Work_Statement.docx

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT – Challis Field Office Performance Work Statement 2026 Trail Creek Herbicide Application F-1

1. General: This is a service contract to provide herbicide application services. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the providers performing these services. Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn, is responsible to the Government.

1.1. Description of Services/Introduction: The Challis Field Office (CFO), Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is acquiring services for herbicide 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 Trail Creek Herbicide Application Contract is a cheatgrass control treatment focused on reducing/eradicating cheatgrass from native rangeland. The treatment area consists of intact, native sagebrush steppe habitat. Vegetation within the treatment area consists primarily of bluebunch wheatgrass and basin big sagebrush along with other native vegetation. Due to the continued expansion and establishment of cheatgrass into native rangelands, increased emphasis has been placed on controlling cheatgrass before conditions worsen and cheatgrass expansion and establishment become uncontrollable.

1.3. Objectives: The objective of this service is to reduce/eradicate cheatgrass, a nonnative invasive annual grass, from within ongoing fuels reduction and landscape restoration areas.

1.4. Scope: The work under this contract includes the application of herbicide at the specified rates over 855 total acres. (see Detailed Specifications 4.2.2).

1.5. Period of Performance: Application operations will begin on or after September 14, 2026, as soon as weather and growing conditions are favorable. The Contracting Officers Representative (COR) 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 10 calendar days once the application is initiated. This application may coincide with poor weather and site conditions.

Estimated Start Date: September 28, 2026 Estimated End Date: October 31, 2026

1.6. General Information

1.6.1. Designation of Contracting Officer’s Representative: The Contracting Officer (CO) shall designate the COR and Project Inspector (PI). The COR is responsible for administering the performance of work under this contract. In no event, however, will any understanding, agreement, modification, change order, or other matter deviating from the terms of this contract be effective or binding upon the Government unless formalized by proper contractual documentation executed by the CO prior to completion of the contract.

1.6.2. Hours of Operation: Herbicide 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.

1.6.3. 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.

1.6.4. Place of Performance: The project area is located approximately 14 miles northeast of Challis, Idaho within Custer County. All work will be performed on land administered by the Bureau of Land Management (see Project & Reference Maps). The topography of the project area consists of a flat to rolling terrain. Some places within the project area may have small to large hills. Elevations within the area of the treatment range from 5,000 to over 5,500-ft above sea level.

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 the 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. 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.

1.6.7. 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 the treatment. 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 all-inclusive pricing. The Contract will be considered completed and payment due when all areas furnished to the contractor have been treated to the standards specified. Measurement for payment will be the actual treatment area, in acres, within the designated boundaries satisfactorily treated in conformance with these specifications. Measurement will be made from the GIS 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 retreatment, if such work is required.

1.6.8. Project Boundary Marking: The location and access to the unit(s) are shown on the vicinity and unit map(s). 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).

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

1.6.10. 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. The Contractor must attend the pre-work meeting and provide a written performance/work plan including crew manifest prior to beginning work.

1.6.10.1. 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.

1.6.10.2. Work Crew: Shall be furnished by the Contractor for handling, mixing, and applying the herbicide. Applicators must be experienced in herbicide applications in various site conditions and usage/adjustment of application equipment. 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.

1.6.10.2.1.1. The Contractor’s applicators shall hold a current Idaho Professional Applicator License in the Agricultural Pesticide Category. Applicators not licensed in the state of Idaho may work under an Idaho licensed applicator but must remain within visual line of sight to the Idaho licensed applicator. The Government will inspect each applicator for their current Idaho Professional Applicator’s License in the Agricultural Pesticide Category before work is initiated on this contract.

1.6.11. 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.

1.6.12. 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.

1.6.13. Protection of Improvements: The COR may order a cessation of work if vehicles are operated on roads within the work area when ground or weather conditions cause or lead to loss of traction. Such conditions usually develop where frozen ground is thawing, when snow is melting, and during or immediately following rainstorms. Any soil and ground disturbance caused by equipment during and after operations will be rehabilitated.

