A04_2024__Mowing_SOW.pdf

Mulching/Mowing of SBN & Big Boggy NWR 2025

Statement of Work

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 General: This is a non-personal service contract for the mowing (tractor with 15ft wide shredder) of small vegetation (3 inches or less in DBH) and brush on 294.1 acres on Big Boggy National Wildlife Refuge (BBRNWR) San Bernard NWR (SRRNWR). The shredding deck must be set 16 inches high or as high as the mowing deck will go. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn is responsible to the Government. The Contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform work services as defined in this Performance Work Statement. The Contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract.

1.2 Introduction: The Contractor will shred identified vegetation in units according to specifications that will assist in the rehabilitation of habitat for a threaten species and reduce fuel loading in the units for prescribed fire operations.

1.3 Period of Performance: On or about September 1, 2025, thru February 28, 2026. This timeframe would account for holidays, weather-days within the contract period and is contingent on funding availability.

1.4 Site Visit: There will be a site visit on March 19, 2025, at 0900 at 6801 County Road 306, Brazoria, TX 77422.

1.5Place of Performance: The work to be performed under this contract will be within the boundaries of the BBRNWR Figure 1, SNRNWR units will be in Figures 2 and 3. BBRNWR and SBRNWR operations will be run from Texas Mid-coast Complex Office 2547 County Road 316, Brazoria 77422. BBRNWR area of operation is along County Road 262 or Chinquapin Road in Matagorda County. SBRNWR area of operation is along County Road Rail Pond Road intersection CR 306. The 2918 Church unit is along Farm to Market Road 2918. Details concerning treatment area are identified in the Scope section of this document.

1.6 Type of Contract: This is a Fixed Price contract/task order.

1.7 Security Requirements: BBRNWR and SNRNWR is a closed refuge so contractor will be required to make arrangements with/notify Contracting Officer Representative and United States Fish and Wildlife Service Law Enforcement of all work details/days.

1.8 Key Control: Contractor will be required to provide a combination lock to be placed on refuge gates solely for the purpose of egress and ingress to complete contract obligations.

1.8.1 Lock Combinations (if applicable). The Contractor shall establish and implement methods of ensuring that all lock combinations are not revealed to unauthorized persons. The Contractor shall ensure that lock combinations are changed when personnel having access to the combinations no longer have a need to know such combinations. These procedures shall be included in the Contractor’s Quality Control Plan.

1.9 Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings: The Contractor agrees to attend all post award conference or progress meetings convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 42.5. The Contracting Officer (CO), Contracting Officers Representative (COR), Government Representative (GR), and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the Contractor to review the Contractor's performance and/or status of work. At these meetings, the COR or GR will apprise the Contractor of how the government views the Contractor's performance and the Contractor will apprise the Government of problems being experienced, if any. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the Government.

1.10 Contracting Officer Representative /Government Representative: The COR will be identified by either separate letter or other form of notification. The COR/GR monitors all technical aspects of the contract and assists in contract administration.

The COR/GR is authorized to perform the following functions: assure that the Contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract; conduct inspections necessary in connection with contract performance; maintain written and oral communications with the Contractor concerning technical aspects of the contract; issue written interpretations of technical requirements, including Government drawings, designs, and specifications; monitor Contractor performance and notify both the CO and Contractor of any deficiencies and provide site entry of Contractor personnel. A letter of designation issued to the COR, a copy of which is sent to the Contractor, states the responsibilities and limitations of the COR, especially with regard to changes in cost or price, estimates or changes in delivery dates. The COR is not authorized to change any of the terms and conditions of the resulting order.

1.11 Key Personnel: The following personnel are considered key personnel by the government: Contract Manager/Administrator, Project Manager/Supervisor. The Contractor shall provide a contract manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate who shall act for the contractor when the manager is absent shall be designated in writing to the CO. The contract manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The contract manager or alternate shall be available Monday – Sunday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm with the exception of Federal Holidays

1.12 Identification of Contractor Employees: All Contract personnel attending meetings and working in other situations where their contractor status is not obvious to third parties are required to identify themselves as such to avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public that they are Government officials. They must also ensure that all documents or reports produced by contractors are suitably marked as contractor products or that contractor participation is appropriately disclosed.

