A04_Phase3PlantingSandFence_PWS_0001.docx

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

North Breton Island Restoration Project – Phase 3 Planting and Sand Fence Installation Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

Part 1

General Information

1. GENERAL: This is a non-personnel services contract to provide services for “Louisiana Outer Coast Project - North Breton Island Component”. 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 and the installation of sand fencing as defined in this Performance Work Statement 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 National Wildlife Refuge (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 North Breton Island. 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 nest on the islands. The most abundant nesters are Brown Pelicans, Laughing Gulls, and Royal, Caspian, and Sandwich Terns.

North Breton Island is an approximately 422-acre barrier island located 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.

Figure 1. Location of North Breton Island.

Figure 1. Location of North Breton Island

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. However, 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, through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) was tasked with mitigating environmental damages caused by the spill. The effort includes restoring beaches, dunes, and back-barrier marsh habitats in Louisiana, in part to increase the populations of bird species impacted by the spill. The Louisiana Outer Coast Project - North Breton Island Component is a part of that effort.

Work under this contract will further this effort by providing additional nesting habitat for these species and by installing vegetation and fencing that will stabilize and expand the island’s dune systems. By enhancing the ability of the dune system to accrete windblown sediment, the resiliency and longevity of the island will be improved.

1.3 Objectives: The USFWS Gulf Restoration Office (GRO) and Breton National Wildlife Refuge shall enhance marsh, mangrove, and back-dune habitats on North Breton Island through native vegetation plantings. They shall also stabilize and enhance the resiliency and longevity of the island’s dune system through the installation of sand fencing parallel to existing dune crests.

1.4 Scope:

1.4.1 Task 1. Work Plan

The Contractor shall develop a work plan and submit it to the Government within 30 days of receiving the Notice to Proceed (NTP). The work plan shall detail the Contractor’s plan and proposed schedule for accomplishing the work required to complete Task 2 and Task 3. The work plan shall adhere to technical specification TS-1.

1.4.2 Task 2. Native Vegetation Plantings

The Contractor shall provide all transportation, plants, equipment, labor, and materials necessary to plant 65,000 Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) 4-inch containers, 38,160 Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) two (2) inch plugs, 176,320 Saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens) 4-inch containers, 6,720 Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) 4-inch container, and 6,720 Seashore dropseed (Sporobolus virginicus) 4-inch containers at the designated restoration areas. See Attachment A – North Breton Island Phase 3 Planting Restoration Plan for specific information on the designated restoration area. 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.

Figure 2. North Breton Island with Phase 3 Planting Restoration Areas

Table 1. Task 2 Native Vegetation Plantings

1.4.2.1 Plant Specifications:

All plants used for this task shall adhere to technical specifications TS-2. Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) shall adhere to technical specifications TS-3, Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) shall adhere to technical specifications TS-4, Saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens) shall adhere to technical specifications TS-5, Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) shall adhere to technical specifications TS-6, and Seashore dropseed (Sporobolus virginicus) shall adhere to technical specifications TS-7.

1.4.3 Task 3. Sand Fence Installation

The Contractor shall provide all transportation, plants, equipment, labor, and materials necessary to install no less than 6,120 linear feet (LF) and up to 7,500 LF of sand fencing on the island. The Contractor shall provide all transportation, equipment, and labor necessary to install sand fencing within an approximately 15,000 LF boundary that runs along the dune crest of the island. Final locations and amount of the 6,120-7,500 LF of sand fencing will be finalized by the Government and the Contractor at least 60 days prior to mobilization to the island. All materials and installation methods used for this task shall adhere to technical specification TS-8. Comment by Anthis, Luke D: Add 200ft buffer on either side of the sand fencing

Figure 3. Sand Fencing with 200ft Installation Area Around Buffer

Table 2. Task 3 Sand Fence Installation

1.5 Period of Performance: Comment by Anthis, Luke D: Nesting restrictions Comment by Anthis, Luke D: May want multiple years to account for plant production times Comment by Anthis, Luke D: 2 years Comment by Anthis, Luke D: Nesting Restriction of March 1st to August 15th but can be coordinated with refuge observations.

The period of performance shall be for two (2) years, a Base Year of 12 months and one (1) option year, totaling 24 months, from the issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP). Work shall not be conducted on the island between March 1st and August 15th of any year due to the presence of nesting birds. Contractors must confer with the Contracting Officers Representative (COR) and/or Project Manager prior to initiating and completing any work.

