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FBO DAILY - FEDBIZOPPS ISSUE OF OCTOBER 22, 2016 FBO #5447
DOCUMENT

S -- Sources Sought Request (FY17) Plant Mitigation Services for SDVOSB/VOSB Companies South Florida National Cemetery - Attachment

Notice Date

10/20/2016
 

Notice Type

Attachment
 

NAICS

221310 — Water Supply and Irrigation Systems
 

Contracting Office

Department of Veterans Affairs;NCA Contracting Service;75 Barrett Heights Rd. Suite 309;Stafford VA 22556
 

ZIP Code

22556
 

Solicitation Number

VA78617N0014
 

Response Due

10/25/2016
 

Archive Date

12/24/2016
 

Point of Contact

Max Andrade
 

E-Mail Address

al
 

Small Business Set-Aside

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
 

Description

Synopsis: This announcement constitutes a Sources Sought Notice. This is not a Request for Quote (RFQ) or a Request for Proposal (RFP). This announcement is for information and planning purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the government, implied or otherwise, to issue a solicitation or award a contract. The Department of Veteran Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, is seeking qualified sources to furnish all necessary labor, material, equipment and supervision for Plant Mitigation Services to the South Florida National Cemetery located at 6501 N. State Road 7, Lake Worth, FL 33449. The purpose of this notice is to determine interest and capability of potentially qualified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) and Veteran-Owned Small-Businesses (VOSB) relative to the North American Industry Classification code (NAICS) 221310 Water Supply and Irrigation Systems Services. The Small Business Size Standard is $27.5 million. To make an appropriate acquisition decision for this requirement, the Government will use responses to this sources sought synopsis. The type of solicitation issued and the manner of advertisement will also depend on the response to this sources sought synopsis. Description: Scope: Contractor to provide all labor, materials, and equipment necessary to perform all exotic/nuisance species control in the developed acreage, mitigation areas, lake areas, buffer areas and as specified. In addition, contractor to provide detailed monthly data collection, reporting and annual mitigation monitoring report. Exotic/Nuisance Species: Contractor shall be responsible for the eradication and control of exotic/nuisance species work including but not limited to the following: oHydrilla (Hydrilla Verticillata) oTorpedo grass (Panicum Repens) oCattail (Typha Spp.) oPrimrose Willow (Ludwigia Peruviana) oMelaleuca (Melaleuca Quinquenervia) oBrazilian Pepper (Schinus Terebinthifolius) oAustralian Pines (Casuarinas pp.) oCowpea (Vigna sp.) oPlants included on the FDEP List of Prohibited Aquatic Plants, Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council's (FEPPC) List of Florida's Most Invasive Species (latest edition). oAny other exotic or nuisance plant species that may adversely impact the natural growth of desirable plant species in the defined areas as stipulated in applicable permits or as determined by VA. Maintenance shall be performed at such a frequency to maintain the conditions of compliance as depicted in the special conditions section of the USACOE and SFWMD permits. Permits and Fees: Contractor will be in compliance with all permits and if necessary will acquire any additional permits and pay all required fees to any regulatory agency having jurisdiction over this work. They will coordinate any inspections required by local ordinances during the course of exotic/nuisance plant control and will keep the VA informed on all actions and inspections. On completion of work, evidence satisfactory to VA shall be furnished to show that all work has been performed in accordance with the contract. Treatment is to be done in a manner having the least effect on the environment and using approved methods of control described by appropriate regulatory agencies. In cases where chemicals cannot be used, weed removal by manual or mechanical means may be necessary. The contractor has full responsibility for systematically treating the areas indicated. Areas not treated or not responding to treatment may be required to be retreated at the contractor's expense if so determined by VA. Qualifications: Contractor will demonstrate having a minimum of three (3) years of experience in treating aquatics and exotic/nuisance plant species in South Florida. The contractor shall be a licensed aquatic herbicide applicator in good standing with the Florida Department of Agriculture and consumer services (FDACS) and all other regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over such licensure. Prior to award, the contractor shall provide proof of all licenses, certifications, or registration required to perform exotic/nuisance plant control work. To demonstrate ability and experience necessary for this work, contractor shall submit the following: List of five (5) projects completed in the last two (2) years of similar complexity to