Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) Tree Removal, South Carolina

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This SOW outlines requirements for tree removal, deregulation of host material, and associated landscape restoration services in Hollywood, South Carolina, to support the USDA APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) program's efforts to eradicate the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB).

• Tree Removal: Removal of ALB host trees and collateral trees in various terrains, including housing developments, wetlands, woodlots, and industrial areas. This includes stump treatment (herbicide or grinding) and removal/deregulation of brush and woody debris.

• Deregulation: Processing of all woody debris to meet specific size and processing standards (e.g., chipping to less than 1 inch in two dimensions, or grinding twice).

• Restoration: Repairing and restoring removal sites to conditions comparable to or better than pre-removal state. This may include topsoil replacement, seeding, and occasional tree replacement.

• Special Areas: Specific procedures for working in wetlands, including minimizing equipment use and avoiding fill material deposition, and for working near energized lines, requiring certified personnel.

• Work must be completed with the highest quality standards and timeliness.

• Minimal public disruption is required.

• Adherence to South Carolina's Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Forestry is mandatory.

• All work must comply with Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.

• Contract Type: Single award, six (6) month fixed-price contract.

• Period of Performance: Six (6) months.

• Place of Performance: Hollywood, South Carolina, within the Quarantine Zone.

• Personnel: Requires a Project Manager with 3+ years of experience and a full-time ISA-certified Arborist. Foremen are required at each removal site. All personnel must be knowledgeable in identifying protected species.

• Licensing & Compliance: Contractor must possess a valid South Carolina Commercial Applicator License (Categories 2, 3, and 5) and a Compliance Agreement with the ALB Eradication Program.

• Equipment: All equipment must be in good operating condition, and any leaking equipment is prohibited.

• Identification: All personnel must wear clearly identifiable uniforms and photographic identification badges.

• Environmental/Cultural: Adherence to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requirements for protected species and Historic Landmark Preservation Act considerations is mandatory. Work in wetlands must follow specific guidelines.

• Disposal: All woody debris must be deregulated and properly disposed of daily, unless written approval is granted.

• Documentation: Removal Work Plans (RWPs) must be developed for each site, including property owner input and COR approval. Pre- and post-operation site documentation (photos/video) is required.

Justification to Restrict Competition

This document justifies the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) decision to restrict competition for an acquisition. The acquisition is for tree removal and associated landscape restoration services in Hollywood, South Carolina, to address an urgent Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) infestation.

• Removal and disposal of approximately 3,426 infested and high-risk ALB host trees across an estimated 55 acres.

• Site clearing, proper handling, and mitigation in accordance with ALB program standards.

• Services are required to prevent the spread of the ALB infestation.

• The estimated period of performance (POP) is six months.

• The estimated value is not explicitly stated but is implied to be above the simplified acquisition threshold and potentially over $9 million, given the reference to FAR 6.103-2 and 41 U.S.C. 1901.

• This document is a justification for other than full and open competition, citing "Unusual and Compelling Urgency" (FAR 6.302-2).

• A competitive procurement is deemed impracticable due to the limited biological window before beetle emergence and the need for immediate action.

• The incumbent contractor is identified as the only vendor currently equipped with the specialized machinery, trained personnel, and operational familiarity to execute the work within the narrow timeframe.

• Transitioning to a new contractor would cause approximately 12 months of delay, jeopardizing eradication efforts.

• The acquisition is being restricted to other than full and open competition.

• The justification will be posted publicly to provide visibility for future procurements.

• Market research was conducted, but no viable alternative sources were identified that could provide the specialized services within the emergency period without substantial performance risk or delay.

• Davey Resource Group, INC. is listed as a source that expressed interest in writing.