Chekika_Roadside_Clearing_SOW.pdf

EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW):

Perform Fire Break Maintenance and Trim Vegetation

East Everglades

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Interior Region 2: South Atlantic/Gulf

Major Acquisition Buying Office

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW) FORMAT

1 Background 2 Objectives 3 Place of Performance 4 Period of Performance 5 General Scope 6 Tasks 7 Specifications/Description 8 Special Material Requirements 9 Deliverables 10 Government Furnished Equipment 11 Safety 12 Travel and Housing 13 Quality Assurance Requirement 14 Project Personnel

Appendix 1: Work Locations, Quantities, and Trail Descriptions Appendix 2: Maps

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts

1.0 BACKGROUND

Vegetation along roadsides in the Everglades environment grows thick and vigorously. Trees and other vegetation, including poisonous plants and trees, are encroaching into Fire Roads. The South Florida climate and year-long growing season causes plants and trees to grow rapidly. High winds from frequent tropical storms weaken trees and limbs.

Vegetation overgrowth needs to be trimmed, mowed, or cut back periodically to reduce hazardous fuels and assist with wildfire suppression activities and prescribed fire implementation. Reducing hazardous fuels along the roadway will reduce fire behavior during fire management operations and will prevent vegetation from impeding traffic flow of emergency fire vehicles during wildfire response, while assisting in maintaining fire holding lines. Roadways unobstructed by vegetation allows fire managers access to remote areas to establish holding features to contain and control wildfires.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

The NPS seeks to hire a contractor to provide supervision, labor, materials, and equipment for approximately 7.91 Miles (41,764 Linear Feet) of roadside vegetation clearing, landscape maintenance, tree trimming, and hazardous tree removal, along both sides of each roadway, as described herein.

3.0 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Everglades National Park is located west of urban and developed Miami-Dade County, with Park Headquarters located at 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, Florida 33034. The work will take place in the East Everglades/Chekika District. A pre-award site visit is strongly recommended.

4.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

All tasks and deliverables are 90 days from date of award and must begin no later than 30 days from contract award. Days listed herein refer to calendar days.

The primary and approved work schedule is Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:00 AM and 3:30 PM, Eastern Standard Time (EST). Any days or hours outside the primary work schedule must be scheduled in advance and approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) in advance. If there are any schedule delays due to lead time of materials, the COR should be notified immediately.

5.0 GENERAL SCOPE

The contractor shall deliver the following service and provide a cost breakdown to include materials/equipment, labor, administrative, mobilization, and other fees. The contractor shall have an on-site superintendent/foreman present at all times while work is being performed; there will always be an English-speaking person in a position of authority at the job site. In accordance with the terms and conditions herein, the prime contractor or his sub-contractors shall perform the work of this contract for the NPS.

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts

The contractor shall:

5.1 Furnish all labor, materials, equipment, and supplies needed to perform vegetation clearing, tree trimming, and hazardous tree removal as specified in this contract.

5.2 Remove and legally dispose of offsite vegetation and tree limbs.

5.3 Verify the quantity of materials needed to complete the task identified.

5.4 Employ and International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist for project planning, design, and implementation. The contractor, including onsite personnel, shall have proven experience and expertise working with vegetation management, professional landscaping, and horticulture. The contractor will utilize standard arboriculture, horticulture, and landscaping practices.

5.5 Ensure all equipment and vehicles/vessels are free from visible debris (dirt, mud, plant materials, etc.) before entering to the worksite to reduce the potential for spread of non-native species.

5.6 Identify poisonous plants and trees; donning personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to Poisonwood.

5.7 Provide a worksite and environment that is safe for employees, park visitors, and NPS staff. If necessary, the work area will be cordoned off and secured.

5.8 Provide a portable toilet(s) on site for employee use.

5.9 Carry out all trash; do not bury or burn trash.

5.10 Be prepared to encounter high levels of mosquitos, flies, and no-see-ums. Use of personal bug repellant is allowed; spraying or fogging of insecticides is not permitted.

5.11 Perform all work Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM Eastern Standard

Time (EST) to minimize potential impacts to wildlife and to mitigate traffic control hazards. No work will be performed on the weekends or federal holidays without prior approval from the COR.

5.12 Not install or display company signs on government property.

5.13 Eating and smoking will be performed in areas designated by the COR.

5.14 Contractor employees shall wear appropriate clothing at all times and refrain from using profanity in earshot of Park visitors and the public.

