A04_Remove_at_Risk_Trees_FY26_SOW.pdf

George Washington Birthplace National Monument and

Thomas Stone National Historic Site

STATEMENT OF WORK

Prune and Remove At-Risk Trees at Two Parks

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NER – IR1

PMIS 337808-A & 340011-A

D.0 NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

The National Park Service (NPS) is a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) that has been entrusted with the care of our national parks since 1916. The National Park System currently has 433 units (often referred to as parks), covering more than 85 million acres in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and US territories.

The NPS also has more than 150 related areas that are linked in importance and purpose to places managed directly by the National Park Service by preserving important segments of the nation's natural and cultural heritage. They are designated by acts of Congress or by the Secretary of the Interior (affiliated areas). The majority of related areas are not units of the National Park Service and are managed by other government agencies or non-government organizations and landowners. The National Park Service is involved in related areas by directly managing the entire or sections of a related area, or by providing technical or financial assistance.

The NPS preserves unimpaired natural and cultural resources, and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The NPS cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.

The NPS – Business Service Contracting Division (BSCD) – Contracting Operations – Strategic (ConOps- Strategic) supports the acquisition needs of the entire NPS. The NPS – BSCD-ConOps-Northeast issues contracts through the Federal Acquisition Regulation’s (FAR) for supplies, services, construction, A&E.

D.1 SPECIFIC PARK INFORMATION

D.1.A GEORGE WASHINGTON BIRTHPLACE NATIONAL MONUMENT (GEWA)

George Washington Birthplace National Monument (GEWA) is located in the Northern Neck of Virginia, along the Potomac River. It encompasses 551 acres of land where seven generations of the Washington family lived and where George Washington was born in 1732. The park was also central to one of the earliest efforts to memorialize George Washington during the celebration of his bicentennial birth anniversary in 1932. At GEWA you can visit the GEWA Visitor Center, the Memorial Area, and the Washington Family Burial Ground, the park also has a picnic area and a public beach.

Numerous recreational activities are available in the park including hiking, fishing, and birding. For more information visit the website: George Washington Birthplace National Monument (U.S.

National Park Service)

D.1.B THOMAS STONE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE (THST)

In 1776, Thomas Stone and 55 others signed the Declaration of Independence. In doing so, Stone risked his home, his family's security, and even his life to support the Declaration of Independence's promise of freedom. Thomas Stone National Historic Site (THST) preserves one (1) of the four (4) homes managed by the National Park Service, including the Thomas Stone ancestral home that was once lived in by signers of the Declaration of Independence. In 1776, Thomas Stone and 55 others signed the Declaration of Independence. In doing so, Stone risked his home, his family's security, and even his life to support the Declaration of Independence's promise of freedom.

https://www.nps.gov/gewa/index.htm https://www.nps.gov/gewa/index.htm

The park is situated in historic Southern Maryland, within an easy drive from Washington, D.C. The first capital of Maryland in St. Mary's City is a short drive to the southeast and the current capital, Annapolis, is a short drive to the northeast. For more information visit the THST website at: Thomas Stone National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service)

D.2 BACKGROUND

The National Park Service at both the George Washington Birthplace National Monument (GEWA) and Thomas Stone National Historic Site (THST) has a one-time requirement for a contractor to provide tree maintenance services and both locations. The tree maintenance services include the removal and selective pruning of both hardwood and softwood trees within two parks, which may include storm damaged trees, at-risk tree, and/or other identified hazard trees.

The contractor is required to flush cut stumps as stated below, but is not required to provided stump grinding/removal as part of this Scope of Work.

1. Description of Types of work required

a. Tree Felling or Removal

i. All logs, branches, and debris from felled trees within a developed area shall be removed from the developed area. No logs or other parts of a tree at risk shall remain suspended above the ground.

ii. Trees that cannot be felled due to proximity of the roadways, buildings, structures, utilities, and/or lack of an adequate felling area shall be topped and/or a section.

iii. The Contractor is responsible for taking all precautions to ensure that the tree will fall where desired. If a tree cannot be felled safely in one piece, the tree shall be topped and/or section.

iv. No later than the end of each workday, the contractor shall remove any piles of limbs, logs, chip and any debris generated by the crew. No piles will be allowed to remain at the work site overnight.

b. Takedown of At-Risk or Storm Damaged Trees

i. All logs, branches, and debris from felled trees within a developed area shall be removed from the developed area. No logs or other parts of a tree at risk shall remain suspended above the ground.

ii. The work to be performed under this section shall include pruning trees in accordance with the American National Standard for Arboricultural Operations Pruning, Repairing, Maintaining and Removing Trees and Cutting Brush – Safety Requirements – ANSI

iii. Trees shall be pruned to maintain and/or improve health and structure and shall include each of the following pruning types:

• Hazard Reduction: Shall consist of removing all visible hazards with potential for damage to property or personal injury. Removal shall include but is not limited to deadwood, heavy or weak horizontal branches, and weak crotches. Weak crotches are defined as split or rotted wood between two trunks of limbs that may break and fall during high wind.

• Crown Cleaning: Shall consist of removing dead, dying, diseased, interfering, objectionable weakly attached, and low vigor branches. All dead wood greater than 2-feet in length shall be removed regardless of diameter. An occasional branch of up https://www.nps.gov/thst/index.htm https://www.nps.gov/thst/index.htm to one inch may remain within the main leaf area, which is not practical to remove.

