A04_SOW_HOBE_SOUND_NWR_FY26_ADA_OVERLOOK_VEGETATION.pdf

United States Department of the Interior

FWS HOBE SOUND NWR

13640 SE FEDERAL HIGHWAY

HOBE SOUND FL 33455-0645

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

ADA Overlook Vegetation Project

1. General

1.1 Description. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National

Wildlife Refuge (Refuge, Figure 1), will conduct vegetation management and restoration within a designated portion of the coastal dune adjacent to the ADA-accessible boardwalk and overlook. The project involves selectively reducing overgrown seagrape trees/shrubs that are currently obstructing views from the overlook, while preserving the integrity and stability of the dune system. Following vegetation reduction, the area will be restored with native dune vegetation to enhance habitat quality, support natural dune processes, and improve long‑term ecological resilience. All work will be carried out in a manner that protects sensitive coastal resources, maintains dune stability, and aligns with Refuge management goals.

1.2 Purpose/End Application. The purpose of this project is to improve the ecological function and long‑term stability of the coastal dune system while enhancing the visitor experience at the

ADA‑accessible overlook. Overgrown sea grapes in this area has increasingly obstructed scenic views and limited the intended accessibility benefits of the structure. By trimming sea grapes while retaining root systems to preserve dune integrity, the project balances ecological protection with recreational and accessibility objectives. Following vegetation reduction, native plant species will be installed using appropriate spacing to enhance dune stabilization, support coastal resilience, and align with Refuge habitat-management goals.

1.3 Contractor Qualifications.

• Documented experience (≥3 years preferred) in coastal habitat restoration, dune vegetation installation, or invasive species removal in Florida’s coastal ecosystems.

• Proficiency with native dune vegetation, including species identification, planting techniques, survivorship requirements, and seasonal constraints typical to Florida coastal dunes.

• Demonstrate ability to work without disturbing sensitive wildlife, including sea turtle nesting beaches and shorebird areas, which require avoiding impacts and timing operations around biological windows.

• A designated project supervisor experienced with coastal projects who will be onsite during critical phases of the work.

2. Place of Performance and Period of Performance

2.1 Location

NPR Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge – Refuge Beach location Map Locator address:

198 N Beach Road Hobe Sound , FL 33455

2.2 Site Visit

No pre-proposal site visit will be scheduled. Contractors are encouraged to conduct their own independent site visit to fully assess existing conditions prior to submitting a proposal

2.3 Period of Performance. from award date through August 31, 2027.

2.4 Normal duty hours are Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Contractor shall provide contact information in the event of emergencies.

2.5 Non-duty hours include week nights, weekends, and Government holidays (New Year’s Day, Martin

Luther King JR.s’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day).

3. Scope

3.1 General Scope. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, equipment, and supervision necessary to implement dune habitat restoration activities within designated areas of the Refuge. Work includes site preparation, removal of undesired vegetation, and planting of installation of specified native dune plant species. All activities shall be performed in a manner that protects sensitive coastal resources and minimizes disturbance to wildlife and visitors. The Contractor shall follow refuge access protocols, comply with all applicable environmental regulations, and ensure high‑quality restoration outcomes that promote long‑term resilience of the dune ecosystem.

This portion of the coastal dune, approximately 2,700 square feet, requires the selective cutting and removal of coin vine (Dalbergia ecastaphyllum) and sea grape (Coccoloba uvifera), while preserving root systems to maintain dune stability. Following vegetation removal, a minimum of 800 up to 2,000 native dune plant species shall be planted from 3-gallon containers at ecologically appropriate spacing to enhance dune formation, sediment capture, and long‑term resilience. Total number of plants and spacing will be coordinated with Refuge staff and dependent upon availability and composition.

3.2 Site Preparation and Selective Vegetation Removal

• Conduct a walkthrough with project lead to confirm cut areas and any sensitive resources.

• Ensure all equipment is clean and free of invasive species propagules.

• Carefully cut and remove coin vine and sea grape vegetation within the project area.

• All cutting shall preserve root systems to maintain dune stability and prevent erosion.

