CARRIZO CANE TOPPING

Carrizo Cane is an invasive weed along the Rio Grande that creates an ideal habitat for cattle fever tick survival and hinders visibility for both United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS) mounted patrol inspectors and DHS-Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Mechanical topping of the cane at 3 feet provides immediate visibility of the Rio Grande for VS and CBP personnel, eliminates cattle fever tick habitat, and increases the impact of the insect biological control agents released by USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS). The USDA needs support in the topping of approximately 167 river miles of Carrizo Cane to reduce the invasive species biomass, increase visibility of the Rio Grande River area for both CBP and the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program (CFTEP), while reducing the habitat for cattle fever ticks by creating a less welcoming and habitable environment and promoting an increase in tick predator species. The PQZ of the CFTEP encompasses approximately 600 miles of the Rio Grande River along the US-Mexico border. The areas to be cut in 2022 will encompass approximately 84miles located along the PQZ within the South Texas counties of Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Webb as well as approximately 83 miles of Carrizo Cane located in the Texas counties of Maverick and Val Verde at the direction of the CFTEP. The contractor will top off the Carrizo Cane stands to a height of approximately 3 feet (1 meter) in areas pre-selected by the USDA, at the behest of CBP, to clear areas that are mutually beneficial to the job performance of both agencies. The Carrizo Cane should be cleanly cut at the 3-foot height to stimulate and enhance the effect of the predatory insect species and encourage branching which will minimize the height for regrowth and give greater access to the control insects. The tops, which still contain insect larvae, are to be left in place to encourage newly developed insects to further attack and degrade the Carrizo Cane stands. The USDA, APHIS intends to award a firm fixed price indefinite delivery indefinite quantity commercial services contract for the services described below limited to the USDA, APHIS, VS, Cattle Tick Fever Eradication program in Texas. The period of performance for this contract includes three (3) ordering periods with each ordering period being twelve (12) months in duration. The estimated effective date of the contract is April 15, 2022. The government intends to issue one or more IDIQ contracts for this requirement based on the quotes received. There are up to 23 performance areas where services may be performed. These areas may be referred to as either - Biomass Points or geographic locations to identify potential areas with Carrizo Cane to be cut.