Scope of Work.docx

SECTION C--DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

Jake and Bull Trails Restoration Project (Final)

Scope of Contract

The intent of this project is to use trail reroutes to construct a series of non-motorized multi-use, interconnected loop trails, of varying lengths and difficulty levels totaling about 6.1 miles. The trail centerline has been mapped and flagged on the ground. The contractor will use this centerline to layout and construct the new routes. The contractor shall also close poorly located, undesignated, existing trails in areas that are not incorporated into the new trail network proposal. Approximately 5.2 miles of existing trails will need to be closed, obliterated and rehabilitated.

Trails within the Jake and Bull Trails Project are to be managed as “Class 3 Pack and Saddle” as found in the FSH 2309.18, Section 23.12, Exhibit 01 (attached to this solicitation). There are specific design and construction criteria required to meet this management goal.

Project Location The work is to be performed at the Jake and Bull Trail System. To locate project site from Dahlonega, GA take GA-52/GA-9 towards Nimblewill for 3.6 miles. Turn right onto GA-52 and go for 4.6 miles. Turn right onto Nimblewill Church Road and go for 1.7 miles. Turn Right on FDR 299. This will take you to the Jake Mountain Parking area.

Project Progression

Overview Provide layout, planning, survey, required permits, and construction for non-motorized multi-use trails that are low maintenance, sustainable, and that meet the needs of the user at a reasonable price. Close and rehabilitate existing trails so that they are unusable by trail visitors.

The contractor must follow these steps established for the project in order to ensure timely Forest Service participation at key junctures in the life of the project.

Step 1 Layout and Planning The project will require layout of approximately 6.1 miles of horse trails. These trails have been mapped (attached to this request) and the centerline has been flagged on the ground. The location of this centerline has been approved though the NEPA process and is designed to keep the trail consistent with current management direction. The contractor is required to finalize the layout of the trail to be within 25 feet of the flagged centerline.

The project also requires the closure of approximately 5.2 miles of existing trails and user created trails. The location of these trails has been mapped and the trails have been flagged on the ground. The contractor will be required to close and rehabilitate these trails. Closure will include using earthen berms, boulders, trees or other materials along the trail that can be used to block and/or “naturalize the trail. This shall be done for a minimum distance of 100 feet and to the satisfaction of the contracting officer. Rehabilitation of these trails will include stabilizing soils and addressing overland water flow so that erosion and sedimentation are minimized. Details on how this will be accomplished shall be made a part of the trail planning and layout process.

Trail planning may be conducted concurrently with the trail layout or immediately after. This plan will emphasize the design and location of structures needed for control of overland water flow along the trail to minimize erosion and sediment. This can include, but is not limited to, structures such as drainage dips, water bars, climbing turns, stream crossings, etc.

Submittal and approval of trail layout and plan is required by the Forest Service after 1, 3, and 6.1 (final) miles of new trail are completed and when 2.5 and 5.2 miles of obliterated trail is completed. Upon final approval by the Forest Service, the contractor will submit a final list of stations, work lists, and cross reference the appropriate drawings and specifications from Standard Specifications for Construction and Maintenance of Trails, EM7720-1-3 September 1996. Drawings can be found at this website: http://www.fs.fed.us/.ftproot/pub/acad/dev/trails/trails.htm

The Forest Service will provide the final approval of the layout and planning. In the event that the Contractor determines that the preliminary centerline is not suitable for trail layout because of sustainability or safety issues, the Contractor will contact the Forest Service with a proposed re-location. The Forest Service retains final approval of the relocation. Relocation outside the 25 foot centerline will require further NEPA by the Forest Service prior to the construction stage of the contract.

The product of the trail layout and planning step will be a precisely marked (with flagging or similar method) trail on the ground that has the location of features identified with survey “white cards” or wooden stakes. A trail log and a map indicating where features are and a description of the feature will also be produced. This will be approved by the COR and inspector prior to the contractor moving on to step 2.

Step 2 Survey Once layout and planning has occurred then a professional survey by an appropriately qualified individual(s) will be conducted by the contractor. This survey will result in an engineer approved site plan for the trail and features. It will show Best Management Practices (BMP’s) and soil and erosion control features to be used during and after construction. The contractor is responsible for ensuring that survey is of detail and quality to satisfy the permitting requirements.

The product of this step will be a site plan that can be used to acquire necessary permits.

Step 3 Acquiring Permits The Contractor shall be responsible for acquiring the required permits to complete this project. (Further description of permitting requirements included as an attachment “Jake and Bull Trail Contract Permitting Requirements.” Four permits may be required:

· Land Disturbance Permit under the administration and jurisdiction of Lumpkin County

· Stream Buffer Variance for all stream crossings and work to occur within 50 feet of cold water trout streams under the administration and jurisdiction of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) in Atlanta

· National Pollution Discharge Elimination System – Storm Water (NPDES) permit, under the jurisdiction of the Georgia EPD

· Clean Water Act Section 404 Permit under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps of Engineers

In order to secure these permits the Contractor will prepare and submit his/her project plan, including an Erosion and Sediment (E & S) Control Plan to the county and Georgia EPD as required. The E&S Plan must be approved by the Forest Service prior to the start of construction.

The Georgia Manual for Erosion and Sediment Control (2000) can be found at: http://www.gaepd.org/Documents/esc_manual.html

The time frames involved in submitting applications, plans and supporting documents for review and approval by the administering agency varies by project, but it is estimated to take 90 days. No work shall begin until the required permits are obtained and copies are provided to the Forest Service.

Step 4 Trail Construction Construction work will be done in accordance with the detailed schedule of items, plans, specifications, and progress schedule developed by the contractor and approved by the Forest Service.

Step 5 Trail Closure Trail closures will be done in accordance with the detailed schedule of items, plans, specifications. And progress schedule developed by the contractor and approved by the Forest service.

Proposed Project Progression

2) Trail features and structures marked on the ground

3) Trail log identifying trail features

4) GPS map showing trail location and features

5) Approval by Forest Service at 1, 3, and 6.1 miles (Final Approval) of new trail and 2, 4, and 5.2 miles of obliterated trail.

Day 2 – Forest service review/approval of 1 mile of new layout and planning.

Day 4 – Forest Service review/approval of 3 miles of new layout and planning and 2.5 miles of obliteration.

Day 8 – Forest Service review/approval of final new layout and planning and obliteration.

Day 45 - Forest Service review/approval of survey and site plans.

Day 140 Contractor presents necessary permits to the Forest Service for approval.

Additional General Information All equipment proposed to be used for performance of the work shall be of the size, type, and in such condition to properly pursue the requirements of this contract. The contractor’s proposed equipment shall be made available to the Contracting Officer for inspection prior to award of the contract if requested by the Contracting Officer. If at any time during the course of the contract any equipment is deemed unsatisfactory, the Contracting Officer may order removal and may require a satisfactory replacement at Contractor’s expense.

Any movement or transportation of equipment to or from the work areas required to pursue the work, repair or replace, or for the Contractor's convenience shall be at the Contractor's expense.