A04_ATTACHMENT_001_-_Project_Statement.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

Wastewater System Improvement Project Newfound Gap Overlook Area

Swain County, NC & Sevier County, TN Great Smoky Mountains National Park

01/27/2026

1. General Information The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM) is located in Tennessee and North Carolina and consists of nearly 521,000 acres. The park was established by Congress on June 15, 1934.

The Park’s mission is to protect, preserve, and interpret the natural, cultural, and historical resources for the benefit and inspiration of present and future generations. There are over 12 million visitors annually.

2. Facility Background The Newfound Gap Overlook Area is located at the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, along Highway 441. The Newfound Gap Wastewater System was designed and built in the late 1930’s during the early years of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This system serves the Newfound Gap rest area, which resides at the top (elevation) of Newfound Gap Road at the Tennessee and North Carolina border. It is also the highest elevation point along the entire Appalachian Trail. This area is a primary destination location in the middle of the park offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains to millions of visitors each year. Due to the high elevation, Highway 441 is often closed during winter weather events.

EXISTING WASTEWATER SYSTEM

This wastewater system is eighty years old, and well beyond its expected life. The clay wastewater collection lines and plumbing joints are especially susceptible to root intrusion and leaks with the passing of time; they need to be replaced with modern materials such as PVC or HDPE lines to help prevent wastewater contamination of this unique high-elevation environment where soils are thin and rocky. Other collection system components such as the septic tank, dosing tank, and brick manholes are also original construction, and need to be replaced or supplemented to accommodate the level of use that this system receives throughout the year.

Back in 2008, with the assistance of engineering services, work was accomplished to stop effluent discharge from the old subsurface sand filter. This current project would also include work on various elements of this drain field to replace any broken valves, valve boxes, laterals, and fencing to ensure continued operation and protect the past investment on the leech field.

3. Scope of Proposed Work The scope of work for this project is as follows:

SITE CONSIDERATIONS

1. Historic Flagstone Access to this site requires crossing historic flagstone at the Roosevelt Memorial area.

The Contractor shall protect the flagstone and stone curb from damage during construction with protective coverings, barriers, devices, or other procedures to preserve its nature. Any damaged flagstone or curb shall be repaired or replaced at the

Contractor’s expense following completion of the proposed work. The Contractor’s protections measures shall be submitted for review by the Park. Note that any protection measures implemented will need to allow for pedestrian traffic across the walkways as the area will remain open to public.

2. Restroom Access Comfort Station must remain accessible and operational at all hours while Newfound Gap Road (Hwy 441) is open, or another option must be provided. Portable restrooms are an acceptable temporary alternative, but will be the Contractor’s responsibility to provide and maintain them. At a minimum, 8 standard and 1 accessible portable restroom must be provided if this alternative is selected. Due to high visitation and use of the area, the portable restrooms must be checked, cleaned, pumped, and stocked with hand sanitizer and toilet paper daily to meet the demand. The Park must be notified if a comfort station closure is required. Temporary closures not to exceed 15 minutes are allowed without notification.

WASTEWATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS

1. Septic Tank It is proposed to add 5,000-gallons to the septic tank system; and add a flow diversion manhole to allow alternating use of each septic tank. This provides surplus capacity as well as redundancy in the system so that one tank can be taken off-line as necessary for maintenance and/or repairs. A schematic design of the proposed flow diversion manhole is provided in the proposed design plans; however, it shall be the contractor’s responsibility to field verify the proposed design and make adjustments as necessary to provide a fully functional diversion system.

Septic tank specifications will be up to the contractor as long as minimum requirements are met. Acceptable materials are precast concrete, cast-in-place concrete, or plastic.

Fiberglass is not an allowed material. Acceptable configurations include one 5000-gallon tank or two 2500-gallon tanks in series – in addition to the existing 5000-gallon tank that will remain in service.

2. Manholes

The existing manholes are of brick construction. It is proposed to pipe-burst the existing 6” clay and/or PVC wastewater collection lines, which will require removing significant portions of the manholes. This partial demolition will compromise their structural integrity going forward; therefore, the existing manholes are to be replaced with precast concrete manholes. The proposed precast concrete manholes would extend the life of the system for the next 100-years.

In addition to the replaced manholes, one new precast concrete manhole will be added to the system. See attached contract drawings.

