127EAX21R0040 Mansfield Canyon Mines Reclamation 8-03-21.pdf

CONSTRUCTION RFP SOLICITATION NO: 127EAX21R0040

PROJECT NAME: MANSFIELD CANYON RECLAMATION

UNIT: CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST

P a g e | 1

1. Introduction. The USDA Forest Service, Coronado National Forest, Nogales Ranger District has a requirement for reclamation project. Scope of work for Mansfield Canyon consists of construction activities associated with reclamation of designated areas within Mansfield Canyon located near Patagonia, Arizona, 85624. Santa Cruz County, Arizona will be used for wage determination.

Reclamation shall be performed in two phases: Phase I is the site preparation; and Phase II is the seeding.

Phase I is the site preparation including landscape recontouring and soil decompaction; slash pile and boulder roadway placement; woody debris removal; and fencing and gate installation, to facilitate the restoration of native vegetation within the Mansfield Canyon mine reclamation sites.

The USFS expects this work to occur in the fall (late October to December) of 2021. COR shall approve Phase I activities prior to commencement of Phase II activities.

Phase II is seeding, hydromulching, and installing erosion control materials across reclamation areas.

2. Type of Award. As a result of this solicitation, Government anticipates The Government Anticipates awarding a Firm Fixed-Price Construction Contract.

This is a 100% Small Business Set Aside to NAICS code 562910 750 Employees. PSC code Z2KE.

3. Basis for Award – Best Value-Tradeoffs – See Section M (last section of this document).

4. How to submit your offer. Submit RFP pages 1 – 4, as your business (schedule of items) proposal. In a separate document, submit all the information requested in Section M as your technical proposal.

Offers are due on or before September 7, 2021, 1600 Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).

Offers shall be sent by email with offer documents attached to the Contracting Officer (only). Offers sent by email, should contain the Solicitation Number in the subject line for the email. Contracting Officer email:

warren.abbott@usda.gov. Do not send a link for documents stored in “cloud” database.

5. Organized Formal Site Visit has been scheduled. A high clearance vehicle may be needed to access road to site (after leaving highway). Access road condition may be poor to the site.

Date/Time: August 10, 2021, 0900 PDT .

Location – 100 North Taylor Lane, Patagonia, AZ 85624.

The site visit is strongly encouraged to ascertain the project requirements on the ground.

mailto:warren.abbott@usda.gov

UNIT: CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST

P a g e | 2

NSN 7540-01-155-3212 1442-101 STANDARD FORM 1442 (REV. 4-85)

Computer Generated Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.236-1I

SOLICITATION, OFFER,

AND AWARD

(Construction, Alteration, or Repair)

B. SOLICITATION NO.

127EAX21R0040

2. TYPE OF SOLICITATION

SEALED BID (IFB)

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

3. DATE ISSUED

8/03/2021

PAGE OF PAGES

2 69

IMPORTANT — The “offer” section on the reverse must be fully completed by offeror.

4. CONTRACT NO.

5. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NO.

1036083

6. PROJECT NO.

7. ISSUED BY CODE 128371 8. ADDRESS OFFER TO

USFS SOUTHWESTERN REGION PPS FPO CSA #7

333 BROADWAY SE

ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87102

USFS SOUTHWESTERN REGION PPS FPO CSA #7

PO BOX 640

30 S. CHIRICAHUA DRIVE

SPRINGERVILLE, AZ 85938

9. FOR INFORMATION

CALL:

B. NAME

Warren Abbott

B. TELEPHONE NO. (Include area code) (NO COLLECT CALLS)

(928) 333-6344

SOLICITATION

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations “offer” and “offeror” mean “bid” and “bidder.”

10. THE GOVERNMENT REQUIRES PERFORMANCE OF THE WORK DESCRIBED IN THESE DOCUMENTS (Title, identifying no., date):

The USDA Forest Service, Coronado National Forest, Nogales Ranger District has a requirement for Mansfield Canyon Mines reclamation project.

MAGNITUDE OF PROJECT: Between $500,000 and $1,000,000. This solicitation is a 100 percent Total Small Business Set-Aside.

NAICS: 562910 750 Employees is size standard for small business. PSC: Z2KE

Davis-Bacon Wages apply. Payment and Performance Bonds are required after award (Box 12A & B).

11. The Contractor shall begin performance within 10 calendar days and complete it within time specified calendar days after receiving award, notice to proceed. This performance period is mandatory, negotiable. (See .)

12A. THE CONTRACTOR MUST FURNISH ANY REQUIRED PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BONDS?

(If “YES,” indicate within how many calendar days after award in Item 12B.)

YES NO

12B. CALENDAR DAYS

13. ADDITIONAL SOLICITATION REQUIREMENTS:

A. Sealed offers in original and 1 copies to perform the work required are due at the place specified in Item 8 by 1600 PDT (hour) local time SEPTEMEBER 7, 2021 (date). If this is a sealed bid solicitation, offers must be publicly opened at that time. Sealed envelopes containing offers shall be marked to show the offeror’s name and address, the solicitation number, and the date and time offers are due.

B. An offer guarantee is, is not required.

C. All offers are subject to the (1) work requirements, and (2) other provisions and clauses incorporated in the solicitation in full text or by reference.

D. Offers providing less than 60 calendar days for Government acceptance after the date offers are due will not be considered and will be rejected.

UNIT: CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST

P a g e | 3

Computer Generated STANDARD FORM 1442 BACK (REV. 4-85)

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

14. NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Include ZIP Code)

15. TELEPHONE NO. (Include area code)

16. REMITTANCE ADDRESS (Include only if different than Item 14)

CODE FACILITY CODE

17. The offeror agrees to perform the work at the prices specified below in strict accordance with the terms of this solicitation, if this offer is accepted by the Government within calendar days after the date offers are due. (Insert any number equal to or greater than the minimum requirement stated in Item 13D. Failure to insert any number means the offeror accepts the minimum in Item 13D.

AMOUNTS

18. The offeror agrees to furnish any required performance and payment bonds.

19. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS

The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the solicitation — give number and date of each

AMENDMENT NO.

DATE

20A. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER (Type or print)

20B. SIGNATURE

20C. OFFER DATE

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

21. ITEMS ACCEPTED:

22.AMOUNT

23. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

24. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN

IN

ITEM

25. OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION PURSUANT TO

10 U.S.C. 2304I( ) 41 U.S.C. 253I( )

26. ADMINISTERED BY CODE 27. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

SAME AS 7 Electronic Funds Transfer via Invoice Processing Platform at www.ipp.gov

CONTRACTING OFFICER WILL COMPLETE ITEM 28 OR 29 AS APPLICABLE

28. NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT (Contractor is required to sign this document and return ____ copies to issuing office.) Contractor agrees to furnish and deliver all items or perform all work, requirements identified on this form and any continuation sheets for the consideration stated in this contract. The rights and obligations of the parties to this contract shall be governed by (a) this contract award, (b) the solicitation, and (c) the clauses, representations, certifications, and specifications or incorporated by reference in or attached to this contract.

29. AWARD (Contractor is not required to sign this document.) Your offer on this solicitation is hereby accepted as to the items listed. This award consummates the contract, which consists of (a) the Government solicitation and your offer, and (b) this contract award. No further contractual document is necessary.

30A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTOR OR PERSON AUTHORIZED TO

SIGN (Type or print)

31A. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

30B. SIGNATURE

30C. DATE

31B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

BY

31C. AWARD DATE

UNIT: CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST

P a g e | 4

PART I – SECTION B - THE SCHEDULE

PHASE I SITE PREPARATION

PHASE II SITE SEEDING

AY

ITEM NO. DESCRIPTION

METHOD

OF

MEASURE

PAY UNIT ESTIMATED

QUANTITY UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

001 Mobilization and Bonding LSQ Lump

Sum 1

002 Site Recontouring AQ Acre 6 003 Excess Material Pile

Recontouring & Stabilization AQ Acre 5

004 Soil Decompaction AQ Acre 8.3 005 Slash Pile & Boulder Roadside

Placement AQ Acre 2

006 Site 7 Woody Debris Removal AQ Acre 3.5 007 Fencing Installation AQ Ln Feet 17,930 008 Gate Installation AQ Each 1

TOTAL

PAY

ITEM NO. DESCRIPTION

METHOD

OF

MEASURE

PAY UNIT ESTIMATED

QUANTITY UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

001 Mobilization LSQ Lump

Sum 1

002 Wattles + Installation AQ LF 5,900 003 Wattle Installation Only AQ LF 2,900 004 Hand Seed & Hydromulch AQ Acre 21 005 Hand Seed & Blanket AQ Acre 1 006 Wood Slash Scattering AQ Acre 1.5 007 OPTION: Wattle & Fencing

Maintenance AQ LF 2,520

TOTAL

TOTAL w/optional bid item

P a g e | 5

SECTION C – STATEMENT OF WORK/DESCRIPTIONS

C1 – SCOPE OF WORK

The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, materials, equipment and vehicles, tools, parts, labor, transportation, lodging, and miscellaneous items for the reclamation project on Coronado National Forest, Nogales Ranger District, Santa Cruz County, AZ .

This Scope of Work for the Mansfield Canyon Reclamation project consists of construction activities associated with reclamation of designated areas within Mansfield Canyon located near Patagonia, Arizona. Reclamation shall be performed in two phases: Phase I is the site preparation; and Phase II is the seeding. Phase I is the site preparation including landscape recontouring and soil decompaction; slash pile and boulder roadway placement;

woody debris removal; and fencing and gate installation, to facilitate the restoration of native vegetation within the Mansfield Canyon mine reclamation sites. The USFS expects this work to occur in the fall (late October to December) of 2021. COR shall approve Phase I activities prior to commencement of Phase II activities.

Phase II is seeding, hydromulching, and installing erosion control materials across reclamation areas.

C2 BACKGROUND

In 2019, several inactive and abandoned mines containing waste rock were remediated within Mansfield Canyon (site). The remediation included consisted of removal of mine waste material, consolidated, and placed and covered in three consolidation cells. The remediation activities resulted in the creation of roadways, an excess materials pile, compacted soils, and removal of vegetation over approximately 20 acres across seven sites (Main Repository, Excess Materials Pile, P1, P2, Site 7, Dixie, Hosey, and the roadways in-between (see Figures 1 and 2).

Appendix A at the bottom of this document provides detailed maps of each individual site, as well representative photos, and a table with all specific Tasks required at each site. In general, the mine/disturbance sites are located within the Temporal Gulch watershed area near Patagonia, Arizona, in the Nogales Ranger District in Santa Cruz County. The mines are located on the southeast slope of the Santa Rita Mountains, northwest of Patagonia, AZ, in Township 21S, Range 15 East, Sections 7, 8, 9, and 10. Site access requires a vehicle with four-wheel drive.

This Scope of Work includes treatments associated with reclamation activities. These treatments and corresponding quantities are described below in Table 1.

Table 1. Treatments and Associated Quantities

Treatment Unit Unit Total Recontouring Acres 6 Excess Material Pile Recontouring & Stabilization

Acres 5

Decompaction Acres 8.3 Slash Pile & Boulder Placement Acres 2 Site 7 Woody Debris Removal Acres 3.5 Fencing Linear Feet 17,930 Gate & Installation Each 1

All work shall be in accordance with the plans and specifications contained herein. No changes to the specifications, terms, or conditions of this Request For Quotations (RFQ) shall be made without the prior approval of the Contracting Officer in writing.

UNIT: CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST

P a g e | 6

The Government intends to award a contract based on Best Value – Tradeoffs.

C2 – LOCATION OF PROJECT

100 North Taylor Lane, Patagonia, AZ 85624, Santa Cruz County.

C3 – MAGNITUDE OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

Magnitude of project is between $250,000 and $500,000.

C4 – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

This Scope of Work includes treatments associated with reclamation activities. These treatments and corresponding quantities are described below in Table 1.

Table 1. Treatments and Associated Quantities

Treatment Unit Unit Total Recontouring Acres 6 Excess Material Pile Recontouring & Stabilization

Acres 5

Decompaction Acres 8.3 Slash Pile & Boulder Placement Acres 2 Site 7 Woody Debris Removal Acres 3.5 Fencing Linear Feet 17,930 Gate & Installation Each 1

P a g e | 7

Map 1: Project Vicinity Map

P a g e | 8

Map 1: Project Site Map

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS / TASKS

This Scope of Work outlines the tasks associated with the Mansfield Canyon Reclamation project and includes specifications in the “Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal Highway Projects”, Publication No. FHWA-FLH-03-002” (FP-03 customary units) is included in this solicitation by reference. The requirements contained in these Specifications are hereby made a part of this solicitation and any resultant contract. Copies of the “Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal Highway Projects” are available from the SUPERINTENDENT OF DOCUMENTS, U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, internet: bookstore.gpo.gov, phone: toll free (866) 512-1800. The stock number to order is ISBN-0-16-051430-4.

Site Preparation and associated activities are outlined in Phase I Tasks 1-8. Seeding and associated activities are outlined in Phase II Tasks 1-7.

UNIT: CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST

P a g e | 9

Phase I Tasks 1-8

TASK 1. Mobilization and Bonding – Phase I Site Preparation (Pay Item 001)

Task 1 Mobilization and Bonding (in accordance with Specification 151 Mobilization) including activities to mobilize equipment and personnel to the site to perform Phase I Site Preparation tasks. In addition, Task 1 includes activities associated with project coordination with the COR. Within one week of the contract issuance, the COR will facilitate a project kick-off conference call. The Contractor shall include key personnel on this kick-off conference call; representatives of the USFS will also participate. The primary purpose of this conference call will be to introduce team members, discuss roles and responsibilities, and determine the appropriate method for transmitting existing information to the Contractor. Existing information will be transmitted as quickly as possible and will be reviewed by the Contractor prior to the pre-implementation meeting. By the end of the kick-off call the Contractor is expected to have enough information to develop a robust project schedule.

Prior to the start of site preparation work the Contractor shall participate in a pre-implementation meeting with the COR and USFS. The Contractor should assume this meeting will be at the project site and will take one full day.

Once field implementation of the tasks below has begun, the Contractor shall participate in half hour, weekly status calls to inform the COR of any changes to the schedule, discuss any issues/concerns, and outline action items. The Contractor should assume these calls will last for the duration of the tasks in this scope of work.

TASK 2. Site Recontouring (Pay Item No. 002) The work of this task requires the Contractor to provide equipment, supplies, and labor to shape/recontour 6 acres of areas with disturbed soil by adjusting slopes in the horizontal and vertical planes to blend into existing, adjacent natural ground. Hillslopes shall be recontoured to allow for water to flow in a natural pattern such that erosion potential is minimized, and water infiltrates the soil, rather than resulting in sheet or overland flow. A listing of each specific area to be recontoured can be found in Appendix A. Specification 204 Excavation and Embankment

TASK 3. Excess Material Pile Recontouring and Stabilization (Pay Item No. 003) The disposal of mining wasterock resulted in an excavated excess soil material pile (see Map 3), which is approximately 5 acres in size. This material is clean subsoil that has been pushed into an ephemeral drainage at a 2V:1H-3H:1V slope angle. The area requires recontouring and stabilization to minimize the high erosion potential and restore hydrologic function by increasing water infiltration and surface roughness to decrease the chance of concentrated water flows down the slope. As a part of the bid proposal the Contractor shall submit a plan to stabilize this area so that seeding operations can successfully occur. The Contractor should favor stabilization techniques such as recontouring and dozer basins that lessen the slope steepness, roughen the soil surface, and shorten the length between erosion control features, rather than highly engineered options such as terracing.

TASK 4. Soil Decompaction (Pay Item No. 004) Once recontouring has occurred and been approved by the COR, the Contractor shall decompact 8.3 acres of slopes 1V:3H, or flatter, to a depth of 12-18" perpendicular to the natural flow of water. Scarification/de-compaction equipment (e.g. subsoiler, deep spader, ripping tines) will be used in such a manner that scarification furrows are no further than 6-9 inches apart and, where possible, equipment will travel across the site in 2 passes in perpendicular directions (cross-hatched pattern). When decompacting the Contractor shall minimize water usage to only the amount needed to abate dust. Once decompaction has occurred the soil surface shall appear roughened, such that obvious furrows are eliminated. In addition, the maximum dirt clod size should be 4–6 inches in order to obtain a roughened surface that will maximize soil/seed contact. The Contractor shall take care to not re-compact the topsoil (e.g. do not repeatedly move heavy equipment over the site) and only conduct scarification/decompaction activities within 2 days prior to seeding. This shall require close coordination with the

UNIT: CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST

P a g e | 10 seeding contractor to ensure they can meet the scheduled decompaction dates. A listing of each specific area to be decompacted can be found in Appendix A. The Contractor should note that the Upper Hosey site may require hand decompaction over less than 0.5 acre due to inaccessibility for heavy equipment.

TASK 5. Slash Pile and Boulder Roadside Placement (Pay Item No. 005) The work of this task requires the Contractor to provide all equipment, supplies, and labor to break apart slash from three large (12’x’12x12’) wood piles located immediately adjacent to the Forest Service Roads 72 and 72A.

The slash shall then be relocated to staging areas which will later be seeded and the slash utilized to discourage off-road vehicle travel. Likewise, this task will require the Contractor to relocate roadside boulders to roadside restoration areas in need of off-road travel barriers. Exact staging and boulder placement locations shall be provided to the Contractor. The Contractor should assume that the relocation of slash and boulders will not be more than a half mile away from the restoration site staging area.

TASK 6. Site 7 Woody Debris Removal (Pay Item No. 006) The work of this task requires the Contractor to provide all equipment, supplies, and labor to remove downed trees that were pushed into the Site 7 riparian area (see Appendix A). The trees are oaks and cottonwoods, typically 10-25 feet tall. This area covers roughly 3.5 acres (see Appendix A below under Site 7 for representative amount/cover of downed trees). The trees shall be lifted out of the riparian zone and placed above the ordinary high-water mark. The Contractor should assume that this will not require hauling the trees distances greater than 1/8th of a mile.

TASK 7. Fencing Installation (Pay Item No. 007) The Contractor shall procure all necessary materials to install metal t-post and 4 barbed 4-wire fence consisting of 2 strands of barbed wire and 2 strands smooth, bottom and top to exclude cattle from the reclamation areas. The Forest Service shall provide mapped locations of fencing, which amounts to 17,930 linear feet in total over all the sites (excluding roadsides, which will not be fenced). All of the areas to be fenced are within ¼ mile of a road, but most of the areas will have to be accessed by foot and fence installed without the use of heavy equipment.

Fence shall be installed with minimum disturbance to the terrain and vegetation (i.e. limit soil disturbance and cutting and removal of vegetation as much as possible). The Contractor must also ensure that no livestock are trapped within the fencing prior to closing off the fence perimeter.

The following fence post, wire, and wire fastening specifications shall be required of the Contractor:

1. Fence Posts. Excavate holes for posts, footings, and anchors as shown. Space posts at intervals shown for the type of fence being installed. Measure post spacing interval parallel to the existing ground slope. Set posts in a vertical position. Backfill post holes in 6-inch lifts. Tamp and compact each lift. Metal posts may be driven. Set metal corner, gate, end, and pull posts in concrete.

Where solid rock is encountered without overburden, drill line post holes at least 14 inches deep and end, corner, gate, and pull posts at least 20 inches deep in the solid rock. Make the hole width or diameter at least 1 inch greater than the post width or diameter. Cut the post to the required length before installation or drill the hole deep enough to set the post at the required height. Set and plumb the post and fill the hole with grout. Thoroughly work the grout into the hole to eliminate voids.

Crown the grout to drain water away from the post. Metal posts set in this manner do not require anchor plates and concrete footings.

Where solid rock is covered with soil or loose rock overburden, set posts to the plan depth or to the minimum depth into the solid rock as specified above, whichever is less. When the depth of overburden is greater than 12 inches, use an anchor plate on steel line posts and backfill steel end, corner, gate, and

UNIT: CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST

P a g e | 11 pull posts with concrete from the solid rock to top of the ground. When the depth of overburden is 12 inches or less, anchor plates and concrete backfill are not required. Grout the portion of the post in solid rock.

Install corner posts at changes in alignment of 30 degrees or more. Where new fence joins an existing fence, set end or corner posts, as necessary, and attach in a manner satisfactory to the CO.

Wood posts shall conform to AASHTO M 168. Peel all bark, except for red cedar posts and bracing, which do not require peeling. Trim all knots flush with the surface and season the wood. For dimension lumber for fences, bollards, or gates, use timber that is sound, straight, and reasonably free from knots, splits, and shakes. Provide S4S finish.

Concrete posts shall conform to Section 601 of FP-03.

Steel for line fence posts shall conform to AASHTO M 281 (710.04 of FP-03).

2. Barbed wire. Place barbed wire on the side of the post facing away from the consolidation cell. On curved alignment, place the barbed wire on the post face on the outside of the curve. Tightly stretch and fasten barbed wire to the posts.

Apply tension according to the manufacturer's recommendations using a mechanical stretcher or other device designed for such use. Splicing of barbed wire between posts is permitted provided not more than two splices spaced a minimum of 50 feet apart, occur in any one run of fence. Use wrap or telephone type splices for the longitudinal barbed wire with each end wrapped around the other wire for not less than six complete turns.

Barbed wire shall be galvanized wire conforming to AASHTO M 280 or aluminum coated wire conforming to AASHTO M 305, type I (710.01 of FP-03).

3. Fastening barbed wire. Terminate the barbed wire at each end, corner, gate, and pull post. Wrap each line of barbed wire around the post and then itself with at least four turns. Where wood posts are used, staple the wires tightly to the posts.

Fasten each strand of barbed wire to each line post. Use wire ties or clamps to fasten the wires to metal posts. Securely splice tie wires to the fence on both sides of the post so there are two loops behind the post and one loop in front. On wood line posts, drive U-shaped staples diagonally across the wood grain so that both points do not enter between the same grain. In depressions where wire uplift occurs, drive staples with points slightly upward. On level ground and over knolls, slope the points slightly downward. Drive the staples just short of actual contact with the wires to permit free longitudinal movement of those lines and to prevent damage to the protective coating.

At grade depressions, alignment angles, and other locations where stresses tending to pull posts from the ground or out of alignment are created, snub or guy the wire fence. Attach the guy wire to each strand of barbed wire in a manner to maintain the entire fence in its normal shape. Attach the guy wire to a deadman anchor buried not less than 24 inches in the ground or to an approved anchor at a point that best serves to resist the pull of the wire fence. If necessary to guy the fence in solid rock, grout the guy wire in a hole 2 inches in diameter and 10 inches deep. Deadman may also be fastened to posts. Place the deadman anchors at locations as directed.

UNIT: CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST

P a g e | 12

Where required, install vertical cinch stays as shown. Twist the wire to permit weaving into the horizontal fence wires to provide rigid spacing.

Where existing fence intersects the new fence, cut the existing fence materials or, splice in kind, new material as necessary, and fasten each strand of the barbed wire to a new end post in line with or immediately adjacent to the new fence line.

TASK 8. Gate Installation (Pay Item No. 008) The Contractor shall procure and install a metal pipe gate along the Forest Service road 72A at the cattleguard between site P2 and Site 7 (Forest Service to provide GPS location to Contractor). The gate shall be approximately 6 ft wide and effectively keep livestock from moving around the cattleguard.

The following specifications shall be followed for gate installation: Install metal gate and fittings to gate posts.

Firmly attach the fittings to the posts and gate. Hinge single gate to prevent removal of the gate without tools. Set the gate in an approximately horizontal plane. Set the gate so it swings freely inward and outward and fastens securely in its latch holder. Set gates to swing open at least 90 degrees in each direction (FP 619.03(c)(5)(b).

Frame gates shall conform to AASHTO M 181 (710.05 of FP-03.)

Task Quality Standards/Protocols:

Construction Equipment Cleaning: All vehicles and equipment entering the project area must be clean of plant materials and dirt and free from oil leaks and are subject to inspection. Wash all construction and restoration/ revegetation equipment (including the inside beds of vehicles hauling materials) to thoroughly remove all dirt, plant, and other foreign material prior to entering the project. Particular attention must be shown to the under carriage, mower decks (top and bottom) and any surface where soil containing exotic seeds may exist. Allow the USFS to inspect each piece of equipment before entering the project. Provide the cleaning and inspection records to the COR. Equipment found operating on the project that has not been inspected or has oil leaks will be shut down and subject to citation.

Weed Free Material Sources: Do not import into the project limits rock, sand, gravel, earth, subsoil, or other natural materials from a Contractor-selected non-commercial materials source, that have not been certified free of non-native, invasive plant species. Materials imported into the project limits which do not include a noxious weed free certification may be rejected and ordered by the CO to be removed from the project limits. The USFS has the discretion of requesting inspection of certified materials by a third party and rejecting the use of the source if non-native plants or seeds thereof are found to be present. Topsoil shall not be brought into the project areas.

Coordination with USFS/COR: At least 2 weeks prior to implementation the Contractor shall coordinate the timing of the following Tasks with the COR to ensure their on-site presence at the initiation of the Task: site recontouring (Task 2), excess material pile stabilization (Task 3), decompaction (Task 4), and slash and boulder placement (Task

5) activities.

Limits of Disturbance: Contractor must stay within the limits of previous soil/vegetation disturbance caused by the wasterock removal activities, unless otherwise authorized by the COR. The Contractor shall not cut or uproot trees or other vegetation.

Best Management Practices: Construction activities shall employ Best Management Practices to ensure soil and vegetative disturbances are minimized. Equipment use will be restricted to time frames when weather conditions

UNIT: CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST

P a g e | 13 and soil moisture conditions are appropriate to minimize soil compaction and reduce the risk of runoff and soil loss.

Water Supply & Access: Develop water supplies and access to the water supplies as required. The Contractor is responsible for finding an appropriate water source. Before using water sources, obtain all necessary permissions (i.e. rancher, tribe, private landowner, etc.), water rights, and permits. Provide a copy of permissions to the COR.

Provide mobile watering equipment with watertight tanks of known capacity. Provide for positive control of water application from the driver’s position. Apply water uniformly without ponding or washing or creation of soil erosion.

Avoidance of Wildlife: Any wildlife found within the project sites shall not be killed, harassed, or touched at any time.

Trash Removal: All trash and debris associated with project activities shall be contained and removed from the site. Upon completion of the work, the Contractor shall remove temporary construction facilities, debris, and unused materials, leaving the project site in a neat and clean condition.

Hazardous Materials Spill Response: Before beginning any work, the Contractor shall submit a Hazardous Spill Plan. List actions to be taken in the event of a spill. Incorporate preventive measures to be taken, such as the location of mobile refueling facilities, storage and handling of hazardous materials, and similar information.

Immediately notify the COR of all hazardous material spills. Provide a written narrative report form no later than 24 hours after the initial report and include the following:

• Description of the item spilled (including identity, quantity, manifest number, and other identifying information).

• Whether amount spilled is EPA or state reportable, and if so whether it was reported, and to whom.

• Exact time and location of spill including a description of the area involved.

• Containment procedures.

• Summary of any communications the Contractor had with Federal, state and local regulatory agencies and officials, or Forest Service officials.

• Description of clean-up procedures employed or to be employed at the site including final disposition and disposal location of spill residue.

When available provide copies of all spill related clean up and closure documentation and correspondence from regulatory agencies. The Contractor is solely responsible for all spills or leaks that occur during the performance of this contract. Clean up spills or leaks to the satisfaction of the CO and in a manner that complies with Federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Emergency Spill Kit: Keep sufficient quantities of absorbent materials on the project site to absorb accidental fuel, hydraulic oil, or other petroleum product spills. Use absorbent materials that are biodegradable, non-water absorbing and designed specifically for the types of spills associated with the Contractor’s operation.

Idling: The Contractor shall not allow equipment or vehicles to idle for more than five minutes.

Health, Safety, COVID-19 Plan: The Contractor shall submit and comply with a site specific Health, Safety, and COVID-19 Plan prior to initiating fieldwork.

UNIT: CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST

P a g e | 14

Fire Prevention: The Contractor shall provide a fire prevention plan to comply with fire restrictions, if applicable, for USFS approval prior to initiating any fieldwork. The COR shall provide any fire restrictions that may be in effect during construction.

Roadway Use & Protection: The Contractor is authorized to use roads under the jurisdiction of the Forest Service for all activities necessary to complete this contract, subject to the limitations and authorizations designated in the Road Order(s) or described in the contract, when such use will not damage the roads or national forest resources, and when traffic can be accommodated safely. Any damage caused by the contractor shall be promptly repaired by the contractor.

4.0 Government Furnished

The Government shall provide locks for the gate, keys to access sites, and site location maps and GIS information to the Contractor. The project sites are in remote locations with very limited access to amenities such as lodging/restaurants. The Forest Service shall allow staging of equipment and campers on Forest Service land near the project (no additional cost to contractor).

The Government shall also inspect all work before final acceptance of the project and may reject work at any time it is found not to comply with the tasks and quality standards/protocols of the contract. If work is rejected it shall be redone/corrected at no cost to the Government.

5.0 Submittals/ Schedule

Submittals. After award of the contract, the following list of submittals and subsequent Forest Service approvals will be required for this project prior to project fieldwork initiation:

• Health, Safety, COVID-19 Plan

• Fire Plan

• Hazardous Materials Spill Plan

• Excess Materials Pile Stabilization Plan (to be submitted with bid proposal)

• Schedule of Scope of Work Tasks (to be submitted with bid proposal)

This list is not considered to be all inclusive and additional submittals may be requested by the USDA Forest Service. These submittals are incidental to other Pay Items in the Schedule of Items

6.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

The key personnel for the project are the following: Project Manager, Heavy Equipment Operators, and Fence and Gate Installation Foreman(s). In the proposal the Contractor shall demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience performing post-disturbance site preparation activities (e.g. slope recontouring, soil decompaction, soil scarification) and fence/gate installation in steep and difficult to access terrain, preferably in a resume format.

7.0 Evaluation Factors

Proposal shall be evaluated on the following factors in order of importance:

1. Project Experience: Experience performing the tasks in the Scope of Work by your proposed project team similar in geographic location, scope, magnitude and complexity to this solicitation. Describe strategies to manage and minimize negative impacts of technical risks such as unusually severe weather and unforeseen conditions. Include experience and processes employed to meet all quality standards and deliverables listed in the scope of work document for the project. Provide a short (max 10 page) written technical approach for performing this project which demonstrates a clear understanding of the project by detailing the specifics of how the work tasks will be accomplished for each of the following tasks:

a. Site Recontouring

b. Excess Materials Pile Stabilization

c. Soil Decompaction

UNIT: CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST

P a g e | 15

d. Slash Pile & Boulder Roadside Placement

e. Site 7 Woody Debris Removal

f. Fencing Installation

g. Gate Installation For each of the tasks above describe what work will be self-performed or the proposed subcontractors who will perform. No specific form or format is prescribed for this technical approach document. Please note between the experience and technical descriptions the total page limit is 10 (not including resumes).

2. Past Performance: Past performance on contracts with Government agencies and private industry in terms of cost control, quality of work, and compliance with performance schedules.

3. Work Capacity: Describe capacity to accomplish the work in the required timelines (October-December 2021).

4. Federal Agency Coordination: Past management, coordination, and communication experience between the prime contractor, its subcontractors, and the Forest Service (or other federal agency) for projects with similar scopes of work.

UNIT: CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST

P a g e | 16

Appendix A. Site Specific Maps, Photos, and Tables of Tasks Required at Each Site

Table 1: Excess Pile and Bypass Road

Site Treatment Unit Unit Total Excess Pile/Bypass Road Fence Linear Feet 5,600 Excess Pile Recontouring & Stabilization Acres 5.0 Excess Pile Hydromulching Acres 5.0 Bypass Road Recontouring Acres 1.5 Bypass Road Soil Decompaction Acres 1.5 Bypass Road Wattles Linear Feet 1,500 Bypass Road Hydromulching Acres 3.0

Photo 1: Excess Pile Upper Slope

Photo 2: Excess Pile Lower Slope

Table 2: Main Repository Site Treatment Unit Unit Total Main Repository Soil Decompaction Acres 3.0 Main Repository Fence Linear Feet 20 Main Repository Wattles Feet 2,400 Main Repository Hydromulching Acres 3.0

P a g e | 17

Map 3: Main Repository, Excess Material Pile, and Bypass Road

P a g e | 18

Table 3: P1 and P2

P1 and P2 Fence Linear Feet 2,500 P1 Soil Decompaction Acres 0.5 P1 Wattles Linear Feet 1,500 P1 Hydromulching Acres 0.5 P2 Soil Decompaction Acres 0.3 P2 Wattles Linear Feet 500 P2 Hydromulching Acres 0.3

Map 4: P1 and P2

UNIT: CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST

P a g e | 19

Table 4: Site 7 Site Treatment Unit Unit Total Site 7 Fence Feet 6,500 Road Recontouring Acres 0.25 Road Wattle Installation Feet 400 Road Hydromulching Acres 0.25 Riparian Woody Debris Removal Acres 3.5 Riparian Recontouring Acres 3.5 Riparian Hydromulching Acres 3.5 Slope Access Recontouring Acres 0.5 Slope Access Hydromulching Acres 0.5 Slope Hydromulching Acres 0.6

Photo 3: Site 7 Riparian

P a g e | 20

Map 5: Site 7

UNIT: CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST

P a g e | 21

Table 5: Dixie Site Treatment Unit Unit Total Dixie Fence Feet 2,860 Lower Dixie Soil Decompaction Acres 1.3 Lower Dixie Hydromulching Acres 1.3 Lower Access Recontouring Feet 0.3 Lower Access Wattle Installation Feet 500 Lower Access Hydromulching Acres 0.3 Upper Access Wattle Installation Feet 1,500 Upper Access Hydromulching Acres 0.6 Upper Dixie Hand Seed / Blankets Acres 0.2

P a g e | 22

Figure 2: Lower Dixie

P a g e | 23

Map 6: Dixie

P a g e | 24

Table 6: Hosey

Ramp Fence Feet 450 Ramp Soil Decompaction Acres 0.2 Ramp Wattle Installation Feet 500 Ramp Hydromulching Acres 0.2 Upper Hosey Soil Decompaction Acres 0.4 Upper Hosey Hydromulching Acres 0.4 Lower Hosey Hand Seed / Blankets Acres 0.4

Photo 4: Hosey Ramp

P a g e | 25

Map 7: Hosey

Table7: Roadside Staging Areas

Cattle Guard Gate Count 1 Staging Areas Soil Decompaction Acres 1.3 Staging Areas Hydromulching Acres 1.3 Staging Areas Slash/Boulder Placement Acres 2.0

UNIT: CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST

P a g e | 26

Phase II Tasks 1-7

General Information Scope of Work

Phase II construction activities includes erosion control material installation; seed and hydromulch application;

and hand seeding with blanket installation to facilitate the recovery of native vegetation within the Mansfield Canyon mine reclamation sites.

The types of reclamation actions needed at the sites and the associated quantities are described below in Table 1.

Table 1. Treatments and Associated Quantities Treatment Unit Unit Total 2021 Wattles + Installation Linear Feet 5,900 2021 Wattle Installation Only Linear Feet 2,900 2021 Hand Seed & Hydromulch Acres 21 2021 Hand Seed & Blanket Acres 1 2021 Wood Slash Scattering Acres 1.5 OPTION 2022 Wattle & Fence Maintenance

Linear Feet 2,250

Map 2: Project Vicinity Map

P a g e | 27

Map 3: Project Site Map

TASK 1. Mobilization – Seeding (Pay Item No. 001)

Task 1 Mobilization – Seeding includes activities to mobilize equipment and personnel to the site to perform Phase II tasks.

TASK 2. Erosion Control Wattle/Sediment Log Procurement and Installation (Pay Item No. 002) The Contractor shall provide excelsior (certified weed free) wattles/logs that consist of drainage filter made of curled aspen wood excelsior and rolled into a cylindrical shape with a consistent width of fibers evenly distributed throughout the cylinder. Provide logs that are 12 inches in diameter. Provide logs encased in 100% biodegradable netting. Provide submittal certification that all material in the log is weed free and meets the specifications in this task.

The Contractor shall follow the manufacturer’s instructions for wattle installation. Place sediment logs in a shallow trench the depth of which shall be 1/3 the diameter of the log. Secure the log every 2 linear feet across the length of the log with a 24 inch wooden 1 inch x1 inch driven a minimum of 14 inches from backfilled grade or 10 inches from the bottom of the wattle, into the ground. Do not use wooden stakes that are severely split. When placing more than one log in a continuous section the logs should overlap 2’. Install uniformly over the entire area at 15 foot intervals for 2H:1V slopes and 30 foot intervals for 3H:1V slopes. The Contractor shall ensure that the wattles are placed on the contour line to ensure that erosion and concentrated water flows are not exaggerated, this will likely require equipment such as a level and pin flags. The total linear feet estimated for this task is 5,900.

A listing of each specific area to have wattles purchased and installed can be found in Appendix A.

UNIT: CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST

P a g e | 28

TASK 3. Wattle Installation (Pay Item No. 003) In two of the reclamation sites (Site 7 & Hosey) 9” excelsior wattles that meet the material specifications of Task 2 are already staged. In this case the Contractor shall assume that only installation is required as per the specifications of Task 2. Other reclamation sites (Dixie, P1, P2) would require transport of wattles from staged areas to site; transport distance would not exceed 2 miles. The total linear feet estimated for this task is 2,900.

TASK 4. Hand Seeding, Raking & Hydromulching (Pay Item No. 004) Seed Source: All seed shall be Government furnished, and is composed of native, locally collected species. The seeding rate is anticipated to be between 15-20 PLS (pure live seed) pounds per acre. The exact seeding rate per acre shall be determined once the Forest Service has final available seed quantities. Prior to seeding, seed shall be pre-mixed by the Forest Service. Mixed seed shall be delivered to an agreed upon location near the project. The Contractor shall ensure seed does not get wet or remain in temperatures over 85F for longer than 8 hours.

Time of Seeding: The Contract shall perform all seeding between October 18 and December 3, 2021, unless otherwise approved by the COR. Notify the COR three weeks before the seed is needed to ensure timely delivery.

The Contractor is required to conduct seeding within two days of the site preparation contractor conducting scarification/decompaction on the site. This shall require close coordination with the site preparation contractor to ensure they can meet the scheduled seeding dates. A listing of each specific area to be seeded can be found in Appendix A.

Amendments: No fertilizers, mycorrhizae, or other amendments shall be added to the project areas, unless approved by the COR.

Hydromulching/seeding Implementation: Seed shall be applied utilizing the two-stage Hydromulching method described below. The Contractor should note that access to Site 7, Dixie, and Hosey is on steep and winding mountain roads, which may not be conducive to large hydroseed trucks. It is imperative the Contractor have the ability to utilize more mobile equipment and design creative methods to reach portions of these sites. Due to the difficulty in access, the Contractor shall submit a hydromulching proposal, which outlines how the Contractor intends to access and mulch all of the sites, as part of the bid proposal.

First Application (Seed): In order to ensure that the seed is being applied at the correct rate areas to be seeded shall be marked off/flagged at a minimum of half acre increments prior to seeding. Seed shall be applied by hand or with hand seeders. Seed will be distributed in such a way as to assure all species in the seed mix are evenly distributed across the area, regardless of seed size. Once seed has been applied the Contractor shall lightly rake the seed into the soil to a depth of ¼”. Do not smooth with the backside of the rake, light furrows in the soil are desired.

Second Application (Mulch): Hydromulch shall contain the following:

• 2,200 lbs./acre of long strand virgin wood fiber (the exception to this rate shall be the Excess Materials Pile site which shall require 2,800 lbs./acre).

• Non-toxic, natural and biodegradable plant-based psyllium/alpha plantago tackifier shall be used. Depending on product apply at a rate of 80 lbs./acre on slopes less than 3H:1V and apply at a rate of 100 lbs./acre on slopes greater than 2H:1V.

• Non-toxic, 100% environmentally safe tracer dye material shall be applied at a rate of around 200-300 lbs./acre to provide visible evidence of uniform application.

All hydromulch mixing shall be performed in a clean tank. The tank and all hoses must be rinsed a minimum of three times, to remove any seed prior to arriving at the project site. The COR or authorized representative shall inspect the hydroseed equipment prior to operations and the contractor should assume a demonstration of clean water running through the tank/hoses will be required. The hydroseeder must be equipped with a built-in

UNIT: CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST

P a g e | 29 continuous agitation and recirculation system of sufficient operating capacity to produce homogeneous slurry and a discharge system that will apply slurry to the designated areas at a continuous and uniform rate. No fertilizers, mycorrhizae, or other amendments shall be added to the hydromulch slurry.

The Contractor shall spray designated areas with the slurry in a sweeping motion and in an arched stream until a uniform coat is achieved, with no slumping or shadowing, as the material is spread at the required rate. The hydromulch slurry should float down from the arched stream, as opposed to being shot directly at the ground.

During hydromulching the existing native vegetation must be protected from damage (including, but not limited to, coating with mulch, damage by direct spray, and dragging hose). Notify the COR three weeks before hydromulching to ensure that COR review of seeding operations can be coordinated.

TASK 5. Hand Seeding & Blanket Installation (Pay Item No. 005) Portions (total of 1 acre) of two of the restoration sites (Dixie and Hosey) are anticipated to require hand seeding and blanket installation as opposed to hydromulch application, due to a lack of access. The Contractor shall follow the specifications in Task 4 for hand seeding and raking for this task before laying down the erosion control blanket.

The Contractor shall furnish an erosion control blanket composed of certified weed free processed all-natural fibers (i.e. coir, excelsior) mechanically bound between two all-natural fiber nettings to form a continuous matrix with a minimum dry weight of 0.4 pounds per square yard according to ASTM D 6475. U-shaped wire staples with 6 inch long legs and No. 11 diameter or of sufficient hardiness to facilitate installation without bending shall also be used. Installation shall follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The Contractor shall limit the amount of traffic over the blanket once it has been installed.

TASK 6. Roadside Wood Slash Scattering (Pay Item No. 006) After seeding has occurred at the roadside reclamation sites it is anticipated 1.5 acres of this area will need to be slashed and vertically mulched with woody material already staged at the sites to serve as physical and visual barrier and provide shade and increased moisture retention to support plant establishment. The slash scattering shall involve the placement of the woody material in a roughly even, but natural looking pattern over the entire area. Vertical mulch shall be arranged in a pattern that mimics natural shrub structure with irregular horizontal spacing averaging 5 - 7ft. Debris 2-4ft in length should be planted to a depth of at least 8 inches and soil at based packed down to secure the features. Vertical features should be able to resist a gentle tug. Once slash scattering and vertical mulching has occurred, hydromulching according to Task 4 specifications can commence.

OPTION TASK 7. Wattle and Livestock Exclusionary Fencing Maintenance (Pay IItem No. 007) This task option shall be exercised if it is determined that wattle and livestock exclusionary fencing maintenance is necessary. The Contractor shall assume that wattle maintenance will involve removing soil that is filling in behind the wattle, repositioning wattle that has been displaced, and replacing sections of wattle that are disintegrating, as well remedying any other scenarios where the wattle is no longer functioning to prevent erosion. Maintenance activities shall result in wattles meeting the specifications of Task 2.

The Contractor shall also be responsible for repairing any exclusionary fencing in need of mending. This fence is a metal t-post and 4 barbed 4-wire fence consisting of 2 strands of barbed wire and 2 strands smooth, bottom and top. This will likely consist of replacing or restringing portions of wire and potentially t-posts. The Forest Service shall provide locations of needed wattle and fence maintenance, but the Contractor shall assume 2,520 linear feet total for both wattle and fence shall require repair.

For fence repair the Contractor shall follow the below…