Statement of Objectives

DEWA 310424 – Rt. 209 Tree and Brush Removal within Proposed Limits of Disturbance

Project Implementation

REVISED

1/30/2026 2/4/2026

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to prepare the Route 209 corridor and adjacent McDade Trail alignment for upcoming construction by removing trees and brush within the established Limits of Disturbance (LOD) prior to the onset of the protected migratory bird season (March 1 – September 1) bat-roosting season (April 1 – September 30).

The objective is to deliver a cleared project area that allows seamless mobilization of construction crews by March 31, 2026.

A site tour may be conducted to provide prospective bidders with the opportunity to assess the extent of the site and to calculate their expenses.

Background

The work supports the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area’s Route 209 Pavement Rehabilitation, Slope Stabilization, and McDade Trail Realignment Project. The overall effort addresses roadway, trail, culvert and slope failures between mile markers

13.7 and 20.2 in Pike County, PA.

Vegetation removal must precede major construction activities to ensure environmental compliance, protect sensitive resources, and meet endangered-species management windows.

Project Objectives

The contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, and expertise necessary to achieve the following outcomes:

1. Identify all vegetation:

In coordination with the Contracting Officer (CO) and park staff, the Contractor shall

Formatted: Font color: Red identify trees and mark the vegetation to be removed based on the LOD provided in the provided Erosion and Sediment Control Plans. It is recommended that the contractor coordinate with the Park when marking trees to be removed within the LOD to avoid marking outside the area.

o The Eagle restriction zone shall not be completed as noted on the sediment and erosion control plans

2. Prepare and provide a schedule for the work to be completed.

3. Remove Vegetative Obstructions:

Within the approved LOD, fell all undesignated trees and woody brush.

o All woodie woody brush shall be cut flush with the ground.

o Downed timber less than 12 inch10-inch DBH: remove within LOD and dispose of off-site.

o

Downed timber greater than 12 inch10-inch DBH: fell, limbed and bucked in 10’-12’ sections and leave left on site.

o o Cut stumps 6” within existing grade.

o Assume the following quantities:

Fell & remove - 10" DBH or less = 34 trees Fell & buck in place - 10"-30"=10 trees Fell & buck in place - 30"-38" = 5 trees Shrub Scrub removal = 3.4 acres

4. Dispose of Material:

Dispose of all approved vegetative debris 12 10 inch. DBH or less shall be disposed of outside park boundaries in accordance with Federal, State, and local regulations.

No on-site burning, burying, or dumping.

5. Protect Park Resources:

Prevent disturbance outside the LOD, wetlands, adjacent vegetation to remain, or adjacent slopes. Any unauthorized impact shall be restored, mitigated, or compensated at the contractor’s expense.

6. Maintain Access and Visitor Experience:

Conduct operations to minimize impacts to park visitors and traffic along Route 209.

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Maintain clean roadways and pedestrian areas free of debris at the end of each workday.

6.7. The Q&A document affixed under Amendment 03 of the solicitation may be relied upon as formal contract clarification and guidance that supplements this SOO. The CO considers the answers contained therein to be enforceable within the contract. Both Contractor and Park will be held accountable based on answers provided.

Notations

• Seasonal Restriction: All work must be completed and accepted by March 31st.

• Due to weather constraints on-site as well as the need for completion by March 31st, it is recommended that CLIN 0010 (tree) work be completed first. Once complete, the contractor shall meet with the Park and CO to discuss moving forward with CLIN 0020. If weather permits starting work on CLIN 0020 “prior to” completion of CLIN 0010, the contractor shall meet with the park to confirm work on CLIN 0020 is authorized to move forward. The contractor shall consider the need to complete all work by March 31st in coordination with “Acts of God” and keep the Park and CO informed of progress not less than every 2 weeks during the active performance period. A modification to the contract PoP for CLIN 0020 may be issued if weather does not abate long enough for the contractor to complete CLIN 0020 by March 31st.

• Wetlands and Sensitive Resources: Wetlands and must be fully avoided.

• Do not remove vegetation that has not been marked for removal

• The Contractor shall remove and dispose of all trash at the end of each day and keep all working areas tidy.

• The Contractor shall not approach or harass wildlife.

• Access: Access for vegetation removal is from the shoulder of Route 209, and all vehicular equipment must stay on the road shoulder except for limited culvert and slope repair areas. Maintenance of Traffic plan is required.

• Equipment and Vehicle Standards:

o All vehicles and equipment entering the park must be washed and inspected to prevent spread of invasive species.

o Equipment must be leak-free and serviced only at approved locations ≥ 150

ft. from any waterbody.

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Formatted: Superscript o Refueling shall occur only in CO-approved areas following Specification 31 25 00 (Erosion and Sedimentation Control).

• Work Hours: 7 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday, unless otherwise approved by the

CO.

• PPE and Safety: Contractor shall comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I and submit a site-specific Safety Plan prior to mobilization.

Government Furnished Information and Support

NPS will provide:

• Construction drawings defining the LOD.

• Wetland mapping.

• Coordination for site access and inspection scheduling.

• CO and COR to verify LOD boundaries, trees to remain and conduct inspections.

Schedule

• Notice to Proceed (NTP): Upon contract award.

• Submittals Due:

o Safety Plan and Maintenance of Traffic– within 10 calendar days of NTP.

• Completion Date: All clearing, debris removal, and CO inspection sign-off by March 31, 2026.

• No work permitted between April 1 and September 30 without written CO approval.

Evaluation Basis

Offerors shall describe how they will meet or exceed the objectives of this SOO, including:

• Proposed approach and methods for meeting constraints.

• Staffing plan, equipment resources, and schedule for timely completion.

• Experience with NPS or similar environmentally sensitive projects.

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• Safety and quality control procedures.

Desired End State

By project completion, the contractor shall deliver a cleared work area within the LOD, free of brush and standing trees, unless otherwise marked to remain, with no disturbance beyond approved limits.