Attachment_1_Performance_Work_Statement.docx

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

Dune Habitat Restoration-Santa Rosa Island Focus Areas Eglin Air Force Base – East Santa Rosa Island Okaloosa County, Florida U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

Part 1

General Information

1. GENERAL: This is a non-personnel services contract to provide services for “Restoring Dune Habitats in the Florida Panhandle – USFWS Implementation, NFWF Project ID #66691”. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn is responsible to the Government.

1.1 Description of Services/Introduction: The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to facilitate the acceleration and/or enhance the recover of degraded dune systems by re-establishing vegetation diversity as defined in this Performance Work Statement except for those items specified as government furnished property and services. The contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract.

1.2 Background: Project is to facilitate the acceleration and/or enhance the recovery of degraded dune systems by re-establishing vegetation diversity, local scale dune connectivity and landscape dune heterogeneity where storms or other disturbances have diminished vegetation cover and diversity. Wildlife habitat quality will be enhanced for beach mice and other wildlife species dependent upon dune ecosystems.

Focus Area: East Santa Rosa Island (ESRI) Restoration Needs Santa Rosa Island is a 40+ mile barrier island in the western Panhandle of Florida, stretching from Pensacola Bay to Choctawhatchee Bay. The East Santa Rosa Island (ESRI) focus area is located on the easternmost end of Santa Rosa Island in Okaloosa County and includes approximately 4 miles of beach, dune, interdunal swale, and scrub habitat along the Gulf of Mexico. Located within the public beach area of Eglin Air Force Base (Eglin AFB), the property is owned by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and is managed for both state and federally listed species, as well as for public use and access. It is bordered by John Beasley Park to the west, East Pass to the east, and the Choctawhatchee Bay to the north and Gulf of Mexico to the south. Both of these boundary waters are part of Gulf Islands National Seashore, National Park Service (NPS).

Figure 1. Location of East Santa Rosa Island within the Florida panhandle

Three habitat restoration sites within the ESRI Focus Area were identified for restoration activities:

A) Airman’s Beach;

B) Officer’s Club; and C) Matterhorn Dune and Beach Access.

Figure 2. Restoration sites within the ESRI Focus Area

1.3 Objectives: The USFWS Gulf Restoration Office (GRO), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and University of Florida-IFAS, West Florida Research and Education Center (UF) (hereafter known as the Project Oversight Team (POT), shall work collaboratively to support the following restoration activities in selected focus areas throughout the Florida Panhandle.

· Restoring the historical heterogeneity of landscape features within the dune ecosystem

· Re-establishing connectivity of dunes in degraded areas where disturbance has created gaps or openings

· Restoring or enhancing the natural diversity and richness of native dune vegetation

· Increasing the diversity and resilience of the coastal dune ecosystems to enhance wildlife/beach mouse populations that are dependent on them

1.4 Scope:

1.4.1 Task 1. Work Plan

The Contractor shall develop a work plan and submit it to the Government within 30 days of receiving the Notice to Proceed. The work plan shall detail the Contractor’s plan for accomplishing the work required to complete Task 2, Task 3, and Task 4. The work plan shall adhere to technical specification TS-9.

1.4.2 Task 2. Fencing / New Installation

The Contractor shall provide all transportation, equipment, labor, and materials necessary to install new post and rope fencing at the designated restoration sites (See Attachment 3 - Eglin ESRI - Dune Restoration & Enhancement Plan). All materials and installation methods used for this task shall adhere to technical specification TS-8.

A) Airman’s Beach - 487 LF B) Officer’s Club – N/A C) Matterhorn Dune and Beach Access – 2,200 LF

1.4.3 Task 3. Fencing / Repair

The Contractor shall provide all transportation, equipment, labor, and materials necessary to repair existing post and rope fencing at the designated restoration sites (See Attachment 3 - Eglin ESRI - Dune Restoration & Enhancement Plan). All materials and installation methods used for this task shall adhere to technical specification TS-8.