5.15 Obey posted speed limits.

5.16 Coordinate all site work with the park point of contact.

5.17 Notify the COR of any schedule changes or delays.

5.18 Be knowledgeable of the site and required tasks and hazards prior to submitting a quote for the project.

6.0 TASKS

Under this contract the contractor shall complete the following tasks and requirements:

6.1 Confine the staging of materials, equipment, and vehicles, and all other operations in connection with this contract to areas designated by the COR. The contractor shall return all equipment, staging, and supplies to this agreed upon area daily throughout the workday and at the close of business.

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts

6.1.1 The Park has identified a portion of the Chekika Boardwalk Parking Area for contractor use for staging; see Appendix 2: Maps. Fuel, if stored in containers on site must be properly permitted and have secondary containment that meet environmental and occupational safety standards. All equipment maintenance (other than necessary on-site repairs), vehicles, or other equipment, are to be kept at the staging area. The staging area is to be maintained free of trash, rubbish, derelict equipment, or other items deemed by the Park to be a potential hazard or eyesore. The contractor is responsible for the security of any project vehicles, equipment, and materials kept in the Park for the duration of the project.

6.2 Trim vegetation as directed in this contract and/or as advised by the COR.

6.3 Remove and legally dispose of off-site dead or dry vegetation and all tree and plant debris trimmed along the roadsides. Production of fine cuttings, debris, and mulch must be minimal.

6.4 Properly dispose of offsite all equipment, material, and waste generated by the work of this contract unless otherwise directed by the COR.

6.5 Clean up worksite daily and rectify any damage caused by the application or the workmanship.

6.6 Report any contact with or observance of any listed species of wildlife to the Park’s Biological Resources Chief or designee through the COR.

6.7 If cultural resources are discovered during project implementation all work in that area must stop and the COR must be notified immediately.

7.0 SPECIFICATIONS/DESCRIPTIONS

7.1 Vegetation Clearing

7.1.1 SW 237th Ave from Mustang Corner to the Shooting Gallery is maintained from the edge of the maintained shoulder to the toe bed approximately 10 to 13 feet down on the west side of the road to approximately 30 feet down slope to the canal on the east side of the road. Vegetation will be trimmed horizontally to within 3 to 6 inches of the existing grade along both sides (northbound and southbound) of the roads. Trees and other woody vegetation will be stump cut flush to the ground. No root pulling is permitted. Stump grinding is permitted to reduce the stump at grade.

Additional vegetation removed other than the area specified herein shall be at no additional cost to the National Park Service.

7.1.2 SW 168th Street from the Park boundary west to the intersection with SW 237th Ave is maintained from the edge of the maintained shoulder to the toe bed, approximately 10 to 13 feet on each side of the road. Trees and other woody vegetation will be stump cut flush to the ground. No root pulling is permitted. Stump grinding is permitted to reduce the stump at grade.

Vegetation will be trimmed horizontally to within 3 to 6 inches of the existing grade along both sides (eastbound and westbound) of the roads.

Additional vegetation removed other than the area specified herein shall be at no additional cost to the National Park Service.

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts

7.1.3 Landscape features identified by the National Park Service for protection shall not be harmed, remain undisturbed, and are avoided by field equipment.

7.1.4 Contracted staff will consider the aesthetic of the roadway while carrying out pruning to achieve the objectives of the project.

8.0 SPECIAL MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS

8.1 Permitted Tools and Equipment:

8.1.1 Tools standard for mastication, trail maintenance, and vegetation trimming, construction tools, and equipment will be used on roadsides, including light-duty pick-up trucks; a track-mounted hydraulic axe and/or land clearing and mulching equipment; portable power and hand tools, gas powered pole saws, chain saws and hand saws, and other portable and gas-powered equipment; shovels.

9.0 DELIVERABLES

Before Notice to Proceed (NTP)

9.1 Provide a written narrative summary of how the contractor will execute the project within a timeline. The document will be referred to as the Perform Fire Break Maintenance and Trim Vegetation Schedule.

9.2 After award of the contract, the contractor will participate in a planning meeting with NPS staff and the COR at Everglades National Park Headquarters (HQ), or via conference call at the COR’s discretion. The planning meeting will include site visits to view project locations. Project objectives, logistics, methods, equipment, staffing, scheduling, timelines, and regulations/guidance for working within the park will be discussed. The planning meeting should be attended by essential personnel from the contracting team.

