PWS_for_Restoring_Flood_Conveyance_Capacity_in_Arroyo_Colorado_at_Harlingen_Texas_between_2016-17_Nesting_Seasons.pdf

Performance Work Statement for Restoring Flood Conveyance Capacity in Arroyo Colorado at

Harlingen Texas between 2016‐17 Nesting Seasons

I. Statement of Objectives

The United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC), Mercedes Field Office has a requirement for Restoring Flood Conveyance Capacity in the Arroyo Colorado at Harlingen, Texas. The Contractor shall provide all labor, material, equipment, subcontract, supervision, and management to perform the requirements of this Performance Work Statement (PWS) briefly described below:

1. Restore approximately 3.75 miles of floodway conveyance capacity by removing approximately 18.77 acres of opportunistic/invasive vegetation and re‐establishing specific native vegetation considering factors such as limited work site access, saturated ground conditions, vocal community opposition, and long migratory bird nesting season.

2. Accomplish work in a manner consistent with a US Fish and Wildlife Service approved site specific Vegetation Management Plan and that reduces public concern.

3. Develop, execute and deliver a Work Plan and Final Report that documents a successful and repeatable procedure for future operations and maintenance activities by others required to maintain flood conveyance capacity.

II. Background

Floodway conveyance capacity has significantly diminished by the multi‐year growth of opportunistic/invasive vegetation in the Arroyo Colorado floodway between the crossings of

Business 77 and FM 509 in Harlingen Texas. The initial work commenced last year and continues under the Vegetation Management Plan.

III. Scope

1.0 Goals

1.1. Replace opportunistic/invasive vegetation with specific native vegetation to obtain maximum increase of conveyance capacity while fully complying with requirements of the US

Fish and Wildlife Service approved Vegetation Management Plan to create migratory bird habitat and Gulf Coast jaguarondi and ocelot travel habitat and increasing public understanding and acceptance of this ongoing requirement.

1.2 Desired Results

Successful restoration of design flood conveyance capacity during the 2016‐2017 non nesting season (October through February) with positive community and regulatory relations using a documented procedure that is repeatable by others at this location for future operations and management.

2.0 Applicable Documents and Stakeholders

2.1 Applicable Documents

1. Cameron County Hazard Mitigation Plan, May 2015

2. Final Survey Report Threatened and Endangered Plant Species Surveys within

Areas along the Arroyo Colorado Floodway in the Lower Rio Grande Flood

Control Project Area Cameron County, Texas, November 2015

3. Final Vegetation Management Plan Clearing Areas along the Arroyo Colorado

Floodway in the Lower Rio Grande Flood Control Project Area Cameron County, Texas November 2015 Revised 12 January 2016 IBWC

4. Sierra Club Letter of 14 March, 2015

5. Meeting Minutes – Arroyo Colorado Meeting with City of Harlingen Minutes, 24

September 2014

6. LSFG‐1563 Harlingen Hike and Bike, 14 September 1999

7. Arroyo Colorado ‐ Perpetual Right and Easement.pdf

2.2 Applicable Stakeholders

1. Adjacent property owners

2. Visiting recreational users

3. Cameron County District 3 and 4 Representatives and Engineering Department

4. City of Harlingen District 3 Representative, Engineering and Parks and

Recreation Departments

5. Cobblestone Creek Home Owners Association and any other association to be determined

6. Arroyo Colorado Audubon Society

7. Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter Lower Rio Grande Group

8. US Fish and Wildlife Service, South Texas Refuges Complex, Alamo TX

9. Texas Parks and Wildlife

10. Municipal Utility Providers

11. Native Plant Enthusiasts (http://www.thedauphins.net/index.html)

12. IBWC Citizen’s Forum (quarterly meeting)

IV. Requirements and Tasks

The performance requirements analysis identifying activities supporting desired outcomes is shown in Table 3.1. The performance requirements summary showing Acceptable Quality

Levels and surveillance and evaluation methods is shown in Table 3.2. Deliverables will include draft and final work plan consisting of site specific Health and Safety Plan (HASP) and

Community Involvement Plan (CIP) and draft and final report of activity and procedure.

Table 3.1 Performance Requirement Analysis

Desired Outcomes Outcome Analysis Performance Analysis

Inform, obtain input and reduce public concern

Organization/official outreach Organizations/officials contacted

Draft Work Plan Deliverable

Public outreach send letters and/or host meetings or open house

95% outreach contact success for both officials/organizations and interested public

Finalize Work Plan Deliverable

Vegetation replacement per Vegetation Management Plan

Execute and complete field work

Acreage vs time percentage Volume of invasive chipped and landfilled Percentage of native seed mix species obtained and established

Conduct contractor/USIBWC site walk through

Obtain stakeholder feedback document and Report

Finalize and deliver report and procedure

Deliverable

Repeatability equals majority of stakeholder positive feedback

Table 3.2 Performance Requirements Summary

Performance Objective

Performance Standard

Acceptable Quality Level (AQL)

