Atch_1_SOW_Diablo_East_Tower.docx

Scope of Work

Diablo East Communication Tower Replacement

Amistad National Recreation Area

0.0 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Overview and Project Description

2.0 Existing Conditions

3.0 Scope of Work

4.0 Codes and Authorities

5.0 Required meetings, Submittals and Closeouts

6.0 Special Conditions and Requirements

7.0 Period of Performance

8.0 Attachments

1.0 OVERVIEW AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This Project consists of the removal and replacement of the Diablo East tower. This tower is used as a communications base for National Park Rangers and NOAA, and it is essential for public safety and regular Park operations.

The busiest region of the park is the most visited region of Amistad National Recreational Area. With the Devils River and Rio Grande converge this is a hot spot for tournaments. Communications are needed to ensure visitor safety and perform essential mission requirements. This includes daily administrative tasks, research, and emergency operations, including life flights and search and rescue.

This will replace an outdated and dangerously existing communications tower. The tower is bent and is unsafe to climb. This region of Texas experiences extreme weather from daily freeze-thaw cycles in the winter to extremely long and hot summers with temperatures reaching 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Windstorms are very common with multiple storms throughout the year and occasional tropical storms and hurricanes depending on weather patterns.

The tower was installed in 1998 and is too dangerous to climb and it has been reported by the Telecommunications Program Manager that the issues need to be addressed.

2.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS

2.1 Refer to the pictures attached for existing condition of the tower and components.

2.2 The building with all components and electronics is situated less than 100 feet from the tower, this building supports NOAA and The National Park Service.

2.3 The Tower is located on NPS property.

2.4 Entrance is open 24 hours.

2.5 The property contains large amounts of brush and foliage and must be cleared prior to the arrival of the demo crew to obtain clear work area.

2.6 The Tower is bent near the bottom, so precautions are needed.

3.0 SCOPE OF WORK

The following task list does not dictate the sequence of replacement. The Contractor shall determine the appropriate means and methods to accomplish the project objectives while leaving the existing tower in place while the new one is installed. Inspect all existing conditions and understand the full scope of related tasks. Bring any questions and unforeseen conditions to the attention of the Contracting Officer and Park POC.

3.1.1 This project will demo the existing tower containing guy wires, remove all the components and antennae’s and haul off the removed tower and recycle according to the mission of the Park Service.

3.1.2 The contractor will replace the existing tower with self-supporting tower of 200 ft in height containing a Tele wave ANT150F2 Omni - qty 2 - at the tower top - and each leg should have a 2-foot side arm mount for the antennas at that height as well as side arm mount, directly below the Omni antennas, there will a 5 element Yagi antenna (to link the 2 sites together). With the Antenna feedline will be Times Microwave LMR600.

3.1.3 The foundation shall be replaced according to installers specs to accommodate the new self-supporting tower. Only approved gravel and soil will be used.

3.1.4 New antennae shall be installed and mounted according to Program Managers Specifications or installer specifications, whichever is recommended by the Contracting Officer or Project Manager.

3.1.5 All brush and vegetation shall be cleared prior to arrival of materials and room made available for material storage.

3.1.6 The utilities/buildings surrounding the tower shall be protected against damage from demo and installation.

3.1.7 Staging areas around the jobsite shall be prepared prior to arrival.

3.1.8 The new tower shall be within the area that the existing tower and the exact spot shall be agreed upon by the Project Manager and recommendations of the Contractor shall be taken into consideration, but final placement is up to The Contracting Officer.

3.1.9 The Contractor shall strictly adhere to all manufacture’s recommendations for tower construction and installation to obtain the maximum warranty.

3.2.1 Compact the natural ground at the bottom of the excavation with an approved whacker-type mechanical tamper, or as recommended by the tower and foundation manufacturers.

3.2.2 Maintain existing grades and drainage patterns.

3.2.3 The Contractor shall remove and dispose of excess excavated materials. Materials shall be properly disposed of outside of park boundaries. If the Park can use the materials that have been excavated, or removed, approval by the Superintendent will be needed.