A) Airman’s Beach – 1,368 LF B) Officer’s Club – N/A C) Matterhorn Dune and Beach Access – N/A

1.4.4 Task 4. Dune Planting

The Contractor shall provide all transportation, plants, equipment, labor, and materials necessary to plant Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum var. amarum) 2-inch containers, Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata) 2-inch containers, Beach Elder (Iva imbricata) 4-inch containers, Gulf Bluestem (Schizachyrium maritimum) 2-inch containers, and Coastal Groundcherry (Physalis angustifolia) 4-inch containers, at the designated restoration sites. In addition, the Contractor shall install wheat straw and/or wrack material in designated restoration sites to slow erosion, recover dune height, and protect woody vegetation. See Attachment 3 - Eglin ESRI - Dune Restoration & Enhancement Plan for specific information on designated restoration sites. All planting containers, debris, trash, or other incidentals used by the Contractor shall be removed from the Project Site and properly disposed of prior to Final Acceptance and demobilization.

A) Airman’s Beach Bitter Panicum = 140 Sea Oats = 474 Beach Elder = 173 Gulf Bluestem = 1,589 Coastal Groundcherry = 385 Wheat straw = 558 ft2 B) Officer’s Club Bitter Panicum = 283 Sea Oats = 1,103 Beach Elder = 0 Gulf Bluestem = 540 Coastal Groundcherry = 0 Wheat straw = 1,987 ft2 C) Matterhorn Dune and Beach Access Bitter Panicum = 10,557 Sea Oats = 11,273 Beach Elder = 6,858 Gulf Bluestem = 7,741 Coastal Groundcherry = 0 Wheat straw = 5,666 ft2

1.4.4.1 Plant Specifications:

All plants used for this task shall adhere to technical specifications TS-1. Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum var. amarum) shall adhere to technical specification TS-2. Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata) shall adhere to technical specification TS-3. Beach Elder (Iva imbricata) shall adhere to technical specification TS-4. Gulf Bluestem (Schizachyrium maritimum) shall adhere to technical specification TS-5. Coastal Groundcherry (Physalis angustifolia) shall adhere to technical specification TS-6.

1.4.4.2 Wheat Straw/Wrack Specifications:

All wheat straw or wrack shall adhere to technical specification TS-7.

1.4.5 Task 5. Restoration Signage and Symbolic Rope Installation The Contractor shall provide all transportation, equipment, and labor, necessary to install restoration signs and symbolic rope at the designated restoration sites. The Government shall provide restoration signs. The Contractor shall provide all transportation, equipment, and labor necessary to install symbolic rope at the designated restoration sites, and install the signs provided by the Government. All materials and installation methods used for this task shall adhere to technical specification TS-9.

A) Airman’s Beach Symbolic rope =2,341 LF Signage = 65 B) Officer’s Club Symbolic rope = 817 LF Signage = 20 C) Matterhorn Dune and Beach Access Symbolic rope = 2,164 LF Signage = 81

1.5 Period of Performance: The period of performance shall be for one (1) Base Year of 12 months. Contractors must confer with the Contracting Officers Representative (COR) and/or designated POT prior to initiating and completing any work. Work in and around designated shorebird nesting areas must be conducted between December 1 and March 1 for all plant species except Gulf Bluestem. Gulf Bluestem plantings shall be conducted between June 1 and August 1. Contractors will be required to contact the COR and/or designated POT to obtain current shorebird and sea turtle nesting coordinates within 2 weeks of beginning Gulf Bluestem plantings, since work will be conducted during the nesting season.

1.6 FINAL INSPECTION, ACCEPTANCE, AND PAYMENT

When the work has been satisfactorily completed in accordance with technical specifications, and plants have been installed for a minimum of 10 days, the COR shall be notified in writing stating work is completed and ready for final inspection. The Government shall, unless otherwise provided, make the final inspection within 10 days after the receipt of such notification.

If all work provided for in the contract is found completed to the Government’s satisfaction, that inspection shall constitute the final inspection and the Government will issue final acceptance and notify the Contractor in writing of this acceptance.

Payment for work performed will be issued upon acceptance of the work.

No more than once per month, the Contractor may request from the Government an inspection for partial completion of work where plants have been installed for a minimum of 10 days. The Government shall, unless otherwise provided, make the inspection for partial completion of work within a reasonable length of time after the receipt of such request.

If the partial work provided for in the contract is found completed to the Government satisfaction, that inspection for partial completion of work shall constitute a final acceptance for the plants that were inspected. Payment for partial acceptance of the work shall be issued at a rate of 90% of the items bid price, with the remaining 10% being issued upon project completion.

1.7 General Information

1.7.1 Quality Control: The contractor shall develop and maintain an effective quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The contractor’s quality control program is the means by which he assures himself that his work complies with the requirement of the contract.

