Aquatic Vegetation and Algae Control Services for

STATEMENT OF WORKFLATHEAD INDIAN IRRIGATION PROJECT (FIIP)AQUATIC VEGETATION AND ALGAE CONTROL SERVICES BACKGROUNDThe Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Flathead Indian Irrigation Project (FIIP) requires services for aquatic vegetation and algae control to maintain hydraulic capacity, ensure reliable water delivery, support safe and efficient irrigation system operations for approximately 1,300 miles of canals, laterals, and drains in the Saint Ignatius, Montana region. OBJECTIVESThe Contractor shall perform work that supports the following objectives: Maintain canal and lateral conveyance capacity. Prevent aquatic vegetation from restricting water flow. Improve operational efficiency of FIIP water delivery systems. Reduce maintenance effort required by FIIP staff. Maintain access to canals, structures, and delivery systems for inspection and maintenance. Identify vegetation conditions that may impair water delivery or system operations. SCOPE OF WORKThe Contractor shall furnish all labor, supervision, equipment, transportation, materials, herbicides, algaecides, and incidentals necessary to perform aquatic vegetation and algae control within FIIP water conveyance systems. Work includes identification of submersed vegetation and algae, application of FIIP‑approved aquatic herbicides, metered injection, drip and spot treatments, monitoring treatment effectiveness, retreatment as necessary, and documentation and mapping of all treatment activities. All herbicides, adjuvants, dyes, and application materials shall be supplied by the Contractor, and all work must be performed in compliance with applicable Federal, Tribal, State of Montana, and local requirements, including EPA label requirements and all safety standards. The Contractor is responsible for obtaining and maintaining all required licenses, certifications, and permits and must provide copies to FIIP prior to starting work. The only types of chemicals to be used include: Teton® Aquatic Herbicide & Algaecide EPA# 70506-175 Argos® or Equivalent 9% Copper Herbicide & Algaecide EPA# 81927-53 Copper sulfate pentahydrate (25% elemental copper, medium) Safety The Contractor shall know, understand, and comply with all applicable OSHA requirements and all FIIP and Department of the Interior safety requirements applicable to the work. The Contractor shall provide all personal protective equipment, spill response materials, tools, boats, pumps, metering devices, injection equipment, traffic control devices, communications equipment, and all other equipment necessary to safely perform the work. The Contractor shall properly handle, transport, store, mix, and apply all herbicides, fuels, oils, and hazardous materials to prevent spills, releases, or damage to persons, property, crops, livestock, fish, wildlife, wetlands, or other resources. In the event of any spill, release, misapplication, fish kill, crop injury, or other incident, the Contractor shall immediately notify FIIP and all other required agencies and shall be fully responsible for containment, cleanup, reporting, corrective action, and all associated costs. The Contractor shall ensure safe handling, storage, transport, and application of herbicides and hazardous materials and must immediately report and respond to spills, misapplications, fish kills, or other adverse incidents. CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONSThe Contractor shall employ properly licensed aquatic pesticide applicators authorized in the State of Montana and shall demonstrate experience performing aquatic vegetative control in irrigation systems or similar flowing water environments. Minimum requirements include: Five years of aquatic herbicide and algaecide application experience. Experience with metered injection and drip systems. Experience treating algae, pondweed, and invasive species such as Eurasian Watermilfoil and Curlyleaf Pondweed. Current Montana aquatic pesticide applicator license. Contractor equipment must include calibrated metering devices, flow‑adjustable pumps, and systems capable of achieving target concentrations under flows ranging from 1 CFS to 400 CFS. Equipment capability shall include: Metered injection systems Flow-adjustable pumps and calibrated metering devices Equipment capable of maintaining target ppm concentrations Systems suitable for bridges, headworks, and canal applications AREAS OF WORKThe Contractor shall provide services throughout FIIP at designated locations, which may include: Main canals Laterals Sub-laterals Drains and wasteways Checks, drops, siphons, and control structures Reservoirs, ponds, and regulating features Other water conveyance or storage features designated by FIIP FIIP will identify specific treatment sites, which may vary based on vegetation conditions, water operations, and other project priorities. FIIP does not guarantee the quantity or mileage of treatment required. TARGET VEGETATIONThe Contractor shall treat the following vegetation types: Filamentous algae (ex.: Lyngbia, Pithophora spp.). Nuisance submersed vegetation (e.g., sago pondweed, horned pondweed, Elodea). Invasive submersed vegetation (e.g., Eurasian Watermilfoil, Curlyleaf Pondweed). Other nuisance submersed aquatic vegetation identified by FIIP. The Contractor shall promptly notify FIIP of any vegetation that restricts flow and provide treatment recommendations. TREATMENT REQUIREMENTSThe Contractor shall determine recommended treatment locations and application methods, subject to FIIP approval. Treatment may include metered injection, drip application, spot treatments, or other approved aquatic methods appropriate to flow conditions. All treatment areas must be left clean, and all waste materials removed. The Contractor shall maintain daily communication with FIIP during treatment periods and report any issues affecting treatment success. SCHEDULE AND COORDINATIONA pre‑application meeting with FIIP shall occur no later than 30 days prior to the…