3.2.4 Natural excavated materials, free from large rocks, or screened material that was excavated. debris may be used as backfill. Backfill shall be placed in maximum 8” thick lifts and compacted to its Optimal Moisture Content or within range of maximum density of compaction.

3.2.5 The Contractor shall be responsible for the attach/install all previous and new wiring components to new tower from the existing building that stores all panels and operating communications hardware in kind as the previous tower.

3.3 SAFETY, SHORING AND PROTECTION

3.3.1 The Contractor shall meet all OSHA safety rules and regulations. Walls of excavations 4 ft or more shall be supported by bracing, shoring or other methods, unless the walls are sloped to a safe angle from the bottom or the soil is stable enough to hold its shape during excavation. If shored, the excavation shall be of proper dimensions to accommodate shoring and bracing, as required to keep walls from collapsing and to allow for proper installation of the work. All existing site features and buildings shall be protected from damage. All supports shall be removed after construction is complete and shall be withdrawn in a matter that will prevent the sides from collapse of the sides of the excavation. All openings in the ground, caused by the removal of supports, shall be filled with suitable materials compacted to the optimal moisture content.

3.3.2 All excavations left open and unattended shall be fenced with wire or plastic mesh secured to steel posts all around the excavations. The bottom of the fence shall follow the contour of the ground. Maximum spacing of fence posts shall be 36 inches. The Contractor shall provide adequate egress for wildlife that might fall into the open excavation.

3.3.3 The Contractor shall provide and maintain ample means and devices with which to remove and properly dispose of all water entering the excavations or other part of the work without damage to the surrounding site. All excavations shall be kept free from standing water. The Contractor shall repair any damage caused by water in the excavation at their own expense.

4.0 CODES & AUTHORITIES

4.1 All work shall be performed in accordance with the following codes. Should codes conflict, the more stringent requirement shall apply.

4.1.1 Health and safety codes

a. 29 CFR 1910 Occupational Safety and Health Standards

b. 29 CFR 1926 Safety and Health Regulations for Construction

c. NFPA 241 Standards for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations

4.1.2 All TX DOT Regulations pertaining to oversize loads and traffic control.

4.1.3 Building Codes

a. 2023 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code

b. 2024 ICC I-Codes

4.1.4 The following standards shall apply for all used materials, installations, and tests, including but not limited to:

a. ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials International

b. AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportations International

c. ANSI American National Standards Institute

d. AISC American Institute of Steel Construction

e. AISI American Iron and Steel Institute

f. AWS American Welding Society

g. ACI American Concrete Society

h. UL Underwriters Laboratories

5.0 REQUIRED MEETINGS, SUBMITTALS, PAYMENTS, & CLOSEOUT

5.1 A Pre-service meeting will be held virtually with the Contractor, CO, COR, and NPS to cover basic procedures and regulations. This meeting will include , at minimum: discussion on park rules and regulations, wildlife management, correspondence procedures, progress meetings, lines of authority, roles and responsibilities, coordination of subcontractors, submittal procedures, schedule, progress payments, acceptance and rejection of work, labor standards, contract modifications, accident prevention, quality control, waste management, recycling, emergency procedures, road and site constraints, environmental considerations, and value engineering.

5.2 Regular progress meetings may be requirements at the discretion of the CO. Progress meetings shall include, at minimum: submittal status, RFI’s, contract modification, work progress, schedule updates, and status of progress record drawings or operation and maintenance manuals.

5.3 Submittals will be reviewed by the COR and CO. Submit at least 14 days prior to needed approval.

5.4 Submit the following items within 10 days of contract award.

b. Certificate of insurance

5.4.1 Submit the following items after contract award but before the start of work using the provided NPS CM-16 form. Submittals shall be specific to the project.

a. Material technical data sheets for all proposed materials

b. Schedule

c. Quality Control Plan

d. Safety and Accident Prevention Plan

1) Hazardous spill plan

2) Visitor and Traffic and Management Plan

3) Waste Management and recycling Plan

5.4.2. Submit the following items during work or prior to requesting a final closeout

a. Contractor Daily Reports

b. Contractor quality Control Reports

c. Digital Photos

d. Testing Reports as applicable

e. Keys, spare parts, and operating tools shall be labeled and organized.