1.7.2 Quality Assurance: The government shall evaluate the contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. This plan is primarily focused on what the Government must do to ensure that the contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rate(s).

1.7.3 Recognized Holidays:

Independence Day

1.7.4 Hours of Operation: The contractor is responsible for conducting business, between the hours of 6:00am – 5:00pm CST, Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government directed facility closings. For other than firm fixed price contracts, the contractor will not be reimbursed when the government facility is closed for the above reasons. The Contractor must at all times maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS when the Government facility is not closed for the above reasons. When hiring personnel, the Contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the workforce are essential.

1.7.5 Place of Performance: The work to be performed under this contract will be performed at three locations on East Santa Rosa Island (ESRI), Airman’s Beach, Officer’s Club, and Matterhorn Dune and Beach Access.

1.7.6 Type of Contract: The government will award a Firm Fixed Price Contract.

1.7.7 Security Requirements: Not applicable

1.7.7.1 Lock Combinations. Not applicable

1.7.8 Special Qualifications: Not applicable

1.7.9 Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings: Not applicable.

1.7.10 Contracting Officer Representative (COR): The (COR) will be identified by separate letter. The COR monitors all technical aspects of the contract and assists in contract administration The COR is authorized to perform the following functions: assure that the Contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract: perform inspections necessary in connection with contract performance: maintain written and oral communications with the Contractor concerning technical aspects of the contract: issue written interpretations of technical requirements, including Government drawings, designs, specifications: monitor Contractor's performance and notifies both the Contracting Officer and Contractor of any deficiencies; coordinate availability of government furnished property, and provide site entry of Contractor personnel. A letter of designation issued to the COR, a copy of which is sent to the Contractor, states the responsibilities and limitations of the COR, especially with regard to changes in cost or price, estimates or changes in delivery dates. The COR is not authorized to change any of the terms and conditions of the resulting order.

1.7.11 Key Personnel: The follow personnel are considered key personnel by the government: Project Manager. The contractor shall provide a contract manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate who shall act for the contractor when the manager is absent shall be designated in writing to the contracting officer. The contract manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The project manager or alternate shall be available between 8:00a.m. to 4:30pm, Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the government facility is closed for administrative reasons.

1.7.12 Identification of Contractor Employees: N/A

1.7.13 Other Direct Costs: N/A

1.7.14 Organizational Conflict of Interest: N/A

FINAL INSPECTION, ACCEPTANCE, AND PAYMENT

When the work has been satisfactorily completed in accordance with technical specifications, and plants have been installed for a minimum of 10 days, the COR shall be notified in writing stating work is completed and ready for final inspection. The Government shall, unless otherwise provided, make the final inspection within 10 days of time after the receipt of such notification.

If all work provided for in the contract is found completed to the Government’s satisfaction, that inspection shall constitute the final inspection and the Government will issue final acceptance and notify the Contractor in writing of this acceptance.

Payment for work performed will be issued upon acceptance of the work.

No more than once per month, the Contractor may request from the Government an inspection for partial completion of work where plants have been installed for a minimum of 10 days. The Government shall, unless otherwise provided, make the inspection for partial completion of work within a reasonable length of time after the receipt of such request.

If the partial work provided for in the contract is found completed to the Government satisfaction, that inspection for partial completion of work shall constitute a final acceptance for the plants that were inspected. Payment for partial acceptance of the work shall be issued at a rate of 90% the price of bid items, with the remaining 10% being issued upon project completion.

PART 2

DEFINITIONS & ACRONYMS

2. DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS:

2.1. DEFINITIONS:

2.1.1. CONTRACTOR. A supplier or vendor awarded a contract to provide specific supplies or service to the government. The term used in this contract refers to the prime.

2.1.2. CONTRACTING OFFICER. A person with authority to enter into, administer, and or terminate contracts, and make related determinations and findings on behalf of the government. Note: The only individual who can legally bind the government.

2.1.3. CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (COR). An employee of the U.S. Government appointed by the contracting officer to administer the contract. Such appointment shall be in writing and shall state the scope of authority and limitations. This individual has authority to provide technical direction to the Contractor as long as that direction is within the scope of the contract, does not constitute a change, and has no funding implications. This individual does NOT have authority to change the terms and conditions of the contract.

2.1.4. DEFECTIVE SERVICE. A service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with the Performance Work Statement.

