Noxious Weed Spraying at Big Bend, SD

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to vendor questions regarding the Noxious Weeds spraying opportunity at Big Bend.

• Drone Usage: Drones are not permitted for spraying. The Performance Work Statement (PWS) paragraph 1.4.1 specifies that spraying must be accomplished using ground spraying equipment only (4-wheel drive vehicle with spray boom, ORV with spray boom, or backpack spray unit).
• Tero Card Requirement: A Tero card is not required for this solicitation. The opportunity is a 100% small business set-aside, requiring the small business awardee to perform at least 51% of the work.
• Spraying Near Water: Contractors can spray up to the water's edge. The contractor is responsible for obtaining all necessary licenses and permits and must comply with all federal, tribal, state, and local laws regarding spraying near water.
• Accessing Dense Foliage: For areas with dense foliage that cannot be accessed by foot, the PWS paragraph 1.4.1 still mandates the use of ground spraying equipment only.
• Previous Contract History: The previous contract for similar services was W9128F23P0053, awarded to Shield + Pest Control LLC.
• Previous Contract Pricing: The total contract value for the previous award (W9128F23P0053) was $147,720.00, which included the base period and all options. Specific pricing for individual periods (spring/fall) was not provided.

These clarifications confirm specific equipment limitations, eligibility requirements, and provide historical contract data, which may influence bidder proposals and understanding of the scope.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to vendor questions regarding the Noxious Weeds at Big Bend solicitation (W9128F26QA030).

• Drone Use: Drones are not permitted for spraying. The Performance Work Statement (PWS) paragraph 1.4.1 specifies that spraying must be accomplished using ground spraying equipment only (4-wheel drive vehicle with spray boom, ORV with spray boom, or backpack spray unit).
• Tero Card: A Tero card is not required for this solicitation.
• Spraying Near Water: Contractors can spray up to the water's edge. The contractor is responsible for obtaining all necessary licenses and permits and must comply with all federal, tribal, state, and local laws regarding spraying near water.
• Difficult Terrain: For areas with dense foliage that cannot be accessed by foot, the PWS paragraph 1.4.1 requirement for ground spraying equipment still applies.
• Previous Contract: A similar previous contract, W9128F23P0053, for Big Bend Noxious Weed Spraying was awarded to Shield + Pest Control LLC.

This Q&A clarifies specific equipment and procedural requirements, confirming that ground spraying is mandatory and Tero cards are not needed. It also references a prior contract for potential bidder reference.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a sign-in sheet for a meeting or event related to "Big Bend Noxious Weed Spraying, W9128F26QA030," which took place on March 6, 2026. It lists the names, companies, and email addresses of attendees, along with their initials.

This sign-in sheet indicates companies that were present at an event related to the "Big Bend Noxious Weed Spraying" opportunity. Potential bidders may find it useful to identify other companies that have shown interest in this requirement, which could inform their market research and competitive analysis.

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

To identify and control noxious weed infestations on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land around Lake Sharpe and Big Bend Project in South Dakota.

• Provide herbicide application services for noxious weed control.

• Services include spring and fall applications, covering approximately 1200 acres each season.

• Major weed targets include Musk Thistle, Canada Thistle, Field Bindweed, Salt Cedar, Marijuana, and Leafy Spurge.

• Applications must use ground spraying equipment (4-wheel drive vehicle with spray boom, ORV with spray boom, or backpack spray unit).

• A biodegradable marker dye is required with all sprayings.

• Areas to be sprayed are located along the east side of Lakes Sharpe and Francis Case, from approximately thirty-two miles below Oahe Dam to ten miles below Big Bend Dam.

• A minimum of 95% kill rate for all noted species is required for both spring and fall applications.

• Performance will be monitored via periodic inspection with zero deviation from standard.

• Contractor must adhere to manufacturer's label directions and warnings regarding temperature, wind, and other weather conditions. Spraying is prohibited in winds over 15 mph or gusting.

• Contractor must exercise care to protect desirable (non-targeted) species and avoid contact with the public and workforce.

• Contractor must maintain an effective quality control program and provide on-site records of inspections and corrective actions.

• Period of Performance: One (1) Base Year (May 1, 2026 - September 30, 2026) and one (1) Option Year (May 1, 2027 - September 30, 2027).

• Place of Performance: Designated areas on Big Bend Project lands, South Dakota, along the east side of Lakes Sharpe and Francis Case.

• Contractor must be licensed by the State of South Dakota as a commercial applicator and provide proof.

• Contractor must hold general liability insurance with riders for drift, overspray, and spills.

• Contractor must provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all products used.

• Only EPA-registered chemicals approved for use in South Dakota are permitted, and all chemicals must be approved by the COR prior to application.

• Contractor is responsible for obtaining all necessary licenses, permits, and insurance, and for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

• Contractor must provide a list of all equipment and materials to the COR and present equipment for inspection.

• Contractor's equipment cannot be stored on government property. Chemicals and refuse must be removed daily.

• Contractor must complete and submit a Pesticide Application Record (PAR) form for each area sprayed within 10 days of completion.

• Contractor must conduct weekly safety meetings and submit minutes.

• The government will award a Small Business Contract.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for Noxious Weed Spraying services at the Big Bend Project Office. The government is procuring these services to manage and control noxious weeds.

• Provision of Noxious Weed Spraying services.

• Services to be performed in accordance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and Price Schedule.

• Pricing Arrangement: Firm Fixed Price.

• Contract Type: Not explicitly stated, but implied to be a Firm Fixed Price contract.

• Period of Performance:

  • Base: May 1, 2026, to April 30, 2027
  • Option 1: May 1, 2027, to April 30, 2028

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated.

• Offer Due Date: March 19, 2026, at 02:00 PM Local Time.

• Submission Method: Offers must be submitted electronically unless other arrangements are made. Send completed offers to Casey Barber at Casey.M.Barber@usace.army.mil.

• Proposal Content: Must include company name, address, federal tax ID, email, telephone number, names/titles/emails/phone numbers of authorized negotiators, technical and past performance information, price schedule, agreement to terms, and acknowledgement of amendments.

• Evaluation Factors:

  • Factor 1: Experience (resumes of managers, relevant experience, licenses/registrations).
  • Factor 2: Technical (personnel/organization structure, program management, quality assurance, and program evaluation).
  • Factor 3: Price (completed Price Schedule including unit and total prices for base and option years).

• Evaluation Ratings: Factors 1 and 2 will be rated Exceptional, Satisfactory, or Unsatisfactory. Factors 1 and 2 combined are approximately equal in importance to Factor 3 (Price).

• Award Basis: Best value to the Government.

• This acquisition is set aside for Small Business.

• NAICS Code: 561730 (Landscaping Services)

• Size Standard: $9,500,000.00

• A site visit is scheduled for March 6, 2026, at 10:00 am Central Time at the Big Bend Project Office. Contractors must RSVP by March 5, 2026, by submitting attendee information to Nadine Catania and Casey Barber.

• Offerors are urged to inspect the site.

• Insurance requirements are detailed, including Worker's Compensation, General Liability, Automobile Liability, and Aircraft Liability.

• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is exempt from state and local taxes.

Wage Determination

This document is a U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination (No. 2015-5377, Revision No. 30) establishing minimum wage rates and fringe benefits for various occupations in South Dakota. It is issued under the Service Contract Act.

• Geographic Area: Applies to specific counties in South Dakota (Bennett, Butte, Corson, Dewey, Fall River, Gregory, Haakon, Harding, Jackson, Jones, Lawrence, Lyman, Mellette, Oglala Lakota, Perkins, Stanley, Todd, Tripp, Ziebach).
• Occupational Listings: Provides a comprehensive list of job titles, corresponding occupational codes, and minimum hourly wage rates.
• Fringe Benefits: Details required fringe benefits for all listed occupations, including Health & Welfare ($5.55/hour or $222.00/week) and specific provisions for Executive Order 13706.
• Executive Orders: Notes applicability of Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (minimum wage adjustments).
• Conformance Process: Outlines the procedure for contractors to request wage rates for classifications not listed in the determination.
• Vacation and Holidays: Specifies paid vacation (2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 10 years, 4 weeks after 15 years) and eleven paid holidays.

This wage determination is critical for any contractor bidding on or performing federal service contracts within the specified South Dakota counties. It dictates the minimum wages and benefits that must be paid to employees performing work under such contracts.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination (WD 2015-5373, Revision No. 29, dated 12/03/2025) for the Service Contract Act. It lists various occupations and their corresponding minimum hourly wage rates and fringe benefits applicable to federal contracts in South Dakota, specifically for the counties of Brule, Buffalo, Campbell, Charles Mix, Douglas, Hand, Hughes, Hyde, Potter, Sully, and Walworth.

This document is crucial for potential bidders as it establishes the minimum wage and fringe benefit rates that must be paid to service employees working on covered federal contracts within the specified geographic area. Bidders must use these rates when calculating their labor costs for proposals to ensure compliance with the Service Contract Act. It also outlines specific provisions for paid sick leave (EO 13706), holiday pay, vacation time, and hazardous pay differentials. The document also details the process for requesting additional classifications and wage rates if a required occupation is not listed.

• Geographic Area: South Dakota Counties of Brule, Buffalo, Campbell, Charles Mix, Douglas, Hand, Hughes, Hyde, Potter, Sully, Walworth.
• Applicable Law: Service Contract Act.
• Minimum Wage Rates: Listed for numerous occupations, varying by job title.
• Fringe Benefits: Health & Welfare at $5.55 per hour (or $5.09 per hour under EO 13706).
• Paid Sick Leave: 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, up to 56 hours annually (EO 13706).
• Holidays: 11 paid holidays per year.
• Vacation: Based on years of service (2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 10 years, 4 weeks after 15 years).
• Hazardous Pay: 8% or 4% differential for specific hazardous work.
• Conformance Process: Outlines how to request wage rates for unlisted occupations.