Monitoring Method

Incentive

On‐site Kick off, establish contacts, develop project schedule

Organizations/officials contacted

Percentage of organizations/officials outreach contact documented with meeting notes

100% 95% exceptional acceptable

Draft work plan Deliverable On time Receipt by IBWC

Public involvement

Public mailer or meeting outreach/education percentage public outreach contact documented

100% 95% exceptional acceptable

Final work plan Deliverable On time Receipt by IBWC

Execute work plan

Veg removal Acreage completed

100% by 15 Nov 100% by 15 Dec 100% by 15 Jan exceptional good acceptable

Implement Veg Management Plan

Veg removal Volume of invasive chipped and landfilled

30cyd 20cyd 10cyd exceptional good adequate

Implement Veg Management Plan

Veg restoration Percentage of native seed mix species obtained and established

75% 50% exceptional

Final Report Deliverable On time Receipt by IBWC

Repeatable procedure

Document and demonstrate repeatability

Repeatability is >60% stakeholder/public positive feedback

80% positive 70% positive 60% positive exceptional good

V. Deliverables

The Contractor shall provide the draft report in electronic Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF to the CO and POC (table 3.3). The final report shall be provided to the USIBWC in both written

(2 copies) and electronic formats (2 CDs). All report drawings shall be computer generated, clear and legible on 8.5 inch x 11 inch or 11 inch x 17 inch sized paper. Appendices shall include the figures, logs, profiles, completion diagrams, meeting minutes, presentations, posters, records of community/stakeholder communication and copies of Safety Data Sheets and personnel certifications and licenses. The Contractor shall adhere to the following timeframes:

Table 3.3 Schedule of Deliverables

On‐site Project Kick‐Off Meeting Within 15 calendar days of NTP

Draft and Final Kick‐off Meeting Minutes Within 2 and 4 calendar days of Kick‐off Meeting

Draft Work Plan/Project Schedule and Health and Safety Plan/ Community Involvement Plan

Within 45 calendar days of NTP

Final Work Plan /Project Schedule and Health and Safety Plan/ Community Involvement Plan

Within 10 calendar days of receipt of USIBWC comments on draft report

Draft Report of Activity and Procedure Within 15 calendar days of completion of field work

USIBWC Review and Response to Contractor 10 calendar days from report receipt

Final Report of Activity and Procedure Within 10 calendar days of receipt of USIBWC comments on draft report

VI. Performance Period

The period of performance shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150) calendar days. The

Contractor shall have 150 calendar days from date of award to complete this project.

VII. Work Breakdown Structure/Schedule

1.0 Accomplish Flood Conveyance Restoration Goal

1.1 Final report of work and repeatable method

1.1.1 Document procedure

1.1.2 Solicit public/official feedback

1.1.3 Contractor to coordinate with Mercedes Field Office the date and time of an upcoming Citizens Forum Meeting and conduct a presentation during the meeting of the project’

1.2 Complete Field Work

1.2.1 Establish native seed and plants

1.2.2 Remove/Reduce remaining vegetation

1.2.3 Segregate and dispose of invasive species identified in Vegetation Management

Plan

1.3 Finalize Work Plan

1.3.1 Public involvement, obtain Rights of Entry, solicit feedback

1.4 Draft work plan

1.4.1 Meet with officials, community and organization representatives

1.4.2 Site visit

1.4.3

VIII. Payments

The Contractor shall invoice monthly for services provided in accordance with this PWS.

3.0 Invoices will be sent to USIBWC Finance and Accounting Division (FAD) via e‐mail to invoices@ibwc.gov. A copy shall be furnished to the Contracting Officer and Contracting

Officer Representative.

3.1 Payment shall be made in accordance with contract clause 52.212‐4.

IX. Previous Methods and Considerations

1.0 Historical Methods

Equipment used previously in adjacent sections of the Arroyo Colorado include agricultural mowers, track excavators, backhoes, ATV’s, chippers, and chain saws with mixed results including machinery seriously mired in soft ground, excessive vehicle travel resulting in compaction , vegetation damage, and unnecessary soil disturbance. Alternative equipment that shall be considered are low ground pressure tracked mulchers, boom or excavator mulchers, hydraulic bunching shears. Significant hand work shall be expected particularly to selectively remove, segregate, and dispose of invasive plant species and where access is limited. Migratory bird nesting season from 1 March through 30 September limits the window of opportunity for field work to five months, is not negotiable and has been a critical factor in past efforts. IBWC historically has used a separately contracted biologist to serve onsite during field work serving as a Field Environmental Monitor (FEM).

