A04 0040525720_SOW.pdf

MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK

SCOPE OF WORK

Request for Project ID#

Replace Section of Boundary Fence in South Rock Canyon

I. INTRODUCTION

This section of the scope of work consists of two parts, the project purpose and the description of the project.

A. PROJECT PURPOSE. Sections of the existing boundary fence along the southwestern boundary of the park in Rock Canyon (Figure 1) needs to be replaced. It has deteriorated due to age, experiences reoccurring damage and failure due to constant pressure from livestock and native ungulates, and it is not an effective fence design to prevent livestock entry into the park or allow safe wildlife passage in and out of the park.

The fence to be installed is a fixed knot woven wire fence design that is more durable and effective at reducing livestock access and also allows for safe wildlife passage.

B. PROJECT DESCRIPTION. The project consists of the installation of 0.4 miles (2,112 feet) of fixed-knot woven wire fence in MEVE, Colorado. The fence will be installed in Rock Canyon on the south end of the canyon along the park boundary (Figure

1) in the same location as the old fence (or new boundary as delineated by updated cadastral survey, will be clearly marked). T-posts and u-channel posts will be used to support the fence between h-braces. One steel fence gate will be installed in the location where there is currently a wire gate near the bottom of the canyon. Some vegetation may need removed (i.e. trimmed back) by the contractor along the fence boundary (in coordination with the COR). The project also includes the removal of 0.4 miles of existing wire strand fence. The contractor would also replace a swing gate structure that crosses the bottom of the wash (See Figure 2). All fence installation tools, equipment, and fence materials (for example: fence post pounders, post-holder diggers, hand tools, cement mixing bucket, rolls of woven fence wire, t-posts, u-channel posts, and quickcrete) and labor to remove the existing fence and install the new fence will be provided and delivered by the contractor. Helicopter pick up locations will be located in the north parking area on Wetherill Mesa. A helicopter will need to be contracted by the contractor to deliver fence installation tools, supplies, equipment, fence materials, and camping equipment. A Project Aviation Safety Plan (PASP) will need to be developed by contractor and approved and signed by the Aviation Manager at Mesa Verde National Park. Additionally, a Safety and Environmental Health plan will need to be developed by the contractor and approved by the Park before project implementation Scrap fence material from the old fence will be piled, organized for helicopter removal, and staged at designated helicopter drop points by the contractor. The contractor will remove the fence scrap materials by helicopter along with reseeding the fence line after fence replacement has taken place with a park recommended and approved seed mix. The contractor will have the option of camping next to the project, following a suite of park regulations (see Attachment 2).

II. SCOPE OF WORK

This section of the scope of work consists of two parts, the overview for this scope of work and the tasks to be performed under this contract.

A. OVERVIEW. The proposed scope of work for this project is to remove the existing fence, removal of any necessary vegetation (i.e. trimming back), install a woven wire fence in the designated area, remove fence materials by helicopter by the contractor, and restore soils impacted by project activities along the fence by reseeding with a park recommend and approved seed mix.

All tasks defined in this scope of work will be performed at MEVE. Work site access will be hiking cross country at the southern end of Wetherill Mesa (Figure 1). The NPS or MEVE will not directly supervise the contractor during the performance of the services specified; however, the project’s COR or project inspector will inspect the work as described in the schedule table (Section V). Staging areas for installation equipment and fence materials shall be designated by the COR on Weatherill Mesa. There will be no vehicle access to the site.

All work shall adhere to the specifications provided. The contractor will provide all installation equipment and fence materials. Installation equipment is likely to include, but is not limited to: fence post diggers, rock drills, chain saws, power tools, and fence stretchers. All equipment and vehicles must be clean and free of vegetation, seeds, dirt and mud to prevent the spread of invasive plants to the park. All equipment and vehicles will be inspected prior to being allowed into the park. Any water hauled to the park and storage containers will be inspected by the park for aquatic invasive species prior to entry into the park. Fence materials will be provided by the contractor (See Suggested Materials List below- Attachment 1). The contractor start date for work must be approved by the project manager and the park’s Chief Rangers Office. Also included in this scope of work are communication and coordination activities such as telephone calls and project review meetings with park staff as required by the NPS to facilitate project progress and completion.

