A04 SOW Martin NWR_shoreline planting_scope of work.doc

Scope of Work for

Shoreline/Wetland Grass Planting Martin National Wildlife Refuge Somerset County, Maryland July 2020

1. PROJECT SUMMARY. It is intended to obtain by means of a firm, fixed-price, lump-sum contract the planting of 20,000 Spartina alterniflora plants on remote shorelines of Martin National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Somerset County, Maryland. Such payment will constitute full compensation for all labor, equipment, materials, and all other items necessary and incidental to the completion of the work. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, lodging, materials, equipment, transportation (including boats), supplies, and supervision necessary to install wetland plants. The objective is to install vegetation to create wetland habitat and secure dredged material placed as part of a tidal marsh restoration effort. Vendor must make arrangements with a nursery as soon as possible to ensure plants of sufficient size are available for installation in 2021.

2. DESIGNATED TREATMENT UNITS. The project is located in Somerset County, MD on the Martin NWR owned by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Martin NWR is on the northern end of Smith Island, a remote marsh island in the Chesapeake Bay. The project area is on the western shoreline of the refuge, approximately 14 miles west of Crisfield, MD across Tangier Sound. The project area can only be accessed by shallow draft boat. There is no land access to the project area. Additionally, the project area is exposed to the open Chesapeake Bay and is subject to severe weather events. Potential bidders are strongly encouraged to visit the site before biding on the project.

Planting will take place in the intertidal zone. Nearshore waters are typically shallow and submerged hazards, such as stumps and other submerged debris, are common.

3. PLANTING SCHEDULE. All planting will be completed between April 1, 2021 and June 30, 2021.

NOTE- Immediately upon receiving award, the successful awardee should secure plants to ensure stock of sufficient size for Spring planting.

4. MATERIALS. All plant material shall be nursery grown from a Mid-Atlantic seed source and obtained from a local vendor specializing in cultivating coastal wetland plant species. The distance of the nursery from the project site shall be less than 100 miles. Vendor must make arrangements with a nursery as soon as possible to ensure plants of sufficient size are available for installation in 2021.

Spartina alterniflora shall be provided as healthy living plants in peat pots or plugs. Plants may be 1.5 inch or larger plugs/peat pots with a minimum of 2 culms (stems) per plug/pot. The minimum culm (stem) height shall be approximately 12 inches. To avoid salt shock, all stock shall be acclimated to the salinity conditions at the project site.

5. Delivery, Storage, and Handling. Store materials in designated areas protected from direct exposure to the elements, moisture, and any potential damage. Containers shall not be dropped from trucks. Material shall be free of defects that would void required performance. Delivered items must be stored in a secure area. Plants will be delivered to the site via boat and planted immediately, unless they can be stored in a secure area protected from drying out and contamination. All materials will be inspected prior to installation.

6. Plants and Planting Methods. Plants shall be nursery-grown and shall be healthy and uninjured at the time of planting. A 6 inch deep hole shall be made using a hand-held auger, dibble bar, or similar tool. A one half ounce of osmocote fertilizer (8 to 9 months release, with 19-6-12 analysis, or equivalent slow-release) shall be placed at bottom of each hole. After placing the plants in the hole, the hole shall be carefully closed by gently applying pressure to the edge of the whole with foot or other method reviewed by contractor.

Plantings shall be made in rows generally parallel to the Mean High Water (MHW) elevation. Rows shall be 18 inches apart and plants shall be spaced 18 inches apart in the rows. Spartina alterniflora shall be planted from the MHW elevation down to Mean Sea level. Total planting area will be approximately 1.0 acres.

7. Government Furnished Property. The Government will not be providing any materials, equipment, or supplies to perform the work under this contract.

8. CLEAN-UP. Trash and debris generated by the Contractor shall be removed from the work site at the end of each work day.

9. SUPERVISION. The Contractor shall provide a competent foreman or supervisor on the work site at all times during progress of the contract.

10. SAFETY. Work shall adhere to all pertinent U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. A copy of the OSHA safety standards can be obtained from the OSHA web site at www.osha.gov.

11. TIME FOR COMPLETION. Since the plants will need to be grown to sufficient size the year before they are planted, the period of performance is date of award to June 30, 2021. This period includes growing and maintaining plants, as well as planting. Vegetation will be planted between April 1, 2021 and June 30, 2021. The Contractor shall schedule planting work between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Contractor shall provide 48 hour notice for work on Saturday, Sunday and holidays or for work outside normal working hours.

12. PRE-BID SITE VISIT. Prior to submission of a bid, bidders are urged to inspect the project site and satisfy themselves as to all local conditions that may affect the cost and performance of the contract. In no event shall failure to inspect the site constitute grounds for any price adjustment. For questions regarding this scope of work, or to schedule a site visit, please contact Matt Whitbeck, Supervisory Wildlife Biologist, 410-221-2034 or matt_whitbeck@fws.gov.

1. Instructions to Offerors

This acquisition is set aside for small businesses only. SAM registration must be active and current in order to be considered for award.

Offerors shall submit the following items by 1:00 pm EST, Thursday, August 20, 2020:

1) Standard Form 18 complete with price and signature

2) Past Performance Questionnaire, completed All quote documents must be sent to: laura_conant@fws.gov by the closing date and time. The reply subject line must read:

QUOTE Sol.140F0520Q0084 – Planting_Martin NWR This work is subject to the Service Contract Act. The DOL prevailing wages can be found at https://beta.sam.gov/

2. Evaluation Factors for Award

Proposals shall be evaluated based best value to the government, lowest priced technically acceptable (LPTA). Technical evaluation will include experience with shoreline planting and ability to obtain proper plants as specified in the SOW.

3. Contacts

Technical POC: Matt Whitbeck, matt_whitbeck@fws.gov

Contracting POC: Laura Conant, laura_conant@fws.gov

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