Climbing hooks shall not be worn for tree pruning.

D.3 TASKS

D.3.1 SPECIFIC QUANTITY AND TYPE OF TREES AND LOCATIONS

Note: Trees to be taken down or pruned will be identified in the field by the COR.

1. Base Items

Park Task Quantity

a. GEWA Visitor Center Grounds:

Prune and Remove Dead Branched and Elevate Low Limbs

14 Trees Total:

(1-each) at the propane tanks, 30” DBH (2-each) right side of visitor center, 24”to 30”

DBH

(3-each) at picnic tables, 12”to 36” DBH (4-each) at end of ramp, 8”to 16” DBH (1-each) at deck (cedar) (1-each) end of deck water edge, 48” DBH (2-each) beside the interpretation office, 48”

DBH

b. GEWA Visitor Center Grounds:

Tree Removal

5 Trees Total:

(4-each) along water edge (1-each) at end of deck, 8” DBH

c. GEWA Visitor Center Grounds:

Clear Brush Along Water Edge Bank

Approximately 100 ft.

d. GEWA Upper Trail:

Prune and Remove Dead Branched and Elevate Low Limbs

2 Trees Total:

(1-each) right side 36” DBH (1-each) left side black walnut 30” DBH

e. GEWA Visitor Center Field:

Prune and Remove Dead Branched and Elevate Low Limbs

2 Trees Total:

(1-each) sycamore 48” DBH (1-each) oak 48” DBH

f. GEWA Historic Area Trail Intersection:

Prune and Remove Dead Branched and Elevate Low Limbs

1 Tree Total:

(1-each) oak 65” DBH

g. GEWA Old Parking Lot Area: 12 Trees Total:

(12-each) 18” to 65” DBH

Branched and Elevate Low Limbs

h. GEWA Blacksmith Shop:

Branched and Elevate Low Limbs

7 Trees Total:

(7-each) cedar and pine

i. GEWA Rockefeller Barn Fence:

Branched and Elevate Low Limbs

(1-each) black walnut 20” DBH

j. GEWA Historic Area Left Side and Weaving Shop:

Prune and Remove Dead Branched and Elevate Low Limbs

4 Trees Total:

(4-each) black walnut 26” to 48” DBH

k. GEWA Colonial Kitchen:

Branched and Elevate Low Limbs

4 Trees Total:

(1-each) oak 60” DBH (1-each) magnolia 36” DBH (2-each) black walnut 30” DBH

l. GEWA Memorial House:

Prune and Remove Dead Branched and Elevate Low Limbs

2 Trees Total:

(1-each) oak 48” DBH (1-each) black walnut 30” DBH

m. THST Visitor Center Grounds:

Branched and Elevate Low Limbs

6 Trees Total:

(6-each) small trees in the parking lot

n. THST Entrance Road:

Prune and Elevate Low Limbs 15 ft. High

Approximately 500 linear ft.

Entrance road to intersection (Left side only) From intersection to visitor center parking lot (Both sides)

o. THST Mansion Grounds:

Prune and Remove Dead Branched and Elevate Low Limbs

15 Trees Total:

(15-each) 12” to 36” DBH

p. THST Mansion Road:

Branched and Elevate Low Limbs

4 Trees Total:

(4-each) cedars and holly

q. THST Cemetery Area:

Branched and Elevate Low Limbs

6 Trees Total:

(6-each) oaks

2. Optional Item One (1) – (Subject to the Availability of Funding)

a. GEWA Popes Creek Trail:

Prune and Remove Dead Branched and Elevate Low Limbs

3 Trees Total:

(2-each) black walnut 24” DBH (1-each) 30” DBH

b. GEWA Popes Creek Trail, Water Edge:

Tree Removal

4 Trees Total:

(4-each) hackberry and black walnut 26” to 36”

DBH

c. GEWA Bridges Creek Road:

Tree Removal

2 Trees Total:

(1-each) at Ice Pond 24” DBH (1-each) sweet gum left side 20” DBH

d. GEWA Front Field:

Prune and Remove Dead Branched and Elevate Low Limbs

42 Trees Total:

(42-each) cedars

e. GEWA Quarters Driveway and Grounds:

Prune and Remove Dead Branched and Elevate Low Limbs

50 Trees Total:

(50-each) (cedar, pine, oak, holly) both sides of the driveway and quarters yard, 12” to 48” DBH

f. GEWA Quarters Driveway:

Tree Removal

(-each) pine left side of the driveway 24” DBH

g. GEWA Triangle-Bridges Creek Rd:

Branched and Elevate Low Limbs

29 Trees Total:

(29-each) cedar, pine, oak

h. GEWA Triangle-Bridges Creek Rd:

1 Trees Total:

(1-each) sweet gum 22” DBH

3. Optional Item Two (2) – Subject to the Availability of Funding)

a. THST Cemetery Trail:

Prune and Elevate Low Limbs 15 ft. High

Approximately 100 linear ft.

Left side of trail

b. THST Cemetery Trail:

Tree Removal

1 Trees Total:

(1-each) oak 28” DBH

c. THST White Horse Barn:

Prune and Elevate Low Limbs and Clear Cut 8 ft.

wide

Approximately 80 linear ft.