1.6 Initial Inspection, Final Inspection, Acceptance, and Payment

1.6.1 Plantings:

When Task 2 “Native Vegetation Plantings” has been satisfactorily completed in accordance with technical specifications, the COR shall be notified in writing stating work is completed and ready for initial inspection. The Government shall, unless otherwise provided, make the initial inspection within 10 business days after the receipt of such notification.

If the work provided for in the contract is found completed to the Government satisfaction, that inspection for initial completion of work shall constitute an initial acceptance for the plants that were inspected. Payment for initial acceptance of the work shall be issued at a rate of 80% of the items bid price, with the remaining 20% being issued upon final acceptance.

When the work has been satisfactorily completed in accordance with technical specifications, and plants have been installed for a minimum of 30 days, the COR shall be notified in writing stating work is completed and ready for final inspection. The Government shall, unless otherwise provided, make the final inspection within 10 business days after the receipt of such notification.

If all work provided for in the contract is found completed to the Government’s satisfaction, that inspection shall constitute the final inspection, and the Government will issue final acceptance and notify the Contractor in writing of this acceptance. Payment for final acceptance of the work shall be issued at a rate of the remaining 20% of the items bid price.

Work shall be inspected and judged based on standards specified in this document and in Technical Exhibit 1 “Performance Requirement Summary”.

1.6.2: Sand Fence Installation: Comment by Williams, Sophie C: I assume the IGCE/CLINS will list the sand fencing and plantings separately? Comment by Anthis, Luke D: Correct, I will prepare a separate spreadsheet outlining a suggested CLIN structure.

When Task 3 “Sand Fence Installation” has been satisfactorily completed in accordance with technical specifications, the COR shall be notified in writing stating work is completed and ready for final inspection. The Government shall, unless otherwise provided, make the final inspection within 10 business days after the receipt of such notification. If all work provided for in the contract is found completed to the Government’s satisfaction, that inspection shall constitute the final inspection, and the Government will issue final acceptance and notify the Contractor in writing of this acceptance. Payment for final acceptance of the work shall be issued at a rate of 100% of the items bid price.

Work shall be inspected and judged based on standards specified in this document and in Technical Exhibit 1 “Performance Requirement Summary”.

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.

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).

1.7.3 Recognized Holidays:

Independence Day

1.7.4 Hours of Operation: The Contractor is responsible for conducting business, between the hours of 6:00am – 5:00pm CST, Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government directed facility closings. For other than firm fixed price contracts, the Contractor will not be reimbursed when the Government facility is closed for the above reasons. The Contractor must at all times maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS when the Government facility is not closed for the above reasons. When hiring personnel, the Contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the workforce are essential.

1.7.5 Place of Performance: The work to be performed under this contract will be performed at North Breton Island located within Breton National Wildlife Refuge, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. Latitude 29°28'55.46"N Longitude 89°10'29.52"W.

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

1.7.7 Security Requirements: Not applicable

1.7.7.1 Lock Combinations: Not applicable

1.7.8 Special Qualifications: Not applicable

1.7.9 Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings: Not applicable.

1.7.10 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.

1.7.11 Key Personnel: The following personnel are considered key personnel by the Government: Contract Manager. 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 project manager or alternate shall be available between 8:00a.m. to 4:30pm, Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed for administrative reasons. Comment by Williams, Sophie C: Should this say project manager throughout? Comment by Anthis, Luke D: This is referring to the Contractor’s main POC for the project. I don’t know how strict the terminology has to be for the Contractor’s staff but we can ask during review.

1.7.12 Identification of Contractor Employees: N/A

1.7.13 Other Direct Costs: N/A

1.7.14 Organizational Conflict of Interest: N/A

1.7.15: Key Government Personnel: The following personnel are considered key personnel by the Government: Comment by Anthis, Luke D: Update prior to solicitation posting

Contract Specialist: William Fluharty, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Joint Administrative Operations Ph: 301-575-6495; Email: William_fluharty@fws.gov

Contracting Officer’s Representative: Kara Barcomb, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Gulf Restoration Office, Ph: 251-510-6762; Email: kara_barcomb@fws.gov

Project Manager: Sophie Williams, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Gulf Restoration Office, Ph: 334-318-9033; Email: sophie_williams@fws.gov.

Government Designated Field Representative: TBD Ph: TBD; Email: TBD

PART 2

DEFINITIONS & ACRONYMS

2. DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS:

2.1. DEFINITIONS:

2.1.1. CONTRACTOR. A supplier or vendor awarded a contract to provide specific supplies or service to the Government. The term used in this contract refers to the prime.

2.1.2. CONTRACTING OFFICER. A person with authority to enter into, administer, and or terminate contracts, and make related determinations and findings on behalf of the Government. Note: The only individual who can legally bind the Government.

2.1.3. CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (COR). An employee of the U.S. Government appointed by the contracting officer to administer the contract. Such appointment shall be in writing and shall state the scope of authority and limitations. This individual has authority to provide technical direction to the Contractor as long as that direction is within the scope of the contract, does not constitute a change, and has no funding implications. This individual does NOT have authority to change the terms and conditions of the contract.

2.1.4. DEFECTIVE SERVICE. A service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with the Performance Work Statement.

2.1.5. DELIVERABLE. Anything that can be physically delivered, but may include non-manufactured things such as meeting minutes or reports.

2.1.6. KEY PERSONNEL. Contractor personnel that are evaluated in a source selection process and that may be required to be used in the performance of a contract by the Key Personnel listed in the PWS. When key personnel are used as an evaluation factor in best value procurement, an offer can be rejected if it does not have a firm commitment from the persons that are listed in the proposal.

2.1.7. PHYSICAL SECURITY. Actions that prevent the loss or damage of Government property.

2.1.8. QUALITY ASSURANCE. The Government procedures to verify that services being performed by the Contractor are performed according to acceptable standards.

2.1.9. QUALITY ASSURANCE Surveillance Plan (QASP). An organized written document specifying the surveillance methodology to be used for surveillance of Contractor performance.

2.1.10. QUALITY CONTROL. All necessary measures taken by the Contractor to assure that the quality of an end product or service shall meet contract requirements.

2.1.11. SUBCONTRACTOR. One that enters into a contract with a prime Contractor. The Government does not have privity of contract with the subContractor.

2.1.12. WORK DAY. The number of hours per day the Contractor provides services in accordance with the contract.

2.1.12. WORK WEEK. Monday through Friday, unless specified otherwise.

2.2. ACRONYMS:

PART 3

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES

3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES:

3.1. Services: The Government shall provide the contractor with relevant geospatial data used to generate figures and estimates within the PWS. Data will be provided as shapefiles (.shp) in a projected coordinate system (NAD 1983 UTM Zone 15N, EPSG 26915). Files will include: Comment by Anthis, Luke D: @Williams, Sophie C Have you had a chance to look at this section? I’m deferring to you on the data that would make sense to share with contractors. Comment by Williams, Sophie C: Section updated 3/11/25

· Elevation points (ft) measured in 2023

· Polygon Restoration Area for Avicennia germinans plantings

· Polygon Restoration Area for Spartina alterniflora plantings

· Polygon Restoration Area for Spartina patens plantings

· Polygon Restoration Area for mixed species backdune plots

· Line location of existing sand fencing

· Restoration Area polygon for sand fencing installation Additional geospatial data files may be provided by the Government upon Contractor request. See Attachment A – North Breton Island Phase 3 Planting Restoration Plan.

3.2 Facilities: N/A

3.3 Utilities: N/A

3.4 Equipment: N/A

3.5 Materials: N/A

PART 4

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES

4. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

4.1 General: The Contractor shall furnish all supplies, equipment, facilities and services required to perform work under this contract that are not listed under Section 3 of this PWS.

4.2 Secret Facility Clearance: N/A

4.3. Materials: N/A

4.4. Equipment: N/A

PART 5

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Technical Specifications (TS):

TS-1. Work Plan

1.1 The following items shall be included in the Work Plan in addition to those required by TS-3.3, TS-4.3, TS-5.3, TS-6.3 and TS-7.3:

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

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

1.4 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;

1.5 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.;

1.5.1 The Contractor shall identify a staging area on the mainland where equipment, materials, and plants may be stored and inspected prior to transportation to the island.

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

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

1.8 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:

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

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

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

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

1.8.5 The estimated duration of planting operations.

1.8.6 The anticipated initiation of material delivery and sand fence installation at the work location;

1.8.7 The estimated duration of sand fence installation operations.

1.9 Pre-Planting Verification Surveys: The Government intends to perform elevation verification surveys at least 60 days prior to the Contractor’s scheduled mobilization to the island. The purpose of the surveys is to determine whether the topography of the island had changed in such a way between the Notice to Proceed and mobilization date, that the viability of plantings would be diminished. At least 40 days before, but no more than 50 days before, the Contractor’s scheduled mobilization date, the Government shall provide updated sizes and locations of Restoration Areas if any adjustments were made because of the elevation verification surveys. No adjustments to final plant numbers or agreed upon cost shall occur except through a contract modification.

1.10 Field Adjustments: If all or a portion of one of the designated Restoration Areas cannot be planted, the Contractor may request an adjustment to the location and spacing of the Restoration Area from the USFWS Project Manager or the Government Designated Field Representative. If the request is reviewed and approved, the Contractor may make the necessary field adjustments for installation and shall document their changes from the original specifications. A summary of all documented changes shall be provided to the Government within 30 days of plant installation.

1.10.1 Acceptable reasons for a field adjustment include but are not limited to: Presence of nesting birds, changes in topography, presence of existing plants, and/or unanticipated discovery of cultural resources.

1.10.2 Field adjustments shall not result in changes to established pricing and schedule. Any changes that would result in changes to pricing or schedule shall be handled through a contract modification.

TS-2 All Plants

2.1 The Government and/or the Government Designated Field Representative shall approve or reject plant materials based on their adherence to specifications outlined in TS-2, TS-3, TS-4, TS-4, TS-5, TS-6, and TS-7 as applicable. At a minimum, plant material shall be inspected by the Government prior to transportation to the island. The Government reserves the right to reject plant materials any time prior to final inspection and acceptance for not meeting minimum specifications.

2.2 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.

2.3 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 Regulatory Affairs Director, American Nursery and Landscape Association, Washington, DC.

2.4 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.

2.5 Within thirty (30) days following the receipt of the Notice to Proceed, 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.

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

2.7 When possible, plants shall be planted the same day they are delivered to the site. 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. Rootballs shall be moist at the time of planting. Plants appearing discolored, shriveled, dehydrated, or otherwise stressed shall be rejected.

2.8 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.

2.9 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.

2.10 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. Comment by Williams, Sophie C: You’ve probably caught this in your version, but some of these tabs are off. It’s hard for me to fix in reviewer mode, so I did not attempt it. Comment by Anthis, Luke D: I’ve given up on trying to fix it. Feels like any change to try and fix it creates twice as many problems.

2.11 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.

2.12 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), 3) plant size, 4) quantity being delivered, 5) date of delivery, and 6) date dug or packed for shipment. 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.

2.13 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 substrates such as shredded pine wood, pine bark (¾ and ⅜ size), hardwood, coconut fiber, or rice hulls. Growing media shall not contain perlite or other inorganic components, such as Styrofoam. Commercially prepared horticulture potting mixes are suitable but also shall not contain inorganic components, such as perlite or Styrofoam.

TS-3. Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans)

3.1 Description: Acceptable Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) plants for the purpose of this Contract are nursery grown plants produced vegetatively first-generation foundation material and/or plants produced vegetatively as accessional generations from foundation materials of Avicennia germinans ‘Pelican’. For this project, Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) shall be grown in four (4) inch containers. 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.

3.2 Foundation Material: 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.

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

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

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

3.2.1.3 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.

3.2.2 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.

3.2.3 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/pm c/south east/lapmc/

3.3 Work Plan. The work plan developed by the Contractor shall adhere to the following guidelines with regards to Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans):

3.3.1 Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) shall be planted throughout the entire “Black Mangrove Marsh” Restoration Area.

3.3.2 Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) shall be planted three (3) feet, or thirty-six (36) inches, on center with three (3) feet, or thirty-six (36) inches between each row (See Attachment A – North Breton Island Phase 3 Planting Restoration Plan)

3.4 Plant Size: Each four (4) inch container of Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) shall have a minimum four (4) inch rootball and a minimum one (1) live and actively growing stems. Each of the one (1) required stems shall have a minimum stem height/length of twelve (12) inches from the stem-root interface to the stem (not leaf) tip. The primary stem shall have a minimum diameter of a quarter (0.25) inches.

3.5 Fertilization: Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) shall not be fertilized at the time of 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. Plants shall not be removed from the container prior to transport to the site. The depth of the planting hole shall be fixed so that the top surface of the plant root ball is at least two (2) inches and at most four (4) inches below the sand surface. The planting hole shall be tightly closed around the plant, covering the production substrate entirely, and plants must remain erect after planting as shown on the Restoration Plan.

3.7 Measurement and Payment: Payment for this item will be made at the Contract unit price per each for “Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) – 4-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.

TS-4. Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora)

4.1 Description: Acceptable Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) plants for the purpose of this Contract are nursery grown plants produced vegetatively first-generation foundation material and/or plants produced vegetatively as accessional generations from foundation materials of Spartina alterniflora ‘Vermilion’. For this project, Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) shall be grown in two (2) inch containers. 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.

4.2 Foundation Material: The plant species Spartina alterniflora ‘Vermilion’ seed germplasm is available from the Golden Meadow Plant Materials Center (PMC) to qualified nurseries, however material availability is seasonal and limited in quantity.

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

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

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

4.2.1.3 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.

4.2.2 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.

4.2.3 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/pm c/south east/lapmc/

4.3 Work Plan. The work plan developed by the Contractor shall adhere to the following guidelines with regards to Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans):

4.3.1 Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) shall be planted throughout the entire “Smooth Cordgrass Marsh” Restoration Area.

4.3.2 Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) shall be planted three (3) feet, or thirty-six (36) inches, on center with three (3) feet, or thirty-six (36) inches between each row (See Attachment A – North Breton Island Phase 3 Planting Restoration Plan)

4.4 Plant Size: Each two (2) inch container of Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) shall have a minimum two (2) inch rootball and a minimum three (3) live and actively growing stems. Two of the three (3) required 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: Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) shall not be fertilized at the time of 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. Plants shall not be removed from the container prior to transport to the site. The depth of the planting hole shall be fixed so that the top surface of the plant root ball is at least one (1) inches and at most three (3) inches below the sand surface. The planting hole shall be tightly closed around the plant, covering the production substrate entirely, and plants must remain erect after planting as shown on the Restoration Plan.

4.7 Measurement and Payment: Payment for this item will be made at the Contract unit price per each for “Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) – 2-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.

TS-5. Saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens)

5.1 Description: Acceptable Saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens) plants for the purpose of this Contract are nursery grown plants produced vegetatively first-generation foundation material and/or plants produced vegetatively as accessional generations from foundation materials of Saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens) ‘Gulf Coast’. For this project, Saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens) shall be grown in four (4) inch containers. If accessional generation from foundation material of Saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens) ‘Gulf Coast’ 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 Foundation Material: The plant species Saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens) ‘Gulf Coast’ seed germplasm is available from the Golden Meadow Plant Materials Center (PMC) to qualified nurseries, however material availability is seasonal and limited in quantity.

5.2.1 Foundation material as it relates to Saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens) ‘Gulf Coast’ and this Contract is defined as and shall meet all three of the following:

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

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

5.2.1.3 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.

5.2.2 The Contractor shall provide official documentation that the nursery providing plant material has received foundation material for Saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens) ‘Gulf Coast’ from the Golden Meadow PMC.

5.2.3 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/pm c/south east/lapmc/

5.3 Work Plan. The work plan developed by the Contractor shall adhere to the following guidelines with regards to Saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens):

5.3.1 Saltmeadow Cordgrass Marsh Restoration Area

5.3.1.1 Within the Saltmeadow Cordgrass Marsh Restoration Area, Saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens) shall be planted throughout the entirety of the Restoration Area.

5.3.1.2 Saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens) shall be planted three (3) feet, or thirty-six (36) inches, on center with three (3) feet, or thirty-six (36) inches between each row (See Attachment A – North Breton Island Phase 3 Planting Restoration Plan)

5.3.2 Mixed Back Dunes Restoration Area

5.3.2.1 Within the Mixed Back Dunes Restoration Area, Saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens) shall be planted in six (6) different plots that are 1.92 acres, or 289 ft by 289 ft, in size. It shall be planted such that it constitutes 1 of the 3 species used in the Mixed Back Dune plots, with each species having an equal number of plants as the other species per plot. It shall be planted such that it constitutes approximately 19 rows of the total approximately 58 rows within the plot. Each of the approximately 19 rows shall contain approximately 58 plants per row. The 19 rows of Saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens) shall be the middle 19 rows of the total 58 rows such that it is neither the closest or furthest to the dune crest or the shoreline.

5.3.2.2 Saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens) shall be planted five (5) feet, or sixty (60) inches, on center with five (5) feet, or sixty (60) inches between each row (See Attachment A – North Breton Island Phase 3 Planting Restoration Plan)

5.4 Plant Size: Each four (4) inch container of Saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens) shall have a minimum four (4) inch rootball and a minimum five (5) live and actively growing stems. Three (3) of the five (5) required stems shall have a minimum stem height/length of eighteen (18) inches from the stem-root interface to the stem (not leaf) tip.

5.5 Fertilization: Saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens) shall not be fertilized at the time of planting.

5.6 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. Plants shall not be removed from the container prior to transport to the site. The depth of the planting hole shall be fixed so that the top surface of the plant root ball is at least four (4) inches and at most six (6) inches below the sand surface. The planting hole shall be tightly closed around the plant, covering the production substrate entirely, and plants must remain erect after planting as shown on the Restoration Plan.

5.7 Measurement and Payment: Payment for this item will be made at the Contract unit price per each for “Saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens) – 4 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.

TS-6. Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum)

6.1 Description: Acceptable Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) plants for the purpose of this Contract are nursery grown plants produced vegetatively first-generation foundation material and/or plants produced vegetatively as accessional generations from foundation materials Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) ‘Brazoria’. For this project, Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) shall be grown in four (4) inch containers. If accessional generation from foundation material of Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) ) ‘Brazoria’ is not readily available in quantities needed to complete the project, then the Contractor may utilize other varieties with the approval of the Government.

6.2 Foundation Material: The plant species Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) ‘Brazoria’ seed germplasm is available from the Golden Meadow Plant Materials Center (PMC) to qualified nurseries, however material availability is seasonal and limited in quantity.

6.2.1 Foundation material as it relates to Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) ‘Brazoria’ and this Contract is defined as and shall meet all three of the following:

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

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

6.2.1.3 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.

6.2.2 The Contractor shall provide official documentation that the nursery providing plant material has received foundation material for Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) ‘Brazoria’ from the Golden Meadow PMC.

6.2.3 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/pm c/south east/lapmc/

6.3 Work Plan. The work plan developed by the Contractor shall adhere to the following guidelines with regards to Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum):

6.3.1 Within the Mixed Back Dunes Restoration Area, Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) shall be planted in six (6) different plots that are 1.92 acres, or 289 ft by 289 ft, in size. It shall be planted such that it constitutes 1 of the 3 species used in the Mixed Back Dune plots, with each species having an equal number of plants as the other species per plot. It shall be planted such that it constitutes approximately 19 rows of the total approximately 58 rows within the plot. Each of the approximately 19 rows shall contain approximately 58 plants per row. The 19 rows of Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) shall be the 19 rows that are furthest away from the dune crest and closest to the shoreline of the total 58 rows.

6.3.2 Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) shall be planted five (5) feet, or sixty (60) inches, on center with five (5) feet, or sixty (60) inches between each row (See Attachment A – North Breton Island Phase 3 Planting Restoration Plan)

6.4 Plant Size: Each four (4) inch container of Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) shall have a minimum four (4) inch rootball and a minimum six (6) live and actively growing stems. Three (3) of the six (6) required stems shall have a minimum stem height/length of eight (8) inches from the stem-root interface to the stem (not leaf) tip.

6.5 Fertilization: Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) shall not be fertilized at the time of planting.

6.6 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. Plants shall not be removed from the container prior to transport to the site. The depth of the planting hole shall be fixed so that the top surface of the plant root ball is at least one (1) inches and at most two (2) inches below the sand surface. The planting hole shall be tightly closed around the plant, covering the production substrate entirely, and plants must remain erect after planting as shown on the Restoration Plan.

6.7 Measurement and Payment: Payment for this item will be made at the Contract unit price per each for “Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) – 4 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.

TS-7. Seashore dropseed (Sporobolus virginicus)

7.1 Description: Acceptable Seashore dropseed (Sporobolus virginicus) for the purpose of this contract are plants produced from an original collection of a Louisiana coastal Seashore dropseed (Sporobolus virginicus) ecotype, or plants produced as an accessional generation from foundation material originally collected as a Louisiana coastal Seashore dropseed (Sporobolus virginicus) ecotype. For this project, Seashore dropseed (Sporobolus virginicus) shall be grown in four (4) inch containers.

7.2 Foundation Material: Acceptable Seashore dropseed (Sporobolus virginicus) for the purpose of this contract are plants produced from an original collection of a Louisiana coastal Seashore dropseed (Sporobolus virginicus) ecotype, or plants produced as an accessional generation from foundation…