this project. Description of projects shall include: 1.Name of project; 2.Location; 3.Owner's name and business phone number; 4.Scope of Work and contract amount; 5.Regulatory agencies and permit numbers. Contractor will also supply a summary of any litigation or fines levied against contractor in the past three (3) years related to the contractor's business. Regulatory Agencies: This contract is subject to the rules and regulations of the public agencies listed below, including but not limited to: 1.DVA/NCA - Department of Veterans Affairs/National Cemetery Administration 2.USCOE - United States Army Corps of Engineers 3.SFWMD - South Florida Water Management District 4.FFWCC - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 5.LWWD - Lake Worth Drainage District Inspections: Herbicides will be available for inspection at the cemetery before they are used in the exotic/nuisance plant control operations. If necessary, samples shall be taken and analyzed by a certified lab at the contractor's expense. At any time during the exotic/nuisance plant control work by the contractor, the VA's Contracting Officer (CO) may visit the site to observe the work underway. Upon request the contractor shall be required to exhibit work as directed by the CO without compensation. Should the materials or workmanship not meet the standard specification herein, the contractor shall correct the problem at his expense and as soon as possible. The contractor shall keep a record of exotic/nuisance plant control progress onsite at all times. This record shall be made available to the VA's COR or cemetery director upon request. Treatment Schedule: Maintenance Treatment (minimum - once monthly) shall consist of treating specified areas such as mitigation area(s), wetland or upland preserves, lakes, and buffer areas within the developed property by the contractor and treatment as often as necessary to accomplish progressive noxious / invasive plant destruction. Materials - Herbicides: The contractor shall use chemicals approved by the controlling government agencies. All chemicals used must be approved by EPA, FDA or DEP as applicable. Use of all chemicals and disposal of residue shall be in strict conformance with the chemical manufacturer's instructions. In the event a chemical is banned by any governing agency (either local, state or federal) during the term of the contract, the contractor shall continue work using other approved chemicals. Herbicides must be selective and approved, in order that exotic/ nuisance species are eradicated and desirable native or planted species are not affected. Contractor is responsible for ensuring that the herbicides will be effective on targeted species and follow all regulations. 1.Melaleuca: control using a frilling or cut and spray technique including an application of ARSENAL or approved equivalent. 2.Brazilian Pepper, Australian Pines and other woody exotic/nuisance trees or shrubs (not including Melaleuca): control using frill and girdle, cut and spray, or basal bark spray with Garlon 4 or approved equivalent. 3.Cattails, torpedo grass and other non-woody exotic/nuisance species: control using a post-emergent application of RODEO aquatic herbicide or approved equivalent. 4.Hydrilla and associated aquatic species: control using submerged aquatic herbicide or proposed treatment must be in compliance with the requirements of FDEP Aquatic Plant Control Permit No. SF-97-02 and submitted to VA's Contracting Officer for approval. 5.An indicator dye shall be used in conjunction with all herbicide application methods carried out in the wetland and mitigation areas and upland preserve and/or buffer areas to provide evidence of treatment. Site Preparation: The contractor shall fully acquaint him/herself with the related conditions and utilities to preclude any misunderstanding and to facilitate trouble-free exotic/nuisance plant control. It shall be the responsibility of the contractor to obtain all such information as it is made available. Drawings and specifications of related work may be obtained from the Contracting Officer if they are required. Prior to execution, the exotic/nuisance plant control limits shall be reviewed on the site by the contractor. Review with the Contracting Officer, any discrepancies and request in writing to the Contracting Officer for the approval of the exotic/nuisance plant control and access locations before any work commences. The Contracting Officer may adjust locations to meet field conditions and the intent of the plan. Work shall be conducted under favorable weather and seasonal conditions as are normal and proper for such work. All exotic/nuisance plant control shall be performed by experienced work persons, according to the best trade practice and as specified herein. Damage to existing desirable plants shall be repaired or replaced at the contractor's expense. All lawn areas, plant beds and mitigation plants and desirable vegetation that are existing, shall be protected from any harm by the contractor caused by overspray, access or any other related activities. The