2.1.5. DELIVERABLE. Anything that can be physically delivered, but may include non-manufactured things such as meeting minutes or reports.

2.1.6. KEY PERSONNEL. Contractor personnel that are evaluated in a source selection process and that may be required to be used in the performance of a contract by the Key Personnel listed in the PWS. When key personnel are used as an evaluation factor in best value procurement, an offer can be rejected if it does not have a firm commitment from the persons that are listed in the proposal.

2.1.7. PHYSICAL SECURITY. Actions that prevent the loss or damage of Government property.

2.1.8. QUALITY ASSURANCE. The government procedures to verify that services being performed by the Contractor are performed according to acceptable standards.

2.1.9. QUALITY ASSURANCE Surveillance Plan (QASP). An organized written document specifying the surveillance methodology to be used for surveillance of contractor performance.

2.1.10. QUALITY CONTROL. All necessary measures taken by the Contractor to assure that the quality of an end product or service shall meet contract requirements.

2.1.11. SUBCONTRACTOR. One that enters into a contract with a prime contractor. The Government does not have privity of contract with the subcontractor.

2.1.12. WORK DAY. The number of hours per day the Contractor provides services in accordance with the contract.

2.1.12. WORK WEEK. Monday through Friday, unless specified otherwise.

2.2. ACRONYMS:

PART 3

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES

3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES:

3.1. Services: N/A

3.2 Facilities: N/A

3.3 Utilities: N/A

3.4 Equipment: N/A

3.5 Materials: The Government will provide 166 restoration signs to be installed by the Contractor.

PART 4

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES

4. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

4.1 General: The Contractor shall furnish all supplies, equipment, facilities and services required to perform work under this contract that are not listed under Section 3 of this PWS.

4.2 Secret Facility Clearance: N/A

4.3. Materials: N/A

4.4. Equipment: The Contractor shall identify the location for overnight storage of equipment and supplies (See TS-10.5).

PART 5

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Technical Specifications (TS):

TS-1 All Plants

1.1 The GOVERNMENT and/or designated POT shall approve or reject plant materials based on their adherence to specifications outlined in TS-1, TS-2, TS-3, TS-4, and TS-5, as applicable. At a minimum, plant material shall be inspected by the Government prior to shipment to ESRI. The Government reserves the right to reject plant materials any time prior to final inspection and acceptance.

1.2 The contracting nursery shall acclimate plant materials by growing plants in full sun conditions for at least ten (10) days prior to planting (i.e. not inside greenhouse, under glass, under shade cloth, etc.). A legible copy of all current state nursery license(s) and/or permit(s) issued to the contracting nursery (or nurseries, or their Subcontractors) to be utilized by the Contractor shall be provided to the Government prior to delivery of the plants to the project site.

1.3 Certification shall be provided that all plant materials have been produced in accordance with federal and state laws where applicable. Federal and State Quarantine Summaries are available through the Regulatory Affairs Director, American Nursery and Landscape Association, Washington, DC.

1.4 The Contractor, or its Subcontractor, shall secure all permits required in the transportation, collection, and propagation of nursery stock and submit a copy to the Government.

1.5 Within thirty (30) days following the receipt of the Notice to Proceed, the Contractor shall notify, in writing to the Government, that plant material is on the premises of the nursery (or nurseries) responsible for growing operations in an amount sufficient to propagate the required number of Contract transplants. After submission of the nursery or nurseries to be utilized, the Contractor shall not change the selected source of plant materials without notifying the Government in writing.

1.6 Plants shall be free of defects, disfiguring, sun scalding, diseases, insects, insect eggs, borers, or other forms of infections or infestation.

1.7 Plants shall be viable and actively growing as indicated by a proliferation of new root development within the container. Plants must show sufficient growth so that a soil root-ball remains formed when the plant is removed from the container. No plants shall be loose in containers.

1.8 Plants appearing discolored, shriveled, dehydrated, or otherwise damaged will be rejected and shall be removed and replaced immediately at the Contractor’s expense. Plants not meeting specifications or not installed in compliance with the Contract shall be replaced and replanted according to the specifications at the Contractor’s expense.

1.9 The Contractor and the nursery (or nurseries) shall make available for inspection to the Government the specified plants that are to be used for this project.

1.10 All plants shall be packed for delivery from the nursery to the delivery site and from the delivery site to the planting site in such a manner as to ensure adequate protection against climatic, seasonal, wind damage or other injuries during transit. Special care shall be taken for prompt delivery and careful handling in loading and unloading. Damaged plants shall be rejected by the Government and shall be removed and replaced immediately at the Contractor’s expense.

1.11 Each individual shipment of plants to the delivery site shall be accompanied by a delivery slip indicating the following information: 1) source of plant material (nursery name), 2) species (scientific and common name), 3) plant size, 4) quantity being delivered, 5) date of delivery, and 6) date dug or packed for shipment. Shipping slips are to be signed by the Contractor. Copies of the shipping slips shall be provided to the Government and/or its Resident Project Representative at time of plant delivery.

1.12 The growing medium shall be free of any foreign objects such as glass, shell, stones, pottery, or other debris not generally considered standard potting media. Acceptable growing medium shall be a homogeneous mixture of various substrates such as shredded pine wood, pine bark (¾ and ⅜ size), hardwood, coconut fiber, or rice hulls. Growing media shall not contain perlite or other inorganic components, such as Styrofoam. Commercially prepared horticulture potting mixes are suitable but also shall not contain inorganic components, such as perlite or Styrofoam.

TS-2. Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum var. amarum)

2.1 Description: Acceptable Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum var. amarum) plants for the purpose of this Contract are nursery grown plants produced vegetatively or from seed collected from source materials originating from the Gulf coast of Florida. For this project, Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum var. amarum) shall be grown in two (2) inch containers. If cutting or seed materials from within the project area are not readily available in quantities needed to complete the project, then the Contractor may utilize other sources with the approval of the Government.

2.1.1 Plants produced from cuttings or seeds collected from the project area are preferred. Plants produced from cell and tissue culture lines, DNA fragments and pollen, or other methods of biotechnology are not acceptable.

2.2 Work Plan. The work plan developed by the Contractor shall adhere to the following guidelines with regards to Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum var. amarum):

2.2.1 Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum var. amarum) shall be planted in all designated plots as outlined in the Restoration Plan.

2.2.2 Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum var. amarum) shall be planted 18 inches on center (see Appendix A) and adjacent to only Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata) and/or Beach Elder (Iva imbricata). Row spacing may vary between 18 inches and 1 meter, as specified in the Restoration Plan.

2.2.3 The number of plants needed will be adjusted following finalization of the work plan and will be subject to onsite adjustments at the time of installation.

2.3 Plant Size: Each two (2) inch container of Panicum amarum var. amarum shall have a minimum two (2) inch rootball and a minimum three (3) live and actively growing stems. Each of the three (3) required stems shall have a minimum stem height/length of twelve (12) inches from the stem-root interface to the stem (not leaf) tip.

2.4 Fertilization: Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum var. amarum) plugs shall not be fertilized at the time of planting.

2.5 Plant Installation: All containerized plants shall be planted in a dug hole. The plant shall be removed from the container immediately prior to planting and placed into the hole. Plants shall not be removed from the container prior to transport to the site. The depth of the planting hole shall be fixed so that the top surface of the plant root ball is at least six (6) inches below the sand surface. The planting hole shall be tightly closed around the plant, covering the production substrate entirely, and plants must remain erect after planting as shown on the Restoration Plan.

2.5.1 Plants shall be planted the same day they are delivered to the site. Plants shall not become water stressed prior to planting. Plants shall retain their stem and leaf rigidity at all times, indicating adequate moisture is being received. Plants shall be watered with water within the salinity ranges in which they were grown. The Contractor must take the necessary precautions to ensure that plant materials receive adequate water during all phases of the Contract prior to actual planting. Transplants must stay moist during mobilization and while on site prior to planting. Rootballs shall be moist at the time of planting. Plants appearing discolored, shriveled, dehydrated, or otherwise stressed shall be rejected.

2.5.2 The Government and/or its Resident Project Representative reserve the right to reject any plant material not meeting minimum specifications.

2.6 Measurement and Payment: Payment for this item will be made at the Contract unit price per each for Bid Item 2, “Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum var. amarum) – Two-Inch Container” which price and payments shall constitute compensation for furnishing all overhead, profit, labor, materials, equipment for installation, and any other cost incidental to performing all Work as specified herein. No payment shall be made for plants that are rejected or damaged due to fault or negligence by the Contractor.

TS-3. Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata)

3.1 Description: Acceptable Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata) plants for the purpose of this Contract are nursery grown plants produced vegetatively or from seed collected from source materials originating from the Gulf coast of Florida. For this project, Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata) shall be grown in two (2) inch containers. If cutting or seed materials from within the project area are not readily available in quantities needed to complete the project, then the Contractor may utilize other sources with the approval of the Government.

3.1.1 Plants produced from cuttings or seeds collected from the project area are preferred. Plants produced from cell and tissue culture lines, DNA fragments and pollen, or other methods of biotechnology are not acceptable.

3.2 Work Plan. The work plan developed by the Contractor shall adhere to the following guidelines with regards to Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata):

3.2.1 Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata) shall be planted in all designated plots as outlined in the Restoration Plan.

3.2.2 Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata) shall be planted 18 inches on center (see Appendix A) and adjacent to only Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum var. amarum) and/or Gulf Bluestem (Schizachyrium maritimum). Row spacing may vary between 18 inches and 1 meter, as specified in the Restoration Plan.

3.2.3 The number of plants needed will be adjusted following finalization of the work plan and will be subject to onsite adjustments at the time of installation.

3.3 Plant Size: Each two (2) inch container of Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata) shall have a minimum two (2) inch rootball . Plants shall have a minimum stem/leaf height/length of ten (10) inches from the stem-root interface to the leaf tip.

3.4 Fertilization: Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata) plugs shall not be fertilized at the time of planting.

3.5 Plant Installation: All containerized plants shall be planted in a dug hole. The plant shall be removed from the container immediately prior to planting and placed into the hole. When the container is removed, the roots and medium shall be held intact in the same shape and size as the container and shall remain intact throughout the planting installation. Plants shall not be removed from the container prior to transport to the site. The depth of the planting hole shall be fixed so that the top surface of the plant rootball is at least six (6) inches below the sand surface. The planting hole shall be tightly closed around the plant, covering the production substrate entirely, and plants must remain erect after planting as shown on the Restoration Plan.

3.5.1 Plants shall be planted the same day they are delivered to the site. Plants shall not become water stressed prior to planting. Plants shall retain their stem and leaf rigidity at all times, indicating adequate moisture is being received. Plants shall be watered with water within the salinity ranges in which they were grown. The Contractor must take the necessary precautions to ensure that plant materials receive adequate water during all phases of the Contract prior to actual planting. Transplants must stay moist during mobilization and while on site prior to planting. Rootballs shall be moist at the time of planting. Plants appearing discolored, shriveled, dehydrated, or otherwise stressed shall be rejected.

3.5.2 The Government and/or its Resident Project Representative reserve the right to reject any plant material not meeting minimum specifications.

3.6 Measurement and payment: Payment for this item will be made at the Contract unit price per each for Bid Item 3, “Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata) – Two-Inch Container” which price and payments shall constitute compensation for furnishing all overhead, profit, labor, materials, equipment for installation, and any other cost incidental to performing all Work as specified herein. No payment shall be made for plants that are rejected or damaged due to fault or negligence by the Contractor.

TS-4. Beach Elder (Iva imbricata)

4.1 Description: Acceptable Beach Elder (Iva imbricata) plants for the purpose of this Contract are nursery grown plants produced vegetatively or from seed collected from source materials originating from the Gulf coast of Florida. For this project, Beach Elder (Iva imbricata) shall be grown in four (4) inch containers. If cutting or seed materials from within the project area are not readily available in quantities needed to complete the project, then the Contractor may utilize other sources with the approval of the Government.

4.1.1 Plants produced from cuttings or seeds collected from the project area are preferred. Plants produced from cell and tissue culture lines, DNA fragments and pollen, or other methods of biotechnology are not acceptable.

4.2 Work Plan. The workplan developed by the Contractor shall adhere to the following guidelines with regards to Beach Elder (Iva imbricata):

4.2.1 Beach Elder (Iva imbricata) shall be planted in all designated plots as outlined in the Restoration Plan.

4.2.2 Beach Elder (Iva imbricata) shall be planted 18 inches on center (see Appendix A) and adjacent to only Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata) and/or Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum var. amarum). Row spacing may vary between 18 inches and 1 meter, as specified in the Restoration Plan.

4.2.3 The number of plants needed will be adjusted following finalization of the work plan and will be subject to onsite adjustments at the time of installation.