II. BACKGROUND

2.1 The mission of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance, fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Refuges employ a variety of management techniques to reduce fuels; one priority method is through fuel reduction prescribed burns; alternative methods are using mechanical and hand treatments. Refuges prioritize treatments based upon the management objectives and public safety and threaten species; that is, the ability to meet the objectives of the refuge while keeping the public safe at the same time.

III. SCOPE OF WORK

3.1 Objective: Shredding of vegetation in the units of BBRNWR will be completed for a total of 294.1 acres. All vegetation with a diameter of (3) inches and smaller must be mowed down to 16 inches above mineral soil inside designated units.

3.1.1 Treatment Area: The general location of BBRNWR units is County Road 261, Wadsworth, TX in Matagorda County.

This unit is southwest of County Road 261or Chinquapin Road. The general location of one of the SBRNWR units is along FM 2918. Two of the units are located on interior of the refuge on Rail Pond Road The intersects County Road 306.

The government has the right to move project location to a similar site within the refuge boundary if the original site cannot be accessed due to weather conditions, threaten species activity or a higher priority project is identified.

3.2 Contractor must comply 100% with the agreed-upon plan of work. Preferred method of treatment will be by rubber-tired tractor with a minimum of 100 hp and 15ft bat wing mower. The government is open to alternative method of treatment by equipment but must be approved prior to commencement of work. All work must be done according to work statement, equipment capability restrictions and any local and state regulations.

3.3 The Contractor shall provide all personnel, labor equipment, supplies, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other non-personal services necessary to perform the requirements of this contract and shall plan, schedule, coordinate, and ensure effective performance of required services for the entire duration of contract. Crews must avoid all areas marked as “off limits”; coordinates will be provided to the Project Manager for these locations. Treatment applications shall be performed in such a manner as to protect non-target flora species, the environment, and the public. NOTE: The CO reserves the right to require the Contractor to replace any operating personnel, or equipment used in the performance of this Contract if the personnel, or equipment are violating, or have violated, any state or federal laws; or are unsafe; or for any valid reason. In this event, the Contractor shall as soon as reasonably possible, upon written or verbal notice (to be later reduced to writing) from the CO, provide replacements satisfactory to the CO at no additional cost.

3.4 Work performance shall be defined as 100% of identified area to be treated.

3.5 All personnel and equipment to be used will be appropriately licensed and certificated for the work to be done. The Contractor will be responsible for providing sufficient equipment, fuel, safety items, personnel and their subsistence needs during the project period, as well as checking all work sites for hazards of any type which could affect their ability to accomplish the project.

3.6 The Contractor will provide USFWS with contact information for all ground personnel, vehicles, and equipment, identification information (including make, model, color, name of company, and contact information) at least 48 hours before implementation of the project.

3.7 Public Safety: Public safety must be always ensured. In application areas where there is potential for public interaction the Refuge shall advise the Contractor of any public use hazards. It shall be the ultimate responsibility of the Contractor to initiate operations GO-NO-GO. Any fines or penalties for damage to public or private property or resultant environmental damage shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.

3.8 The COR/GR must be notified at least 24 hours prior to the start of any operations.

3.9 No rutting will be permitted at any time.

3.10 The Contractor shall avoid any damage to native flora and fauna outside the designated area or clearly marked areas inside the designated area. The Contractor shall not collect, harass, harm, or molest native flora and fauna. The Contractor shall avoid damage to sensitive archaeological sites. The Contractor shall be responsible for the removal of all trash and treatment-related equipment. The Contractor shall be held liable if damage was determined to be the fault of the Contractor (negligence), the result of improper treatment techniques, or the result of Contractor control activities.

3.11 The ground crew supervisor shall be responsible for any data collection, safety procedures, and crew supervision. The COR/GR (Ground Representative) shall provide technical support concerning species/area treatments for each delineated work area. Under no circumstances shall a non-approved piece of equipment be used without knowledge or permission of the COR/GR. Ground crews accessing the treatment area need be aware that the majority of the acres to be treated contain seasonal wetlands.