contractor shall be responsible for notifying affected adjacent property owners, Contracting Officer, and the public of any use restrictions listed on the labels of the products used. Notification shall be made prior to the commencement of work. Contractor shall erect and maintain as required by the conditions and progress of the work and spraying program and as required by law all necessary safeguards for safety and protection, including posting danger signs and other warnings to the public. Manual Exotic/Nuisance Plant Removal: Small trees (less than 2" caliper, typical) and seedlings of woody exotic/nuisance species will be removed by this method. In order not to impact desired species, manual removal will be the primary method of exotic/nuisance plant control for the following species: 1.Melaleuca Quinquenervia 2.Schinus Terebinthifolius 3.Ludwigia Peruviana 4.Casuarina spp. All other methods of exotic/nuisance plant control will require approval by the Contracting Officer prior to commencement. Manually removed exotic/nuisance plant biomass from the mitigation areas shall be removed from the site and disposed of properly and in compliance with local regulations. Herbicide Application Techniques: Contractor shall follow the techniques to achieve maximum eradication success without impacting desired vegetation. Acceptance by the Contracting Officer will be received prior to commencement. Wick application is the method used for non-woody exotic/nuisance species as well as woody exotic/nuisance seedlings, and small exotic/nuisance trees in areas of desired species. This method is performed to prevent loss of desired plant species. Herbicides used in this method will be the same as described for the spray methods. Contractor is to follow the manufacturer's application rate of herbicide and selectively wipe herbicide treated sponge on exotic/nuisance plants' foliage. Aquatic spray method shall be used for direct application of herbicide to aquatic exotic/nuisance species, including cattail and torpedo grass. This method is to be executed by selective application to targeted species with no overspray applied to the desirable plant species. Any woody exotic/nuisance shrubs or trees treated in the mitigation areas that exceed 12 feet in overall height and are too large for manual removal shall be treated with herbicide and upon visual evidence of successful treatment, the dead biomass shall be removed at ground level and disposed of in compliance with acceptable methodology approved by the Contracting Officer. Contractor will use the approved manufacturer's recommended application rate and solution of RODEO aquatic herbicide applied with a backpack sprayer to the foliage of the exotic/nuisance species. Basal spray method shall be used for eradication of woody exotic/nuisance trees and shrubs including Brazilian Pepper located in non-aquatic areas. Treatment application of the approved manufacturer's rate and solution of GARLON 4 by pump-up sprayers and applied as a basal spray to the lower 2 feet of stems and trucks following manufacturer's guidelines and restrictions. Application shall fully cover and encircle the stems and trunks without impacting surrounding desirable vegetation. Upon visual evidence of successful treatment the treated biomass shall be removed at ground level and disposed of in compliance with local guidelines. Cut/Paint method shall be used for eradication of established Melaleuca, Brazilian pepper or Australian Pines and woody exotic/nuisance species (2" - 6" calipers) in non-aquatic locations. 1.Cut canopy of trees no less than 12" above high water elevation. 2.Directly apply Garlon 4 (for species other than Melaleuca) or ARSENAL (for Melaleuca) to the exposed cut and completely cover the cut, following the approved manufacturer's application rate and solution. 3.Remove cut canopy from site and dispose of in an approved off-site location using methods that will not encourage further exotic/nuisance plant infestation. Disposal shall be in compliance of local guidelines. Frill/Girdle methods shall be used for eradication of established Melaleuca and other exotic/nuisance trees (6" caliper or greater) in non-aquatic locations. 1.Cut into trunk of existing tree to the cambium. Cuts are to be angled downward around the entire circumference of the tree. Remove cut bark to expose the cambium layer. 