Allegheny National Forest Backpack Foliar Herbicide
ID: 12444325Q0016Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OFFOREST SERVICEALLEGHENY NATIONAL FORESTWARREN, PA, 16365, USA

NAICS

Support Activities for Forestry (115310)

PSC

NATURAL RESOURCES/CONSERVATION- LAND TREATMENT PRACTICES (F006)

Set Aside

Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) (SBA)
Timeline
    Description

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service is seeking qualified contractors for the application of backpack foliar herbicides on understory vegetation within designated areas of the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania. The primary objective of this procurement is to manage invasive plant species by applying herbicides, specifically Oust XP® and Roundup Custom®, using contractor-supplied spray equipment, while adhering to strict environmental protection guidelines. This initiative is crucial for maintaining ecosystem health and preventing the spread of nonnative species in federal lands. The contract, valued at $11.5 million, has a performance period from July 1, 2025, to September 15, 2025, with proposals due by a specified deadline. Interested parties should direct technical inquiries to Ashley Stoltzfus at ashley.stoltzfus@usda.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
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    The solicitation outlines a contract for applying herbicides to designated understory vegetation on the Allegheny National Forest, specifically within the Bradford Ranger District in Pennsylvania. The contractor is responsible for providing all necessary equipment and materials, including specified herbicides Oust XP® and Roundup Custom®, as well as securing a pesticide applicator license. Key tasks include adhering to precise application rates, using approved surfactants, and ensuring equipment is free of contamination. The contractor must document the herbicide application using a “Stand Data Sheet” and report any incidents within 24 hours. Strict guidelines are outlined for environmental protection, including buffer zones around water bodies and measures to prevent nonnative invasive species spread. The contract also specifies performance standards and inspection protocols, with provisions for payment based on successful compliance with treatment effectiveness. Contractors are required to maintain records of herbicide usage and follow regulations for disposal. Ultimately, the goal is to manage invasive plant species while adhering to regulatory standards for safety and environmental protection.
    The document presents the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage Determination No. 2015-4247 under the Service Contract Act, detailing the minimum wage rates and applicable fringe benefits for various occupational classifications in specified Pennsylvania counties. It highlights that contracts initiated or extended after January 30, 2022, must ensure workers are compensated at least $17.75 per hour, complying with Executive Order 14026. For contracts awarded between 2015 and January 29, 2022, the minimum wage is set at $13.30 per hour. The determination includes detailed wage rates for a wide variety of occupations, including administrative support, automotive services, health, and technical jobs. Additionally, it mandates paid sick leave under Executive Order 13706 for eligible contracts, along with specific benefits like health and welfare compensation, vacations, and holiday pay. Employers are required to abide by conformance procedures for any unlisted occupational classifications, ensuring equitable wage relationships. The document serves critical purposes in government procurement processes and ensures adherence to labor standards, thereby protecting workers' rights and well-being in federal contracting scenarios.
    The document outlines the label and safety information for OUST XP HERBICIDE, a dispersible granule herbicide containing sulfometuron-methyl, used for controlling various annual and perennial weeds in forestry and non-crop areas. Key points include the herbicide's active ingredient, user safety recommendations, environmental hazards, and application methods. It emphasizes precautions to protect humans, animals, and non-target plants, including the requirement for personal protective equipment (PPE) during handling. The herbicide must be applied according to specified rates, with a maximum annual application limit of 8 ounces per acre. It provides guidance on controlling spray drift, timing applications before or during weed growth, and managing resistant weed populations through integrated pest management practices. Additionally, the document outlines mandatory regulations for both agricultural and non-agricultural uses, detailing restrictions on application sites, potential risks of off-site movement, and storage and disposal instructions. This comprehensive label serves to inform users of the correct, safe, and effective use of OUST XP HERBICIDE, underlining critical considerations for environmental impact and operational compliance in federal and state pesticide regulations.
    The document outlines a federal herbicide labeled as a broad-spectrum postemergence product intended for controlling aquatic and terrestrial weeds across various environments including industrial and agricultural sites. The active ingredient is glyphosate (53.8%), with safety precautions emphasizing its handling, environmental impact, and potential hazards to human and animal health. The document details application methods, mixing requirements, and the significance of surfactants, particularly for aquatic applications. Key sections address weed resistance management strategies to prevent resistance buildup, and dosing guidance is provided to ensure effectiveness while minimizing environmental risks. Additionally, the document mandates adherence to local regulations, particularly concerning the application near water bodies, reiterating safety and compliance as priorities. Overall, this technical overview aids users in safely and effectively applying the herbicide while adhering to regulatory standards, crucial in the context of government RFPs and grants related to agricultural and environmental management.
