TRUCKEE RIVER WATERSHED COUNCIL

Transcription

1 TRUCKEE RIVER WATERSHED COUNCIL PO Box 8568 Truckee, CA Ph: Fax: TRUCKEE WEED REMOVAL PROJECT REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Contractor services to encompass all labor, required materials, equipment, facilities, and incidentals required for the implementation of the Truckee Weed Removal Project. QUALIFICATIONS The Contractor must be a California State Licensed Contractor (current and in good-standing), and shall have demonstrated experience in invasive weed removal in native habitats. The Contractor must be willing to work closely with the Truckee River Watershed Council (TRWC) and the Tahoe National Forest Truckee Ranger District (TNF). The Contractor must provide a minimum of one English-speaking translator to be present at all times, for each crew, when work is being conducted on-site, or in conjunction with TNF or the TRWC. PRE-BID WALK (OPTIONAL) An optional pre-bid walk will be conducted by Jeannette Halderman, Program Manager of the Truckee River Watershed Council (cell ), on Monday, May 14 th from 10:00 am 12:00 pm. Please e- mail (jhalderman@truckeeriverwc.org) or call Jeannette prior to the pre-bid walk to RSVP so we have an idea of how many bidders will be attending. Please meet under the Glenshire Bridge off the Hirschdale exit at 10:00 am. We will depart as a caravan at 10:10 am for the project tour. We will make four stops (i.e. railroad tracks over the Truckee River just below Boca Dam, weed pull area just below Boca Dam, Boca Reservoir Dam, and interpretive area just west of the Stampede Dam). This will be an opportunity to see the project sites and ask questions about the project. PROPOSAL DEADLINE Proposals must be received electronically (.pdf format) by 5:00 PM on Friday, May 18 th. Paper copies must be postmarked May 18 th. 1

2 PROPOSAL SUBMISSION Please submit an electronic version of the proposal to: and one paper copy of the proposal to: (via U.S. Postal Service) Jeannette Halderman Truckee River Watershed Council P.O. Box 8568 Truckee, CA (via FedEx or other parcel service we do not receive USPS delivery at our physical address) Jeannette Halderman Truckee River Watershed Council Donner Pass Rd, Ste. B Truckee, CA , x6 Please direct all questions to Jeannette Halderman at TRWC, (530) (x6). Please note Jeannette will have limited phone and availability from May and May 17-18, PROJECTED TIMETABLE Activity Required Pre-Bid Site Walk Proposal Deadline Interviews with top applicants Bid Awarded Scope of work Pre-Implementation Meeting Contract Start Date Contract Completion Date Completion Date May 14th May 18 th May 24th, 8:00am-1:00pm May 28th May 28th-June 8th June 6th June 13th July 31st BACKGROUND AND SITE DESCRIPTION Project Area The project area consists of approximately 250 infested acres within the Truckee Ranger District of the Tahoe National Forest (TNF), the near Boca and Stampede Reservoirs (see Figure 1). All invasive weed removal work shall be conducted within the project area, where and as directed by the TNF Crew Leaders. 2

