37--Hot Water Weed Control System

MODIFICATION: CORRECTION OF PREVIOUS ANNOUNCEMENT TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposes to noncompetitively issue a purchase order to Waipuna USA, located at 10 S. 131 Leonard, Hinsdale, IL 60521, for the lease of two hot water weed control systems to accomplish noxious weed control activities in Oregon. The Waipuna system is uniquely qualified as it uses a foam concentrate of Alkyl Polyglycoside, which is made of sugar extracts derived from corn and coconut. The concentrate is added to water that is heated to steam temperature, then applied topically to undesirable plants. Effective treatment depth is approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inches into the soil, thereby killing both noxious weeds and their seeds in one application. Treatment can occur regardless of weather, during any season, and is effective immediately upon application. Treated sites may be entered and reseeded immediately thereafter. Since the Waipuna system does not use herbicides, it can be used in virtually any area regardless of proximity to wildlife, waterways, organic gardens, schools, threatened and endangered plants or humans. The system leaves no residue in the soil and no special licensing or permits are required. No other non-chemical weed control techniques, such as propane burners and infrared weeding tools, have been found to possess the same cost, labor and environmental benefits as the Waipuna system. As a result, Waipuna USA has been selected to provide the equipment as it is the only contractor known to possess all of the following qualifications needed to meet the Bureau's requirements: 1. Double burner system, allowing two applicators to work simultaneously, 2. No chemicals, personal protective equipment, soil disturbance (such as hand pulling or digging) required, 3. Controls noxious weeds and their seeds safely and immediately near sensitive plants, wildlife, humans, roadways, 4. Can be used effectively regardless of weather or season, 5. Allows for immediate replanting, reseeding and re-entering in treated area, 5. 90-100 days before retreatment required, 6. All hardware required for use, 7. Accessories to operate the unit, including items such as hoses with insulation covering (up to 300'), application heads appropriate to types of treatments, and application wands of various sizes and widths, 8. Technical and operating manuals, 9. Onsite training by manufacturer, 10. Lifetime customer service. Firms which meet the above requirements should submit their qualifications in writing specifically addressing the ten criteria described above to the Contracting Officer. All responses received within 15 calendar days will be considered. This notice is not a request for competitive proposals. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Interested parties may submit their specifications via e-mail at [email protected], fax 503-808-6312, mail to: Bureau of Land Management, Branch of Procurement Management (OR952), PO Box 2965, Portland, OR 97208 or handcarried express packages to: Bureau of Land Management, Branch of Procurement Management (OR952), 333 SW 1st Ave, First Floor, Portland, OR 97204. Not later than close of business, May 21, 2003.