TRI-LAKES PROJECT WEED CONTROL

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation W9128F26QA022 for Weed Control.

• Application Schedule: Contractors are expected to determine the application schedule based on weed growth conditions, not a government-provided estimate.
• Herbicide Products: No specific herbicide products are preferred. Products must be used according to manufacturer instructions for the treated area, desired outcome, and vegetation.
• GIS/Digital Boundary Files: Digital boundary files are not readily available. Any questions regarding exact boundaries should be clarified with the COR onsite.
• Access Restrictions: No additional access restrictions or seasonal limitations for dam embankments or spillways beyond those listed in the PWS.
• Spraying Passes: While historically some areas required multiple applications, it is the contractor's responsibility to monitor and determine the timing and frequency of spraying to meet performance thresholds.
• Subcontractor Approval: While not strictly required before proposal submission, including identified subcontractors in the proposal is helpful for the government to assess past performance and experience for Best Value Selection.
• Previous Awardee & Price: Horizon Vegetation Management Inc. was the last awardee. The government is not providing a maximum price or price range, encouraging bidders to develop their bid based on the Scope of Work and their own cost structure.
• FAR Clauses: FAR clause 52.213-3 (b) is only applicable if its conditions are met; it is not expected to apply to most submissions. SAM registration validity will be cross-referenced.
• Site Maps: Maps referenced as Technical Exhibit 6 have been uploaded in SAM.

This Q&A clarifies operational details, product usage, data availability, and submission considerations, but does not appear to alter major requirements or deadlines.

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

This document outlines the scope of work for vegetation control at the Bear Creek facility, focusing on managing weeds and vegetation in specific areas to maintain the integrity and functionality of the infrastructure.

The primary task is vegetation control across various designated areas totaling approximately 314.2 acres. Specific areas and their associated tasks include:

• Spillway (132 acres): Includes side slopes. Tasks involve treating cattail in the ditch at the bottom of the slope and treating noxious weeds and woody vegetation in grass areas.
• Dam Main Embankment (128 acres): Total vegetation control is required for service roadways, parking areas, rock areas, and stockpiles. Noxious weeds are to be treated in all grass areas.
• South Embankment (48 acres): Total vegetation control is required for all service roads, rock areas, and stockpiles. Noxious weeds are to be treated in all grass areas.
• Outlet Works Channel (3.7 acres): Total vegetation control is required for rock areas and parking areas. Noxious weeds are to be treated in all grass areas, as well as cattail in the channel.
• Stockpiles (2.5 acres): Total vegetation control is required for all stockpiles. Noxious weeds are to be treated within a 50 ft. radius from the piles.

While specific metrics are not detailed, the work implies a requirement for effective removal and control of specified vegetation types in designated zones.

The document pertains to the Bear Creek facility. Specific contract period is not detailed within this document.

• Treatment of cattail in specific ditches and channels.
• Control of noxious weeds and woody vegetation in grass areas.
• Total vegetation control in rock areas, parking areas, service roadways, and stockpiles.

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

This document outlines the scope of work for vegetation control and noxious weed management across various areas of the Chatfield Project.

The project involves vegetation control and noxious weed management in the following areas:

• Dam Embankment (0001AA): Approximately 254.9 acres. Includes control of all vegetation on rock, roads, and stockpiles. Noxious weeds are to be managed in all grass areas.
• Outlet Works Channel (0001AB): Approximately 21.8 acres. Total vegetation control on rock and roads. Noxious weeds are to be managed in all grass areas and channel banks. Russian olive and tamarisk are to be treated, but willow is permitted to remain.
• Massey Draw Channel Outlet (0001AC): Approximately 3 acres. Total vegetation control on all rock. Noxious weeds are to be managed in all grass areas, treating up to the top shoulder of the channel bank.
• Spillway (0001AD): Approximately 99.5 acres. Total vegetation control on rock, roads, and stockpiles. Noxious weeds are to be managed in all grass areas.
• Administration/Maintenance Area (0001AE): Approximately 34.5 acres. Total vegetation control includes parking and roadway cracks, gravel roads, maintenance compound, and stockpiles. Noxious weeds are to be managed in all grass areas. Spraying around the maintenance compound is limited to approximately 50 ft. from the fenceline.
• Spring Gulch Pond (0001AF): Approximately 1.8 acres. Total vegetation control on all rock. Noxious weeds are to be managed in all grass/bare areas.
• Spring Gulch Dam (0001AG): Approximately 19.6 acres. Total vegetation control on rock and service roads. Noxious weeds are to be managed in all grass/bare areas. Cattails are to be treated in the channel up to the upstream edge of the two-track access and up to approximately 40 ft. upstream of the intake.