1.6.14. Salvage Rights: No salvage will be allowed.

1.6.15. Safety

1.6.15.1. Equipment must meet OSHA standards.

1.6.15.2. It is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure the safety of employees and the public during treatment. The treatment area will remain open to public access and, as such, the contractor shall furnish roadside warning signs to be placed at the treatment area access points. Signs shall be high visibility, with minimum dimensions of 3-feet by 3-feet and shall warn of chemical application. Should public safety become a concern, the contractor shall stop all operations and work with the COR/PI to resolve the issue.

1.6.15.3. The Contractor shall comply with all the applicable Idaho State Fire Prevention Laws, Restrictions, Rules, Regulations, and Standards. If a fire is started or discovered, work crews will immediately notify Eastern Idaho Interagency Fire Center (208) 524-7600. See Section 6 for additional information.

1.6.15.4. The Contractor shall comply with all the applicable Federal and State Laws, Restrictions, Rules, and Regulations pertaining to the use of herbicides. See Section 6 for additional information.

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2. Definitions

2.1. Active Ingredient: The chemicals in an herbicide which control the targeted brush species.

2.2. Adjuvant: An inert material added to an herbicide formulation or tank mix to increase the effectiveness of the active ingredient.

2.3. 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.

2.4. 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.

2.5. 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 the authority to change the terms and conditions of the contract.

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

2.7. Drift: The movement of airborne particles by air motion or wind away from the intended target area.

2.8. 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.

2.9. 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.

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

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

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

3.1.2. Provide GIS shapefiles of the project boundary and treatment strips in WGS84 coordinate system.

3.1.3. A georeferenced pdf map file will be provided that delineates the treatment perimeters. The Contractor must have a smart device capable of accepting and displaying georeferenced files.

3.1.4. 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. Unless otherwise specified, the Contractor shall provide all labor, transportation, materials, supplies, and equipment necessary to perform the work as described herein.

4.1.2. Contractor shall insure that all equipment is power washed and free of soil, seeds, vegetative matter, or other debris that could contain noxious weed seeds prior to being transported to BLM-administered land. For purposes of this provision, equipment shall be considered debris free when a visual inspection does not disclose such material.

4.1.3. The Contractor shall service and maintain such equipment as necessary to maintain satisfactory progress on the work.

4.1.4. Application equipment

4.1.4.1. Spray Tanks: Spray solutions of the product shall be mixed, stored, and applied using only stainless steel, aluminum, fiberglass, plastic, or plastic-lined steel containers.

4.1.4.2. Spray Nozzles: Contractor shall furnish a nozzle type that is designated for the intended application. Refer to the Label for proper nozzles to comply with Drift Management Section.

4.1.4.3. Booms: Contractor shall furnish non-rust booms.

4.1.5. Global Positioning System (GPS)

4.1.5.1. Requirement: A Trimble GPS or equivalent data collection unit that is capable of recording points, lines, and polygons.

4.1.5.2. Memory/Battery: Must be capable of storing and operating up to 8 hours of continuous project log data.

4.1.5.3. GPS data will be recorded in UTM’s with a Datum of North American Datum (NAD) 1983 (Conus) Zone 12 North.

4.1.5.4. Contractor will be required to log GPS tracklog lines or application areas during application. The contractor will provide project GPS tracklog lines or application areas to contracting officer representative.

4.2. Service Requirements:

4.2.1. 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.

4.2.2. Detailed Specifications: Herbicide Application

4.2.2.1. Application shall be performed in a linear fashion within the designated treatment area(s). The contractor will make every effort possible to treat ALL vegetation within the designated treatment area(s).

4.2.2.2. Rate of Application: 7 ounces/acre of Imazapic, 1 quart of non-ionic surfactant (NIS) per 100 gallons water (or at manufacturer’s recommended rate). Carrier (water) will be at the 5 gallon/acre rate.

4.2.2.3. Salient Features of Herbicide: Imazapic should be at a concentration of 2 pounds acid equivalent per gallon. Herbicides must be registered for use in Idaho by the respective state regulatory agency and must be on the BLM’s approved herbicide list (see BLM Approved Herbicide Formulations for Imazapic).