9.3 Provide a safety plan as identified in Section 11.

9.4 Provide proof of insurance and ISA Arborist Certification.

Invoices and Payments

9.5 The contractor shall supply a complete invoice to the COR in a timely manner for payment. Payment shall be made through the government electronic payment system and may take up to 30 days.

Adjustments for Inadequate Performance

9.6 Routine inspection shall be performed to minimize work improperly performed. Such inspections are designed only to assure that the NPS pays only for those services, which have been specified, and adequately competed by the contractor.

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts

9.7 In the event the contractor fails to successfully perform the required work, the NPS has the right to withhold partial payment.

9.8 The contractor shall be responsible for any damage to the roadway or adjacent grounds as a result of the work.

10.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT

Not applicable (N/A)

11.0 SAFETY

11.1 Before onsite work begins the contractor must submit a site/project specific written safety and accident prevention program containing the following:

11.1.1 Name of responsible supervisor to carry out the program.

11.1.2 Site-specific information including emergency response contact information and emergency response protocols.

11.1.3 Provide and submit a safety plan outlining your safety program specific to this site.

11.1.4 Outline each phase of work, the hazards associated with each major phase, and the methods proposed to ensure property protection and safety of the public, NPS personnel, and contractor’s employees.

11.1.5 Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) to be used (if applicable):

11.1.5.1 Copies of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be provided to the COR.

11.1.1.2 Proper storage of hazmat.

11.1.2.3 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

11.2 The contractor shall provide a safe workspace for all employees while on the NPS site.

11.2.1 The contractor shall follow all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal, State, and local safety and health requirements.

11.2.2 The contractor shall report all accidents to the Contracting Officer or Contract Specialist assigned to the contract immediately and assist the Contracting personnel and other officials as requested in the investigation of the accident. Accidents that occur outside of the allowed maintenance area, and cause damage to natural resources or museum collections shall be reported.

11.2.3 The contractor shall provide a level of public safety commensurate with exposure at a NPS worksite.

11.2.4 The contractor shall comply in rectifying all unsafe or unhealthful conditions called to their attention by the Contracting Officer.

11.2.5 The contractor shall allow for informal and formal, announced, and unannounced safety inspections by the COR, NPS Construction Inspector, and/or appropriate Safety Officer at the worksite.

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts

12.0 TRAVEL & HOUSING

The contractor shall be responsible for all travel related expenses for this project, including mobilization of equipment, tools, materials, manpower, lodging, meals, and per diem.

Camping at the project sites is not allowed.

13.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE REQUIREMENT

13.1 The government will periodically evaluate the contractor’s performance in accordance with this statement of work.

13.2 The contractor shall develop and maintain a quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with commonly accepted commercial practices. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. At a minimum, the contractor shall develop quality control procedures addressing the critical areas identified in this statement of work.

13.3 Any damages, including natural and cultural resources impacts, by the contractor will be corrected and repaired where reasonable at no additional cost to the government.

13.4 The contractor shall be responsible for any damage to the structures or contents as a result of the work.

14.0 PROJECT PERSONNEL

14.1 Contract Officer or Contract Specialist:

14.1.1 To be determined at the time of award.

14.2 Park Point of Contact and COR:

14.2.1 To be released at the time of award.

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts

Appendix 1: Work Locations, Descriptions, and Quantities

Chekika District – East Everglades Fire Management Unit 4 (FMU-4) SW 168th Street, continuing on to SW 237th Ave, North and South to Mustang Corner and the Shooting Gallery

CLEARING SITE 1

Start Latitude/Longitude 25.608487 N, 80.549140 W End Latitude/Longitude: 25.608404 N, 80.575056 W

Begin at the Park’s boundary on SW 168th St; head West until you reach SW 237th Ave.

Distance between points: 8,500 Linear Feet (1.61 Miles).

CLEARING SITE 2

Start Latitude/Longitude: 25.608404 N, 80.575056 W End Latitude/Longitude: 25.562029 N, 80.570713 W

Head South along SW 237th Ave until you reach the end of the road at Mustang Corner.

Distance between points: 17,952 Linear Feet (3.40 Miles)

CLEARING SITE 3

Start Latitude/Longitude: 25.608404 N, 80.575056 W End Latitude/Longitude: 25.647399 N, 80.570693 W

Head North along SW 237th Ave until you reach the end of the road at the Shooting Gallery.

Distance between points: 15,315 Linear Feet (2.9 Miles)

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts

Appendix 2: Work Location Maps

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Terrestrial Trail Clearing and Landscape Maintenance at Flamingo and Pine Island Districts