The cultural and natural resources of MEVE are protected. The contractor is expected to mitigate, by all reasonable means available, any impacts to cultural and natural resources in the park. The contractor shall not collect or remove any cultural or natural resources within the park during the performance of this scope of services. At least one member of the contractor’s field crew must attend park backcountry training. There must be at least one contractor crew member on-site at all times that has attended the backcountry training. Training takes approximately 3 hours and will be provided free by park staff.

Vehicle use in the park is limited to paved roads. Access to all other work areas will be limited to foot travel. It takes roughly one hour to hike into the work site, and roughly two hours to hike out.

Cultural Resources Mitigations:

There may be un-surveyed cultural sites along the fence that may be found before the project begins. An archaeological survey will be conducted prior to the start of the project to identify other cultural sites. Future cultural sites found once the project has started may have mitigations put in place to protect them. All archeological resources found within 100’ of the fence line and temporary access routes will be documented and flagged for avoidance. H braces and T posts will not be placed within archeological site boundaries without prior approval by a park archeologist. An archeologist may be required to be on site during installation of any other ground disturbing activities (i.e. digging or vegetation removal). If any archeological materials are encountered, the contractor is expected to stop construction at that location and immediately contact the project COR or inspector;

construction cannot resume prior to COR approval.

Natural Resources Mitigations:

Prior to construction initiation, a representative from the natural resource office will inspect all proposed fence lines to identify any plant species of concern. Sensitive plants will be flagged and the contractor will be informed of the need for avoidance. Any deviation from the designated equipment and supply staging areas and fence construction area must be approved by the project COR or project inspector. Mitigations will be described to reduce the spread of noxious weeds to and from the work site. The contractor will coordinate with the COR before any shrubs or trees are removed if necessary.

Contractor should minimize the impacts to soils and rocks.

B. TASKS TO BE PERFORMED BY FENCE UNIT

The contractor shall provide the services to perform the following tasks:

B.1.1 TASK 1 – REMOVE EXSISTING FENCE AND REMOVAL (TRIMMING

BACK WHERE NECESSARY) OF VEGETATION

The contractor shall remove the existing 0.4 miles of fence at this site. The fence consists of h-braces, t-posts, 4 or 5 strand smooth and barb wire fence, and attachment hardware. Wooden posts may be flush cut. Some t-posts may require to be cut out of firm ground or rock. Any vegetation impeding the project will be removed (trimmed back) in coordination with the COR.

B.1.2 TASK 1 – INSTALL LIVESTOCK GATE

The contractor will replace the existing wire livestock gates at the bottom of Rock Canyon South with a steel gate, under the following specification.

1. H-braces to support the fence and gate will consist of either 5-inch wooden pressure-treated posts or steel posts (at least 2-3/8 inch outside diameter, #10 gauge) with wire strainers or COR approved equivalent tightener. The vertical height of the h-braces will be high enough on the fence side to support the 66 inch height of the fence. The new gate in the bottom of the canyon will be within five

(5) feet of the old gate location.

a. Posts- Set each post 24-30 inches deep with a half 80-lb bag of concrete. The top of each h-brace will be 2-6 inches above the height of the woven wire. 5-inch wooden pressure-treated posts will be used as cross members with a top height of 42 inches. Support cross members by either notching wooden posts and drilling 10 inch nail stake through the post into the cross member or welding or bolting metal posts into the cross member. Tighten the h-brace using two 12.5 gauge high tensile wires tightened with an in-line strainer. The wires should wrap completely around the brace and meet at a mid-point between the opposite corners.

Fence staples will be used to secure the wire to the wooden posts.

2. The steel gate will consist of 10 foot wide, 48-52 inch high, heavy duty, and high-tensile tubular steel (at least 12 gauge). The gate will be supported by two hinges on the h-brace and secured closed by a chain long enough to be secured by a lock around the h-brace.

B.1.3 TASK 1 – INSTALL FENCE H-BRACES

The contractor will build h-braces, as needed, under the following specification.