IV. APPLICABLE DIRECTIVES

4.1 All Contractor employees performing work directly onsite must adhere to all local regulations, rules, policies relating to the obtainment of proper clearances and site access.

4.2 The Contractor must abide by all applicable regulations, publications, manuals, and local policies and procedures.

4.3 OSHA, 29 CFR 1910 (as applicable)

4.4 EPA regulations

4.5 The Contractor is responsible for acquiring and maintaining all federal, state and local licenses, certifications, and permits.

The only exception to this requirement is that the SBNWR and BRRNWR will provide the Section 7 permit, if required, for threaten species for this contract if applicable. A copy of the Section 7 permit will be furnished to the Contractor and all conditions will be followed. Threaten species are known to frequently occur in the treatment area and adhering to the Section 7 permit conditions should require minimal effort. Contractor must follow of Black Rail Regulation Equipment Operation Criteria. This will be provided to the contractor by the government.

4.6 All of the shredding in the units must be done following best management practices for mowing in black rail habitat. This includes: 1) operating equipment at a slow speed (1-2 mph or the slowest speeds possible) to allow wildlife to escape the mower path; 2) using linear clearing that begins adjacent to and runs parallel with the unit boundary so that the treatments are applied from the edges inward towards areas where rails can take refuge; and 3) driving equipment so that its path does not follow a circular or entrapping pattern. This will lessen the risk of damage to the black rail or its habitat in the unit. The contractor cannot be in the units from March 1 to August 31, which is the black rail breeding season and avoids the general migratory bird nesting season.

4.7 The Contractor (or their representatives) will not litter. Litter violations will be handled under Federal Code of Regulations 50CFR27.94 (a), which carries a fine of $100.00 per incident upon conviction.

V. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

5.1 All vegetation with a diameter at breast height of 3 inches and smaller shall be shredded to 16 inches above mineral soil.

5.1.1 The Crew Supervisor shall be responsible for notifying the COR /GR within one week of treatment completion so that the area can be inspected. The Contractor shall be responsible for 100% treatment of the identified area.

5.1.2 Contractor must be able to provide a GPS track log of each weeks mowing accomplishments. It must be email to the Biologist at Jennifer_Wilson@fws.gov.

5.2 TREATMENT

5.2.3. The Contractor shall canvas 100% of the identified treatment area.

5.2.3The Contractor shall complete the treatment during the specified dates as directed by the COR/GR due to threaten species activity as directed by the refuge biologist and wet soil conditions.

5.2.4 The Contractor shall coordinate with the Government to determine the date(s) and time(s) of treatment to minimize impacts on other Government activities and so refuge staff has time to close roads and trails in the treatment area prior to treatment beginning. Contractor must have work dates and a plan of work approved by the USFWS 48 hours prior to beginning work, preferably established during a face-to-face pre-work meeting.

5.2.5 The Contractor shall clean and wash equipment in accordance with Environmental Protection Agency and refuge guidelines to prevent the introduction of exotic flora and fauna onto the refuge. Refuge guidelines require all equipment to be pressure washed prior to entering refuge property. Prior to leaving the worksite for the day, the Contractor shall remove all equipment and materials associated with contract activities on government property unless approval has been granted by the COR or GR and/or a storage site has been identified.

5.2.6 Contractor is responsible for notifying COR/GR at the time of a hazardous spill and the contractor is responsible for cleaning up any spills that may occur.

5.2.7 The Contractor shall avoid any damage to native vegetation and wildlife. The Contractor shall be responsible for the removal of all trash and treatment-related equipment. Trash shall be removed daily. If damage occurs, the Contractor shall be held liable if damage was determined to be because of Contractor negligence, the result of improper treatment techniques, or the result of Contractor control activities.

5.3 SPECIAL CONDITIONS

5.3.1 The COR/GR shall inform the Contractor of the time schedule as work progresses. However, the CO may halt work at any time upon written notice.