4.2.2.4. The Contractor will supply all herbicide and carrier necessary to complete the specifications of this contract. The carrier (water) must be clean, free of dirt particles. Ditch water will not be considered clean. Contractor is responsible for the proper disposal of mixed, unused herbicide.

4.2.2.5. Drift agents WILL be used for all liquid applications. Read and carefully observe the cautionary statements and all other information appearing on the additive label. The Contractor shall provide the drift agent. Controlling drift is the responsibility of the Contractor.

4.2.2.6. Coverage: The entire surface within the designated boundaries of the project area(s) shall receive uniform coverage with the specified herbicide except for areas excluded by the Government. Areas excluded from the spraying operation within the designated boundaries, will not be included in the acreage computed for payment. Any areas not properly treated by the Contractor shall be either retreated or compensated by suitable contract adjustment, at the option of and at no additional cost to the Government.

4.2.2.7. Applicator Logs: One report shall be provided to the Government. The report shall include daily herbicide application records as well as daily geospatial data in shapefile format. This log or record shall be signed by the applicator operator and turned into the COR upon completion of the contract via email within 10 business days.

4.2.2.8. Surface Conditions: Equipment shall not be operated when the soil is wet, and the equipment causes a three inch or greater rut. If such conditions are encountered, the Contractor shall stop work and notify the COR or PI.

4.2.2.9. Terrain: Surface rock and uneven terrain may reduce speeds of ground-based equipment and make some areas difficult to access. Contractor shall be capable of applying herbicide in contour patterns at a fixed height above the varying ground elevation.

4.2.2.10. Environmental Conditions

4.2.2.10.1. Wind: The Contractor shall follow the Label Section on Spray Drift Management - Wind. Local wind can influence wind patterns. Every applicator should be familiar with local wind patterns and how they affect drift.

4.2.2.10.2. Relative Humidity: Refer to the product label when making applications in low relative humidity conditions. Measurements can be obtained from local National Weather Service.

4.2.2.10.3. Site Conditions: No treatment spraying will be allowed if conditions do not meet the label requirements.

4.2.2.11. Tests for uniformity and rate of application: The Government representative (COR/PI) will utilize field data to determine uniformity of herbicide application. Randomly spaced water sensitive cards or collection trays will be utilized. Should the Contractor wish to object in any way to the ground 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 ground samplings are done, and to agree upon new samples at the time, where after the ground sampling is done by the Government shall be final and binding in the settlement of the contract.

4.2.2.12. Sprayer Clean-up: Shall be conducted according to the label instructions. Avoiding contamination of the work site is the responsibility of the Contractor. All empty herbicide containers will be tripled rinsed, labels removed and punctured by the Contractor after mixing. The Contractor shall be responsible for disposal of the empty boxes, labels, empty containers, and lids.

4.2.3.

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5. Specific Tasks

5.1. Herbicide Application: The Contractor shall perform the herbicide 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 the herbicide application in accordance with the specifications provided (see Detailed Specifications 4.2.2). Services shall be billed in accordance with pricing schedule.

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6. Applicable Technical Orders, Specifications, Regulations, Manuals

6.1. Fire Prevention: Primarily for purposes of fire prevention and control, the Contractor shall comply with the following provisions:

6.1.1. All equipment will have the following:

6.1.1.1. A serviceable chemical “ABC” fire extinguisher of at least 10-pounds minimum capacity. Such fire extinguisher shall be filled and in operating condition.

6.1.1.2. A shovel in good condition with not less than a three (3) foot handle and a blade not less than seven and three-quarters (7 3/4) inches wide. The shovel shall be in good condition, be tight on strong handles, and have sharp cutting edges. There shall be at least one (1) tool for each Contractor employee working on the contract area.

6.1.1.3. The CO may require additional fire tools and fire equipment as the fire danger warrants. This may require the contractor to supply a mechanized fire suppression apparatus (i.e., UTV with water tank and gas or electric pump) that will be always manned during times of high fire danger.

6.1.2. All diesel and/or gasoline operated engines will be equipped with spark arresters.

6.1.3. Remove all concentrations of wood dust and debris from equipment daily.

6.2. Fuel Storage and Transfer: Storage of flammables and combustibles may occur on site. Storage of flammable and combustibles shall follow State and Federal Regulations.

6.2.1. Only approved containers and portable tanks shall be used for storage and handling of flammable liquids. Approved safety cans or Department of Transportation approved containers shall be used for the handling and use of flammable liquids in quantities of 5-gallons or less, except that this shall not apply to those flammable liquid materials which are highly viscid (extremely hard to pour), which may be used and handled in original shipping containers. For quantities of one gallon or less, the original container may be used, for storage, use and handling of flammable liquids.

6.2.2. Safety can shall mean an approved container, of not more than 5-gallons capacity, having a spring-closing lid and spout cover and so designed that it will safely relieve internal pressure when subjected to fire exposure.

6.2.3. Storage areas shall be kept free of weeds, debris, and other combustible material not necessary to the storage.

6.2.4. At least one portable 10-pound (minimum) “ABC” fire extinguisher shall be located not less than 25-feet, nor more than 75-feet, from any flammable liquid storage area located outside.

6.2.5. Areas in which flammable liquids are transferred at one time, in quantities greater than 5-gallons from one tank or container to another tank or container, shall be separated from other operations by 25-feet distance or by construction having a fire resistance of at least 1-hour. Drainage or other means shall be provided to control spills. Adequate natural or mechanical ventilation shall be provided to maintain the concentration of flammable vapor at or below ten percent of the lower flammable limit.

6.3. Herbicide Transportation, Storage, and Usage:

6.3.1. The Contractor shall be responsible for the storage and transport of herbicides used to fulfill the specifications of this contract. The Contractor shall secure herbicide containers in mixing area to prevent spillage. Contractor is required to have locked storage for herbicide and keep herbicide locked-up while unattended. Contractor shall be responsible for the herbicide’s protection from loss or damage due to weather, rodents, insects, theft, or any other hazard. Any herbicide damaged or lost while in the custody of the Contractor will be replaced by the Contractor at the Contractors expense.

6.3.2. The Contractor shall supply protective clothing and equipment to contract workers that guarantee minimal exposure throughout the herbicide application process. The Contractor shall follow all advice on protective clothing and equipment which appears on the herbicide label and/or MSDS documentation. The Contractor shall make available clean-up facilities to contract employees exposed to herbicides or herbicide-contaminated equipment.

6.3.3. The Contractor shall mix herbicides in accordance with the proportions listed on the product labels. The Contractor shall provide adequate protective clothing and equipment for contract employees who mix the herbicides.

6.3.4. By law, the application of an herbicide, either directly or through drift, must not expose workers or other people. The Contractor shall be very aware and cautious of any environmental hazard present during herbicide application. Upon completion of herbicide application, the Contractor shall thoroughly clean equipment and dispose of waters, residues, rinses, and unused herbicides only according to EPA and Idaho State regulations. All empty herbicide containers will be tripled rinsed, labels removed and punctured by the Contractor after mixing. The Contractor shall be responsible for disposal of the empty boxes, labels, and lids. The Contractor will be responsible for disposal and recycling of the empty containers.

6.3.5. The Contractor shall be responsible if accidents and chemical spills occur. The Contractor shall report immediately spills and accidents to the BLM authorized officers and appropriate local authorities. The Contractor shall provide immediate treatment of contaminated or injured persons and seek professional medical attention when necessary. The Contractor shall control chemical spills quickly and shall secure additional help when the Contractor cannot effectively or safely handle the spill clean-up. Spills will be the responsibility of the Contractor and shall be cleaned up to the satisfaction of the local authorities.

Technical Exhibits:

Required services table with AQL:

· Uniformity tests using randomly spaced water sensitive cards will be utilized.

· Noticeable wilting and/or chlorosis of the target vegetation.