A04_SOW_CORRECT_ED_0001.pdf

United States Department of the Interior

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge 10728 County Road X-61

Wapello, IA 52653

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Funding Opportunity: Timber Stand Improvement and Firebreak Maintenance within the Horseshoe Bend Division of Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge

Point of Contact:

Ron Knopik Acting Refuge Manager, Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge 10728 County Road X-61, Wapello, IA 52653 309.791.2863 Ron_knopik@fws.gov

Resource Goals and Objectives:

1. Horseshoe Bend Habitat Management Plan (2008)

a. Conserve and enhance floodplain forest to meet the needs of migrating and nesting neo-tropical migrant birds and other forest dependent wildlife. (Chapter 1, Page 4)

b. "Maintain a diversity of age classes within stands such that seedlings/saplings and young trees are in sufficient abundance to replace large trees that die." (Chapter 4: Woodland Habitat, Objective 2, Page 12)

c. “Maintain a wide range of tree species within woodland communities across the Division and increase the amount of oak and hickory present." (Chapter 4: Woodland Habitat, Objective 1, Page 12)

d. "While legacy oak trees and understory plant propagules still exist, the existing savanna remnants can be restored to a quality condition by returning fire to the landscape and thinning mid-story trees and brush." (Chapter 4, Page 13)

2. Mark Twain NWR Complex, Comprehensive Conservation Plan

a. Maintain existing tracts of floodplain forest on the refuge. Some existing forest areas may require active management to maintain overall health (Strategy 2.A.1, Page 120)

Project Description:

Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge in Louisa County, Iowa has identified a project to restore and promote woodland diversity following years absent prescribed fire and mechanical treatments due to persistent flooding and limited personnel and equipment resources. The project consists of conducting Timber Stand Improvements (TSI) along the Diggins Slough and River Corridor areas of Horseshoe Bend. This BIL project will also enable enhancements to firebreaks and improve access to other sub-units for personnel engaged in prescribed burning activities and wildfire suppression efforts on refuge lands.

Contract Period: Treatments will occur between October 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024.

mailto:Jennifer_froehly@fws.gov

Background and Project Area:

The treatment areas are located adjacent to the hydrological corridors within four sub-units of the Horseshoe Bend Division of Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge. The Division is located within the Iowa River floodplain approximately 4 miles upstream from its confluence with the Mississippi River (see Figure 1). All areas are accessed either via E or F Avenues and, at times, the use of a temporary crossing over Diggins Slough to gain entry. Additional information is included in the Scope of Work, Project Regulations, and Special Conditions.

Scope of Work:

Line Item 010 – Diggins Slough TSI: Perform a variety of TSI practices to include thinning, cull tree removal, invasive species eradication, hazardous fuels reduction, and regeneration openings. Trees will be selected for removal by refuge personnel to favor the growth, health, and development of the remaining trees (which will be clearly identified with paint or flagging).

See figure 2 for location of treatment area. All TSI work shall include:

1. Felling unmarked trees and shrubs in project area to ground level.

2. Treating stumps with triclopyr-based herbicide which will be provided by refuge.

Contractor must read and follow all label directions.

3. Piling of felled trees and shrubs at least 50' away from any trail, road, or firebreak. All piles must be no more that 5' high, occupy an area no larger than 100 square feet, and be spaced at least 25' away from other burn piles.

4. Disturbance of soil outside the designated project area at or below the natural existing grade will not be allowed.

Line Item 020 – River Corridor TSI: Restore equipment access to river levee by performing a variety of TSI practices to include thinning, cull tree removal, invasive species eradication, and hazardous fuels reduction. Trees will be marked for removal with paint or flagging by refuge personnel. TSI efforts will favor the growth and development of hard-mast trees and allow access to refuge sub-units for habitat management purposes. See figure 2 for location of treatment area. All TSI work shall include:

1. Felling marked trees and shrubs in project area to ground level.

2. Treating stumps with triclopyr-based herbicide which will be provided by refuge.

Contractor must read and follow all label directions.

3. Piling of felled trees and shrubs at least 50' away from any trail, road, or firebreak. All piles must be no more that 5' high, occupy an area no larger than 100 square feet, and be spaced at least 25' away from other burn piles.