3. Wastewater Collection Lines The existing wastewater collection lines consist of the original clay lines, portions of which may have been repaired with PVC lines. To minimize ground disturbance, it is proposed to pipe-burst the existing lines and line them with 6” HDPE.

4. Dosing Tank The dosing tank itself is in acceptable condition; however, the dosing components are very old, and the top of the structure is marginal. It is proposed to install two new dosing siphons to operate alternately; and replace the roof panels of the double structure with new precast concrete (poured-in-place is an option). A new aluminum access hatch is to also be provided.

5. Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Field The existing subsurface wastewater disposal field was repaired back in 2008; and is in good operational condition. However, the plastic valve box lids have experienced significant damage from mowing operations. It is proposed to replace the plastic lids with heavy duty cast-iron lids. Contractor shall field verify the size of the lids and provide a suitable lid as required. A manufacturer and potential model numbers have been provided on the construction plans.

6. Security Fence and Gates The existing fence is very old and has significant damage. It is proposed to remove the existing fence, and provide a new fence as noted on the construction plans. A length of fence has been provided on the Price Proposal so that all proposals were based upon the same length; however, the contractor shall field verify the length of actual fencing required, and that amount shall be provided at no additional cost to the proposal. A single double swing vehicle gate and a single man-way gate shall also be provided.

7. Restoration

The contractor shall fine grade and hydroseed all disturbed areas following completion of the proposed work. The approved Park seed mix shall be used for the hydroseeding.

Areas outside of the immediate work area shall not be disturbed.

4. Contractor Responsibilities Contractor shall provide all materials and labor required to complete the specific items of work as noted in the above paragraph 3. Scope of Proposed Work. The above items are more completely described and illustrated in the proposed construction plans entitled “Newfound Gap Wastewater Rehabilitation Project”. Any items of work shown on the proposed construction plans, and not specifically stated above shall also be the responsibility of the contractor. All work shall be done in accordance with the Specification Manual entitled “Newfound Gap Wastewater Rehabilitation Project – Project Specifications”. In addition, all materials and installation shall be in accordance with the North Carolina Department of Environment and Conservation standards and specifications.

5. Government Furnished Property, Materials & Supplies GRSM will not be providing any property, materials or supplies for the subject project.

6. Business Hours The contractor shall typically complete on-site work or delivery, including unloading, during normal business hours of 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and Federal holidays. However, upon coordination with the COR, the contractor may work earlier or later as required. The contractor may also work weekends if necessary, upon coordination with the COR. The contractor shall coordinate the specific on-site work schedule with the

Rego, Christopher M I remember when we were out there with the contractors and Rick we talked about needing to do some clearing. Is that captured somewhere? If not, we need to account for it.

Contracting Officer and COR five days prior to performance start date. While on site, the COR may be reached by mobile phone during normal business hours. Note: There may be limited cellular service at Newfound Gap.

7. Management During Normal Working Hours The contractor shall manage the total work effort in accordance with effective and efficient management principles and safe working practices to ensure safety of the public and on-time completion of this contract.

8. Maintenance of Traffic Some of the work may be done while the Newfound Gap comfort station is open and occupied;

therefore, the contractor will need to provide pedestrian and/or vehicle traffic control as necessary. The contractor shall follow the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) for any traffic control that might be required. The Contractor shall use appropriate traffic control devices needed for all work and for protecting workers and visitors. One lane closures will be allowed within the parking area for the sole purpose of active loading and unloading equipment and materials; traffic shall be controlled with flaggers and appropriate signage. Contractor shall provide advance notice if the closure is expected to exceed 10 minutes.

All excavations left open overnight shall be protected with orange fencing and OSHA compliant practices.

9. Safety & Environmental Compliance

• The contractor shall comply with pertinent provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), and state, local, safety, laws.

• The contractor shall comply with pertinent Environmental Protection Agency laws and regulations.

• Contractor must be licensed in the State of North Carolina or Tennessee to install Public Wastewater Systems.

• Installed waterlines and sewer lines must pass both a pressure test and/or disinfection test per the project specifications, as applicable.

• The GRSM safety officer has the authority to issue restraint or cease-and-desist orders to the contractor when violations or unsafe acts are present and threaten Government and contractor employees or damage to Government property.

• The contractor shall immediately report to the Contracting Officer, COR and GRSM safety officer all accidents resulting in employee injury or death or damage to property while performing this contract.

10. Insurance The Contractor shall be insured in accordance with the Solicitation documents. The Government is not responsible for damage to Contractor’s equipment, vehicles, tools or materials or their employees and the personal property brought on-site. The Government will not accept any liability due to contractor employee negligence.

11. Motor Vehicle & Traffic Regulations Contractor employees operating motor vehicles shall possess an appropriate, valid, driver's license. Driver and vehicle permits, licenses, registrations and proof of insurance shall be maintained in the vehicle at all times and made available upon request. Contractor employees

Rego, Christopher M Let me know if this makes sense shall comply with federal vehicle motor law requiring seat belts be worn at all times. Contractor employees shall adhere to the posted speed limits. Commercial vehicles are prohibited on the Blue Ridge Parkway and Highway 441 without prior notification of the Park. Contractor shall contact the Dispatch Office at 865-436-1294 to notify the Park of an incoming commercial vehicle.

12. Statement of Work - Requirements Summary The contractor shall install all proposed wastewater lines and appurtenances in strict conformance with the requirements outlined in the North Carolina Administrative Code, Chapter 18 Environmental Health, Subchapter 18A – Sanitation, Section .1900 – Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems; also the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Design Criteria for Sewage Works, and the TDEC Division of Water Resources, Section 0400- 48-01 Rules to Govern Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems.

The contractor shall also install all proposed wastewater systems and appurtenances in strict conformance with the requirements of the Swain County Health Department, Environmental Health.

13. Maintenance of Roadways Contractor shall show due diligence to ensure that asphalt on roadways and developed parking areas are protected from damage.

14. Gates Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring gates are locked at the end of each shift.

1. Contractor shall provide a lock to be used on a joint locking system serving both the Park and the Contractor.

2. Gates shall be closed during the day and at the end of each day.

15. Employee Parking All contractor employees shall comply with parking procedures published for the GRSM.

16. Replacement of Contractor Employee for Security Reasons The Government retains the right to request removal of the contractor’s employee(s), regardless of prior clearances.

17. Non-Payment for Additional Work Any additional contractor performed services not specified in contract, either at its own volition or at the request of an individual other than an appointed Contracting Officer, except as may be explicitly authorized in the contract, shall be performed at the financial risk of the contractor.

Only an appointed Contracting Officer is authorized to bind the Government to a change in specifications, contract terms, or conditions.

18. Conflict of Interest The contractor shall not employ off-duty COR’s or other Government employees if such employment would create a conflict of interest or be contrary to the policies contained in conflict-of-interest directives.

19. Quality Control The contractor shall establish and maintain a Quality Control Plan (QCP) to ensure the work performed conforms to the contract requirements. The Statement of Work - Requirements Summary (Section 12) provides requirements for the installation of wastewater lines, and appurtenances that are the minimum requirements for the installation of the new wastewater system components. The contractor’s QCP shall address methods for remedying any non-compliant work. The Contractor shall develop QCP and submit with proposal package. The Contractor’s QCP includes:

• Required services identified in the “Statement of Work - Requirements Summary”

• Contractor’s surveillance methodology

• Method and timeframe for responding to COR or customer complaints

• Progress meetings with Government stakeholders

20. Contractor’s Proposal Package The following deliverables are to be submitted with offer in response to RFQ.

• Technical approach to perform required services.

• Identification of key personnel to be responsible for the on-site work and their qualifications.

• Contractor safety plan.

• Contractor’s QCP

• Proof of Insurance–Business Liability & Workers Compensation.

21. Inspection.

The Government will conduct inspections during and upon completion of required services.

Process and Final payments will be processed upon confirming that all noted contractor performance deficiencies have been satisfactorily corrected.

22. Schedule The Newfound Gap Overlook comfort station is open year-round. Proposed work may commence any time after the Notice to Proceed is issued but must be complete within 150 calendar days from the start date. Service to the comfort station must be maintained or portable toilets provided for the duration of construction. The contractor shall provide a realistic schedule for the completion of the proposed work; and notify the Park if there is not sufficient time in the schedule prior to accepting the contract.

23. Liquidated Damages (NA)

24. Base Price Schedule See attachment.

25. Location Map See attachment.

26. Referenced Documents The Design Plans and Specifications for the “Newfound Gap Wastewater System Rehabilitation Project”.