1. H-braces will consist of either 5-inch wooden pressure-treated posts with wire and strainers, or metal posts and metal cross members. Metal posts will be used to facilitate h-brace installation into rocky substrate. H-braces will be placed between each 200 foot section of woven wire fence. H-braces may be placed closer (less than 200 feet) to adjust for terrain. H-braces also may be placed up to 300 feet apart and wire spliced together to adjust for terrain or where a gate or end-point is less than 300 feet from last h-brace. H-braces will include woven wire fence from the bottom of the cross member to within 18 inches of the ground to prevent livestock from crossing under the h-brace. The top of this woven wire shall not go above the bottom of the horizontal post. H-braces shall be placed to ensure the fence is straight and shall not deviate more than two feet from the boundary delineated by the COR. Portions of the fence line that need to deviate from the line due to rocky features shall be approved by the COR.

a. Wooden Posts- Set each 5-inch wooden post 24-30 inches deep with a half 80-lb bag of concrete. The top of each h-brace will be 2-6 inches above the height of the woven wire. Five-inch diameter, six-foot long, wooden posts will be used as cross members with a top height of 42 inches.

Support cross members by notching wooden posts and drilling 10 inch nail stake through the post into the cross member. Tighten the h-brace using two 12.5gauge high tensile wires tightened with an in-line strainer. The wires should wrap completely around the brace and meet at a mid-point between the opposite corners. Fence staples nailed diagonally will be used to secure the wire to the post.

b. Metal posts- Steel posts (2-3/8 inch outside diameter, #10 gauge) can be used where the ground is composed of rock and too hard to dig wooden posts into. Metal posts will be set at least 12 inches deep. These posts will be installed into drilled holes and concrete will be used to fill any gaps in the drilled holes to ensure a tight pipe fit. Angle iron or other alternative materials may be available for H-braces in these rocky areas if approved by the project manager. Again, woven wire fence will be used to fill the gap below the cross member to 18 inches above the ground. The dimension specs of the metal braces will follow the above specs for the wooden h-braces.

B.1.4 TASK 1 –INSTALL WOVEN WIRE FENCE

The contractor will install fixed knot woven wire fence and posts under the following specifications (see Figure 3):

1. 7-foot t-posts and 8-foot #23 u-channel posts will be installed every 12 feet along the fence line. One u-channel post will be installed alternately for every two t-posts. Where the ground is too rocky to pound in posts, holes will need to be drilled and t-posts installed. U-channels do not need to be installed in rocky terrain where t-posts can be drilled in. T-posts and u-channel posts will be driven so no more than 6 inches of post is above the top of the woven wire, unless rock impedes further pounding. T-posts will be driven so the top of the cleat is below the surface of the ground.

2. The fence shall be straight and shall not deviate more than two feet from the boundary delineated by the COR. Portions of the fence line that need to deviate from the line due to rocky features must be approved by the COR.

3. Woven wire shall be high-tensile and fixed knot. It will be 48 inches high with 13 horizontal wires, 3 inches between vertical wires, and graduated horizontal wire spacing from 3 inches to 6 inches. This will provided by NPS staff on site.

4. The woven wire fence will be installed so the graduated horizontal spacing is installed with the 6 inch mesh at the bottom and the 3 inch mesh at the top.

The wire will be hung so that it is on the outside of the posts and h-braces.

5. The bottom of the fence at the posts will be 18 inches (no more than 22 inches and no less than 12 inches where ground is uneven) above ground to facilitate movement of wildlife under the fence. Where the bottom of the fence is above 22 inches due to uneven terrain, additional fencing, either woven wire or 12-guage double-strand wire, shall be used to fill in the bottom of the fence to keep it below

22 inches. The total fence height will be 66 inches. If double-strand wire is used to fill the gap, fence stays will be skewered into the woven wire and double-strand wire to reduce the double-wire from flexing up.

6. Woven wire will be attached to the h-brace posts using fence staples nailed diagonally and wired back on itself with the wire end wrapping at least 360 degrees. Woven wire will be attached to metal h-brace posts by wiring it back on itself with the wire end wrapping at least 360 degrees.

7. Woven wire fence will be attached to t-posts using at least five (5) t-post clips per post. Both ends of each t-clip will be wrapped at least 180 degrees around the woven wire. Woven wire fence will be attached to u-channel fence posts using 12-gauge tie wire in at least five (5) points per post.