4. Disturbance of soil outside the designated project area at or below the natural existing grade will not be allowed.

Bid Considerations:

1. Bids are requested in the following format:

• Per/Acre cost for the treatment of the Diggins Slough TSI (Line item 010)

• Per/Acre cost for the treatment of the River Corridor TSI (Line item 020)

2. Depending on available budget, Refuge personnel will determine the number of treatment acres (by treatment area) to be completed by the selected contractor.

Project Regulations:

1. Cut trees and tops shall not be left hanging or supported by any other trees or brush.

2. All roads, rights-of-way, field accesses, and streams and ditches must be free of slash and damage. Cutoff blocks or any other kind of debris must be removed from any roadside mowing zones, parking lots or any other improved area.

3. The Refuge Manager shall have the authority to temporarily close down all or any part of the operation during a period of high fire danger, inclement weather, safety reasons or any other reason deemed necessary.

4. Contractor must comply with applicable State and/or Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements and carry Workman's Compensation Insurance if required. Proof of insurance may be requested by the Contracting Officer at time of award.

5. Contractor shall not possess firearms/alcoholic beverages on Refuge lands.

6. Contractor (and employees) will only travel designated routes to and from the sites.

7. Only the Contractor and his/her designated employees are permitted on the work site.

Violation of these regulations or any other State, Federal or Refuge regulations may be cause for immediate termination and/or possible charges against the Contractor or employee.

Special Conditions:

1. Each treatment area of the project has specific requirements for work to be designated complete. See "Scope of Work" for details.

2. Trees, Slash, Brush and Stumps: Contractor may take all felled trees, stumps, brush, and slash within project boundaries and remove them from refuge property...but is not required.

All trees, stumps, brush & slash that remain must be moved within the burn unit a minimum of 50’ from any firebreak or road.

3. Invasive Plant Control: Prior to entering Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge, all equipment will be washed by vendor and inspected by Refuge personnel to minimize transmission of invasive plants. Haul tractors and trailers are excluded from this requirement. If equipment is removed before the completion of the contract, and returned, another inspection must take place prior to the equipment returning to the work site.

4. Road Conditions - All county and refuge roads must be maintained in their current condition. Excess damage to the roads caused by Contractor equipment will be restored at the vendor’s expense. All roads used for hauling should be kept in good driving condition.

Seasonal weight restrictions on county roads will be adhered to according to the specifications of the road supervisor. The Contractor must obtain any permits needed for hauling on county roads.

5. Haul Routes/Decking Areas – The contractor will only use current identified access roads, haul routes and decking areas.

Liability:

The Refuge and the United States Government assume no liability from the Contractor's performance of the contract work. The Contractor shall hold and save the Refuge and the United States Government harmless from all liability to others arising from the performance of the contract. The Contractor is responsible for all damages to persons and property resulting from performance of the contract work. There are a host of hazards associated with heavy equipment operation and Contractors are responsible for taking steps to mitigate them.

Pre-Work Meeting:

A pre-work meeting (in person or virtual) with Ron Knopik, or his designate, is required to review contract details prior to the start of work. A site visit to treatment areas can be arranged upon request.

Contractor Performance:

All agreed-upon treatments (by type and acreage) must be completed by contractor without exception. Contractor’s failure to perform treatments due to to inadequate equipment and/or personnel and adverse weather is not acceptable. Any inability to conduct treatments will need to be discussed with the contracting officer and refuge point of contact in advance of the contract period deadline as threatened and endangered species considerations severely limit disturbance beyond the contract period.

Invoicing:

Invoicing occurs on the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform System (IPP). You can register your company at www.ipp.gov. Contractors may submit one invoice when 50% of the project funding has been reached and another at the conclusion of work. A draft invoice(s) must be supplied to the Refuge in advance of submittal and must be in the same pricing format as the bid. No other line items will be accepted. The Refuge will approve or request edits to the draft invoice within seven days. Once the draft invoice has been approved, final invoicing will be made through IPP.

www.ipp.gov

Figure 1. Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge Vicinity Map

Figure 2: Treatement Types, Locations, and Acreages