3 Project Need Invasive, or noxious, weeds present a threat to native terrestrial habitats on the Truckee Ranger District. A rated noxious weeds are the highest priority on the California Department of Food and Agriculture list of noxious weeds and are to be targeted for eradication or containment. B rated weeds are described as more widespread weeds, and C rated weeds are also widespread but target new occurrences for treatment. Work has been conducted on the Truckee Ranger District with specific emphasis on A rated weeds such as musk thistle. Ongoing work has focused on inventorying weed locations and treating outlying occurrences. There are less than ten large occurrences ranging in size from 2,000 to 4,000 plants and up to 150 small occurrences ranging from 0 to 2,000 plants. Ongoing weed treatment work has also focused on B rated weeds, and C rated weeds, where isolated pockets of these weeds occur and/or if the species responds well to hand treatment. The goal of continued weed control is to restore ecosystem function in forests, riverbanks and associated meadows for wildlife and native plants. In order to continue to eliminate and control the spread of the invasive weeds, hand treatment has been used as the primary treatment of musk thistle and yellow starthistle infestations and other priority A, B and C rated noxious weeds where they occur on the Truckee Ranger District for the following reasons: Removal of invasive weeds directly benefits NFS lands by helping to maintain and improve wildlife and native plant habitats. Weed removal also helps to improve water quality through stabilizing stream and river banks by allowing the re-establishment of native grasses and other vegetation. The project would improve the overall recreation experience on the district, especially in the around the reservoirs and along the Little Truckee and Truckee Rivers. This project is an important piece of larger partnerships to control the spread and eliminate the occurrences of musk thistle and other A rated weeds within the area. Continuing partnerships with the Truckee River Watershed Council through their Weed Warrior program, and various county Agricultural Commissions is critical to ensure that an effective control plan is in place. Target Plant Species Several invasive weed species occurrences have been identified within the project area over the last decade. Known invasive weed species in the project area include musk thistle (Carduus nutans), yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis), and rush skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea). Other invasive weeds potentially to be removed include spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), tall whitetop (Lepidium latifolium), and bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare). Some of these infestations have been removed by TNF during the last 15 years; many occurrences have been identified, mapped and treated but not fully removed because seeds can remain viable in the soil seed 3

4 bank for several years and there is potential for missed plants to develop seeds late in the season; and additional occurrences are expected to be present but not yet treated or mapped. PROPOSED PROJECT Description of Work The primary purpose of this project is to perform field work including manual (hand pulling) of noxious weeds and surveying for occurrences of invasive weed species, at the direction of TNF. The Contractor shall be responsible for reporting to the TNF crew leader, for each section worked, approximate number or plants treated and phenological stage of treated plants (i.e., vegetative only, bud stage, flowering, mature seed, see dispersed, etc.), This work requires physical exertion, such as regular and recurring walking, hiking, bending, or climbing to observe, collect, or record data or to pull/dig weeds. Hiking is mostly off trail, can involve steep slopes and uneven ground, and walking through brush and downed material. Field work has risks and discomforts such as irritant plant chemicals, falls, strains, insect bites, inclement weather, and extremes in temperature. Weed Treatment Method Hand treatment of known musk thistle and yellow starthistle infestations and other priority A, B and C rated noxious weeds where they occur on National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Truckee Ranger District. This project is critical for continuing weed control work that has been conducted over the last 15 years. Work would include the thorough inspection and treatment of known noxious weed locations and survey, treatment and mapping of National Forest system lands for new noxious weed sites. The treatment of noxious weeds would be conducted by hand-treatment (hand digging with a shovel and/or hand pulling) of each individual weed plant. Hand pulling of musk thistle will include pulling the first year basal rosettes, the second year bolting plants including the top 2 inches of the root and the root crown. These plant materials can be left to wither on site. Musk thistle flower heads and seed heads, once they develop past the bud stage, will have to be bagged and removed from site. Yellow starthistle shall be pulled and left on site as long as flower heads have not developed. Yellow starthistle plants that have developed flower heads must be bagged and removed from site entirely. Bags can be collected by Forest Service crew for proper disposal. The contract crew will be accompanied by Forest Service personnel so that weed locations and monitoring data can be collected and entered into Forest Service invasive species tracking databases. Protection of Sensitive Resources All provisions listed below will be strictly enforced. There are many known sensitive plant and wildlife species that occur within or adjacent to the project area. The primary sensitive species to avoid harassing or impacting during the invasive weed removal work are the Lahontan cutthroat trout, bald eagles, osprey. Other native plant and wildlife species such as mule deer must also be minimally affected by worker s activities. 4