Specific performance metrics are not detailed in this overview map, but the scope implies a requirement for effective vegetation and noxious weed removal according to the specified areas and types of control.

The work is to be performed at the Chatfield Project, with specific acreage detailed for each sub-area.

• 0001AG (Spring Gulch Dam): ATVs/Vehicles are prohibited on the side of the embankment due to soft, erodible soils. Application methods are limited to backpack or hoses from the top or bottom of the embankment.
• General: Treatment of specific plants (Russian olive, tamarisk, cattail) and protection of others (willow) are noted.

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

This document outlines the scope of work for vegetation control and treatment within the Cherry Creek Project, specifically focusing on the Dam Embankment and Spillway areas.

• Dam Embankment (Approximately 176.7 acres):

  • Total vegetation control required for stockpiles, rock/rip-rap areas, and service roads.
  • Noxious weed control in all grass areas.

• Spillway (Approximately 76 acres):

  • Treatment of noxious weeds and all woody vegetation.
  • Treatment of all trees (except willows, which may be left) and stump regrowth and woody species.

• Specific buffer zones for spraying are indicated: 30 ft. from the toe of rip-rap and 15 ft. from the edge of service roads on the Dam Embankment.

• The work is associated with the Cherry Creek Project, covering the Dam Embankment and Spillway areas.

• Dam Embankment:

  • A 3-week notice is required prior to closing Dam Road.
  • Do not spray the recreation trail on the upstream side of the dam.

• Spillway:

  • Willows may be left standing.

• General:

  • Control of noxious weeds and woody vegetation is a primary focus.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment to Solicitation W9128F26QA022 adds maps that were previously omitted. All other terms and conditions of the original solicitation remain unchanged.

• The primary change is the addition of maps.

• The "Addendum; Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items" section has been modified to request specific company information (Name, Address, CAGE CODE, DUNS, TIN) as it appears on SAM.

• Several "A.02. Performance Work Statement" documents related to maps (MapsFinal-BC, MapsFinal-CC, MapsFinal-CH) have been added.

• The amendment does not explicitly state a change to the proposal deadline. However, bidders should ensure their proposals include the newly requested company information in the "Addendum; Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items" section.

• Bidders are reminded to acknowledge receipt of this amendment with their offers.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to vendor questions regarding Solicitation W9128F26QA022 for Weed Control.

• Application Schedule: Contractors are expected to determine the application schedule based on weed growth conditions, not a government-provided schedule.
• Herbicide Products: No specific herbicide products are preferred. Products must be used according to manufacturer instructions for the treated area, desired outcome, and vegetation.
• GIS/Boundary Files: Digital boundary files are not readily available. Any questions about exact boundaries should be clarified onsite with the COR.
• Access Restrictions: There are no additional access restrictions or seasonal limitations beyond those listed in the PWS.
• Spraying Passes: Contractors must monitor conditions and determine the timing and frequency of spraying passes to meet performance thresholds; multiple passes may be historically required.
• Subcontractors: While not strictly required prior to proposal submission, including identified subcontractors in the proposal is helpful for the government to assess "Best Value" through past performance.
• Previous Awardee & Price: The previous awardee was Horizon Vegetation Management Inc. The government is not providing a maximum price or price range, encouraging bidders to develop their bid based on the Scope of Work and their own cost structure.
• FAR Clauses: Clarification on FAR clauses 52.213-3 and 52.212-3 is provided, noting that 52.213-3(b) may not apply to most submissions and that SAM registration validity will be confirmed.

These clarifications provide essential details for bidders to accurately develop their proposals, particularly regarding scheduling, product usage, site-specific information, subcontractor inclusion, and understanding the evaluation approach. Bidders should ensure their proposals address these points and that their SAM registration is current.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination (No. 2015-5419, Revision No. 31) for the Service Contract Act (SCA) applicable to Colorado counties of Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, Gilpin, Jefferson, and Park. It lists various occupations with their corresponding minimum hourly wage rates and specifies required fringe benefits.