• All removed vegetation shall be properly staged and removed from the Refuge in accordance with staff direction.

3.3 Native Plant Installation

The Contractor shall install native dune vegetation within the cleared restoration footprint using 3‑gallon container stock. Required species may include:

• Sea oats (Uniola paniculata)

• Sea lavender (Argusia gnaphalodes)

• Bitter panicgrass (Panicum amarum)

• Railroad vine (Ipomoea pes‑caprae)

• Other approved dune sunflower/groundcover species

Planting Specifications:

• All plants shall be installed using 3‑gallon containers unless otherwise pre‑approved.

• Sea oats: plant at 30–36 inches on‑center.

• Railroad vine and prostrate groundcovers: 24–36 inches on‑center, depending on plant form.

• Shrub‑form species (e.g., sea lavender): 48 inches on‑center, or as directed to maintain low‑profile vegetation within sightlines.

• Install plants to a uniform depth with stabilized rootballs and firm contact with surrounding sand.

• Apply hand‑watering at the time of installation to ensure proper establishment.

Post‑Installation Monitoring & Maintenance

• Water planted individuals every other day, unless rain occurs for 4 weeks post planting.

• Monitor installed vegetation to achieve 80% survivorship during the 4-week watering period and replace failed plants (based on Refuge direction) using the same species and container size.

• Remove debris and maintain a clean work area.

4. Deliverables and/or Delivery Schedule

4.1 Deliverables. Contractor shall provide the following, at a minimum:

1. Project Work Plan - A written plan outlining schedule, access routes, staging areas, species list (to be pre-approved by TC), planting quantities, and methods for site preparation and installation.

2. Native Plant Installation Report - Summary of all dune vegetation installed, including species, quantities, planting locations, GPS coordinates of species clumps (if possible), and photographs.

3. Final Project Completion Report - A comprehensive closeout document including before/after photos, summary of all tasks performed, maps, recommendations for follow-up actions, and confirmation that all work meets contract standards.

5. Data Management Plan (DMP)

5.1 DMP relevance: _X_ not relevant. This project does not include scientific data collection.

6. Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE) / Government-Furnished Information (GFI)

6.1 GFE/GFI: N/A

6.2 Limitations: None known or anticipated.

7. Evaluation and Acceptance

Refuge staff may conduct periodic inspections throughout the work period and after completion of vegetation trimming and planting. A final inspection will be conducted after the 4-week watering period to determine acceptable survivorship.

8. Quality Control/Quality Assurance

8.1 The Contractor is responsible for establishing and maintaining a Quality Control system to ensure all work meets contract requirements. At minimum, the Contractor’s QC responsibilities include:

• Ensuring all vegetation reduction methods meet preservation requirements for root systems

• Verifying plant species, container size (non‑native or unintended species), plant health, and spacing prior to installation

• Continual monitoring of crew performance for safety, environmental compliance, and adherence to Refuge directives

• Maintaining daily oversight to ensure all tasks align with the approved Work Plan

• Promptly notifying the Technical Coordinator of any delays, safety concerns, or changes that may affect performance

8.2 The Government will evaluate the Contractor’s performance to ensure compliance. QA activities may include:

• Site visits and field inspections during all stages of work

• Review of submitted reports, planting documentation, and progress updates

• Verification that plant materials and installation methods match approved specifications

• Monitoring safety practices and environmental compliance

• Ensuring that performance aligns with timelines and deliverables

8.3 Surveillance Methods

Government surveillance may include:

• Field inspections and walk‑throughs during active work

• Photographic verification of progress

• Review of planting layouts and species confirmation

• Deliverable review and performance trend analysis

• Meetings or check‑ins with the Contractor as needed

8.4 Incentives

• Non-compliance with the scope of work will result in a negative performance evaluation/rating.

• A positive performance evaluation will be given for overall satisfactory work and compliance with the guidelines listed within the work statement.

• Entire payment will be held until a final inspection, performed by the project officer, determines satisfactory completion of the project.

9. Technical Coordinator mailto:melissa_juntunen@fws.gov

Figure 1. Overview map of the Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge.

Figure 2. ADA Overlook Project Area.