8. 12-gauge double-strand wire will be wired into the top of the woven wire fence along its entirety. Double strand wire will be attached to the end of each H-brace.

The double strand wire will be attached to the woven wire fence by hog nose rings at each support post and at least three (3) points between each t-post or u-channel post.

B.1.5 TASK 1 –REPLACE SWING FLOOD GATE

The contractor will replace the flood swing gate (approximately 30 linear feet) in the bottom of Rock Canyon to allow high water events to pass under the fence without washing out the fence (Figure 2) while preventing livestock from crossing the gate.

Support posts (supporting the top wire) on each side of the wash are in good repair and may not need to be replaced.

B.1.6 TASK 1 –STAGING OF DEMOLITION DEBRIS AND EXCESS

SUPPLIES AND REMOVAL VIA HELICOPTER

The contractor shall stage fence materials from the project area that are excess or the result from the demolition of the existing fence. They will be staged in designated locations marked by the COR for removal by helicopter. This includes:

1. All fence materials from the demolition of the existing fence (t-posts, h-braces wire, t-posts clips, h-brace tighteners and wire, and fence staples, etc.) will be secured so they can be loaded into a helicopter sling net. Barb and smooth wire will be rolled into rolls that are no more than three feet in diameter and weight no more than 75 pounds each. H-brace posts that are wooden and made from natural trees trunks or branches may be scattered on the park side of the boundary after all staples and other metal pieces have been removed. Any treated wood posts will be flown out. Metal h-brace posts shall be removed from the site and disposed of with the rest of the scrap metal fence materials as described above. All small metal scrap must be secured in a container so it does not fall from the helicopter sling net while in transport to the delivery site. Metal posts will be wrapped tightly in bundles of five (5) using wire, fiber tape, or duct tape.

2. All trash and supplies that are not used for fence construction shall also be staged at the designated helicopter pickup locations. This includes excess fence posts, wire rolls, scrap wire, and trash.

B.1.7 TASK 1 – REMOVE FENCE MATERIALS USING A HELICOPTER

The contractor will remove all scrap fence materials from the staging areas by a helicopter that the contractor contracts.

1. The contractor will coordinate with the COR and park helicopter manager to develop a project plan to remove scrap fence material and deliver the materials to a designated location on Wetherill Mesa where materials will be loaded onto vehicles or trailers and removed from the park (by the contractor).

2. The contractor may keep any re-useable material or dispose of these wastes in accordance with applicable regulations.

B.1.7 TASK 1 – REHABILITATION OF PROJECT DISTURBED AREAS

1. Soil rehabilitation should occur during the project and/or after fence installation is complete depending on the impacts to soil and potential for erosion. If soil disturbance is minor and confined to fence post areas (no rutting, digging, grubbing in other areas, then soil rehabilitation and planting of a park recommended and approved native seed mix can occur simultaneously in the fall.

If soil is highly disturbed and the potential for erosion is high the contractor should contact the COR for instructions on methods to stabilize the soil immediately.

2. Contractor will spread and rake in government provided seed mix along disturbed areas of the fence line and staging areas near the fence. The rate of spread and the areas to be reseeded will be provided to contractor by the project COR. Seed will be raked into the soil in order to provide for good seed contact with the soil.

III. ON-SITE CAMPING OPTION

1. The contractor will have the option to camp out next to the project areas near the fence line. The contractor will be required to follow leave-no-trace principles and follow stipulations to minimize impacts to park resources. These include campsite location, waste management, and cooking. A document on these camping stipulations is attached.

IV. REVIEWS AND REVISIONS.

1. Reviews or inspections of contractor’s work are scheduled at 10%, 50% and 100% completion of the work defined at each fence section. These inspections may be performed by the COR or an assigned project inspector. Additional reviews, if necessary, will be arranged in advance between the contractor and the project COR, either in writing or verbally, and may be initiated by either party.

V. RESPONSIBLE PARTIES

NPS or the park will provide the contractor with the following:

• Written permission from the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe to remove necessary vegetation on the tribal side of the boundary fence for project activities. Work on the Ute Mountain Ute side of the boundary can not occur until permission is granted. Park staff will be present on site, if vegetation needs trimmed and access is necessary from the Ute Mountain Ute side.

