REVISED_PWS_VEGETATIVE_PLANTING_05_05_2022_0007.docx

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Breton National Wildlife Refuge Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana North Breton Island Vegetative Planting

REVISED

Date: 05/05/2022

Part 1 General Information GENERAL: This is a non-personnel services contract to provide vegetative planting on North Breton Island, Breton National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn is responsible to the Government.

1.1 Description of Services/Introduction: The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform native vegetative planting as defined in this Performance Work Statement (PWS) except for those items specified as government furnished property and services. The contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract.

1.2 Background: Breton NWR was established in 1904 and is the second oldest national wildlife refuge in the National Wildlife Refuge System. The Refuge is comprised of a series of barrier islands including Breton Island and the Chandeleur Islands in the Gulf of Mexico. Breton NWR provides breeding habitat for colonies of nesting wading birds and seabirds, as well as wintering habitat for shorebirds and waterfowl. Twenty-three species of seabirds and shorebirds frequently use the Refuge, and thirteen species nests on the islands. The most abundant nesters are Brown Pelicans, Laughing Gulls, and Royal, Caspian, and Sandwich Terns. The Refuge provides important wintering habitat for the threatened Piping Plover. Over ten thousand Brown Pelicans have been recorded nesting on the Refuge. Waterfowl winter near the refuge islands and benefit from adjacent shallows, marshes, and sounds for feeding and shelter.

North Breton Island is the southern-most of a chain of barrier islands forming the Chandeleur Islands. The barrier island formation lies within the Mississippi River delta plain system bordered to the north and west by Breton and Chandeleur Sounds and to the east and south by the northern central Gulf of Mexico. North Breton Island is approximately 62 miles southeast from the metropolitan city of New Orleans, Louisiana (LA). North Breton Island is within the southern portion of the Breton NWR in Plaquemines Parish, LA. The island is a remote offshore island that does not have a landing facility and that is only accessible by boat. The nearest boat launch is in Venice, LA. See Figure 1.

North Breton Island is one of the most important barrier islands in LA. It provides habitat for one of the largest water bird colonies in the state, including one of the largest rookeries for brown pelicans. The island also provides crucial protections for mainland LA, including the City of New Orleans, from storm surge and wave impacts.

North Breton Island had minimal direct damage from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The spill caused ecosystem level damages to bird populations and Breton Island was an ideal location to provide additional nesting habitat to contribute to restoring the overall damages to birds from the spill. As part of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) program, the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) was tasked with mitigating environmental damaged caused by the spill. The effort includes restoring beaches, dunes, and back-barrier marsh habitats in Louisiana, in part to increase the populations.

Restoration of North Breton Island is designed to mimic the natural processes of barrier island evolution, including the lateral transport of sand. The conceptual design for placement of sand and back barrier marsh sediment mimics the pre-Hurricane Katrina island coverage and expected island evolution pattern. Approximately 5.9 million cubic yards of sand, silt and clay material would be dredged from borrow site(s) located within an offshore shoals borrow area southeast of Breton Island. This sand, silt, and clay material would then be placed on the existing submerged island to create the desired island configuration. Planting of the dune and back-barrier marsh area with native vegetation is planned to take place following construction.

Through the North Breton Island Early Restoration Project, the island is being expanded to a total of approximately 420 acres of habitat through beach, dune, marsh, and mangrove marsh fill placement utilizing an offshore sand source. Fill placement was completed at the end of calendar year 2021. See Figure 2.

Figure 1. Location of North Breton Island.

Figure 2. Map of North Breton Island restoration areas.

1.3 Objectives: Planting area, number of acres, plant species, number of plants and planting timeframe listed below.

BASE SERVICES

Mangrove Marsh

Dune

OPTION SERVICES

Back Barrier Marsh

1.4 Scope: Services include the following Tasks.

1. Work Plan The Contractor shall develop a work plan and schedule that demonstrates that work will be completed within the performance period described in Task Specifications (TS) 6 located in Section 1.6. The Contractor shall provide a general plan with the technical proposal. A supplementary plan and schedule shall be provided after contract award within 10 days of receiving the Notice to Proceed (NTP). The Contractor shall update the work plan as work is in progress to account for changes.

1. Mangrove Marsh Planting.

Contractor shall provide all transportation, plants, equipment, labor, and materials necessary to plant 14,400 Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) four (4) inch containers along the newly created mangrove marsh restoration area to establish emergent vegetation. All planting containers, debris, trash, or other incidentals used by the Contractor shall be removed from the Project Site and properly disposed of prior to Final Acceptance and demobilization.

1. Plant Specifications:

Black Mangroves (Avicennia germinans) used for this task shall adhere to specifications TS-1 and TS-2 located in Section 1.6.

1. Dune Planting The Contractor shall provide all transportation, plants, equipment, labor, and materials necessary to plant 48,350 Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum) four (4) inch containers and 7,650 Sea Oats (Uniola paniculate) one (1) gallon containers along the newly created dune to establish emergent vegetation. All planting containers, debris, trash, or other incidentals used by the Contractor shall be removed from the Project Site and properly disposed of prior to Final Acceptance and demobilization.

2. Plant Specifications:

All plants used for this task shall adhere to specification TS-1 located in Section 1.6. Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum) shall adhere to specification TS-3 located in Section 1.6. Sea Oats (Uniola paniculate) shall adhere to specification TS-4 located in Section 1.6.

1. Back Barrier Marsh Planting The Contractor shall provide all transportation, plants, equipment, labor, and materials necessary to plant 800,000 Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) two (2) inch plugs along the newly created back-barrier marsh to establish emergent vegetation. All planting containers, debris, trash, or other incidentals used by the Contractor shall be removed from the Project Site and properly disposed of prior to Final Acceptance and demobilization.

3. Plant Specifications:

Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) used for this task shall adhere to specifications TS-1 and TS-5 located in Section 1.6.

0. Period of Performance:

1.5.1 Base Services: Task 2 Mangrove Marsh Planting and Task 3 Dune Planting: The period of performance for shall be from issuance of contract award through March 31, 2023. Annual nesting season of the brown pelican rookery/existing mangrove forest on the northern end of the island occurs between April 1 and August 15. The pelican rookery may not be disturbed by planting services or activities. Therefore, actual planting shall take place after August 15, 2022. These restrictions would apply to working around the brown pelican rookery/existing mangrove forest on the northern end of the island depicted in Figure 2. Additional restrictions may apply should the bird’s nest outside their historic nesting area. Date and time for delivery and planting shall be included in Work Plan and coordinated with the COR. Work may be postponed due to inclement weather. The Government may allow an extension of the contract term if it is determined that the contractor could not complete the contract within the normal contract period due to excessive inclement weather or government caused delays that exceed a total of 21 days.

1.5.2 Option Services: Task 4 Back Barrier Marsh Planting: The period of performance shall be from one (1) to two (2) years from issuance of contract award. The Government will conduct monitoring of the Back-Barrier Marsh Restoration Area to determine when the fill material has settled and is ready for planting. Annual nesting season of the brown pelican rookery/existing mangrove forest on the northern end of the island occurs between April 1 and August 15. The pelican rookery may not be disturbed by planting services or activities. These restrictions would apply to working around the brown pelican rookery/existing mangrove forest on the northern end of the island depicted in Figure 2. Additional restrictions may apply should the bird’s nest outside their historic nesting area. Date and time for delivery and planting shall be included in Work Plan and coordinated with the COR. Work may be postponed due to inclement weather. The Government may allow an extension of the contract term if it is determined that the contractor could not complete the contract within the normal contract period due to excessive inclement weather or government caused delays that exceed a total of 21 days.

1.6 Task Specifications (TS):

1. All Plants

0. The Government shall approve or reject plant materials based on their adherence to specifications outlined in TS-1, TS-2, TS-3, TS-4, and TS-5, as applicable. At a minimum, plant material shall be inspected by the Government prior to shipment to the island. The Government reserves the right to reject plant materials any time prior to final inspection and acceptance.

0. The contracting nursery shall acclimate plant materials by growing plants in full sun conditions for at least ten (10) days prior to planting (i.e., not inside greenhouse, under glass, under shade cloth, etc.). A legible copy of all current state nursery license(s) and/or permit(s) issued to the contracting nursery (or nurseries, or their Subcontractors) to be utilized by the Contractor shall be provided to the Government prior to delivery of the plants to the project site;

0. Certification shall be provided that all plant materials have been produced in accordance with federal and state laws where applicable. Federal and State Quarantine Summaries are available through the National Plan Board https://nationalplantboard.org/laws-and-regulations/.

0. The Contractor, or its Subcontractor, shall secure all permits required in the transportation, collection, and propagation of nursery stock and submit a copy to the Government;

0. Within thirty (30) days following the receipt of the NTP, the Contractor shall notify, in writing to the Government, that plant material is on the premises of the nursery (or nurseries) responsible for growing operations in an amount sufficient to propagate the required number of Contract transplants. After submission of the nursery or nurseries to be utilized, the Contractor shall not change the selected source of plant materials without notifying the Government in writing;

0. Plants shall be free of defects, disfiguring, sun scalding, diseases, insects, insect eggs, borers, or other forms of infections or infestation;

0. Plants shall be viable and actively growing as indicated by a proliferation of new root development within the container. Plants must show sufficient growth so that a soil root-ball remains formed when the plant is removed from the container. No plants shall be loose in containers

0. Plants appearing discolored, shriveled, dehydrated, or otherwise damaged will be rejected and shall be removed and replaced immediately at the Contractor’s expense. Plants not meeting specifications or not installed in compliance with the Contract shall be replaced and replanted according to the specifications at the Contractor’s expense;

0. The Contractor and the nursery (or nurseries) shall make available for inspection to the Government the specified plants that are to be used for this project;

0. All plants shall be packed for delivery from the nursery to the delivery site and from the delivery site to the planting site in such a manner as to ensure adequate protection against climatic, seasonal, wind damage or other injuries during transit. Special care shall be taken for prompt delivery and careful handling in loading and unloading. Damaged plants shall be rejected by the Government and shall be removed and replaced immediately at the Contractor’s expense;

0. Each individual shipment of plants to the delivery site shall be accompanied by a delivery slip indicating the following information: 1) source of plant material (nursery name), 2) species (scientific and common name and cultivar), 3) plant size, 4) quantity being delivered, 5) date of delivery, and 6) date dug. Shipping slips are to be signed by the Contractor. Copies of the shipping slips shall be provided to the Government and/or its Resident Project Representative at time of plant delivery;

0. The growing medium shall be free of any foreign objects such as glass, shell, stones, pottery, or other debris not generally considered standard potting media. Acceptable growing medium shall be a homogeneous mixture of various concentrations of silt, sand, and/or clay separates with or without the addition of organic matter.

1. Black Mangroves (Avicennia germinans) Description. Acceptable Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) plants for the purpose of this contract are nursery grown plants produced by seed from foundation material and/or plants produced by seed as an accessional generation from foundation material of Avicennia germinans ‘Pelican’. Plants produced from cell and tissue culture lines, DNA fragments and pollen, or other methods of biotechnology are not acceptable. If accessional generation from foundation material of Avicennia germinans ‘Pelican’ is not readily available in quantities needed to complete the project, then the Contractor may utilize other varieties with the approval of the Government.

2.1. The plant species Avicennia germinans ‘Pelican’ seed germplasm is available from the Golden Meadow Plant Materials Center (PMC) to qualified nurseries, however material availability is seasonal and limited in quantity.

2.2. Foundation material as it relates to Avicennia germinans ‘Pelican’ and this Contract is defined as and shall meet all three of the following:

2.2.1 Vegetative germplasm released and maintained by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Golden Meadow PMC; and

2.2.2 Foundation material provided directly to a nursery from the Golden Meadow PMC; and

2.2.3 Vegetative propagules subsequently produced as direct accessional 50 generations from the original foundation material provided to a nursery by the Golden Meadow PMC. That is, the plants shall be reproduced vegetatively by and at a nursery from its own foundation material obtained from the Golden Meadow PMC.

2.2.4 The Contractor shall provide official documentation that the nursery providing plant material has received foundation material for Avicennia germinans ‘Pelican’ from the Golden Meadow PMC.

2.2.5 Seed propagules for nursery propagation can be obtained from: Golden Meadow PMC, 438 Airport Road Galliano, LA 70354; (985) 475-5280; website link: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/plantmaterials/pmc/south east/lapmc/

2.3 Work Plan. The workplan developed by the Contractor shall adhere to the following guidelines with regards to Black Mangroves (Avicennia germinans):

2.3.1 Black Mangroves (Avicennia germinans) shall be installed in the 53 acre “mangrove marsh” designated restoration area on the island.

2.3.2 Mangroves shall be planted in “clumps” with the following specifications. (See Appendix A for diagram).

2.3.2.1 A “clump” shall consist of an area of approximately 5,500 sq ft with Black Mangroves (Avicennia germinans) planted in a grid pattern with a spacing of 2.5 ft by 2.5 ft between each Black Mangroves (Avicennia germinans).

2.3.2.2 There shall be 3 “clumps” per 10 acres of restoration area.

2.3.3 The number of plants needed will be adjusted following finalization of the work plan.

2.4 Plant Size. Each four (4) inch container of Black Mangrove shall have at least one (1) primary stem that is at least twenty-five hundredths (0.25) of an inch in diameter at the stem-root interface and have a minimum stem height of twelve (12) inches from the stem-root interface to the stem tip. Plants shall be foliated with primary stem or secondary branch leaves that are well developed, dark green, and firmly attached. Plants shall be viable and actively growing within the container.

2.5 Fertilization: No fertilization is required of mangrove plantings.

2.6 Plant Installation. All containerized plants shall be planted in a dug hole. The plant shall be removed from the container immediately prior to planting and placed into the hole. When the container is removed, the roots and medium shall be held intact in the same shape and size as the container and shall remain intact throughout the planting installation. The depth of the planting hole shall be fixed so that the top surface of the plant root ball is two (2) to four (4) inches below normal ground. The planting hole shall be tightly closed around the plant and plants must remain erect after planting as shown on the Plans.

2.6.1 Plants shall be planted the same day they are delivered to the site if possible. Plants shall not become water stressed prior to planting. Plants shall retain their stem and leaf rigidity at all times indicating adequate moisture is being received. Plants shall be watered with water within the salinity ranges in which they were grown. The Contractor must take the necessary precautions to ensure that plant materials receive adequate water during all phases of the Contract prior to actual planting. Transplants must stay moist during mobilization and while on site prior to planting. Plants appearing discolored, shriveled, dehydrated, or otherwise stressed shall be rejected.

2.6.2 The Government reserve the right to reject any plant material not meeting minimum specifications.

2.7 Measurement and payment. Payment for this item will be made in accordance to Bid Line Item No. 0001 per acre price, “Black Mangrove – Four-Inch Container” which price and payments shall constitute compensation for furnishing all overhead, profit, labor, materials, equipment for installation, and any other cost incidental to performing all Work as specified herein. No payment shall be made for plants that are rejected or damaged due to fault or negligence by the Contractor.

3 Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum)

3.2 Description: Acceptable Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum) plants for the purpose of this Contract are nursery grown plants produced vegetatively from first generation foundation material and/or plants produced vegetatively as accessional generations from foundation materials of Panicum amarum var. amarum ‘Fourchon’. For this project, Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum) shall be grown in four (4) inch containers. Plants produced from seed, cell and tissue culture lines, DNA fragments and pollen, or other methods of biotechnology are not acceptable. If accessional generation from foundation material of Panicum amarum var. amarum ‘Fourchon’ is not readily available in quantities needed to complete the project, then the Contractor may utilize other varieties with the approval of the Government.

3.2.1 The plant species Panicum amarum var. amarum ‘Fourchon’ is a cultivated variety released by the USDA, NRCS, Golden Meadow PMC.

3.2.2 Foundation material as it related to Panicum amarum var. amarum ‘Fourchon’ and this Contract is defined as and shall meet all three of the following:

3.2.2.1 Vegetative germplasm released and maintained by the Golden Meadow PMC; and

3.2.2.2 Foundation material provided directly to a nursery from the Golden Meadow PMC; and

3.2.2.3 Vegetative propagules subsequently produced as direct accessional generations from the original foundation material provided to a nursery by the Golden Meadow PMC. That is, the plants shall be reproduced vegetatively by and at a nursery from its own foundation material obtained from the Golden Meadow PMC.

3.2.3 The Contractor shall provide official documentation that the nursery providing plant material has received foundation material for Panicum amarum var. amarum ‘Fourchon’ from the Golden Meadow PMC.

3.2.4 Foundation Material for nursery propagation can be obtained from: Golden Meadow PMC 438 Airport Road Galliano, LA 70354, (985) 475-5280

3.3 Work Plan. The workplan developed by the Contractor shall adhere to the following guidelines with regards to Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum):

3.3.1 Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum) and shall be planted in the 64 acre dune restoration area.

3.3.2 Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum) and Sea Oats (Uniola paniculate) shall be planted in rows under the following specifications. (See Appendix A for diagram)

3.3.2.1 The rows shall run the length of the sand fencing installed in the dune area of the island. The length of the sand fencing is approximately 15,400 feet.

3.3.2.2 The first rows on either side of the sand fencing shall contain an equal number of Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum) and Sea Oats (Uniola paniculate) with 2.5 feet of spacing between each plant in the row.

3.3.2.3 For all rows, not including the first rows on either side of the sand fencing, Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum) shall be installed in a row with 5 feet of spacing between each plant

3.3.2.4 Rows shall begin 2.5 feet distance from the base of the sand fencing on both sides of the fence and shall repeat every 10 feet.

3.3.3 The number of plants needed will be adjusted following finalization of the work plan.

3.4 Plant Size: Each four (4) inch container of Panicum amarum var. amarum ‘Fourchon’ shall have a minimum of three (3) live and actively growing stems. Each of the three (3) required stems shall have a minimum stem height/length of twelve (12) inches from the stem-root interface to the stem (not leaf) tip.

3.5 Fertilization: Each Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum), plant shall be fertilized with one slow-release, high nitrogen fertilizer tablet. The tablet weight shall be no less than 15 grams nor greater than 25 grams. Each tablet shall contain no less than 15 percent or more than 30 percent nitrogen. Each tablet shall be placed within two (2) to four (4) inches from the root ball edge and three (3) inches below normal ground immediately after planting.

3.6 Plant Installation: All containerized plants shall be planted in a dug hole. The plant shall be removed from the container immediately prior to planting and placed into the hole. The depth of the planting hole shall be fixed so that the top surface of the plant root ball is two (2) to four (4) inches below normal ground. The planting hole shall be tightly closed around the plant and plants must remain erect after planting as shown on the Plans.

3.6.1 Plants shall be planted the same day they are delivered to the site if possible. Plants shall not become water stressed prior to planting. Plants shall retain their stem and leaf rigidity at all times indicating adequate moisture is being received. Plants shall be watered with water within the salinity ranges in which they were grown. The Contractor must take the necessary precautions to ensure that plant materials receive adequate water during all phases of the Contract prior to actual planting. Transplants must stay moist during mobilization and while on site prior to planting. Plants appearing discolored, shriveled, dehydrated, or otherwise stressed shall be rejected.

3.6.2 The Government and/or its Resident Project Representative reserve the right to reject any plant material not meeting minimum specifications.

3.7 Measurement and payment: Payment for this item will be made will be made in accordance to Bid Line Item No. 0002 per acre price, “Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum) – Four-Inch Container” which price and payments shall constitute compensation for furnishing all overhead, profit, labor, materials, equipment for installation, and any other cost incidental to performing all Work as specified herein. No payment shall be made for plants that are rejected or damaged due to fault or negligence by the Contractor.

4 Sea Oats (Uniola paniculate)

4.2 Description: Acceptable Sea Oats (Uniola paniculate) plants for the purpose of this Contract are nursery grown plants produced vegetatively from first generation foundation material and/or plants produced vegetatively as accessional generations from foundation materials of Uniola paniculata ‘Caminada’. For this project, Sea Oats (Uniola paniculate) shall be grown in trade gallons containers. Plants produced from seed, cell and tissue culture lines, DNA fragments and pollen, or other methods of biotechnology are not acceptable. If accessional generation from foundation material of Uniola paniculata ‘Caminada’ is not readily available in quantities needed to complete the project, then the Contractor may utilize other varieties with the approval of the Government.

4.2.1 The plant species Uniola paniculata ‘Caminada’ is a cultivated variety released by the USDA, NRCS, Golden Meadow PMC in 2001.

4.2.2 Foundation material as it related to Uniola paniculata ‘Caminada’ and this Contract is defined as and shall meet all three of the following:

4.2.2.1 Vegetative germplasm released and maintained by the Natural Resource Conservation Service, Golden Meadow PMC; and

4.2.2.2 Foundation material provided directly to a nursery from the Golden Meadow PMC; and

4.2.2.3 Vegetative propagules subsequently produced as direct accessional generations from the original foundation material provided to a nursery by the Golden Meadow PMC. That is, the plants shall be reproduced vegetatively by and at a nursery from its own foundation material obtained from the Golden Meadow PMC.

4.2.3 The Contractor shall provide official documentation that the nursery providing plant material has received foundation material for Uniola paniculata ‘Caminada’ from the Golden Meadow PMC.

4.2.4 Foundation Material for nursery propagation can be obtained from: Golden Meadow PMC 438 Airport Road Galliano, LA 70354 (985) 475-5280

4.3 Work Plan. The workplan developed by the Contractor shall adhere to the following guidelines with regards to Sea Oats (Uniola paniculate) :

4.3.1 Sea Oats (Uniola paniculate) shall be planted in the 64 acre dune restoration area.

4.3.2 Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum) and Sea Oats (Uniola paniculate) shall be planted in rows under the following specifications. (See Appendix A for diagram)

4.3.2.1 The rows shall run the length of the sand fencing installed in the dune area of the island. The length of the sand fencing is approximately 15,400 feet.

4.3.2.2 The first rows on either side of the sand fencing shall contain an equal number of Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum) and Sea Oats (Uniola paniculate) with 2.5 feet of spacing between each plant in the row.

4.3.2.3 The first row on either side of the sand fencing shall begin 2.5 feet distance from the base of the sand fencing.

4.3.3 The number of plants needed will be adjusted following finalization of the work plan.

4.4 Plant Size: Each Sea Oats (Uniola paniculate) trade gallon container shall have a minimum of five (5) live stems, attached at the stem-root interface. At least two (2) of the five (5) stems shall have a minimum stem height/length of ten (10) inches from the stem-root interface to the stem (not leaf) tip.

4.5 Fertilization: Each Sea Oats (Uniola paniculate) plant shall be fertilized with one slow-release, high nitrogen fertilizer tablet. The tablet weight shall be no less than 15 grams nor greater than 25 grams. Each tablet shall contain no less than 15 percent or more than 30 percent nitrogen. Each tablet shall be placed within two (2) to four (4) inches from the root ball edge and three (3) inches below normal ground immediately after planting.

4.6 Plant Installation. All containerized plants shall be planted in a dug hole. The plant shall be removed from the container immediately prior to planting and placed into the hole. When the container is removed, the roots and medium shall be held intact in the same shape and size as the container and shall remain intact throughout the planting installation. The depth of the planting hole shall be fixed so that the top surface of the plant root ball is two (2) to four (4) inches below normal ground. The planting hole shall be tightly closed around the plant and plants must remain erect after planting as shown on the Plans.

4.6.1 Plants shall be planted the same day they are delivered to the site if possible. Plants shall not become water stressed prior to planting. Plants shall retain their stem and leaf rigidity at all times indicating adequate moisture is being received. Plants shall be watered with water within the salinity ranges in which they were grown. The Contractor must take the necessary precautions to ensure that plant materials receive adequate water during all phases of the Contract prior to actual planting. Transplants must stay moist during mobilization and while on site prior to planting. Plants appearing discolored, shriveled, dehydrated, or otherwise stressed shall be rejected.

4.6.2 The Government and/or its Resident Project Representative reserve the right to reject any plant material not meeting minimum specifications.

4.7 Measurement and payment: Payment for this item will be made will be made in accordance to Bid Line Item No. 0002 per acre price, “Sea Oats (Uniola paniculate) – Gallon Containers” which price and payments shall constitute compensation for furnishing all overhead, profit, labor, materials, equipment for installation, and any other cost incidental to performing all Work as specified herein. No payment shall be made for plants that are rejected or damaged due to fault or negligence by the Contractor.

5 Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora)

Description. Acceptable Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) plants for the purpose of this Contract are nursery grown plants produced vegetatively from first generation foundation material and/or plants produced vegetatively as accessional generations from foundation materials of Spartina alterniflora ‘Vermilion’. For this project, the size of Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) plants shall be vegetative plugs. Plants produced from seed, cell and tissue culture lines, DNA fragments and pollen, or other methods of biotechnology are not acceptable. If accessional generation from foundation material of Spartina alterniflora ‘Vermilion’ is not readily available in quantities needed to complete the project, then the Contractor may utilize other varieties with the approval of the Government.

5.2.1 The plant species Spartina alterniflora ‘Vermilion’ is a cultivated variety released by the USDA, NRCS, Golden Meadow PMC in 1989. The complete and proper name for acceptable plant materials for this Contract is Spartina alterniflora Loisel cv. Vermilion.

5.2.2 Foundation material as it related to Spartina alterniflora ‘Vermilion’ and this Contract is defined as and shall meet all three of the following:

5.2.2.1 Vegetative germplasm released and maintained by the Natural Resource Conservation Service, Golden Meadow PMC; and

5.2.2.2 Foundation material provided directly to a nursery from the Golden Meadow PMC; and

5.2.2.3 Vegetative propagules subsequently produced as direct accessional generations from the original foundation material provided to a nursery by the Golden Meadow PMC. That is, the plants shall be reproduced vegetatively by and at a nursery from its own foundation material obtained from the Golden Meadow PMC.

5.2.3 The Contractor shall provide official documentation that the nursery providing plant material has received foundation material for Spartina alterniflora ‘Vermilion’ from the Golden Meadow PMC.

5.2.4 Foundation Material for nursery propagation can be obtained from: Golden Meadow PMC 438 Airport Road Galliano, LA 70354 (985) 475-5280

5.3 Work Plan. The workplan developed by the Contractor shall adhere to the following guidelines with regards to Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) :

5.3.1 Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) shall be planted in the 165 acres back barrier marsh restoration area.

5.3.2 Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) shall be planted in rows under the following specifications. (See Appendix A for diagram).

5.3.2.1 The rows shall be planted such that there will be 3 feet between each plant.

5.3.2.2 The rows will be spaced 3 feet apart. Every other row shall be offset 1.5ft from the preceding row, such that the midpoint between two plants will align with plants in the adjacent rows.

5.3.3 The number of plants needed will be adjusted following finalization of the work plan.

5.4 Plant Size: Each Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) vegetative plug transplant shall have a minimum of three (3) live stems, attached at the stem-root interface. At least two (2) of the three (3) stems shall have a minimum stem height/length of ten (10) inches from the stem-root interface to the stem (not leaf) tip. In addition, each plug shall have a root mass of not less than two (2) inches in diameter at the root crown, and with no less than a total of four (4) primary roots per plug. Plug roots shall not be less than six (6) inches in length from the point of attachment to the root tip when stretched out.

5.4.1 All vegetative plug transplants shall consist of multi-stemmed, bare-root material, and shall meet the following specifications:

5.4.1.1 Vegetative plug transplants shall not be dug earlier than seventy-two (72) hours prior to the time of delivery to the planting site.

5.4.1.2 All portions of the vegetative plug transplants, i.e., stems, roots and leaves, shall be specifically protected in such a manner as to ensure adequate protection against climatic, seasonal, mechanical, or other injury during transit, loading and unloading, holding, and planting. Plugs can be protected by a number of acceptable methods such as wrapping with: 1) burlap, 2) sphagnum (or other water-holding mosses), 3) paper, 4) packing in water absorbing gels, or 5) a combination of materials. The Contractor shall contact the Government to confirm the suitability of packing materials prior to transporting or delivering any plants.

5.4.1.3 Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) stems longer than thirty-six (36) inches shall be cut to facilitate transportation and planting. However, plant stems may not be cut shorter than thirty-six (36) inches from the cut end to the stem-root interface. Stems shall not be broken or physically damaged during transportation or planting.

5.5 Salt Hardening: The Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) plants shall be salt-hardened under ponding conditions to a minimum of ten (10) parts per thousand. Plants are to be salt-hardened to these levels for at least fourteen (14) consecutive days within one (1) week of delivery to the Project Site;

5.5.1 The Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) plants are to be salt-hardened at increments of no more than five (5) parts per thousand per week; 43

5.5.2 The Contractor shall inform the Government, in writing, two (2) weeks prior to the commencement of salt-hardening. The Contractor shall also include the methods by which the Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) plants will be salt-hardened.

5.6 Fertilization: Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) plugs shall not be fertilized.

5.7 Plant Installation. Vegetative plug transplants shall be planted in a dug hole. The depth of the planting hole shall be fixed so that the stem-root interface shall be a minimum of one (1) inch below normal ground. The stem-root interface shall not be more than three (3) inches below normal ground. The planting hole shall be tightly closed around the plant and plants must remain erect after planting as shown on the Plans.

5.7.1 Plants shall be planted the same day they are delivered to the site if possible. Plants shall not become water stressed prior to planting. Plants shall retain their stem and leaf rigidity at all times indicating adequate moisture is being received. Plants shall be watered with water within the salinity ranges in which they were grown. The Contractor must take the necessary precautions to insure that plant materials receive adequate water during all phases of the Contract prior to actual planting. Transplants must stay moist during mobilization and while on site prior to planting. Plants appearing discolored, shriveled, dehydrated, or otherwise stressed shall be rejected.

5.7.2 The Government and/or its Resident Project Representative reserve the right to reject any plant material not meeting minimum specifications.

5.8 Measurement and payment. Payment for this item will be made in accordance to Bid Line Item No. 0003 per acre price, “Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) – Plugs” which price and payments shall constitute compensation for furnishing all overhead, profit, labor, materials, equipment for installation, and any other cost incidental to performing all Work as specified herein. No payment shall be made for plants that are rejected or damaged due to fault or negligence by the Contractor.

6 Work Plan

6.2 The following items shall be included in the Work Plan in addition to those required by TS-2.2, TS-3.2, TS-4.2, and TS-5.2

6.3 The source(s) of all plant materials (nursery name, mailing and physical address, phone number, and name of contact person);

6.4 A legible copy of all current and Louisiana state nursery licenses and/or permits issued to the nursery, or nurseries;

6.5 A letter from the nursery or nurseries supplying plant materials that it has received, read, and understands the plant specifications regarding this Contract and that it will provide plant materials meeting these Specifications;

6.6 The types of equipment the Contractor proposes to use for delivering plant materials from the nursery to the delivery site and from the delivery site to the planting site and on the planting site to transport materials, personnel, etc.;

6.7 The Contractor’s proposed method of protecting plants from the nursery to the delivery site and from the delivery site to the Project Site;

6.8 The Contractor’s proposed method of salt-hardening plants and watering plants prior to planting;

6.9 The estimated Work Schedule that shows the planned schedule of dates and timelines for the major elements of work required to complete the Work described in these Specifications, including but not limited to the anticipated dates of the following:

6.9.1 The date all plant materials are on the premises of the nursery or nurseries;

6.9.2 The anticipated dates that salt-hardening shall be commenced and completed;

6.9.3 The anticipated date(s) for the site layout and staking;

6.9.4 The anticipated initiation of delivery and planting operations at the work location;

6.9.5 The estimated duration of planting operations.

6.10 The Work Plan shall be submitted to the government within 10 days of issuance of the NTP. The Government shall review the Work Plan and have the Contractor make any necessary revisions prior to acceptance of the plan.

1.7 General Information

1.7.1 Quality Control: The contractor shall develop and maintain an effective quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The contractor’s quality control program is the means by which he assures himself that his work complies with the requirement of the contract. The Contractor shall keep a daily record of plantings, including species and number of plants delivered and installed, any Field or Change Orders, compliance with the approved work schedule, watering methods, transportation of plants, installation methods, weather conditions (wind speed and direction, temperature, seas, sky conditions, and precipitation), and non working days which shall be included with the weekly reports of progress. The daily reports shall be submitted to COR at the weekly progress meeting, unless otherwise instructed.

1.7.2 Quality Assurance: The government shall evaluate the contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. This plan is primarily focused on what the Government must do to ensure that the contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rate(s).

1.7.2.1 Independent Quality Assurance Representative (IQAR): The government anticipates a government contracted IQAR assigned to inspect the work at various times throughout the course of services performed. The contracted IQAR will provide the government complete and continuous oversight and inspection during the implementation of services provided under this contract. The IQAR shall act as the eyes and ears of the government’s COR during the course of the contract implantation. But, the IQAR does not have contract authority and shall not direct the Vegetative Planting Contractor.

1.7.3 Recognized Holidays: The Contractor may, but is not required to perform services on these holidays:

Independence Day

1.7.4 Hours of Operation: Operations should take place during daylight hours and the contractor should make the Contracting Officer Representative aware of times scheduled to work.

1.7.5 Place of Performance: The work to be performed under this contract will be performed at North Breton Island, Breton National Wildlife Refuge, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. Coordinates: Latitude 29°29'22.91"N and Longitude 89°10'16.91"W.

1.7.6 Type of Contract: The government will award a Firm Fixed Price.

1.7.7 Security Requirements: Not applicable.

1.7.8 PHYSICAL Security: The contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all materials, equipment, and property for duration of contract.

1.7.8.1 Key Control. Not applicable

1.7.8.2 Lock Combinations Not applicable.

1.7.9 Special Qualifications: The Contractor shall, without additional expense to the Service, be responsible for obtaining any licenses and permits, and for complying with any applicable State and Federal laws, codes, and regulations in connection with prosecution of the work.

1.7.10 Post Award Conference/Progress Meetings: The Contractor agrees to attend any post award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 42.5. The contracting officer, Contracting Officers Representative (COR), and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the contractor to review the contractor's performance. At these meetings the contracting officer will apprise the contractor of how the government views the contractor's performance and the contractor will apprise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the government.

a. Organization

b. Responsibilities and authority of the COR, IQAR, and other personnel.

c. Contract documents, including distribution of the required copies of the original documents and revisions.

d. Channels and procedures for communication.

e. Discuss all deliverables that are required to be submitted prior to this meeting.

f. Bonds, insurance requirements, permits, and proof of compliance

g. Work Plan Schedule

h. Invoicing and progress payments

i. Field decision and change orders

j. Rules and regulations governing performance of the work

k. Procedures for safety, first aid, security, quality control, and housekeeping

l. Reports

m. Permits

n. Government contact information

1.7.11 Contracting Officer Representative (COR): The COR will be identified by separate letter. The COR monitors all technical aspects of the contract and assists in contract administration The COR is authorized to perform the following functions: assure that the Contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract: perform inspections necessary in connection with contract performance: maintain written and oral communications with the Contractor concerning technical aspects of the contract: issue written interpretations of technical requirements, including Government drawings, designs, specifications: monitor Contractor's performance and notifies both the Contracting Officer and Contractor of any deficiencies; coordinate availability of government furnished property, and provide site entry of Contractor personnel. A letter of designation issued to the COR, a copy of which is sent to the Contractor, states the responsibilities and limitations of the COR, especially with regard to changes in cost or price, estimates or changes in delivery dates. The COR is not authorized to change any of the terms and conditions of the resulting order.

1.7.12 Key Personnel: The follow personnel are considered key personnel by the government:

Contract Specialist: Lisa Rodriguez, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 500 Gold Avenue SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Ph: 505-248-6797; Email: lisa_rodriguez@fws.gov Contracting Officer’s Representative: Kate Healy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 341 Greeno Road, N., Suite A, Fairehope, AL 36532, Ph: 251-533-7863; Email: katherine_healy@fws.gov.

Project Manager: Luke Anthis, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 341 Greeno Rd N., Suite A, Fairhope, AL 36532, Ph: 251-517-8002; Email: luke_anthis@fws.gov.

Refuge Point of Contact: Barret Fortier, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Louisiana Refuges Complex, Lacombe, LA, Ph: 985-882-2011; Email: barret_fortier@fws.gov

1.7.13 Identification of Contractor Employees: The contractor shall provide a contract manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate who shall act for the contractor when the manager is absent shall be designated in writing to the contracting officer. The contract manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The contract manager or alternate shall be available between 8:00 a.m. to 4:30p.m., Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the government facility is closed for administrative reasons.

1.7.14 Contractor Travel: The Contractor shall provide transportation of tools, materials, fuel, personnel to planting location. North Breton Island is a remote offshore island that does not have a landing facility and that is only accessible by boat. The nearest boat launch is in Venice, LA at the following locations:

· Venice Marine located at 237 Sports Marina Rd, Venice, LA 70091

· Cypress Cove Marina at 235 Cypress Cove Rd, Venice, LA 70091

Contractor will be required to furnish suitable transportation from the shore to and from the project sites. Contractor is not required to use a specific marina or launch from Venice, LA. Boat landing efforts on the island shall be coordinated with the Government and addressed in Work Plan. Contractor, if utilizing all-terrain vehicles (ATV), shall adhere to island Speed Limit of 5 miles per hour (mph).

1.7.15 IQAR Transportation: The Contractor shall provide transportation between the mainland and Breton Island for the IQAR on regularly scheduled supply/crew boats. The Contractor shall provide full access to all portions of the Project Site including onshore and offshore activities.

If the Contractor utilizes a dedicated ATV’s on the project site, the…