2.Directly apply a quantity of Garlon 4 (for species other than Melaleuca) or ARSENAL (for Melaleuca) to the exposed cambium layer, following the manufacture's approved application rate and solution method. For any Submerged Aquatic methods, contractor will submit desired eradication technique (method, herbicide) to the Contracting Officer for approval in treatment of Hydrilla and other associated aquatic exotic/nuisance species prior to commencing work. Disposal of Removed Exotics: Dispose of all removed exotic/nuisance plant species in an approved off-site location. Disposal shall be done in an approved manner that will not encourage re-infestation by the exotic/nuisance species and comply with all applicable state and local codes. During and upon completion of each phase of the contract work, the contractor shall keep the cemetery site clean. In addition to removing all equipment and unused materials, the contractor shall provide a neat and uniform site. All damaged or altered structures, resulting from the exotic/nuisance plant control work, shall be corrected immediately. Clean up of all herbicide related facilities shall be in conformance with all applicable regulations and shall follow manufacture's guidelines. The contractor shall remove from the right-of-way and adjacent properties all false work, equipment, surplus and discarded materials, rubbish and temporary structures; shall restore in an acceptable manner all property both public and private, which has been damaged during the execution of the work, and shall leave any waterways unobstructed and roadways in a neat and presentable condition throughout the entire length of the work under the contract. The placing of materials of any character, rubbish or equipment, on undeveloped portions of the cemetery, or abutting property, with or without the consent of the adjacent property owners and the Contracting Officer, shall not constitute satisfactory disposal. The contractor will be allowed to temporarily store equipment, surplus materials, etc., within the limits of work only if approved by the Contracting Officer in writing, but no discarded equipment, materials or rubbish shall be placed on such site. When or where direct or indirect injury is done to public or private property by or on account of any act, omission, commission, neglect, or misconduct in the execution of the work or in consequence of the non-execution thereof by the contractor, he shall restore, at his own expense such property to a condition similar or equal to that existing before such damage or injury was done. By repairing, rebuilding, replanting, or otherwise restoring as may be directed, or he shall make good such damage or injury in an acceptable manner. Work that is to remain in place which is damaged or defaced by reasons of work performed under this contract shall be restored at no additional cost to the VA. Data Collection and Reporting: The Contractor shall collect data from the data logger and maintenance of the Monitoring Well on a monthly basis and submit the information to the South Florida National Cemetery for review. This data will be used in preparation of a hydrograph reporting water level in the mitigation area wetlands in the Annual Mitigation Monitoring Report. The Contractor will provide all field monitoring and required documentation to prepare and submit the Annual Mitigation Monitoring Report in accordance with South Florida Water Management District Permit Number 50-06978-P. South Florida National Cemetery Special Conditions are as follows: oMonthly collection of stored data from data logger-technician physically uploads stored data from the data logger onto laptop computer using programmable software. Equipment check would be conducted monthly. oProvide all personnel, equipment analysis and reporting in preparation of a draft and final Annual Mitigation Report in accordance with South Florida Water Management District Permit Number 50-06978-P. South Florida National Cemetery Special Conditions. Additional Information: oApproximately 11,132 linear foot of lakes (4 lakes total) oApproximately 8.5 acres of created Mitigation acres (5 areas total) oApproximately 14 acres of existing Cypress Slus & upland areas oMonthly maintenance on Lakes oQuarterly maintenance on preserves and Marsh areas oMonthly Data Collection and Reporting requirements oPreparation of Annual Mitigation Monitoring Report Submission requirements for responses to this sources sought synopsis: VOSB/SDVOSB offerors interested in submitting a quote for this project, if it is formally advertised, must be registered and be verified in the www.vip.vetbiz.gov website and must provide the correct NAICS code to include the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) number, name of the firm, address, phone and point of contact. Where to send responses: ATTN: Max Andrade Max.Andrade@va.gov Response Deadline: October 25, 2012, 4:00 PM, EST
 

Web Link

FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/VA/VANCA/VANCA/VA78617N0014/listing.html)
 

Document(s)

Attachment
 

File Name: VA786-17-N-0014 VA786-17-N-0014.docx (https://www.vendorportal.ecms.va.gov/FBODocumentServer/DocumentServer.aspx?DocumentId=3066581&FileName=VA786-17-N-0014-000.docx)

Link: https://www.vendorportal.ecms.va.gov/FBODocumentServer/DocumentServer.aspx?DocumentId=3066581&FileName=VA786-17-N-0014-000.docx

 

Note: If links are broken, refer to Point of Contact above or contact the FBO Help Desk at 877-472-3779.
 

Place of Performance

Address: South Florida National Cemetery;6501 N. State Road 7;Lake Worth, FL 33449

Zip Code: 33449
 

Record

SN04309004-W 20161022/161020234142-beb66221282b4b4b6f4d3738050b05ca (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

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