish treatment requirements (rangeland drill seeding) within the time limits specified by the government.

4.1.3.3. Motor Vehicles, Trailers, and Transports: The Contractor shall furnish motor vehicles for hauling equipment and personnel to and from the worksite. The Contractor shall not load or unload tractor(s) or other equipment on public highways unless authorized by the COR.

4.1.4. Mobilization: Includes all preparatory work and operations, including those necessary to the movement of personnel, equipment, supplies, and incidentals to the project site; and for other work and operations which must be performed, or cost incurred prior to beginning work on the various items on the project site. All costs associated with mobilization will be incorporated into the cost of the contract.

4.2. Materials

4.2.1. Transportation of Government supplied seed: Seed will be furnished by the Government. Contractor shall load and transport seed from the pickup point to the operational loading sites and shall be responsible for its protection from loss or damage due to weather, rodents, insects, theft, or any other hazard. Any seed damaged or lost, while in the custody of the Contractor, will be replaced by the Government, and actual cost to the Government for replacement will be deducted from payments due the Contractor. All unused seed shall be returned to the pickup point by the Contractor or nearer destination, if so directed, upon completion of work or termination of the contract.

4.3. Seeding Operations Requirements

4.3.1. It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor (i.e., knowledge and experience of the crew leader) to determine the quantity of work needed to meet specifications identified in this PWS. Acreage of the units were determined by calculations based on a horizontal plane using GIS technology.

4.3.2. Progress Reports: Contractor will provide weekly progress summaries, during treatment, to the BLM Representative (COR and/or PI). Regular communication between BLM Representatives and the Contractor is required to help alleviate any problems or potential delays.

4.3.3. Crew Foreman: A crew foreman must be on-site directing work at all times. This person will also serve as an on the ground contact person for the COR/PI. Failure to maintain a crew foreman will result in suspension of work until a crew foreman is provided. A maximum of five (5) days will be allowed to produce a qualified foreman. Failure to produce a qualified on-the-ground foreman within five days may result in the CO issuing a Suspend Work Order. CO and COR must be informed of any changes in Crew Foreman.

4.3.4. Personnel Requirements: The Contractor must always maintain an adequate work force to ensure timely completion of the work and is responsible for the crew knowing the requirements of the contract. The crew is responsible for maintaining a safe working environment following OSHA standards. The Contractor must attend the pre-work meeting and provide a written performance plan including crew size prior to beginning work.

4.3.5. Rate of Application: Seed shall be drilled at the rate stated, or as directed by the Contracting Officer (CO). Some seeding rates may be slightly reduced due to availability of seed.

4.3.5.1. Grass: 12.00 bulk pounds per acre

4.3.6. Seed storage and loading: The Contractor shall be responsible for the protection of the seed from loss or damage due to weather, rodents, insects, theft, or any other hazard. All seed shall be kept covered and off the ground to prevent seed bags from getting wet. All empty seed bags shall be tied in bundles of 25 bags each. No tags, strings, or other trash shall be left in the bundled bags. All bags shall be available for counting by the Government. Empty seed bags which have been blown or otherwise scattered around the work site shall be picked up and bundled. All unused seed and bundled seed bags shall remain in the seed trailer upon completion of the work or termination of the contract.

4.3.7. GPS Treatment Data: GPS tracks (line features) will be recorded during drill seeding operations. GPS data will be recorded in UTM NAD 1983 Zone 12N and uncorrected GPS files will be submitted to the COR upon project completion.

4.3.8. Loading records: Contractor shall keep a written log with daily entries indicating the dates and number of bags of seed picked up at the designated sites. The log shall also show the date, time, and number of bags of seed loaded into each set of drills. This log shall be kept current at all times and shall be available for inspection by the Government at the work site during all working hours.

4.3.9. Feeder Maintenance: Feeder openings of seeding equipment shall be checked at sufficient intervals to ensure proper operation and even distribution of seed at all times. If at any time inspections of equipment reveals that feeder openings or seed tubes are plugged or other mechanisms of the seeding equipment are not operating properly, the CO may require reseeding of that portion of the area that the Government determined was not properly seeded. The Government will deduct the cost of additional seed needed to reseed areas improperly seeded by the Contractor from payments due to the Contractor.

4.3.10. Surface Conditions: Unless otherwise directed by the COR, seeding shall not commence under conditions when the seed cannot be properly covered with soil, such as snow, when ground is frozen, or when soil contains excessive moisture. In case such conditions are encountered in the seeding operation, the Contractor shall notify the COR within twenty-four (24) hours.

4.3.11. Tests for uniformity and rate of application: The Government will make tests as operations progress to determine uniformity of seeding. Standards of performance will be determined by adequate weight records of seed applied on each individual path and for each particular seeding strip covered, and ground recovery of samples of seed actually distributed. All work of weight recording and ground recovery will be done by the Government at no cost to the Contractor.

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

4.3.12. Work Stoppages: The Government reserves the right to stop seeding operations at any time when seeding conditions are considered sufficiently unfavorable to warrant stoppage. Stoppage shall continue until seeding operations, are again authorized by the Government. Because of the nature of the work, any time for which work is suspended by the Government because of unsuitable seeding conditions, will not be counted against the contract completion time. However, no monetary compensation will be given to the Contractor by reason of such work suspension. Contractor agrees to work diligently to complete the seeding application. Partial days in which any amount of seeding was accomplished may be counted as full days of performance time if the Government deems Contractor is not being diligent in completing the contract.

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5. Specific Tasks

5.1. SEED APPLICATION: The Contractor shall perform seed application in designated areas in conformance with these specifications. Unless otherwise specified, the Contractor shall furnish, equipment, labor, supplies, tools, supervision, materials, incidentals, and perform all work necessary to complete seed application in accordance with the performance work statement.

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6. Applicable Technical Orders, Specifications, Regulations, Manuals

Technical Exhibits:

Required services table with AQL: