USDA, APHIS, Field Servicing Office, Butler Square West, 5th Floor, 100 North 6th St., Minneapolis, MN 55403

99 -- HELICOPTER AERIAL SPRAY APPLICATION OF CATTAILS IN NORTH DAKOTA SOL APWSWRND-0024-0 DUE 070300 POC Joanne Mann (612) 370-2241 E-MAIL: /presol, Joanne.Mann@usda.gov. The USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Wild Life Services (WS), Bismarck, North Dakota, intends to procure the services of an FAA-FAR 137 certified agricultural aerial spray applicator(s) for spraying Rodeo herbicide on approximately 2,000 acres of cattail marshes in North Dakota. Submit faxed quotations to "Purchasing Section," at (612) 370-2136. QUOTATIONS ARE DUE July 3, 2000, BY 11:00 a.m. Local time (CDT). Simplified procurement procedures will be used as well as commercial item acquisition regulations per FAR 12. THIS IS A COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement is issued as a small business set-aside procurement. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested and A WRITTEN SOLICITATION WILL NOT BE ISSUED. This solicitation document incorporates provisions and clauses which are in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 97-17. Applicable FAR clauses are incorporated by reference: Prompt Payment 52.249-1 (4/84); Fixed price 52.243-1 (8/87); Evaluation-Commercial items 52.212-2 (10/97); Offeror Representations and Certifications 52.212-3 ((1-/98); Contract Terms and Conditions- Commercial Items 52.212-4 (4/98); Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statues or Executive Orders-Commercial Items 52.212-5 (10/98). ALL RESPONSIBLE SMALL BUSINESS SOURCES MAY SUBMIT A QUOTATION FOR CONSIDERATION. All offers must be signed. Offers should include tax payer identification number__________________________ DUNS number__________________ and business size ___________________for SIC 8999 Service N.E.C. SPECIFICATIONS: The North Dakota/South Dakota Wildlife Services (WS), Bismarck, North Dakota, required servcies of an FAA-FAR 137 certified agricultural aerial spray applicator(s) for spraying Rodeo herbicide on approximately 2,000 acres of cattail marshes in North Dakota. This project is scheduled to begin on or about 1 August 2000 and conclude on 31 August 2000. Marshes may range in size from 16 acres up to 300+ acres but will probably average 20-30 acres. Wind speed must not exceed 8 mph during application. The pilot must be willing to follow detailed instructions; (1) on mixing the herbicide formulation with the prescribed ratios of surfactant and drift retardant, (2) on rates Of application, (3) spray patterns, (4) spraying only 70% of actual cattail acres (5) completion of spraying by 31 August 2000 (6) for spraying only sites designated by WS . The aircraft must be capable of delivering 5 gals/acre in approximately 50 foot swathes. The pilot may be required to skip portions of the marshes to create a strip or checkerboard pattern, as specified by WS. The vendor is financially responsible for drift problems and must carry adequate liability insurance as recommended by the State Aeronautics Commission or as otherwise specified by State law. The vendor must have proper state aerial applicator permits as required by the state and must insure that all aerial applications conducted for WS are done in compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations governing aerial applicators. Copies of the documentation must be supplied to WS with each bid. The vendor and aircraft may have to be certified by the WS Regional Aircraft Manager which will be done at the expense of WS following aerial applicator selection prior to actual herbicide application, The vendor must have all equipment needed for a mobile spray operation or otherwise have access to all airports water supplies, and cleanup facilities needed to complete the project, Aircraft equipped with remote shutoffs to each spray boom are highly desirable. The pilot(s) and aircraft(s) must remain dedicated to WS's project once it commences until completion. Timely application is of the utmost importance as is insuring that no chemicals other than those designated by WS are inadvertently applied. The pilot must provide adequate storage for up to 1500 gallons of Rodeo, surfactant and drift retardant, in a secure facility. WS will provide all materials, except water, which must be obtained by the vendor from a well or city water supply (i,e., not surface water). The vendor is responsible for post application clean up, including the proper disposal of herbicide and other chemical containers. A per acre rate is requested on the enclosed Aircraft Lease/Rental Agreement form, Please submit bids by July 3, 2000. Bids will only be accepted on the statewide proposed cattail acres. Bidders must be willing to spray statewide and not individual counties. 1. PERMITS AND LICENSES Vendors shall be responsible for obtaining at their expenses all necessary permits and licenses to comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations. 2. MAINTENANCE All aircraft furnished under this agreement will be maintained in accordance with the maintenance standards specified in FAR, Part 135, or FAR, Part 91, including 100 hour inspections and compliance with the manufacturer's recommendations for time-between-overhaul and time-in-service components. All aircraft furnished will be maintained so as to present a neat and clean appearance. 3. CUSTODY AND CONTROL If the Vendor furnishes a pilot the Vendor will retain custody and assume full responsibility for the operation and well being of the aircraft during the use period. When the Government furnishes the pilot, the Government will assume custody and control and will exercise customary care and prudence in the operation and well-being of the aircraft. 4. LIABILITIES OF THE VENDOR AND THE GOVERNMENT The Government will not assume any responsibility whatsoever for loss damage to equipment owned or operated by the Vendor, his agents or employee or subcontractors, or for injury or death of the vendor, his agents employees or subcontractors caused by the performance of this agreement. The vendor will be responsible for the intentional negligent and wrongful acts omissions of the Vendor, his employees, agents,or subcontractors and employees and agents of the subcontractor(s) incident to the performance of this agreement. The Vendor will hold and save the Government, its officers and employees harmless from all liability for any death or damage to all person (other than the liability of the Government to USDA employees as provided for under the Federal Employees Compensation Act) or to real property or to personal property which results from the operation of, or incident tot equipment furnished by the Vendor, or otherwise incident to performance of the agreement. However, the Vendor will not be responsible for any intentional negligent wrongful acts of omissions of the U. S. Department of Agriculture employees. 5. LIABILITY INSURANCE REQUIRED Notwithstanding, the provisions of paragraph 4 above, the Government requires the Vendor to maintain aircraft liability insurance coverage on all aircraft offered in this agreement in the amounts required or recommended by the State(s) in which the operations are conducted. 6. LIABILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE WITH GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PILOT The Vendor will maintain full liability and hull insurance coverage, at their expense, for the aircraft listed on this agreement. The insurance will apply during the Government use period and the Government does not assume risk or liability for any damage to the aircraft during the contract period. A copy of the insurance form must be provided to the Government for proof of coverage prior to the Government's use. The minimum qualifications as set forth in the Vendor's insurance coverage shall apply to all pilots furnished by the Government. The Government will, on request, furnish the name(s) of the pilot(s) and their qualifications that may be assigned to operate the aircraft. If the aircraft is damaged or destroyed while in the custody of the Government, the Government will reimburse the Vendor for the deductible stipulated in the insurance coverage as follows: a.) In-motion accidents -- Up to five percent (5-%) of the current insured value of the aircraft stated in the policy, or $10,000.00, whichever is less. b.) Not-in-motion accidents -- A maximum of $250.00 per accident. The Government is not responsible or liable for damage to or loss of the aircraft, nor any insurance deductible, which occurs as a result of negligence or fault in maintenance of the aircraft by the Vendor, or loss or damage resulting from a latent defect in construction of the aircraft or a component thereof. Subject to the above provisions, if the aircraft is damaged by fault of the Government the Government may, at its option, make the necessary repairs at a facility of its choice or have the Vendor make the necessary repairs. The Vendor is liable to the Government for any damage to or destruction of Government property arising out of the intentional negligent or careless activities of the Vendor, his employees, agents, or subcontractors. 7. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) Unless otherwise stated in this agreement, the Vendor will, at his expense, supply the following personal protective equipment for the air crew members furnished by the Vendor for all flights conducted at or below 500 feet above the surface: a.) Aviation helmet which affords Protection for the temples and ears and which has the required avionics to be compatible with the avionics installed in the aircraft used. b.) Fire retardant clothing made of Polyamide or Aramide, or equivalent material. c.) Gloves and boots made of leather or fire resistant material. Cold weather boots are acceptable if they are worn with a natural fiber liner or heavy socks made of wool, cotton or similar natural fiber material. 8. COMPUTATION OF FLIGHT TIME Helicopter flight time will be paid from the time a helicopter lifts off the ground for a direct flight until it lands. Flight time will be recorded in hours and tenths by means of an hour meter activated by the collective control, 9. RECORDING SERVICES All services received will be recorded on an invoice (Form WS-3) approved by the Government and submitted for payment inaccordance with instructions issued by the ordering office. REQUIREMENTS FOR RENTAL HELICOPTERS 1. All helicopters and Operators covered by this agreement will be certified under the provision of FAR, Part 135, "Air Taxi operators and Commercial Operators". The Vendor's operations specifications will authorize the operations of helicopters, VFR, Day, Passengers, and Cargo. Notwithstanding subparagraph (b) of FAR, Part 135.1, helicopter use on WS operations will be operated and maintained under the provisions of FAR, Part 135, except for FAR, Part 135.119, "Prohibition Against Carriage of Weapons". EQUIPMENT REQUIRED a.) Night flying equipment sufficient for VFR night operations, including one FAA approved anti-collision beacon. b.) One set of individual lap belts for each occupant. c.) Double strap shoulder harness with inertial real for each front seat occupant. Shoulder harness and lap belts shall fasten with one quick release, mingle point mechanism. Lap belts shall be provided for rear seats. d.) Flight recording meter recording in hours and tenths, wired so as to record only flight time. e.) An approved fire extinguisher containing at least two pounds of Halon 1211 or Halon 1301 that is accessible to the crew in flight. f.) Survival equipment shall be in each aircraft as required by local climate and terrain conditions. g.) A first aid kit with contents that will permit the adequate first aid treatment of severe injuries. h.) An emergency locator transmitter (ELT) that is automatic, either fixed or portable, that meets technical standard order (TSO) C-91 and is installed and maintained in accordance with FAR, Part 91.207. i.) Operable VHF airways communication transmitter/receiver. j.) Inter phone system between the pilot and all gunner stations that is capable of hands free or push-to-talk operation at gunner stations. k.) Any other special equipment that is specified on the agreement may be locally required. HELICOPTER a. Commercial pilot certificate with helicopter rating and a current class II medical b. 1,500 hours in helicopters as pilot in command c. 100 hours in class size (light, medium, heavy, as applicable) d. 200 hours in helicopters with reciprocating engine, as applicable e. 100 hours in helicopter with turbine engine, as applicable f. 50 hours in helicopters in the preceding 12 months g. 50 hours as pilot in command in the make and model or subsequent series of helicopter to be used on the operation. h. 200 hours of low-level operations over typical terrain found in the area of operations, including 50 hours in the preceding 6 months. i. 25 hours experience as pilot in command for predator control operations or 100 hours experience as pilot in command on agriculture application type Operations. NOTE: Depending on the total experience level of the pilot, pilots that do not meet the recent short-term flying time requirements, but meet all other requirements, may be granted a waiver by the Regional Aviation Manager waiving certain short term requirements. Posted 06/26/00 (W-SN468365). (0178)

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