Left side only behind wood fence

d. THST Sewer Pump Station: 1 Trees Total:

Tree Removal (1-each) 30” DBH

e. THST Back Gate Road:

Prune and Remove Dead Branched and Elevate Low Limbs

8 Trees Total:

(8-each) cedar, oak approx. 300 ft. from back gate 12” to 24” DBH

f. THST Back Gate Road:

1 Trees Total:

(1-each) left side pine 10” DBH

g. THST Back Gate Road – Sharp Curve:

Prune and Elevate Low Limbs and Clear Cut 10 ft.

wide

Approximately 70 linear ft.

Both side clear cut 10 ft. wide

h. THST Back Gate Road – Approaching Shop:

Prune and Elevate Low Limbs and Clear Cut 10 ft.

wide

Approximately 70 linear ft.

Left side only clear cut 10 ft. wide

i. THST Behind/Around Dumpsters (Maintenance Shop):

Clear Cut everything under

10” DBH

20 ft. from dumpster:

clear cut everything under 10” DBH, 20 ft. wide

j. THST Electrical Transformer Clear Cut

10 ft. wide:

clear cut everything around the transformer, 10

ft. wide

k. THST Water Plant Fence:

Prune and Elevate Low Limbs and Clear Cut 30 ft.

wide

Approximately 70 linear ft.

Clear cut 30 ft. from chain link fence

l. THST Maintenance Road (From Shop heading to Historic Area):

Clear Cut 8 ft. wide

Approximately 70 linear ft.

Clear cut 8 ft. from edge of road, left side only

m. THST Entrance Sign (Rose Hill Road):

Clear Cut 10 ft. wide

10 ft. wide:

clear cut everything around the sign, 10 ft. wide

n. THST Entrance Road:

Grind Stump

1 stump Total:

(1-each) Right side of road

o. THST Mansion Grounds:

Grind Stump

3 stumps Total:

(3-each) Right side

p. THST Mansion Road:

Grind Stump

(3-each) Right side

D.3.2 FELLING REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall:

1. Remove all the vertical structure of a tree, leaving a flush-cut stump (see Section D.3.6).

2. Remove all downed material resulting from hazard tree treatments, which may include but is not limited to limbs, twigs, foliage, bark, fragmented pieces of a tree, and/or logs.

3. Remove any incidental materials that may have fallen prior any work performance under this contract, which may include but is not limited to limbs, twigs, foliage, bark, fragmented pieces of a tree, and/or logs.

4. All trees, tree limbs, etc. that are hung up (have not fallen to ground) must be placed on the ground as soon as possible but no later than by the end of each workday.

5. Fell all trees in a manner that causes no damage to tables, benches, signs, waste or recycling receptacles, vehicles, structures, roads, above ground and subsurface utilities, or to any government, concessionaire or visitor property, and no injury to persons.

a. If necessary, the Contractor shall move tables, benches, signs, and waste/recycling receptacles out of the target area for a tree to be felled to prevent damage to the items.

b. If required, with written permission from the Contracting Officers Representative (COR) and/or Contracting Officer (CO), the contractor may disassemble these items to the extent necessary for their movement, and without damage to or breakage of the items.

Any items that are disassembled or moved shall be reassembled by the contractor and put back in place after the felling is completed. The contractor shall furnish tools and equipment for this purpose.

6. Logs and branches:

a. Chips generated at the work site each workday can be hauled and dumped at designated location at the Parks.

7. Trees that overhang Roads: Branches hanging over roads will be cut back to a height of no less than 15 feet above the ground.

8. Trees that overhang Sidewalks and Trails: Branches hanging over sidewalks and trails will be cutback to a height of no less than 12 feet above the ground.

9. All hung tree limbs must be placed on the ground as soon as possible but no later than by the end of each workday.

10. Provide sufficient personnel such that a minimum of two (2) employees serve as safety spotters during each individual tree falling procedure:

a. These employees shall be trained to serve in this role, which shall be their primary function during the work of this project.

b. Safety spotters shall be deployed such that they maintain an exclusion zone of a diameter that is 2 times the length of the tree being topped, into which unauthorized persons (park employees not associated with the operation, and the public) cannot enter.

c. Employees shall be equipped with radios or other means of signaling one another during the cutting procedures.

d. If the safety zone is breached during the felling procedure, work shall be stopped until the unauthorized person(s) leave(s) the exclusion zone.

e. If necessary, COR, or Point-of-Contact (POC) will escort the unauthorized person(s) from the exclusion zone so that the procedure may continue.

11. Timber produced by felling operations and designated by the Government for removal from GEWA/THST (“Removable Timber”) shall be removed promptly by the Contractor from GEWA/THST. Upon removal from GEWA/THST, any and all interest the Government may have in the Removable Timber automatically and without any further action by the Government shall be quitclaimed to the Contractor. It is expressly understood that the Removable Timber is being transferred AS IS, WHERE IS, WITHOUT RECOURSE, WITH ALL FAULTS AND WITH NO WARRANTIES. The Government shall not be directly or indirectly liable to the Contractor or any other person for any damage or loss sustained by Contractor or any third party resulting from the removal of the Removable Timber or any act or omission of Contractor in connection with the Removable Timber or its removal. All risk of loss, destruction or damage to the Removable Timber shall remain with the Contractor.