This wage determination establishes the minimum wages and fringe benefits that must be paid to service employees working on covered contracts in the specified geographic area. Bidders must incorporate these rates into their proposals to ensure compliance with the Service Contract Act. Key details include:

• Occupational Wage Rates: A comprehensive list of occupations (e.g., Administrative Support, Automotive Service, Health Occupations, IT, Mechanics, Protective Services) with their minimum hourly pay rates.
• Fringe Benefits: Standard benefits include Health & Welfare ($5.55/hour or $222.00/week), paid vacation (2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 5 years, 4 weeks after 15 years), and 11 paid holidays annually.
• Executive Orders: Compliance with Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (Minimum Wage) is noted, with specific rates and requirements for each.
• Hazardous Pay: Differentials of 8% or 4% are applicable for work involving ordnance, explosives, and incendiary materials.
• Uniform Allowance: Guidelines for uniform provision and maintenance reimbursement are provided.
• Conformance Process: Procedures for classifying and determining wages for occupations not listed in this determination are outlined using Standard Form 1444 (SF-1444).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document appears to be a bid sheet or pricing template for a government contract opportunity. It outlines CLINs (Contract Line Item Numbers) associated with specific locations and requires bidders to provide a price per acre and calculate the total cost for each item.

• CLINs: The document is structured around several CLINs (CLIN0001, CLIN0002, CLIN0003, CLIN1001, CLIN1002, CLIN1003, CLIN2001, CLIN2002, CLIN2003).
• Locations: Each CLIN is associated with specific dam and channel locations (e.g., Chatfield Dam, Cherry Creek Dam, Bear Creek Dam).
• Acres: For each location, a specific acreage is listed.
• Price Per Acre: Bidders are expected to fill in the "Price Per Acre" for each item.
• Total $: Bidders are expected to calculate the "Total $" based on acres and price per acre.
• Totals: Some CLINs include a "Total" for the sum of the acreage.

This document is critical for bidders as it provides the structure for submitting pricing information. Bidders must carefully review the listed locations and acreages, determine their price per acre for each item, and accurately calculate the total costs. This sheet will likely form the basis for the pricing proposal and subsequent contract award.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is an addendum to FAR 52.212-2, "Evaluation – Commercial Items," specifically addressing evaluation factors for this solicitation. It details how proposals will be assessed, emphasizing that Past Performance, Technical Approach, and Support Equipment and Facilities are significantly more important than price.

• Past Performance: Quoters must provide a minimum of two references for similar projects completed within the last three years. Successful past performance must demonstrate experience in applying pesticides to heavily visited public lands, around water supply/irrigation reservoirs and streams, and to areas of 750 acres or more. References should include dates, points of contact, and details demonstrating comparability in size and complexity. Past performance may also be informed by the Contracting Officer's knowledge and PPIRS data.

• Technical Approach: Quoters must recommend appropriate chemicals and application rates for specific sites. Responses to Technical Exhibit 4 will be used for evaluation.

• Support Equipment and Facilities: Quoters must demonstrate the ability to meet or exceed all scope of work requirements. This includes submitting an equipment list, detailing the ability to obtain mixing water, and providing adequate personnel.

• The prospective Contractor's proposed acre rates must be inclusive of all costs (mobilization, labor, fuel, chemical, mileage, equipment, licenses, insurance, etc.).

• The Government may award an agreement for a single line item or any combination of line items.

• The agreement will include actual spray time and reasonable on-site set-up time.

• Evaluation Factors: Past Performance, Technical Approach, and Support Equipment and Facilities are significantly more important than Price.

• Tie-Breaker: If two or more bidders have equal evaluation scores, price will be used to break the tie.

• Screening: After preliminary consideration, the government will identify the most suitable quotation and screen lower-priced quotations based on the discernible value factors (1-3).

• Bidders must provide bid prices for all line items on the bid sheet.

Amendment / Modification

This document serves as an addendum to the solicitation, providing specific instructions for offerors responding to solicitations for commercial items. It details the required information to be submitted with proposals, including:

• Company information (Name, Address, CAGE CODE, DUNS, TIN) as registered in SAM.
• Submission of signed and dated offers electronically to Tina Keimig at tina.l.keimig@usace.army.mil.
• Proposals must be a single PDF document, not exceeding 25 pages (excluding the price worksheet).
• Minimum required proposal content includes:
  • Solicitation number.
  • Offeror's contact information (name, address, federal tax ID, email, phone).
  • Contact information for authorized negotiators.
  • Required technical, past performance, and price factor information per FAR 52.212-2.
  • A statement of agreement with all solicitation terms and conditions.
  • Acknowledgement of any solicitation amendments.
  • Completed FAR 52.212-3 representations and certifications.
• Offers must remain valid for 90 calendar days.
• All questions must be submitted in writing to Tina Keimig at tina.l.keimig@usace.army.mil no later than seven (7) calendar days prior to the proposal due date.
• Required insurance minimums are specified for Workman’s Compensation, General Liability, Automobile Liability, and Aircraft Liability (if applicable).
• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is exempt from state and local taxes (Tax ID: 62-1642142), but contractors are not exempt for their own transactions.

This addendum provides specific instructions and requirements for proposal submission, insurance, and tax compliance, supplementing the main solicitation document.

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This PWS outlines the requirements for providing noxious weed control services on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lands at the Tri-Lakes Project, including Chatfield Dam and Spillway, Spring Gulch Dam, Cherry Creek Dam and Spillway, and Bear Creek Dam and Spillway.

• Services: Provide non-personal services for identifying and controlling noxious weeds using chemical methods.

• Areas: Services are required across approximately 805.6 acres spread across Chatfield (388.5 acres), Cherry Creek (243.7 acres), and Bear Creek (173.4 acres) Dams and Spillways. Specific areas include dam embankments, spillways, outlet works, channels, and administrative/maintenance areas.

• Target Species: Control of noxious weeds listed by the State of Colorado and Federal government, as well as woody vegetation and cattails in specific areas. Minimal damage to non-target vegetation is required.

• Application: Primarily ground spraying using 4-wheel drive vehicles, ATVs, or backpack units. Spot treatments and solid coverage may be required. A biodegradable marker dye must be used.

• Weed Control: Minimum control rates are specified per area, generally 100% for total vegetation control in specific zones (e.g., gravel roads, rip-rap) and 85% for noxious weeds and woody vegetation in other areas. Woody vegetation control is targeted at 100%.

• Quality Control: Contractor must maintain a written quality control program. Government will perform quality assurance surveillance.

• Reporting: Daily Pesticide Application Records (PAR) must be submitted within 2 business days. Contractor Quality Control Reports and Employee Exposure Hours are also required.

• Period: Three (3) years, with a base year (April 1, 2026 - March 31, 2027) and two option years.

• Place: Designated areas within Bear Creek, Chatfield (including Spring Gulch), and Cherry Creek Projects.

• Contract Type: Small Business Contract, awarded based on Best Value Selection.

• Contractor Qualifications: Must be licensed by the State of Colorado as a commercial applicator, possess general liability insurance with drift/overspray/spill riders, and demonstrate ability to complete large-acreage spraying (750+ acres).

• Chemicals: Only EPA-registered chemicals approved in Colorado may be used. Contractor must submit recommended chemical products, labels, and SDS sheets for COR review.

• Safety: Adherence to EM 385-1-1 USACE Safety and Health Requirements Manual is mandatory. SDS sheets must be available on-site.

• Environmental: Strict adherence to pollution prevention measures, especially concerning land and water resources. Spill containment and reporting procedures must be followed.

• Site Visits: Prospective contractors are strongly recommended to conduct site visits. Coordination required with Joseph Maxwell (720-922-3858).

• Notification: Contractor must notify COR prior to spraying. Specific notification is required for Cherry Creek Dam Road closure (3 weeks in advance).

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation, W9128F26QA022, issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is for "Tri-Lakes Weed Control." The solicitation is set aside for Small Business.

The core service required is weed control for Tri-Lakes. The document outlines specific line items for base years and option years, each representing a "Job" for weed control services at Chatfield Dam, Cherry Creek Dam, and Bear Creek Dam.

• Solicitation Number: W9128F26QA022

• Solicitation Issue Date: 13 MAR 2026

• Offer Due Date: 27 MAR 2026, 02:00 PM

• NAICS Code: 561730 (Landscaping Services)

• Size Standard: USD 9,500,000.00

• Contract Type: Not explicitly stated, but pricing arrangements are "Firm Fixed Price."

• Period of Performance:

  • Base Year 1: 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
  • Option Year 1: 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2028
  • Option Year 2: 1 April 2028 to 31 March 2029

• Offers must be submitted electronically to Tina Keimig at tina.l.keimig@usace.army.mil.

• Proposals must be a single PDF document not exceeding 25 pages (price worksheet excluded).

• Evaluation factors will be based on FAR 52.212-2, "Evaluation - Commercial Products and Commercial Services," with specific factors to be detailed in an addendum.

• This acquisition is a "Set Aside" for "Small Business."

• The solicitation includes numerous FAR and DFARS clauses, covering terms and conditions, payment, contract clauses, representations and certifications, and evaluation criteria.

• Specific insurance requirements are detailed, including Workman's Compensation, General Liability, Automobile Liability, and Aircraft Liability.

• The document also outlines security requirements, including anti-terrorism and operational security measures, and suspicious activity reporting training.

• Attached documents include a BID SHEET, Performance Work Statement, Addendum to Instructions to Offerors, and a Wage Determination.