• Backcountry training for at least one crewmember

• Orientation to the work site and method to access the work area.

• An archeologist to monitor ground disturbing activities when necessary.

• Flagging of and notification of cultural, natural, and paleontological sites to be protected during construction activities.

• The park will provide feedback and comments on the work performed and will direct the contractor in project changes.

• Park radio for communication with the park dispatch and park project personnel.

• Gate keys, if needed.

VI. PROJECT POINTS OF CONTACT

NAME TITLE CONTACT

INFORMATION

Nathan Brown Project manager, COR, project inspector

MEVE

P.O. Box 8 Mesa Verde CO 81330 Phone: (614)-499-2845

TBD Project inspector MEVE P.O. Box 8 Mesa Verde CO 81330

TBD Contracting officer TBD

VII. SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCE

Project schedule will be negotiated (May 1 2021- September 30 2021). A general outline follows based on calendar dates:

POC TASK TARGET

(negotiable)

DELIVERABLES

Contractors Initial site visit and orientation

TBD

NPS\Park Project can start TBD NPS\Park 10% review 1 week after start date Review/inspect work performed.

NPS\Park 50% review 3 weeks after start date

Review/inspect work performed.

Contractor 100% completion submission

6 weeks after start date

Notification of completed work

NPS\Park and Contractor

100% review TBD Review/inspect final work.

The contractor may complete the project on or before the TBD deadline.

Figure 1. Project Area.

Figure 2. Swing Flood Gate.

Figure 2 (continued). Swing Flood Gate.

Figure 3. Fence Specifications.

Attachment 1

Suggested Fence Materials List- Estimate

• 11 Rolls High Tensile Fixed-Knot Woven Wire, 200'.

• 55 #24 Eight foot U-Channel Posts.

• 110 t-posts and clips

• 30 5-inch 8-foot treated wooden posts

• 15 Metal h-brace pipes and t-clamps

• 10 Eighty pound bags of quickcrete

• 2 Rolls of double-strand smooth wire

• 5 Pounds of fence staples

• 20 In-line fence strainers

• 1 roll (2000 feet) of high-tensile strainer wire

• 2 Rolls of 12 gauge wire

• One box of hog-nose clips and installation tool

• 20x 10-inch spikes

• One 10-foot steel vehicle gate and hinges and chain

• Swing Gate (30 feet)

Attachment 2

Rock Canyon Camping Stipulations:

Due to sensitive natural and cultural resources in the area in the park, regulations to minimize impacts listed below must be followed.

1. Campsite location

a. An area where tents can be set up will be flagged by the project COR.

2. Waste management

a. Human waste

i. Human waste must be collected and stored in a leak proof container that can be removed by a helicopter. Ask the project COR for suggestions on vendors for waste containers.

b. Trash

i. Trash must be secured in bear-proof container at all times when project staff are not directly next to the trash. Consult with Project COR on suggestions on bear-proof containers.

c. Waste water

i. Waste water including dish washing gray water must be collected and removed in leak proof containers using a helicopter.

3. Cooking

a. Cooking areas shall be done at least 100 feet from sleeping areas to reduce bear conflicts.

Cooking areas will be flagged for use the project COR.

b. Cooking stoves must be used in an area that has been clear of vegetation and ground debris.

4. Campfires

a. To eliminate the chance of wildland fires, and damage to soils and vegetation, no open campfires are allowed.

5. Cultural and Natural Resources

a. The park and the adjacent tribal lands are protected and no collecting of wood is allowed.

b. No vegetation will be collected.

c. No wildlife or their parts (e.g. antlers, feather, bones, etc) may be collected.

d. No cultural resources may be disturbed or collected (e.g. pottery sherds, arrowheads, etc)

6. Food Storage

a. Food should not be kept in tents or personal bags.

b. Food will be kept in bear proof containers.

7. Radio communication in case of emergency

a. A communications plan must be developed in coordination with the COR and follow park communications protocols.

8. All human waste, trash, and waste water must be removed from both the camping area and the park, and must be disposed of legally by the contractor.

VII. SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCE