Attachment 0001_ PWS Willamette Valley Project (WVP) Rough Mow.docx

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Rough Mowing and Fire Line Mowing in the Willamette Valley

WILLAMETTE VALLEY PROJECTS, LINN & LANE COUNTY, OREGON

1.0 GENERAL STATEMENT

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District is soliciting for rough mowing and fire precaution mowing services within the Willamette Valley Project locations in western Oregon. Rough mow areas are managed as open grassland for the benefit of wildlife and plants. These areas are typically mowed once per year in the fall to maintain open vegetation and prevent encroachment by trees, shrubs, and blackberry canes. Fire precaution mowing involves managing lines and managing entire areas before fire season. These areas are mowed just before fire season.

The Contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, tools, materials, vehicles, supervision, and other items and services necessary to perform all mowing as defined in this Performance Work Statement (PWS). Locations for work to be conducted include Cottage Grove Reservoir, Dorena Reservoir, Fall Creek Reservoir, Fern Ridge Reservoir, and Foster Reservoir. The Contractor shall perform to the standards in the contract and comply with all local, state, and federal regulations during the services performed.

This contract outlines the approximate schedule of mowing sites, and mowing shall be completed within that window, weather permitting. The Contractor shall complete the mowing of all units between July 1, 2026, and November 15, 2026, and during appropriate conditions. An extension may be granted through November 30th, weather permitting. The contractor shall notify the COR of planned work schedule and any delays as soon as they are realized. The COR may direct the contractor to adjust the mow schedule or to leave a unit un-mowed due to prescribed fire at the site, management conflicts, or other natural or human caused events. We expect that only 2-3 units (5-80 acres) will be left un-mowed each year.

The contract covers approximately 177.7 acres. There are 30 rough mowing units spread across 5 reservoirs and 28 fire mowing lines at 2 reservoirs in the Willamette Valley. The contract also includes 4 separate rough mowing options that can be executed, or not, in any or all years and any combination at USACE discretion. All 4 options are located around Fern Ridge and Dorena Reservoirs, adding up to 35 more units covering approximately 251.8 acres. Option years 3 and 4 have an additional unit at Fern Ridge Reservoir adding approximately 17.7 acres.

This firm-fixed priced contract is for a base plus four option years per the Government’s discretion. The period of performance for the base year will be from award to 31-Dec-2026. The following option year period of performances are outlined within the delivery/performance schedule of this requirement.

Base Year: From Date of award through 31 December 2026 1st Option Year Period: 1 January 2027 through 31 December 2027 2nd Option Year Period: 1 January 2028 through 31 December 2028 3rd Option Year Period: 1 January 2029 through 31 December 2029 4th Option Year Period: 1 January 2030 through 31 December 2030

2.0 DEFINITIONS

Throughout this PWS terms are defined as follows:

Acceptable Quality Level (AQL): Acceptable Quality Level equals the performance standards listed in paragraph 5. The Contractor must re-perform all unsatisfactory work unless excused by the Quality Assurance Evaluator (QAE).

Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR): A written record of unsatisfactory performance by the Contractor as observed by the QAE.

Contracting Officer (KO): The Government employee who is authorized to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): An individual designated in accordance with subsection 201.602-2 of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement and authorized in writing by the contracting officer to perform specific technical or administrative functions. The COR is not authorized to make any commitments or changes that will affect price, quality, quantity, delivery, or any other term or condition of the contract.

Quality Assurance Evaluator (QAE): The Government employees responsible for checking Contractor performance. The QAE may be the COR.

Optional Equipment: Use of side arm, boom, or other articulating side-extending mower equipment is permissible on any of the defined mowing areas as long as it’s approved by the COR.

Invasive/Noxious Weeds: A species that is non-native to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Common invasive/noxious weeds include but are not limited to Himalayan and cut-leaf blackberry (Rubus armeniacus and R. laciniatus), and Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius).

3.0 THE GOVERNMENT WILL FURNISH

The Government shall furnish keys, site maps, and assist with access when necessary to the designated locations.

4.0 THE CONTRACTOR SHALL FURNISH

The Contractor shall furnish all labor and equipment necessary to perform the work required under these specifications. Equipment shall be industrial grade. Contractor shall provide an equipment list (make, brand, and model) for approval prior to beginning this contract. Any changes to the equipment list throughout the period of this contract shall be submitted to the COR.

4.1 All equipment shall meet the requirements of the USACE Safety Manual EM 385-1-1. A copy of the EM 385-1-1 can be downloaded at the following link: http://www.publications.usace.army.mil/Portals/76/Publications/EngineerManuals/EM_385-1-1.pdf

The Contractor shall establish Activity Hazard Analysis and Accident Prevention plan in attachments 1 and 2. These plans shall be submitted to USACE Environmental and Compliance coordinator as well as COR.

3.1.1 Attachment 2 APP Worksheet End Form 6293_Aug 2024

3.1.2 Attachment 3 AHA Eng Form 6206_Sep 2024 (sample)

3.1.3 Attachment 4 EM 385-1-1

4.2 All equipment shall be industrial grade, shall be in good mechanical condition, and shall be safety approved by the COR prior to being permitted on the job site. Prior to starting work, the Contractor shall provide the COR with documentation of safety inspection for all equipment being used on the job site. Inspection shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.

4.3 Mowers shall be equipped with safety chains or other protective devices to prevent flying objects from striking people or damaging property.

4.4 Mowers shall have slides or turf-type wheels which prevent tearing or plowing turf.

4.5 Effective spark arresting exhaust mufflers shall be maintained on all power equipment used in performance of work under this contractor.

4.6 All equipment shall be clean when it arrives at USACE land. When mowing equipment is transported by road from one site or mowing unit to another, equipment shall be cleaned on site before it is moved. All equipment shall be cleaned prior to transfer between lakes. All equipment shall be cleaned before it leaves known weed sites. Corps will specify, annually, locations of invasive weeds prior to work. The contractor shall contact the technical lead for this updated information on invasive weeds at least one month prior to beginning work for the year. If new patches of noxious weeds are discovered at any time, the COR may modify the mowing schedule or require additional equipment cleaning to prevent spread to un-infested sites.

4.6.1 Cleaned equipment must be free of clinging seeds, soils, vegetative matter, and debris that may harbor propagules of any plant.

4.6.2 All equipment used in areas infested with high priority invasive species including but not limited to false brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum), meadow knapweed (Centaurea jacea x nigra), shining geranium (Geranium lucidum) and sulfur cinquefoil (Potentilla recta) must be cleaned within the infested area prior to vacating the site.

4.6.3 At times, masses of weed seeds may accumulate on machinery. Seed accumulations larger than a pint shall be disposed of in sealed bags and placed in an approved waste receptacle.

4.7 The Contractor shall ensure that all employees can demonstrate adequate knowledge of chemicals, tools, equipment, and techniques necessary to competently perform the work.

4.8 Prior to starting work, the contractor shall provide a spill response plan for approval by USACE. The Contractor shall carry boom, pads, and other approved spill response equipment at all times and shall immediately deploy this equipment in the event of a spill or leak. The Contractor shall be financially responsible for any damage to government lands or property.

4.9 The Contractor shall, without additional expense to the Government, be responsible for obtaining all necessary licenses and permits and for complying with any applicable Federal, State, and County laws, codes, and regulations applicable to the performance of the work specified in this contract. The Contractor shall be responsible for all damages to persons and private or Government property that occur as a result of his fault or negligence.

4.10 The Contractor shall adhere to fire restrictions that may be implemented by local agencies. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to be aware of and comply with restrictions. The Contractor shall obtain their own mowing waiver during fire season and provide the equipment needed to be compliant with the waiver. The Contractor shall inform the COR of schedule adjustments related to fire restrictions.

4.11 The Contractor shall provide a list of all employees, vehicles, and equipment used in performance of this contract.

4.12 The Contractor shall submit a monthly schedule to the COR prior to the following month’s work. The Contractor shall be responsible for proper submission of invoices within 10 days of completing work.

5.0 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND GUIDELINE REQUIREMENTS (Also see Paragraph 6.0)

The Contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform all fire line and rough mowing described in this contract. All work performed shall be in strict accordance with these specifications.

Site maps can be found in Attachment 1. Acreage figures are listed below. Physical barriers and existing vegetation will determine the limit of mowing for units listed below (Tables 1-7).

The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining the units listed in this contract (see Tables 1-7 and Attachment 1) to reduce encroachment of vegetation over the period of performance.

Subcontractors shall meet the same standards for mowing as the prime contractor. The Contractor shall submit subcontractor qualifications, and the COR shall approve the subcontractor for mowing prior to subcontractor performing any work under this contract. Subcontractor qualifications may be submitted for approval with the quote.

5.1 Rough Mowing. The Contractor shall maintain each area according to the following specifications unless otherwise described in the “Fire Line Specifications” section (5.2). Rough mowing and fire line mowing shall take place during daylight hours. The Contractor shall abide by all fire restrictions in place at the time of mowing.

5.1.1 Vegetation shall be mowed to a height not shorter than eight (8) inches and not longer than twelve (12) inches. If mowing over rocky ground an allowance shall be made for a height of six (6) to fourteen (14) inches.

5.1.2 Particular care shall be exercised by workmen to ensure that trees and shrubs greater than four (4) inches at diameter breast height (DBH) are not damaged by equipment. All seriously damaged trees and/or shrubs shall be removed and replaced with a native species and equivalent size by the Contractor at no expense to the Government. The Contractor, with approval of the Contracting Officer, may substitute other native species of tree and/or shrub of an equal value.

The Contractor shall take extra precaution to not damage trees or plants within the designated maintenance areas. The COR will inspect any trees or plants that receive any amount of damage and determine the caliper, height and species of tree, for which the Contractor must purchase and install in a designated location chosen by the COR.

If the tree is too large and there is no nursery that has stock which can replace it with the same size and dimensions, then the Contractor will have $100 deducted from the next invoice received after the damage has been inspected. The COR will provide a memorandum for record to document the reasoning for the deduction.

5.1.3 Mowing equipment shall be operated in a manner that prevents tearing out turf. Mowing shall not be performed when the ground is so wet that mowing operations cause wheel ruts. Mowing operations shall not create visible rutting or damage to the ground surface. Equipment designed for brush mowing/cutting may improve success at some of the sites listed below.

5.1.4 Each pass of the mower shall overlap the previous pass so that no strips of uncut vegetation will result.

5.1.5 The Contractor shall ensure that all roads, camp pads, sidewalks, buildings and parking lots are cleared of grass clippings prior to completing work in the area. No clippings shall be sprayed from the mowers or trimmers onto personal property.

5.1.6 Grass clippings shall be spread evenly on maintained areas. The Contractor shall not leave grass clippings in rows or clump as this creates unsavory conditions and kills grass. It is recommended that clippings be blown out of a machine in order to evenly distribute across mowed areas. Contractor shall not dispose of clippings in areas adjacent to those outlined in the contract.

5.1.7 The Contractor shall not discharge oil, gasoline, or any hazardous substance into the environment. Fueling of mowers and vehicles shall be done away from mow areas. The Contractor shall immediately report leaks or spills to the COR.

5.1.8 Regarding invasive/ noxious species, it is the responsibility of the Contractor to prevent the spread or transfer of invasive species from infested sites to non-infested sites by cleaning equipment prior to arrival on USACE land; between USACE lakes; and when leaving sites of known high priority weed infestations (infested units marked in Table 1- below). Additionally, accumulations of weed seed shall be disposed of in a way that eliminates the possibility to germinate and establish.

5.2 Fire Line Specifications. All fire lines must have a minimum width of 10’ at any given point along the line. Vegetation shall be mowed to a height no shorter than four (4) inches and no longer than seven (7) inches. All other standards outlined on 5.1.2 through 5.1.8 shall be adhered to.

5.3 Unit number DR 12 (Vaughn site) contains a small portion that shall be mowed to desired specifications using a weed whacker or other hand mowing method.

5.4 Locations by Year

Base Year

Table 1. Fire Line Mowing CLIN 0001

* = sites of known high priority weed infestations

Table 2. Rough Mowing CLIN 0002

Table 3. Optional Rough Mowing CLIN 0003

Option Year 1 Table 4. Fire Line Mowing CLIN 1001

Table 5. Rough Mowing CLIN 1002

Table 6. Optional Rough Mowing CLIN 1003

Option Year 2 Table 7. Fire Line Mowing CLIN 2001

Table 8. Rough Mowing CLIN 2002

Table 9. Optional Rough Mowing CLIN 2003

Option Year 3 Table 10. Fire Line Mowing CLIN 3001

Table 11. Rough Mowing CLIN 3002

Table 12. Optional Rough Mowing CLIN 3003

Option Year 4 Table 13. Fire Line Mowing CLIN 4001

Table 14. Rough Mowing CLIN 4002

Table 15. Optional Rough Mowing CLIN 4003

6.0 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

6.1 To ensure that the Government receives the services for which it contracted, the Government will only pay for services received. The Performance Requirements Summary (PRS) determines if the Contractor meets the performance standards of the contract, as well as provides guidelines for how and when surveillance will be performed. It ensures timeliness, effectiveness and that the Contractor is delivering the results specified in the contract. Government contract quality assurance will be performed per the PRS surveillance schedule.

6.2 These are the criteria against which the performance will be evaluated. Work shall be considered not to have been performed when any one of the following conditions exists in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

Performance Requirements Summary Table

Clippings shall be distributed evenly across mowing area.

6.3 Surveillance. Periodic and random inspections by the COR will serve as surveillance methods. If the COR discovers deficiencies and/or receives complaints, the COR will alert them to the contractor for correction.

6.4 Quality Control. The Contractor, not the Government, is responsible for quality control actions necessary to meet the quality standards set forth by the contract. The Contractor shall develop and submit a Quality Control Plan (QCP) for Government approval within 14 days after contract award. Once accepted, the QCP becomes a part of the QASP. The QASP is not a contractual instrument and may be changed at the COR’s discretion. The Contractor shall use the QASP to guide and document the implementation of the required management and quality control actions to achieve the specified results. The Government reserves the right under the Contract Terms and Conditions--Commercial Items (FAR 52.212-4) to inspect and test the services called for by the contract, to an extent practicable at all times and places during the term of the contract. The Government will reject non-conforming services.

6.5 Unacceptable Performance. When performance is determined unacceptable, as defined in the Performance Requirements Summary, the QAE or COR will inform the contractor that performance is unacceptable and provide written documentation by use of Form DD 2772, Contract Discrepancy Report. By initialing and dating the form, the Contractor is only acknowledging notification of unacceptable performance. Disputes in surveillance shall be referred to the KO.

6.6 The COR will notify the Contracting Officer of unacceptable performance. If any of the services do not conform to contract requirements, the Government may require the Contractor to perform the services again in conformity with contract requirements, at no increase in contract amount. When the defect(s) in services cannot be corrected by re-performance, the Government may:

a. Require the Contractor to take necessary action to ensure future performance conforms to contract requirements.

b. Reduce the contract price to reflect the reduced value of the services performed.

c. If the Contractor fails to promptly re-perform the services, or to take the necessary action to ensure future performance in conformity with contract requirements, the Government may:

i. By contract or otherwise, perform the services and charge to the Contractor any cost incurred by the Government that is directly related to the performance of such service.

ii. Issue Cure Notice;

iii. Terminate the contract for Government’s convenience; and / or

iv. Terminate the contract for Cause.

6.7 Correction of Non-Performance of Work. Contractor shall employ an adequate quantity of personnel to ensure that any area found to be not in compliance and therefore not acceptable, shall be made acceptable by the performance or re-performance of the work, where such re-performance is possible, during the first business day after noncompliance has been observed by or reported to and verified by the COR.

6.8 Damages Caused by the Contractor. Contractor shall be held accountable and liable to the Government for any damages to government facilities, fixtures, furnishings, equipment, or grounds caused by the Contractors or their employees.

6.9 Interference with Government Operations. Contractor and their employees shall perform all work in such a way as to not interfere with regularly scheduled Government operational activities.

7.0 SECURITY, SAFETY, & ENVIORNMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

7.1 Security Requirements.

7.1.1 General. The Contractor, before initiating the performance of work, shall provide the COR with a list of all employees who shall perform work under this contract. The list shall include the full name, aliases, social security number, and work assignment of each employee. The Contractor shall notify the COR in writing of any addition, deletion or change in employee work assignment within one day of such change. Upon completion or reassignment individuals are required to return access cards/keys to the designated COR.

The Contractor shall complete access request forms (to be provided after contract award), with all required documents for all employees, prior to them coming onsite. The forms shall be submitted to the COR or designated representative a minimum of three business days prior to arriving on-site. Many employees at the Willamette Valley Project work four 10‐hour days, so Friday should not be considered a business day for this purpose. Contractors cannot work onsite without an approved access request.

Any Non-US Citizens, including permanent citizens requesting access to the Willamette Valley Project, regardless of duration, must be approved by US Army Headquarters before initiating the Bonneville access request procedure. The COR will obtain the necessary documents from the Contractor. Please note the Foreign Visitor Authorization (FVA) process takes a minimum of 30 days. Contractor access requests will not be processed without an FVA.

7.1.2 Project Security. Project security is the responsibility of the Contractor. The Government will not accept responsibility for stolen or damaged equipment and materials. All equipment and materials shall be adequately secured by the Contractor to prevent theft or vandalism.

7.1.3 Background Checks. The Contractor shall be responsible for completing a background investigation of employees upon the initial report date. A Contractor or Contractor employee with a criminal record shall be immediately identified on an individual basis to the COR.

7.1.6 Suspicious Activity Reporting Training. (e.g. iWatch, CorpsWatch, See Something, Say Something). The Contractor and all associated sub-Contractors shall receive a brief/training on the local suspicious activity reporting program. This locally developed training will be used to inform employees of the types of behavior to watch for and instruct employees to report suspicious activity to the project manager, security representative or law enforcement entity. This training shall be completed within 30 calendar days of contract award and within 30 calendar days of new employees commencing performance with the results reported to the COR no later than 5 calendar days after the completion of the training.

7.1.7 Pre-screen candidates using E-Verify Program. The Contractor must pre-screen Candidates using the E-Verify Program (http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify) website to meet the established employment eligibility requirements. The Vendor must ensure that the Candidate has two valid forms of Government issued identification prior to enrollment to ensure the correct information is entered into the E-Verify system. An initial list of verified/eligible Candidates must be provided to the COR no later than 3 business days after the initial contract award.

7.2 Safety and Environmental Requirements.

7.2.1 The Contractor shall follow all safety regulations as set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Corps of Engineers Safety Manual EM 385-1-1, and project safe clearance procedures. A copy of the EM 385-1-1 can be downloaded at the following link: http://www.publications.usace.army.mil/Portals/76/Publications/EngineerManuals/EM_385-1-1.pdf

a. A Job Safety Analysis, also known as Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA), shall be prepared in accordance with EM-385-1-1 and submitted as part of the Accident Prevention Plan for approval by the designated COR prior to initiation of the work tasks. The Job Safety Analysis shall be updated and resubmitted to the designated COR as warranted.

b. Tools shall be equipped with manufacturer's recommended safety protective devices to ensure worker safety at all times. Tools shall be inspected daily by the Contractor and maintained in good working condition. All workers shall be properly trained in safe practices.

c. In the event that an accident or injury occurs to Contractor personnel, the Contractor shall notify the COR in a timely manner. The Contractor shall make a written report of each separate case of an injury or accident. The report shall include but not be limited to; location, nature of the injury or accident, authorities notified, and the action taken along with any other pertinent information. The report shall be accompanied by sketches, graphs/drawings, and photographs as needed and forwarded to the COR within 24 hours.

Where conflicts in safety regulations occur, the COR shall designate the applicable regulation to be followed. Contractor employees shall wear personal protective equipment as required in accordance with EM 385-1-1.

7.2.2 Job Safety Analysis (JSA). The Contractor shall, during their on-site tour of the Project, determine those areas and activities in which possible safety hazards exist. The Contractor shall identify hazards in each phase of services performed and what preventive measures the Contractor proposes to take to prevent accidents. The JSA must be typewritten with a cover page. In accordance with EM 385-1-1, the Contractor shall prepare a Job Safety Activity Hazard Analysis for approval by the COR prior to commencement of work.

7.2.3 Public Safety. The Contractor shall maintain the public use areas so as to provide the best possible conditions for safe use by visitors. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing adequate personnel or barricades to ensure the safety of the general public and project personnel during window washing operations. Use of the Government owned first aid kits shall be reported immediately to the COR for refilling by the Government.

7.2.4 Accidents. The Contractor or the Contractor’s employees shall report any circumstances of needed repair of the facility or unusual soiling of any area which may affect the performance of the work and unhealthful or hazardous conditions or any delays…