1.1 Application of Herbicides

Woody vegetation shall be cut to ground level. Application of an herbicide to the cut stumps or stalks of invasive plant species is required. Application must be accomplished very soon (no more than 30 minutes after cutting) to ensure effective treatment. All applications shall be conducted by a Texas Licensed Pesticide Applicator. The pesticide used must be approved for use in aquatic habitats and meet the specifications of the Vegetation Management Plan. The names of applicators and copies of their licenses and Safety Data Sheet for the selected herbicide will be furnished in the Draft and Final work plan for IBWC approval. Totals of herbicide applied, records of purchase, mixing and disposal of excess or waste herbicide or herbicide contaminated materials shall be reported in the Final Report.

1.2 Right of Entry

Rights‐of‐Entry (ROE) granted by property owners have been required for access in the past.

The Contractor shall identify and obtain rights‐of‐entry access required to complete the activity.

This effort includes, but is not limited to, obtaining GIS property owner information, making phone calls, sending letters to land owners, obtaining ROEs access at public meetings, and going door to door for face to face meetings with landowners. USIBWC will provide an ROE letter template to the Contractor for distribution and collection of the signed letters.

X. Contract Data

Offers are highly encouraged to attend the site visit in coordination with USIBWC Lower Rio

Grande Flood Control Project (LRGFCP) Field Office.

XI. Attachments

1.0 Attachment A Figures showing areas for Vegetation Management and described below (Areas to be cleared are circled in Red)

1. Page 1 of 12 – area 14

2. Page 2 of 12 – areas 3, 4, 13, 14

3. Page 3 of 1l2 – areas 4, 5, 13, 15

4. Page 4 of 12– None

5. Page 5 of 12 – areas 24, 27

6. Page 6 of 12 – areas 24, 27, 35

7. Page 7 of 12 – area 37

8. Page 8 of 12 – areas 8, 22, 39

9. Page 9 of 12 – areas 8, 22,

10. Page 10 of 12 – areas 8, 22

11. Page 11 of 12 – None

12. Page 12 of 12 – area 19

2.0 Attachment B

2.1 Two Figures showing typical vegetation work to be accomplished (cross section view)

3.0 Attachment C

3.1 Summary of activities of IBWC contracted on‐site Field Environmental Monitor

END OF PWS

ATTACHMENT B

ATTACHMENT C

Arroyo Colorado Field Environmental Monitor Activities for Vegetation Management Plan (VMP)

Compliance

3.1. FEM will train (and retain documentation) all Vegetation Removal Contractor personnel in identification of target invasive species and compliance with the USFWS conservation

Measures identified in consultation letter of January 2015.

3.2. ESA: All documented, or observed, T&E plant species shall be avoided and a buffer of vegetation as dictated by the VMP shall remain surrounding the plant. T&E animal species shall be avoided and may require vegetation removal project adjustment; COR shall be contacted immediately if T&E species encountered.

3.3. MBTA: Vegetation removal is to be performed outside of the recognized MBTA bird breeding season (March 1‐August 31) of the LRGFCP, however, if an active bird nest

(nest with eggs or a bird present) is encountered during the performance of this contract, the nest shall not be disturbed and a 35 foot buffer of vegetation shall remain around the nest.

3.4. Obtain copies of pesticide applicators licenses and ensure use of USIBWC VMP approved herbicide that complies with the location of application (floodplain vs. riparian edge) before pesticide application begins. VMP: Compliance with applicable sections of the

VMP will be required for the vegetation removal project.

3.5. FEM will delineate vegetation that is not invasive and that is not subject to chemical treatment.

3.6. Spill/leak prevention (document and report leaking equipment) and monitor and document pesticide storage mixing and application activities.

3.7. Inspect and document compliance with vegetation removal specifications as provided in contract documents (locations and types of vegetation removal, 6” to 8” height of mowing, “no‐mow” locations including 5’ from edge of channel and areas designated as steep slopes, etc.)

3.8. Compliance with re‐vegetation requirements for cleared and disturbed areas including use of USIBWC approved seed mixes that comply with the VMP.

3.9. Document areas of potential soil erosion occurring outside of areas being re‐vegetated and recommend prevention and corrective action and monitor condition of any installed

Best Management Practices (BMP’s).

3.10. Federal, state or local regulatory agency such contacts, site visits or inspections shall be reported immediately to the COR and USIBWC.

3.11. The FEM shall document noncompliance and report issues to the vegetation removal project Contractor. If issues are not resolved in a timely manner, noncompliance shall be reported to the COR and USIBWC Mercedes Field Office. All compliance issues shall be documented in weekly and monthly reports.

3.12. The FEM will be required to coordinate their daily work schedule and project location(s) with the vegetation removal project Contractor. The Contractor’s work hours shall be from 8 AM to 4:30 PM CST unless otherwise negotiated with the USIBWC and vegetation removal project Contractor. FEM will be required to be onsite during all vegetation removal and/or re‐vegetation activities and attend any vegetation removal project staff/safety meetings held by the vegetation removal project Contractor.