5.3.2 Weather and site conditions may interfere with the work completion schedule negotiated at the award conference. The CO may halt work at any time upon written notice for conditions beyond the control of the contractor. If this results in significant time lost, the completion date for the project can be re-negotiated by the CO with COR recommendations.

VI. WORK TIME/HOURS OF DUTY

6.1 Hours of Operation: The Contractor is responsible for conducting business, between the hours of 6:00 am – 7:00 pm Monday thru Sunday except national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government directives. Workdays or hours outside these times must be approved by the COR/GR. The Contractor will not be reimbursed when the government facility is closed for the above reasons. The Contractor must always maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this SOW when the Government facility is not closed for the above reasons. When hiring personnel, the Contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the workforce are essential.

VII. SUPPLIES, MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, AND UTILITIES

NOTE: As a government agency dedicated to “working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people,” the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service strives to incorporate the most ecologically sound and environmentally beneficial technologies, materials, and practices into all aspects of planning and operations. To help achieve this mission and meet Executive Orders (EOs) and Department of the Interior (DOI) planning requirements, the USFWS has implemented strategies to reduce the environmental impacts associated with procurement, lease acquisition, waste prevention and recycling, facility design, construction, operation, and management, contracting and permitted commercial visitor services. These strategies have been collectively referred to as the FWS’s Green Procurement and Waste Prevention & Recycling Program (Greening Program) and are a part of the FWS’s overall approach to environmental management.

7.1 Government-Furnished Property and Services: The Government will not provide any Supplies, Materials, or Equipment to complete this contract.

VIII. SUPERVISION

8.1 In order to ensure performance and accomplishment of the work as outlined herein, the Contractor shall always provide adequate and competent supervision for all work to be accomplished by the Contractor’s employees. When contract work is in progress, supervisory personnel shall be always available to receive notices, reports, or requests from the COR/GR or his authorized representative. At no time shall CO/COR/GR direct or supervise the activities of the Contractor’s employees.

8.2 On-site Supervision: An on-site supervisor, with the ability to speak and understand English clearly and with the authority to act for the Contractor on a day-to-day basis and to sign inspection reports and all other correspondence on behalf of the Contractor, shall be present at the work site at all times when contract work is in progress, unless a contractor employee can act on the supervisor’s behalf.

8.3. Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervisory responsibilities shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

8.3.1 Providing an adequate labor force; this includes the immediate replacement of personnel dismissed for cause or leaving employment of their own volition.

8.3.2 Ensuring that Contractor personnel are properly trained to perform their assigned work in a proper, safe, and efficient manner, and ensuring that the proper supplies, materials, and equipment are on hand.

8.3.3 Taking action to prevent general carelessness by employees and/or abuse of government property, flora or fauna.

8.3.4 Establishing an effective and comprehensive safety program.

8.3.5 Indoctrinating employees to report fire, hazardous conditions, and damage.

8.3.6 Continually ensuring that the conduct of the Contractor’s employees reflect favorably upon the Contractor’s and Fish and Wildlife Service organization(s). If applicable, supervisory personnel are responsible for ensuring that employees fully support and participate in the energy-conservation program within the facilities.

IX. CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS

9.1 Supervisory Personnel: All supervisory employees engaged in directing the work to be accomplished under this contract shall possess, at least two years’ experience in directing the subject service-type operations in a supervisory capacity for the approximate size/scope of this contract.

X. DELIVERABLES

10.1 Frequent reporting/accounting of overall progress (i.e. 33%, 66%, 100%) or as determined by the COR/GR.

10.2 Universal Daily Progress Report (U-DPR), to be provided to the COR/GR or his/her designee on a bi-weekly basis (minimum).

10.3 Coordination, application, and wrap-up meetings

10.4 A COR/GR will inspect all areas periodically during the contract period.

10.5 Copies of all invoices (signed by the Contractor Crew Supervisor/GR) can be submitted to the Government at completion times of 33%, 66% and 100% complete.

10.6 Contractor must be able to provide a GPS track log of each day’s shredding accomplishments. It must be email to the COR within 48 of shredding.

XI. DELIVERABLES SCHEDULE

(This technical exhibit lists any reports or documentation that is required as a deliverable and includes the frequency, # of copies, medium/format and who/where it is to be submitted. A deliverable is anything that can be physically delivered but may include non-physical things such as meeting minutes.)

Deliverable Frequency # of Copies Medium/Format Submit To Routine reporting/accounting of progress

33%, 66%, 100%

1 Hard/soft copy

COR/GR/Manager

Daily Progress Report

Weekly 1 Email Track Log COR/GR/Manager

Coordination, application, and wrap-up meetings

As directed by the

COR/GR

n/a Meeting COR/GR/Manager

GPS readings Weekly 1 Avenza Biologist

XIII. Quality Assurance Plan

12.1 The Contractor shall institute a complete quality-control program to ensure that the requirements of this contract are provided, as specified. The overall goal of the program should be to identify and correct any problems that may exist before they are identified by or reported to the COR/GR. This will aid in ensuring the contractor meets time schedules, adheres to standard commercial practices, and complies with Performance Work Statement/contract in an efficient, ethical, and productive manner. As a minimum, the program shall include:

12.1.1 An inspection system covering all the services required under Section V (Performance Requirements) with a comprehensive checklist to be used to inspect contract performance during scheduled and unscheduled inspections, and the name(s) of the individuals who will be performing the inspections.

12.1.2 A system for identifying and correcting deficiencies and/or a pattern of deficiencies in the quality or quantity of services provided before the level of performance becomes unacceptable and/or Government inspectors point out the deficiencies.

12.1.3 A file of all inspections conducted by the Contractor and corrective actions taken (at Contractor’s expense). This should include follow-up inspections to ensure that corrective action was appropriate, complete, and timely. This documentation shall be organized in a logical manner, kept current, and made available to the CO/COR/GR during the term of the contract.

12.1.4 When notified of a deficiency, items designated as unsatisfactory or below standard shall be re-performed by Contactor at no additional cost to the Government. All corrective action must be completed by the next working day of notification of the deficiency. If not, a deduction may be made (as determined from the applicable month’s invoice). Failure of the Government to notify the Contractor of a deficiency does not relieve the Contractor of the obligation to perform services nor does it relieve the Contractor of the responsibility to ensure that quality control measures are adhered to for contract compliance.

12.2 Performance Indicators and Acceptable Quality Levels

12.2.1 Comply with work production/work schedule(s) except for Excusable Delays. 100% compliance

12.2.2 Comply with all work requirements and standards as indicated within the Scope of Work. 100% compliance

12.2.3 Comply with all contract terms and conditions. 100% compliance

12.2.4 Must not damage government resources, fish, wildlife, and/or property. 100% compliance

12.2.5 Maintain safety of workers and work environment at all times. 100% compliance with no deviations

12.2.6 Maintain a Quality Control Plan and immediately disclose/report any problems. 100% compliance

12.2.7 Ensure all equipment is in good working order during the entire period of performance and safeguard the use and storage of all hazardous chemicals. 100% compliance

12.2.8 The task shall be considered completed following a thorough final inspection of the delineated treatment area by the COR and only if it is determined that the Contractor treated 100% of the project. 100% compliance

12.2.9 The Contractor shall be held responsible for non-target damage (to be determined by the COR). 100% compliance

12.3 Surveillance Methods

12.3.1 Regularly scheduled inspection/review of work

12.3.2 Inspection of equipment. The CO/COR/GR reserves the right to inspect, at any time upon notice to the Contractor, the Contractor’s procedures and operating personnel. Inspection, however, shall not relieve the Contractor of any obligations or responsibilities, nor shall it transfer any liability to the Refuge.

12.3.3 Contractor logs/reports

12.3.4 Final payment shall be held until 100% of the project is completed as determined by a final inspection conducted by

COR/GR.

12.4 Incentives

12.4.1 Non-compliance with Performance Work Statement will result in negative performance evaluation/rating.

12.4.2 A positive performance rating will be given for overall satisfactory work and compliance related to the contract.

Figure 1. Map of Shredding Units

Figure 2. Map of Shredding Units

Figure 3. Map of Shredding Units