    The document provides detailed information about AQUACHEM 90, a nonionic surfactant and wetting agent manufactured by Arborchem Products. This product is designed to enhance the effectiveness of insecticides, herbicides, and defoliants by improving wetting, spreading, contact activity, and penetration on plant surfaces. Key components include alkyl phenol ethoxylate and alcohol ethoxylate, which are exempt from tolerance requirements under federal regulations. The product comes with significant safety warnings, indicating potential eye and skin irritation, and advising against ingestion or contact with skin. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended when handling, and specific first-aid measures are outlined for various exposure scenarios. Directions for use refer users to the relevant pesticide labels for application rates, emphasizing the importance of proper mixing to achieve optimal spray distribution. Environmental precautions stress the necessity of preventing water contamination during equipment cleanup and disposal. Storage guidelines recommend keeping the product in its original container away from heat and flame, while disposal instructions encourage recycling through the Agricultural Container Recycling Council. This document is relevant in the context of government-related RFPs and grants, particularly for agricultural applications, highlighting regulatory compliance, safety protocols, and environmental stewardship in pesticide use and distribution.
    The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for Cide-Kick II, provided by Brewer International, outlines the product's identification, uses, and potential hazards. It is classified as posing eye irritation and skin allergy risks. The SDS emphasizes the importance of handling precautions, such as avoiding contact with heat and sparks, using personal protective equipment, and ensuring proper ventilation during use. In case of exposure, specific first aid measures are detailed. The document further covers fire-fighting measures, indicating flash points and appropriate extinguishing media while noting hazards such as toxic fumes from incomplete combustion. Environmental precautions against leaks or spills and proper disposal methods are stressed, alongside compliance with various federal regulations such as OSHA and SARA. Overall, this SDS aims to ensure safe handling and compliance in the industrial and agricultural application of Cide-Kick II while noting potential environmental impacts and health hazards associated with its use.
    The document outlines the federal program related to the "Backpack Foliar Herbicide Application FY 2025," targeting areas within the Allegheny National Forest's Bradford Ranger District. It includes a series of codes, potentially referring to specific federal regulations or application guidelines (e.g., FR codes). The accompanying map details the geographic scope of the project, highlighting municipal roads, water bodies, and land ownership classifications. The document serves as a comprehensive guide to the herbicide application initiative, emphasizing the Forest Service's control over the land and the legal disclaimers regarding data accuracy. The project aims to manage vegetation in designated areas, reflecting federal commitment to land management and environmental stewardship. Maps produced by the USDA Forest Service illustrate specific locations and relevant features, aiding stakeholders in understanding project implementation zones. This document, in the context of federal grants and RFPs, indicates active governmental efforts towards ecosystem management in national forests.
    The document outlines a forest treatment plan involving the application of Glyphosate/Oust herbicides to designated units for vegetation control. It includes unit numbers, estimated acres, treatment details, and target species, primarily focusing on controlling woody interference and specific plant species such as Rubus spp. and fern spp. Notably, certain units (229031 and 229037) have been excluded from the 2024 broadcast herbicide application due to difficult terrain for operational equipment. Treatment is scheduled from July 1 to August 31 and again from August 25 to September 15, with emphasis on low-volume backpack mistblowers for application. The plan also indicates that surrounding units will receive broadcast spraying in 2024, and mentions the existence of old infrastructure in some treatment areas. Overall, the document is structured as a work plan table guiding herbicide application within federal and state grant frameworks, aiming to effectively manage and control invasive vegetation while considering operational constraints and environmental compliance.
    The document outlines Solicitation Number 12444325Q0016 issued by the federal government for the application of backpack foliar herbicides in designated areas within the Allegheny National Forest, encompassing Warren, McKean, Forest, and Elk Counties in Pennsylvania. The project involves treating a total of 52 acres with a performance period set from July 1, 2025, to September 15, 2025. Bidders must register at SAM.gov and attend to specific requirements such as submitting a comprehensive technical proposal, including past performance, and technical capability evidence. The solicitation further emphasizes that proposals must include the complete price schedule and contractor representations. The contract is anticipated as a firm fixed-price agreement, with potential adjustments based on area variance, and includes numerous clauses relating to compliance with federal regulations concerning labor standards and contractor responsibilities. The estimated variance in quantity for acreage treated allows for adjustments of up to 10% without affecting unit pricing. The announcement also includes critical provisions regarding contractor obligations, safety requirements, and insurance coverage. Overall, this solicitation reflects the government's structured approach to procurement for environmental management within protected federal lands.
    The document outlines a Request for Proposal (RFP) related to a contract for applying herbicides in designated areas of the Allegheny National Forest, managed by the USDA Forest Service. The contract covers a performance period from July 1, 2025, to September 15, 2025, with a total award amount of $11.5. The RFP emphasizes the importance of compliance with federal acquisition regulations and details the solicitation number, offer submission deadline, and the necessary blocks for potential offerors to complete. Key details include the location of the contract's administration in Atlanta, GA, and specific instructions related to payment and invoicing. The contractor is required to submit their offer by a specified deadline and may need to address additional compliance requirements regarding economic and social program provisions, such as those related to small business categories (e.g., service-disabled veteran-owned, women-owned, etc.). The document serves as a formal invitation for bids or offers in the context of federal contracting, outlining expectations for contractors to deliver approved services while adhering to regulatory standards.
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