D.3.3 PRUNING REQUIREMENTS

1. Pruning Hardwood Trees, the contractor shall:

a. Remove all dead branches, cut these back to the point of living tissue.

b. Make cuts well below the affected areas to prevent contamination of healthy parts of the tree with dying or diseased branches,

c. Cut broken limbs back to the nearest healthy, stable section.

d. Ensure they do not tear the bark when cutting broken branches.

e. Not take more than 25% of live foliage when removing interfering, crossing, rubbing or low vigor branches, one-half inch in diameter and greater.

f. Remove all dead wood greater than 1 foot in length regardless of diameter.

g. Pruning also includes the removal of adventitious (sucker) branches and anything else that will improve the quality of the tree.

2. Pruning Eastern Red Cedar Trees, the contractor shall:

a. Remove all dead branches, cut these back to the point of living tissue.

b. Make cuts well below the affected areas to prevent contamination of healthy parts of the tree with dying or diseased branches,

c. Cut broken limbs back to the nearest healthy, stable section.

d. Ensure they do not tear the bark when cutting broken branches.

e. Make sparing cuts when shaping tree to maintain a natural silhouette.

D.3.4 EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

1. All trees shall be felled/cut by the use of handheld power saws (chainsaws).

2. No heavy equipment such as masticators or boom operated chain saw type heavy equipment shall be used for the felling of hazard trees unless it can stay on a hard surface such as pavement to assist with a safe felling operation.

3. No equipment for removal of felled trees may leave the pavement or road base unless specifically endorsed to do so by the COR and/or CO.

D.3.5 TRACTOR/VEHICLE USE

1. No vehicles shall be permitted to travel over or park within the area generally defined by the canopy of a tree, except if the tree is to be removed and/or if a bucket truck is the only safe means to treat a tree. The root zone of neighboring trees which are not being treated shall not be traveled over. Load distribution matting may be used.

2. Pneumatic tires are required, and pavement protection for vehicles over 10,000gvw is required in sensitive areas (2' rigid foam with two layers of ¾" plywood). Sensitive areas are defined by Historical value and environmental conditions, underground utilities, paths, and walkways.

3. The Contractor shall not permit heavy equipment or vehicles or the stockpiling of heavy materials off hard surface roads without the expressed permission of the COR. Limited activity may take place, within the root protection area, with the expressed permission of the COR, only in areas determined to be safe from excessive damage. The root protection area is defined as an area equal to a radius of 1.5 feet for each inch of diameter at breast height (DBH) (i.e., a 10-inch DBH tree will have a root protection area equal to 15 feet from the main trunk in all directions). Any damage resulting from such operations shall be repaired to original condition or to the satisfaction of the COR, at no additional cost to the Government.

4. All skidding shall be done by equipment operated on hard surfaces such as pavement. The Contractor may directionally fall trees away for roads and infrastructure so they are not within 20’ of the road or infrastructure and would not need removal, however if that is not possible, felling should occur in the skidding direction for ease of removal. No skidding equipment shall be permitted to operate off hard surfaces without COR written approval.

5. All precautions necessary are to be taken when skidding logs as to not damage standing reserve trees.

D.3.6 SITE REHABILITATION

1. Stump Height

a. Cut a stump as close as possible to mineral soil following the slope angle of the ground.

This may require raking back the mulch/litter layer to allow for a lower cut and then raking the material back up against the remaining stump. The following specific requirements apply:

i. All stumps shall be cut as low as possible but shall not be greater than 2” above-soil height.

ii. Exceptions to the above requirement shall be on a tree-by-tree basis and must be identified by the contractor in writing to the Contracting Officers Representative (COR) and/or Contracting Officer (CO) at least 24 hours prior to leaving working area, documenting the approximate location and the reason while the flush-cut requirement cannot be achieved.

2. Pavement Sweeping

a. Roadways, parking areas, and walkways shall be swept clean of dirt, bark, and other debris resulting from this contract. All sweeping shall be completed for each section at the time the section is finished.

3. Ditches and Culverts

a. Ditches and culverts shall be cleaned. Damage to ditches or culverts resulting from Contractor’s use or failure to perform required preventive maintenance shall be repaired at no additional cost to the Government.

4. Skid Trails/Ruts/Other related ground damage

a. Restoration: Tire tracks and skidding ruts and other depressions/mounding and surface irregularities shall be obliterated and restored to pre-disturbance, natural conditions.

This means that any depressions or berms on the skid trails and elsewhere shall be restored to original conditions.

b. Seasonal Erosion Control before Restoration is completed: Temporary erosion control measures must be in place before seasonal periods of precipitation, runoff, or cease-of-operations in the project area. or temporary placement of slash, as determined by NPS.

c. Designated Landings

i. Restoration: All landing restoration must be completed within 15 calendar days from the date operations have been moved to the next unit. Landings will be ripped to a 12” depth while making perpendicular passes over the entire landing area and then covered with a discontinuous cover of landing slash no larger than approximately 2 inches in large end diameter and 3 feet long.

ii. Temporary “Winterization” before Landing Restoration is Completed: Temporary Winterization procedures are required at active landings and must be in place before seasonal periods of precipitation, runoff, or cease of operations. Winterization procedures are measures to minimize erosion of exposed soil including grading landing surfaces to allow water to freely drain across them without concentrating or ponding or rilling.

D.4 GENERAL CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBLITIES

The contractor shall:

1. Be responsible for adherence to all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Regulation, specifically 29 CFR 1910 - General Industry.

2. Have adequate liability insurance and proper license to perform all work stated herein.

3. Provide all necessary rigging may be slung on stumps or trees designated for cutting.

4. Tool Preparation and Disinfection:

a. Clean and disinfect pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease.

b. All tools shall be sharp to prevent bark tear.

c. Tools should be appropriate for the size of branches being removed.

5. All roads and sidewalks must be left clear of cut stems and branches.

6. Climbing spikes shall not be worn for pruning. Climbing spikes are permitted for use if the tree is identified for take down and removed.

7. Access to certain areas with large equipment is at the discretion of the COR and/or POC on site.

8. All workers to comply with Federal, State, and Local safety requirements.

9. Be held responsible for any damages to, and for maintenance and protection of existing structures and utilities.

10. Preserve and protect all existing vegetation such as trees, shrubs, and grass areas (on or adjacent to removed trees) that do not reasonably interfere with work.

11. Be responsible for all unauthorized cutting or damage to trees and shrubs, including damage due to careless operation of equipment, stockpiling of materials, or tracking of grass and other surfaced areas by equipment. Such damaged areas or materials shall be restored, repaired, or replaced by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government.

12. Not park heavy equipment/vehicles and/or the stockpile of heavy materials off hard surface roads without the express written permission of the COR.

13. The Contractor, their employees, equipment, and materials may be subject to search by Law Enforcement when working in secure areas or on any Federal property within the Park.

D.5 PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

All work shall be under the on-site direction and supervision of ISA Certified Arborist who possesses verifiable experience and technical competence in tree physiology, identification, diagnosis of disorders, and current tree care and safety practices in accordance with accepted industry standards. The Arborist shall be the primary contact with the Government's COR and/or POC on-site. It shall be responsible for directing work in the field, controlling the quality of work, and inspecting all completed work to ensure that contract performance requirements are met.

All tree workers shall, through verifiable related training and on the job experience, be familiar with the technical aspects and hazards of tree maintenance work and equipment used in such operations. All tree workers shall abide by any code of ethics or professional conduct established by the Tree Care Industry Association and the International Society of Arboriculture.

D.6 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE AND HOURS OF OPERATION

D.6.1 ADDRESSES

1. George Washington Birthplace National Monument, 1732 Popes Creek Road, Colonial

Beach, Virginia 22443.

2. Thomas Stone National Historic Site, 6655 Rose Hill Road, Port Tobacco, Maryland 20677

D.7 SAFETY

The Contractor shall:

1. Be responsible for the safe conduct of all operations to ensure safety of their employees. NPS staff, and NPS visitor on the worksite and shall establish an effective accident prevention program and provide a safe environment for all personnel and visitors.

2. Adhere to applicable OSHA standards (29 CFR 1910.266), and be subject to inspection by NPS Safety Officer.

3. Traffic Control (when applicable): When applicable, the Contractor shall be responsible for providing own traffic control when operating equipment along roads. Flaggers shall be equipped with safety vests and two-way radios and control traffic in both directions. Roadside operations shall be signed, or otherwise identified by barricades, and employees/sub-Contractors working along roads identified by safety vests or other identifiable clothing. Contractor shall be required to adhere to Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and OSHA guidelines for traffic control. Traffic control signing must be coordinated with the COR/POC or park law enforcement three days in advance.

4. Safety Meetings: Contractor shall conduct documented daily safety meetings.

5. Addition, during the execution of this contract, the Contractor must conform to the rules and regulations, as amended and as set forth by:

a. 29 CFR 1910 – OSHA General Industry Regulations & Standards.

b. National Park Service Occupational Safety and Health Program – Reference Manual 50B -

Reference Manual 50B: NPS Occupational Safety and Health Program

c. Most Recent Superintendents Compendiums as amended:

I. GEWA- Superintendent’s Compendium - George Washington Birthplace National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)

II. THST - THST Superintendent’s Compendium - Thomas Stone National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service)

d. All Contractor or employee conduct is subject to park rules and regulations concerning:

littering, wildlife harassment, collecting, resource damage and other topics as specified for the NPS in the Code of Federal Regulations title 36 (eCFR :: 36 CFR Part 2 -- Resource Protection, Public Use and Recreation).

e. All operations under this contract shall be conducted in accordance with ANSI Z133.1-2006 Tree Care Safety Standards, and all federal OSHA, state and local safety requirements. Where OSHA regulations and ANSI standards conflict, OSHA regulations will take precedence.

f. All personnel providing service on-site shall have pictured identification and uniform displaying the name of the company (if appliable).

g. All on-site vehicles will also be marked with the company name (if applicable).

h. Smoking of any kind will not be permitted on premises. The COR/POC may authorize the use of a designated smoking if requested.

D.8 MINIMUM SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

The Contracting Officers Representative (COR) and/or Point-of-Contact (POC) will check for ALL these minimum safety requirements prior to work starting and frequently throughout the project. Any violation of these requirements will require the associated work to stop until these requirements are met.

The Contractor shall:

1. Within 5 calendar days of award and prior to work commencing on site, a site-specific safety plan shall be prepared and submitted by the contractor covering on-site work to be performed by the contractor and any subcontractors. The plan shall cover topics such as appropriate PPE (hardhat, eye protection, ear protection, chainsaw chaps while operating chainsaws, climbing equipment, etc.), and any other reasonable safety related topics commensurate with the size and nature of this work.

2. All employees shall have and use adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including, but not limited to, hard hat, hearing protection, eye protection, sturdy footwear, and gloves. When running a chainsaw, or within 10 feet of a running saw, chaps shall be worn. Chaps shall be free of saw cuts and other significant damage. The Contractor is responsible for providing all necessary tools and supplies, and appropriate PPE.

3. Contractor and operators shall follow all OSHA regulations which apply to the work activities.

OSHA Regulations for tree removal operations can be found at http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id https://www.nps.gov/subjects/policy/upload/RM-50B_Contents.pdf?msclkid=621da23cc59111ec9bbf5daecf70f928 https://home.nps.gov/gewa/learn/management/superintendent-s-compendium.htm#:%7E:text=COMPENDIUM%20of%20designations%2C%20closures%2C%20permit%20requirements%20and%20other,the%20Superintendent%20of%20George%20Washington%20Birthplace%20National%20Monument.

https://home.nps.gov/gewa/learn/management/superintendent-s-compendium.htm#:%7E:text=COMPENDIUM%20of%20designations%2C%20closures%2C%20permit%20requirements%20and%20other,the%20Superintendent%20of%20George%20Washington%20Birthplace%20National%20Monument.

https://www.nps.gov/thst/learn/management/superintendent-s-compendium.htm https://www.nps.gov/thst/learn/management/superintendent-s-compendium.htm https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-36/chapter-I/part-2 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-36/chapter-I/part-2 http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id

=9862

4. The contractor shall have at least one First Aid certified employee on site during cutting operations. The First Aid certified employee shall carry written certification showing currency.

5. The contractor shall maintain the ability to contact 911 or GEWA/THST within 15 minutes in case of an emergency. Cell phone coverage is limited in the work area. Radio frequencies for GEWA/THST may be provided upon request. Government radios will NOT be provided.

6. No work activities under this contract shall be performed in sustained winds greater than 25 mph, in whiteout conditions, in an area under active flood warning, or when snow depth prohibit safe access to the work site.

7. Place all required protective barriers and take all necessary measures to ensure unauthorized persons do not enter the worksite. Assure there are no hazards to park visitors during the execution of the work. At the COR's discretion, work areas may be required to be fenced off completely with orange safety fence.

8. Work area shall always be maintained in a clean and safe condition.

9. Use of barricades, ropes, signs, or audible signals is required, and the contractor must take all necessary precautions for the protection of the work, property, and safety of the public.

10. No uncompleted work or debris shall be left on sidewalks traveled way or on roadway shoulders overnight or on weekends that present a hazard to the public.

D.9 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

1. The Contractor shall furnish personal protective equipment (PPE) to crew members respective of the type of work being completed (i.e., hard hat, eye and hearing protection, leather gloves, saw chaps, etc. for chainsaw work).

2. The contractor shall train workers in the safe operation and use of equipment that they will be using to accomplish the work under this contract. Occupation Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) standards PPE shall be followed; information can be found at OSHA PPE Standards.

3. PPE, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities shall be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards or processes encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body.

4. Defective or damaged PPE shall not be used and shall be either repaired or replaced.

D.10 SAFETY PLAN

The Contractor shall provide a copy of their safety plan at the pre-work meeting. The Safety Plan shall be available to all employees and subcontractors working on the contract and subsequent task orders. The Safety Plan should cover at a minimum:

1. Name or responsible party to ensure program compliance.

2. Safety briefings covering the area working in, equipment being used, and any special considerations for the work under the contract.

3. Personal Protective Equipment required for the work under the contract.

4. Appropriate OSHA requirements for the type of work under the contract.

5. Weather considerations for the time of year of the contract.

6. Communication issues and locations of the nearest medical facilities to the job site.

7. Emergency numbers to contact if an accident happens.

8. Outline of the methods proposed to ensure property protection and safety of the public, National

Park Service personnel, and Contractor’s employees.

D.11 ACCIDENT REPORTING

1. Accident Reporting: Reportable Accidents: A reportable accident is defined as death, occupational disease, traumatic injury to employees or the public, property damage by accident in excess of $100, and fires. Within 7 days of a reportable accident, send a report of the accident to the Contracting Officer.

2. All Other Accidents: The Contractor shall report all other accidents to the Contracting Officer as soon as possible and assist the Contracting Officer and other officials as required in the investigation of the accident.

D.12 SCHEDULE

D.12.1 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

Work is to be performed between 7am and 3:30pm, Monday through Friday. No work is to be performed on Saturday or Sunday or federally recognized holidays (unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer’s Representative 72 Hours ahead of the date of work). Work is to be completed within 45 calendar days after date of award.

Work shall be scheduled and arranged so as not to interfere with normal activities of the park, particularly Ranger-led tours scheduled at various hours of the day at various locations throughout the Park or any special tours or visiting groups. Advanced notice will be given to the Contractor if a conflict is expected to divert from a prearranged schedule. Any plant debris, personnel, or equipment that would interfere with any NPS sponsored or NPS permitted activity or event shall be removed prior to the activity. If at any time, the COR determines that the work is unsatisfactory or is being conducted in an unsafe manner, the Contractor will be notified and shall immediately cease all work activities.

D.12.2 HOURS OF OPERATION

7am and 3:30pm, Monday through Friday. No work is to be performed on Saturday or Sunday or federally recognized holidays (unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer’s Representative 72 Hours ahead of the date of work). Work is to be completed within 45 calendar days after Notice to Proceed is issued. Specific hours may be determined at award. If the NPS determines that the safety of visitors is threatened by the Contractor’s operations, all or part of the Contractor’s operations may be suspended until agreement is reached on additional safety measures and precautions. The Contractor must at all times maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS 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.

No work shall occur on the following Federal Holidays:

1. New Year’s Day – January 1st

2. Martin Luther King Junior’s Birthday – Third Monday in January

3. President’s Day – Third Monday in February

4. Memorial Day – Last Monday in May

5. Juneteenth – June 19th

6. Independence Day – July 4th

7. Labor Day – First Monday in September

8. Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day – Second Monday in October

9. Veteran’s Day – November 11th

10. Thanksgiving Day – Fourth Thursday in November

11. Christmas Day – December 25th

Note - if any of the holidays stated above fall on a Saturday, the Friday before the actual day is the official day the Government takes for the holiday. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, the Monday after the actual day is the official day the Government takes for the holiday. These dates do not account for any other days or shorten days that may be added prior to any of the holidays mentioned above that may be added at the discretion of any Presidential Administration and implemented by the DOI.

D.13 DRONES/UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (UAV) USAGE

The use of drones and/or UAVs are not authorized at GEWA/THST during performance of this contract.

D.14 PROHIBITION OF WEAPONS/FIREARMS

18 USC 930 is Federal law that supersedes Section 512 of Public Law 111-24 and prohibits the possession of a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a Federal facility. Federal facilities are buildings or parts thereof owned or leased by the Federal Government, where Federal employees are regularly present for the purpose of performing official duties. No weapon or firearms are authorized within ORCA at any time.

D.15 TEMPORARY FACILITIES/WORK AREA

1. ACCESS: The contractor shall at all times conduct his operations to insure the least inconvenience to the public and Park operations. Blocking of walkways and sidewalks along the street must be kept to a minimum. While walks are to be blocked, signage necessary to direct pedestrians around the obstruction safely will be required. Keep a minimum of two rolls of warning tape on site at all times. There shall be no deviation from the specifications regarding the safety of the Park's staff or visitors. In the event of such an occurrence, the CO will review and determine the timeframe for Contractor compliance. See Section O. below for loading and unloading requirements.

2. PARKING: It is important that the historic scene in the park be preserved for the enjoyment of the Park’s visitors. For that reason, there is parking available for contractor’s vehicles but only where the COR designates.

3. STORAGE: On-site storage is available, but location will be designated by COR.

4. CONDUCT: Contractor shall at all times conduct operations to ensure the least inconvenience to occupants and visitors. Contractor shall clean site of all construction debris and leave site in a neat and orderly appearance with walkways clean and clear at the end of each work day.Loud noise must be kept at a minimum.

5. RESTROOMS: There will be restroom facilities available for the contractor’s use, but not all visitors use facilities are available. The COR will designate specific restrooms available for the contractor to use.

6. TELEPHONE: No telephone service is available on site for the contractor’s use.

7. ELECTRIC: Government will not provide connections to existing electrical facilities. COR shall review and approve all electric connections prior to any electric hookups.

8. EXISTING UTILITIES: Contractor is responsible for locating and preventing damage to known utilities, including irrigation. The contractor shall field verify all utility locations before digging or trenching. This shall include but not be limited to the use of sonic, electronic, or magnetic detection devices, by noting pull box and utility box locations at the surface, use of locator services, and by test pitting at no additional cost to the Government. The contractor shall be responsible for repairing any utilities damaged during operations at no additional cost to the Government. The existence and location of known utilities shall be investigated and verified in the field by the contractor before starting work.

D.16 LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

1. Operation shall be scheduled and conducted to minimize erosion of soils and to prevent silting and muddying of streams, rivers, irrigation systems, and impoundments (lakes, reservoirs, etc.).

Pollutants such as fuels, lubricants, bitumens, raw sewage, and other harmful materials shall not be discharged into or near rivers, streams, and impoundments or into natural or manmade channels leading thereto. Wash water or wastewater from concrete or aggregate operations shall not be allowed to enter live streams prior to treatment by filtration, settling, or other means sufficient to reduce the sediment content to not more than that of the stream into which it is discharged.

2. Temporary Erosion and Sedimentation Control: Provide effective erosion control measures to prevent soil erosion and discharge of soil-bearing water runoff at the earliest feasible stage of construction. Regularly inspect and maintain the measures in effective working order. Promptly stop work in area(s) of any ineffective erosion control measures.

3. Dust: Utilize effective means to prevent generation of wind-borne dust (typically watering or application of other approved dust control measures) and to prevent sediment from leaving the work site and/or entering storm sewers and water bodies. Method must be approved by the

COR.

4. Damage: Protect adjacent vegetation, property, structures, and improvements from damage.

5. Spill Control: Provide effective spill containment measures at the earliest feasible stage of operations (when applicable). Regularly inspect and maintain the measures in effective working order.

D.17 RESOURCE DAMAGE

All conduct outside of the specified work is subject to park rules and regulations concerning littering, wildlife harassment, collecting, resource damage and other topics as specified for the NPS in the Code of Federal Regulations title 36, which can be found at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/

D.18 SITE MANAGEMENT

Maintain walkways, driveways, roads, parking, and project site to be free of all debris, equipment, and materials daily. Always maintain site free of hazards. Occupancy access shall be negotiated on a project specific basis. Maintain the level of access provided to the facility through the project duration if tenant occupancy is retained. Safety equipment, fencing and barriers shall be installed per safety plan. Erosion control and sedimentation structures shall be constructed in according with EPA standards as needed. All historical and/or archeological issues shall be addressed as needed and stated in the contract and its attachments.

D.19 RECYCLING AND DISPOSAL OF REFUSE

All refuse, excess or waste materials resulting from operations shall be recycled and/or disposed of in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. No disposal, viewing or sale of materials and/or equipment shall be allowed on Government property.

Garbage and food residue shall be kept inside bear proof garbage cans or closed vehicles and always made unavailable to wildlife. All garbage shall be removed daily. These rules also apply to lunchtime garbage, which include fruit peelings, apple cores, nut shells or excess food. Exposure of any food or residues which could attract bears is strictly prohibited.

D.20 KEY PERSONNEL

The contractor shall provide a supervisor 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 contracting officer. 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 between 0600 to 1900, Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the government facility is closed for administrative reasons. Qualifications for all key personnel shall be provided.

D.21 IDENTIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEES

All contract personnel attending meetings, answering Government telephones, 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.

Contractor personnel not required to obtain and wear badges in the performance of this service.

http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/

In accordance with AP&P 1443.37-1 the following requirements will be applicable to any and all on-site contractor personnel:

1. Contractor personnel should not in any way represent themselves as government employees.

Contractor personnel shall wear badges clearly identifying them as contractors when working outside of government office space. Badging should be visible at all times. In addition, contractor personnel shall dress in clothing appropriate to the office/environment in which they are working.

2. Government office space occupied by contractor personnel shall be clearly labeled with the individual’s name and/or company affiliation.

3. Contractor personnel shall be clearly identified as “contractors” in printed material such as telephone directories, etc. They shall be listed separately on organization charts or any other document that shows direct lines of supervision.

4. Contractors shall provide proper identification when making phone calls or speaking to others during performance of their scope of services. This means they shall indicate to the other party that they are a contractor, rather than a government employee.

5. Contractor personnel shall complete all necessary computer and security training/documentation before receiving access to the NPS computer network.

6. Contractor personnel shall not receive "all-employee" e-mail or other communications intended for NPS employees, unless it relates directly to the work the contractor is doing for the NPS or involves health or safety issues, for example security alerts or severe weather conditions. They shall not have access to internal NPS web pages, unless it relates directly to the work the contract employee is doing for the NPS.

7. Contractor personnel may use NPS e-mail systems when it is required to perform the work the contractor is doing for the NPS. The e-mail addresses of the contractor must include a label that identifies their contractor status (e.g. John Doe contractor would have an e-mail address john_doe@contractor.nps.gov). In addition, contractor personnel shall indicate in their e-mail signature block that they are a contractor and the contractor for whom they work. Doing so clearly identifies this individual each time they send an e-mail message using the NPS system, and it identifies their status as a contractor employee in the e-mail directory.

8. Unless stipulated in the contract, contractor personnel shall not drive government vehicles.

9. Contractor personnel are not authorized to purchase property and supplies with government funds.

10. Generally, all Government-furnished property shall be set forth in the contract or agreement;

however, when it is not, use of additional property must be approved, in advance, by the CO.

11. Contractor personnel shall not be invited to official NPS “social” events, functions, meetings, or orientation tours which are not specific to the contract. However, attendance of contractor personnel at staff meetings, which convey some benefit in the contractor personnel performing their contractual duties, is allowed at the discretion of the CO.

12. Contractor personnel must sign appropriate agreements to protect sensitive, privileged and confidential information.

D.22 THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONTRACT

ADMINISTRATION

1. Contracting Officer: The Contracting Officer (CO) has the overall responsibility for the administration of this contract. The CO alone, without delegation, is authorized to amend, modify, or deviate from the contract. Other responsibilities may be delegated to authorized representatives.

2. Contracting Officer's Representative (COR): The COR will be designated in writing at the time of award to assist the CO in the day-to-day on-site administration of the contract requirements. The responsibilities of the COR include, but are not limited to;

a. Determining the compliance and adequacy of performance by the Contractor in accordance with the terms and conditions of this contract;

b. Requesting removal of unsuitable contractor employees;

c. Ensuring adequacy of schedule and Quality Control Plan, including changes;

d. Ordering re-performance of unacceptable work or performance by other mean, etc.

3. Point-of-Contact (POC): The POC will be used if an official certified COR cannot be designated at the time of award. The POC will not be designated in writing and will assist the CO in the day-to-day on-site administration of the contract requirements.

D.23 DESIGNATION OF CONTRACTING OFFICERS…