5 Contractors shall not bring any dogs or pets to the project site. Destruction or removal of government property (i.e. artifacts, historical items, soil, plant, and inert objects) including wildlife, is a federal offense. The only articles that may be disturbed or removed from the project site are noxious (invasive) weeds. The Contractor and all crew members shall be responsible for becoming familiar with and being able to identify all targeted invasive weed species for the project. The Contractor and crew shall be provided with a copy of Invasive Weeds of the Tahoe National Forest booklet and training on how to identify the target invasive species upon commencement of work. Materials Required The Contractor shall be responsible for providing all materials and equipment required to perform the specified contracted work, with the exception of the plastic bags, which will be provided by TNF. The Contractor shall ensure that their crew has personal protective equipment (PPE) such as proper work boots with ankle support, gloves, long pants, sun protection, shovels or other hand tools to perform the job safely. Please note that in most locations, potable water is not available. Therefore, the Contractor is responsible for providing drinking water for their crew. Requirements to Prevent Spreading of Invasive Plant Species The Contractor shall be required to prevent and/or minimize introducing and spreading invasive plant species within TNF lands by implementing the following measures. TNF and/or TRWC crew leaders shall be responsible for enforcing these actions. Clean tools, equipment and vehicles before transporting materials and before entering and leaving worksites a. Integrate cleaning routines into field activities. Work vehicles shall be free of mud on the tires and undercarriage upon entering the work area. b. Frequently wash vehicles (at an off-site location), especially after driving off-road or off-trail or along roads bordered by a high density of invasive plants, and after traveling under wet conditions. c. Consider covering vehicle grills with auxiliary screens when driving on dirt roads and traveling through areas heavily infested with invasive plants (OPTIONAL). d. Vehicles may not be cleaned within the work area or on TNF lands unless they are moving from known infested areas to uninfested areas. e. Remove soil, seeds and plant parts from the undercarriage, tires, sideboards, tailgates, and grills of all vehicles and equipment before leaving the work area. Clean clothing, footwear and gear before leaving infested areas a. Inform workers about possible seeds and invasive plant parts carried on their clothing, footwear and gear. b. Clean clothing, footwear and gear for soil, seeds and plant parts before leaving infested areas. c. Wear fabrics that do not retain invasive plant material; could include the following: 5

6 Cotton duck (canvas) Nylon Leather Para-aramid DuPont Kevlar 1 Avoid brushed cotton, netting, Velcro, and bulky knits like wool and fleece d. Use special gear as appropriate: Nylon gaiters to cover socks and laces Leather laces on leather boots Rubber boots e. Carry appropriate equipment to help remove soil, seed, and plant parts. This may include wire brushes, small screwdrivers, boot brushes, extra water free of invasive species, and bags for plant materials.meta-aramid Ripstop DuPont Nomex 2 Plan travel routes to avoid areas infested with invasive plants a. Avoid driving off roads designated by TNF whenever possible. b. When driving off-road or off-trail, avoid patches of invasive plants. c. Exclude areas infested with invasive plants from equipment travel corridors and staging areas. d. Avoid parking on the side of the road in areas infested with invasive plants. e. When traveling through infested areas cannot be avoided: Consider the sequence of operations. Arrange travel routes from uninfested areas to infested areas. Work first in uninfested areas when vehicles and equipment are free from invasive plant material. Treat invasive plants at access roads and staging areas before entering them. Clean your vehicle before leaving the infested area. Deliverables At the completion of the Contracted work, the Contractor shall provide a completed, legible, table detailing on-site work performed. At minimum, the table should include columns indicating date worked, area/section worked, each employee who worked (listed individually by name and title), number of hours, and comments (i.e. treated known populations of musk thistle or surveyed and treated new populations of musk thistle, etc.). An example is provided below: Date Area Name, Title Total Comments Worked Hours 6/14/12 Boca Hill John Doe, supervisor 10 Treated known populations of musk thistle 6/14/12 Boca Hill Jane Doe, crew member 8 Timing All invasive weed removal and surveying work shall be conducted, under the direction and approval of TNF, between June 13, 2012 and July 31, All work shall be conducted Mondays through Thursdays, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm or as directed by TNF. 6

