Request for Proposal
Request for Proposal for Treatment of Aquatic Vegetation

at Smith Mountain Lake
Due Date:  3:00 p.m. - Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Proposal

The Tri-County Lake Administrative Commission, a joint administrative commission formed by the counties of Bedford, Franklin, and Pittsylvania (herein referred to as TLAC), is requesting bids from firms with experience in the control of invasive aquatic vegetation in lakes. The purpose of this project is to control the reproduction cycle of invasive aquatic vegetation along the shoreline of Smith Mountain Lake (SML). Specifically, the objective is to survey for, and treat, aggressive invasive aquatic vegetation, including Hydrilla, in previously identified areas (see Scope of Work for details) and in any other areas requested by TLAC staff based on reports received. Additionally, the objective is to apply herbicides to the most invasive vegetation, disabling those species from completing the reproduction cycle; thereby preventing the release of turions and seeds. This treatment will need to be accomplished during the vegetation growing season, at the most advantageous time, following the awarding of the contract. This project will include a survey of all aggressive invasive aquatic vegetation areas treated for this office during the past two years. Recommendations for alternate control methods will also be considered if fully documented.

Smith Mountain Lake is an inland body of water with over 500 miles of shoreline and 20,260 surface acres of water.

Full Printable Proposal  

Invitation for Bid – Treatment of Aquatic Vegetation in Smith Mountain Lake

Bid Due Date:  3:00 p.m. March 10, 2010

Questions and Answers

Question:  Is a list of the sites to be surveyed per sections 2.3 and 2.4 available?

Answer:  We are working on this list and hope to have it available soon.  The 2009 list is attached  for your reference.  Please click on the following link:  Sites2009.  We will post the 2010 list of known locations as soon as it is available, but it is expected to have between 100-125 points.

Question:  Could you provide the fall survey results?

Answer: Please click on the following link: 2009 Fall Survey

Question: I would be interested in learning more about your new approach for this season.

Answer:  One change is our intent to have Curlyleaf Pondweed treated within a specific time period (prior to the end of June).  This requires advance planning.  Additionally, the permit program, to be handled by Appalachian Power Company (APCO), will create additional changes to our program.  Their requirements and process are not yet available from APCO.  None of the changes will create additional work for the successful bidder beyond those noted within the RFP.

Question:      What were the bid results for last year (2009)? 

Answer:         Pre-survey of 94 points:                                      Bid range: $500.00 - $940.00

                      Systemic Treatment of Hydrilla                            $695.00 - $825.00 per acre

                      Contract Treatment of Hydrilla                            $375.00 - $415.00 per acre

                      Contact Treatment of Curlyleaf Pondweed          $295.00 - $375.00 per acre

Question:     How much did TLAC pay for vegetation control during 2009?

Answer:         $35,156.59

Question:     Do you have the agency name and contact information for permits

and processing?

Answer:         The agency is APCO.  They are still in the planning stages for implementation for the permitting program.  Nothing has yet been finalized.  Their new License goes into place April 1st, so we can expect additional information after that date.  The basics of the plan are indicated in APCO's Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan and the subsequent FERC Order Issuing License.  These documents readily explain what will be expected from the Applicant (in this case, TLAC), APCO and the selected licensed applicator.  Please click on the following link to review excerpts from those documents. 

Permit Application Information

Note:  Table 2, as referenced in the permit information, was removed from the Management Plan and will be developed at a later date.  It is expected that appropriate herbicides will be included in the eventual table.  TLAC encourages bidders to recommend the most appropriate herbicide in their proposal and fully anticipates approval from APCO for any recommended herbicide.