5.5 Payments

5.5.1. The Contractor shall submit progress payments (for approval by the COR) based on the actual percentage of work completed by items listed by Contract line item.

a. The CO may request data to verify the accuracy progress payments.

5.5.2. The Contractor shall provide all field notes, invoices and reports, and other records related to the basis of payments to the CO. The CO shall use these items as necessary to determine the final amount of progress payments.

5.6 Project Closeout

5.6.1. Final Closeout

a. The Contractor shall perform a final cleaning of the project area, including removal of all tools, equipment, materials, waste and any grease, statins, labels, or other foreign materials. The Project area shall be clean and ready for use.

b. The Contractor shall prepare vegetated surfaces for restoration by NPS.

5.6.2 Substantial Completion, Final Inspection, and acceptance

a. As the project is nearing completion, submit written certification that the project, or designated portion of the project, is substantially complete and ready for a substantial completion inspection.

b. At the completion of any unfinished items, the Contractor shall request a final inspection.

c. All deficiencies shall be corrected within 21 calendar days, weather permitting. Final Payment will be withheld until all deficiencies are corrected.

6.0 SPECIAL CONDITIONS AND REQUIRMENTS

6.1 Wildlife Protection

6.1.1. Wildlife Protection is of the utmost importance. All Contractors and Subcontractors shall receive a briefing on working around wildlife, prior to the start of work. Notify the COR at least 14 days prior to the start of work to schedule this briefing. All personnel are required to fully understand and abide by all park requirements, which will be strictly enforced. Failure to comply may result in a citation and fine.

a. Food handling and storage

1) When not in use, food, beverages, containers, and utensils shall be kept inside of buildings, enclosed vehicles or trailers, storage sheds or lockers, or bear proof coolers.

b. Material handling and storage

1) Mortar bags are known to attract goats, sheep, and deer. This material should be kept under tarps to deter wildlife.

c. Petroleum products, anti-freeze, and chemical handling storage

1) Petroleum products, antifreeze and other chemicals are known to attract and kill wildlife. When not in use, these materials shall be kept in bear-resistant containers.

d. Equipment use, maintenance and refueling.

1) Leaky equipment should be repaired immediately.

2) Refueling and servicing shall not occur within 100 feet of a water body.

e. Sanitation requirements, including site cleanliness, trash handling and disposal, and portable toilet requirements.

1) Portable toilets must be lockable and be firmly staked into the ground to resist 70 mph winds.

2) Construction debris and trash must be disposed of in bear-proof bins or dumpsters, unless kept inside of buildings, enclosed vehicles or trailers, storage sheds, or bear proof containers

3) Construction debris and food waste shall not be mixed

4) Immediately collect and contain scraps and waste

f. Wildlife safety and potential wildlife interactions

1) The property is on Federal land, it contains wildlife. There will be interactions with these animals daily. Any problems occur please notify the COR and he will notify the CO If any remedy can be achieved if the livestock becomes a nuisance.

6.1 Protect natural habitats, including nests, and ecological systems at or near the site.

1) Protect any unknown or undiscovered threatened, endangered, or special status species. Immediately stop working and contact the COR if these species are found at the site.

6.2 Natural Resource protection

6.2.1. Tree and vegetation protection

a. Only areas within the limits of disturbance shall be disturbed by construction activities. The Contractor shall coordinate with the CO if it’s necessary to disturb areas outside of the defined limit of disturbance. The Contractor shall restore damaged areas outside the limits of disturbance, including but not limited to vegetation restoration and tree repair or replacement.

b. Tree and vegetation protection is of utmost importance. The contractor shall clearly delineate all vegetation to be cleared prior to starting work.

c. Provide temporary barriers to protect existing trees, plants, and root zones that are to remain I place. Do not remove injury or destroy trees or other plants without prior approval from the CO. Consult with the CO. Remove agreed upon roots and branches that interfere with construction.

d. Do not fasten ropes, cables, or guys to existing trees.

e. Employ practices that minimize dust production and combustion by products.

f. Avoid materials that can leach toxic chemicals into surface or ground water. Do not allow toxic chemicals to enter sewers or storm drains and washouts. Apply best management practices, including vehicle wash down areas, equipment storage and maintenance areas protection, and roadway sweeping related to hauling activities.

g. Air quality impacts are expected to be temporary and localized. To reduce tailpipe emissions, vehicles and equipment shall not be left idling any longer than is necessary for safety and mechanical reasons.

h. Volatile waste shall be stored according to best industry and in covered in containers.

I. Repair leaky equipment immediately.

1) Do not use equipment that is leaky

2) Keep a supply of acceptable absorbent materials at the job site in the event of spills.

3) Acceptable absorbent materials are manufactured specifically for containment and cleanup of hazardous materials.

j. Protect against erosion, contamination, and topsoil depletion.

6.2.3. Invasive species

a. To prevent the introduction of noxious weeds to the park, the Contractor shall thoroughly wash all earth moving and off-road vehicles and equipment. All equipment must be free of soil, plant matter, and other debris as determined by the COR. Coordinate inspections with the COR at least two business days prior to bringing equipment to the park.

6.2.4 Cultural Resource Protection

a. The discovery of archeological or cultural resources is not anticipated during this project.

b. The NPS archeology and cultural resources team will monitor all ground disturbing site work and examine excavated materials in archeologically sensitive areas. The Contractor shall provide a schedule of all ground disturbing activities at least 14 days prior to excavation.

c. Work shall be immediately stopped, and the contractor shall notify the CO and COR if archeological resources are discovered during construction. The NPS archeology and cultural resources team will document the location of the findings and, if necessary, and develop an appropriate mitigation plan. The Contractor may be required stop work at the location of the findings and move elsewhere until given clearance from the CO.

6.2.6 Visitor and Traffic Management

a. The Contractor is responsible for jobsite safety and security. The Contractor shall secure the jobsite to always prevent any potential hazards to visitors and NPS staff.

b. Minimize interference with NPS operations, visitors, and traffic, near the project area coordinate with NPS.

6.2.7. Contractor access to the park and Facilities

a. The Park does not provide lodging or campsites to contractors. The contractor shall not set up undesignated camps at or near the project site. The Contractor is responsible for finding accommodations on their own.

b. Coordinate with the COR for access to gates. The Contractor shall be responsible for safekeeping any loaned keys. The contractor shall pay to replace lost or damaged keys.

6.2.8 Contractor use of Facilities

a. The Diablo East ramp, about 2 minutes away, has water electricity and utilities.

b. The tower site has electrical service to the tower building.

c. Keep utility service disruptions to a minimum. If disruption to NPS owned utilities, coordinate with the CO, COR, and NPS at least two weeks in advance of any utility disruption. Coordinate with other utility providers and follow the utility providers procedures if other utilities are disrupted.

d. Accidental utility disruptions shall be remedied immediately at no cost to NPS.

6.2.9 Contractor use of Site

a. The Contractor shall always keep the site neat and orderly. Schedule regular housekeeping to ensure this. The site must always be free of wildlife attractants and potential hazards to NPS and visitors.

b. The Contractor shall be responsible for any damage caused by the contractor that is outside the scope of this project.

c. The Contractor shall minimize the footprint of the site.

d. The Contractor shall confine operations to within the defined limits of disturbance of the site.

e. The Contractor shall use temporary fencing or barriers, or other methods explained in the approved safety and accident prevention plan, to define the work area and deter non-authorized personnel from entering the site. The Contractor shall not conduct activities outside of the work area.

f. The Contractor shall allow for NPS occupation or visitation of the site and always keep driveways an entrance serving premises clear and available to NPS and emergency vehicles

6.3 Vehicles, equipment, parking, and staging areas

a. The Contractor shall clean vehicles and equipment to prevent the introduction of invasive species or noxious weeds.

b. Comply with all local, state, and federal loading and hauling restrictions.

c. Do not park or operate vehicles and equipment on vegetated surfaces, unless within the defined limits of disturbance of the site

d. Parking, staging and storage is at the risk of the Contractor.

6.3. Material handling and waste

a. Materials shall be used efficiently. Select materials and use practices that achieve the most efficient use of resources and materials. Minimize waste generation due to overpacking, proper planning, breakage, mishandling, contamination, error, or other factors. Reuse, recycle, or salvage as much of the waste generated as economically feasible. Minimize waste disposal in landfills.

b. Materials shall be delivered in the manufacture’s original sealed packaging with labels legible and intact. Materials shall be stored according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

c. Contaminated, damaged, unsealed, or materials not conforming to the specifications, shall not be used, rejected materials must be removed from the jobsite and replaced at no additional costs to the NPS.

d. Materials shall be recycled to the maximum practical extent. Recyclable materials include cardboard, paper, packaging, wood, containers, concrete, and metals. drywall, paint, glass, and plastics.

e. All waste shall be disposed of outside of the park in accordance with local, State and Federal requirements.

6.3.1. Field Engineering

a. The Contractor shall set initial stakes, establishing lines, slopes, grades, reference points, baselines, and benchmarks as required. The Contractor shall execute the work following these stakes and perform all additional staking necessary to complete the work.

b. All existing survey control used for this project shall be preserved. Controls that are destroyed by the contractor shall be replaced by the contractor at their expense.

6.3.2. Quality Control Program

a. A site- specific Quality Control Program (QCP) should be developed by the contractor. The plan shall include, at minimum:

1) A list of personnel responsible for quality control and assigned duties. Include each person’s qualifications.

2) A copy of a letter of direction to the Contractors Quality Control Supervisor (QCP) that will carry out and oversee the QCP. The QCS (and Alternate QCS, if applicable) shall be qualified and competent to perform these duties.

3) Names, qualifications, and descriptions of laboratories to perform sampling and testing and samples of proposed report forms.

4) Methods of performing, documenting, and enforcing quality control of all work.

5) Methods of monitoring and controlling environmental pollution and contamination as required by regulations and laws.

b. The quality of all work shall be the responsibility of the Contactor. Inspect and test all work as needed to ensure that the quality of materials. Workmanship, construction, finishing, and functional performance follow applicable specifications and drawings. Quality Control Daily Reports shall be completed by the QCS. Daily Test Reports shall be completed by the person performing the test.

6.3.3. Testing and Reporting

a. All work shall be tested, as applicable to ensure that the quality of materials, workmanship, construction, and finish, and functional performance is within the contract documents.

b. The Contractor shall employ certified independent laboratories to perform sampling and testing. The testing laboratory organization shall be certified for the type of testing to be done.

c. All measuring devices, laboratory equipment, and instruments shall be calibrated at established intervals against certified standards in accordance with NPS requirements. Upon request, measuring and testing devices shall be made available for use by the NPS verification tests.

6.3.4. Enforcement

A The Contractor shall stop work on any item or feature pending satisfactory correction of any deficiency noted by the QCS or the COR.

12. 6.3.5. Safety and Accident Prevention

1. Quality Assurance

a. A site-specific Safety and Accident Prevention Plan (SAPP) shall be developed by the Contractor to identify, assess, and mitigate potential hazards associated with the project through all phases of work. The SAPP should encompass detailed safety protocols, emergency response procedures, and protective measures aimed at ensuring the well-being of all Contractor and Subcontractor personnel, NPS employees, and visitors on or around the site.

b. A qualified and competent supervisor (and alternate supervisor, if applicable) shall be named to oversee and carry out the SAPP.

c. The Contractor shall that all employees are physically qualified to perform their assigned duties safely. Do not allow employees to work if their abilities are impaired. Operators of all equipment shall be able to understand signs, signals, and operating instructions and be capable of operating such equipment.

2. Hazardous Spills

a. The Contractor shall incorporate preventative measures into their SAPP to prevent hazardous spills. Hazardous spills shall be reported to the COR immediately.

3. Visitor and Traffic Management

a. The Contractor shall incorporate preventative measures in the SAPP to prevent hazards to NPS and visitors at or near the jobsites. See Section 6.4. Visitor and Traffic Management.

4. Safety Measures

a. The following shall be provided by the Contactor:

1. First Aid supplies

2. PPE that meets NIOSH and MSHA standards

3. Emergency instructions, including phone numbers and reporting instructions for AMIS

4. Dispatch and emergency medical care.

4. Adequate egress always, following Life Safety Code NFPA 241

5. Hard hats for all employees and visitors

6. Posted signs in all designated hard hat areas.

7. Hazardous spill clean-up kit

8. Fire prevention and protection equipment, as outlined in Section 6.13. Fire Prevention and Protection

b. Training

1. Provide training in first aid and hazardous material handling and storage.

2. On-site safety meetings with all personnel should be conducted at least once per week.

c. Enforcement

1. The Contractor shall stop working on any item or feature pending satisfactory correction of any safety issue noted by any of the Contractor's staff, the subcontractor's staff, COR, or the CO.

d. Accident Reporting

1. Reportable accidents, defined as death, occupational disease, traumatic injury to Contractor's personnel, NPS employees or the public, property damage of any accident more than $100 and fires, must be reported immediately. Complete an Accident/Property Damage Report using the NPS standard Form CM-22 and forward it to the CO within seven days.

13. Fire Prevention and Protection

1. Fire Safety

a. Observe and enforce standards of fire prevention. No open fires shall be allowed.

b. Capable and qualified people shall be in charge for fire protection and prevention. Their responsibilities include locating and maintaining fire protection equipment and establishing and maintaining safe torch cutting and welding procedures.

2. Vehicles and Equipment

a. Provide one fire extinguisher for each vehicle or piece of equipment. A minimum of one fire extinguisher shall be readily available in all work areas. Extinguishers shall have a minimum UL rating of 2-A:10-B: C.

3. Hazard Control

a. Take all necessary precautions to prevent fire during construction. Do not store flammable or combustible liquids in enclosed areas. Provide adequate ventilation during use of volatile or noxious substances.

4. Spark Arrestors

a. Equip all gasoline or diesel-powered equipment used in potential forest or grass fire locations with spark arresters approved by the U.S. Forest Service. Written determinations of areas and periods of potential fire hazard will be issued by CO. Locate internal combustion equipment so that exhaust is discharged well away from combustible materials. Shut down equipment before refueling.

5. Smoking

a. Smoking inside of structures near potentially combustible materials is prohibited. Cigarette butts shall be discarded in non-combustible containers and disposed of properly.

6. Welding and Grinding F

a. Cutting by torch or grinding shall only be performed when adequate fire protection is provided and readily available.

7. Stage 2 Fire Restrictions

a. Should the Park enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions during the period of performance, the Contractor may be required to obtain a Stage 2 Fire Restriction Exemption Permit from the NPS Fire Management Office in Big Bend National Park. Additional firefighting tools may be required to be readily available during work.

b. Stage 2 Fire Restrictions prohibit the following activities, without an exemption permit:

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a campfire.

2. Smoking outside of an enclosed vehicle or area clear of flammable materials

3. The following acts are prohibited between 1:00 pm and 1:00 am:

a) Operation of an internal combustion engine, except for use of generators with an approved spark arrestor in an enclosed vehicle or building or area cleared of any flammable materials within three feet of the generator.

b) Welding or use of a torch with an open flame

c) Use of explosives

d) Operation of motorized vehicles off designated roads or trails.

7.0 PERIOD OF PERFROMANCE

To Be Determined

8.0 ATTATCHMENTS

8.1 Conceptual site plans

8.2 Site Photos

8.3 Tower specs and standards of materials

8.4 AMIS approved gravel and fill sources.