7 Roles Truckee River Watershed Council (TRWC) is primarily responsible for administering this project. TRWC will also work closely with TNF to assist whenever needed, in the field, or coordinating field work. TNF is primarily responsible for coordinating all work to be performed in the field by the contractor; including scheduling, directing and overseeing all invasive weed removal work, times and locations of work; and determining when invasive weed removal work is completed and/or if there is a need for the Contractor to assist with surveying and locating additional occurrences on invasive weed species within the project area. The Contractor shall work closely with the TNF staff. The Contractor shall not conduct invasive weed removal or surveying without the presence of an assigned TNF crew leader. PROPOSAL FORMAT Detailed work plan Scope: Specify the scope of services to be provided to perform the above described invasive weed removal work. Objectives: Identify and discuss briefly the specific objectives you will achieve through the conduct of the services within the project, as defined and specified above. Detailed work approach: Discuss in detail each of the activities you will conduct to achieve the scope and objectives defined and identified above. Please specifically address work components outlined in the Proposed Project section above, and elaborate as needed. Modifications to the components listed in the work statement can be included. Technical merit and details of work proposed will be heavily weighted in proposal evaluation. There is no page limit, but concise writing and graphics are greatly appreciated. Background and References List current and previous experience in invasive weed removal in native habitats; list the specific projects which demonstrate this experience. Include a duty statement and resume of each key person to be assigned to the project, by name and title, with experience in pertinent fields. If subcontractors will be used, include a description of those persons or firms including a description of their qualifications. Provide a minimum of three references for similar projects, with name and phone number. Cost Proposal Cost proposals are not to exceed $15,000. Please keep in mind this is an hourly contract with a not to exceed limit, with no exceptions for budget augmentations. The hourly rate of varying levels of staff (i.e., supervisor versus crew) must be detailed. 7

8 Personnel Costs Itemize by task to show the following (include subcontractors): Name and title Estimated hours per staff person, per task (i.e. tasks to include transportation, preparation, onsite labor, etc.) Rate per hour Total cost per task Support costs: supplies, telephone, postage, etc. Transportation: Travel expenses directly related to the contract services. Other costs: Show costs and expenses which do not fall within the other categories. General overhead and administrative charges are not allowed. CONTRACT TERMS AND AGREEMENT When the contract for this Truckee Weed Removal Project is awarded, the following terms will apply. Payments Progress payments for services performed shall be made in arrears upon receipt and approval of contractor s detailed invoices indicating costs and obligations incurred and services rendered to date. Changes in Personnel Contractor s key personnel as indicated in contractor s response to the RFP may not be substituted without the written consent of the TRWC Project Manager. This will be monitored and enforced by the TRWC. Termination for Convenience TRWC may, at its option, terminate the contract at any time upon thirty (30) day written notice to contractor. Contractor may submit written request to terminate only if TRWC should substantially fail to perform its responsibilities as provided in the contract. If terminated, contractor will be compensated for costs incurred up to the time of the termination notice for work satisfactorily completed. In no event shall payment of such costs exceed the contract price. Unique Billing of Work All work produced for this Truckee Weed Removal Project will be original for TRWC, and will not have been billed to other clients previously. Work produced under the contract with TRWC will be billed only to the contract with TRWC and not to other clients or funders. 8

9 Liability Insurance Contractor shall provide before entering the premises and shall maintain in force during the term of this contract the following liability insurance: General Liability Motor Vehicle Liability Each policy of liability insurance described above shall be in an amount of not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence for bodily injury and property damages combined. Certificates must be provided to the TRWC and TNF. Subcontractors must also provide evidence of general liability and motor vehicle liability insurance Reports and Invoicing Contractor to provide a one page progress reports with each invoice. Contractor must be available to meet with TRWC representatives upon reasonable notice to allow TRWC to determine if the contract is on the right track, whether the project is on schedule, provide communication of interim findings, and afford occasions for airing difficulties or special problems encountered so that remedies can be developed. Invoicing will include detail of task, delineated staff by name, hours, rate, total dollar amount for the period, and remaining amount. Reports and invoices will be submitted in paper or electronically in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel or Adobe. 9

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