4.3 Plant Size: Each four (4) inch container of Iva imbricata shall have a minimum four (4) inch rootball and a minimum two (2) live and actively growing stems. Each of the two (2) required stems shall have a minimum stem height/length of six (6) inches from the stem-root interface to the stem (not leaf) tip.

4.4 Fertilization: Beach Elder (Iva imbricata) plugs shall not be fertilized at the time of planting.

4.5 Plant Installation: All containerized plants shall be planted in a dug hole. The plant shall be removed from the container immediately prior to planting and placed into the hole. Plants shall not be removed from the container prior to transport to the site. The depth of the planting hole shall be fixed so that the top surface of the plant root ball is at least three (3) inches below the sand surface. The planting hole shall be tightly closed around the plant, covering the production substrate entirely, and plants must remain erect after planting as shown in the Restoration Plan.

4.5.1 Plants shall be planted the same day they are delivered to the site. Plants shall not become water stressed prior to planting. Plants shall retain their stem and leaf rigidity at all times, indicating adequate moisture is being received. Plants shall be watered with water within the salinity ranges in which they were grown. The Contractor must take the necessary precautions to ensure that plant materials receive adequate water during all phases of the Contract prior to actual planting. Transplants must stay moist during mobilization and while on site prior to planting. Rootballs shall be moist at the time of planting. Plants appearing discolored, shriveled, dehydrated, or otherwise stressed shall be rejected.

4.5.2 The Government and/or its Resident Project Representative reserve the right to reject any plant material not meeting minimum specifications.

4.6 Measurement and Payment: Payment for this item will be made at the Contract unit price per each for Bid Item 2, “Beach Elder (Iva imbricata) – Four-Inch Container” which price and payments shall constitute compensation for furnishing all overhead, profit, labor, materials, equipment for installation, and any other cost incidental to performing all Work as specified herein. No payment shall be made for plants that are rejected or damaged due to fault or negligence by the Contractor.

TS-5. Gulf Bluestem (Schizachyrium maritimum)

5.1 Description: Acceptable Gulf Bluestem (Schizachyrium maritimum) plants for the purpose of this Contract are nursery grown plants produced vegetatively or from seed collected from source materials originating from the Gulf coast of Florida. For this project, Gulf Bluestem (Schizachyrium maritimum) shall be grown in two (2) inch containers. If cutting or seed materials from within the project area are not readily available in quantities needed to complete the project, then the Contractor may utilize other sources with the approval of the Government.

5.1.1 Plants produced from cuttings or seeds collected from the project area are preferred. Plants produced from cell and tissue culture lines, DNA fragments and pollen, or other methods of biotechnology are not acceptable.

5.2 Work Plan. The workplan developed by the Contractor shall adhere to the following guidelines with regards to Gulf Bluestem (Schizachyrium maritimum):

5.2.1 Gulf Bluestem (Schizachyrium maritimum) shall be planted in all designated plots as outlined in the Restoration Plan.

5.2.2 Gulf Bluestem (Schizachyrium maritimum) shall be planted 18 inches or 1 meter on center (see Appendix A) and adjacent to only Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata) and/or Coastal Groundcherry (Physalis angustifolia). Row spacing may vary between 18 inches and 1 meter, as specified in the Restoration Plan.

5.2.3 The number of plants needed will be adjusted following finalization of the work plan and will be subject to onsite adjustments at the time of installation.

5.3 Plant Size: Each two (2) inch container of Schizachyrium maritimum shall have a minimum two (2) inch rootball and a minimum three (3) live and actively growing stems. Each of the three (3) required stems shall have a minimum stem height/length of six (6) inches from the stem-root interface to the stem (not leaf) tip.

5.4 Fertilization: Gulf Bluestem (Schizachyrium maritimum) plugs shall not be fertilized at the time of planting.

5.5 Plant Installation: All containerized plants shall be planted in a dug hole. The plant shall be removed from the container immediately prior to planting and placed into the hole. Plants shall not be removed from the container prior to transport to the site. The depth of the planting hole shall be fixed so that the top surface of the plant root ball is at least three (3) inches below the sand surface. The planting hole shall be tightly closed around the plant, covering the production substrate entirely, and plants must remain erect after planting as shown on the Plans.

5.5.1 Plants shall be planted the same day they are delivered to the site. Plants shall not become water stressed prior to planting. Plants shall retain their stem and leaf rigidity at all times, indicating adequate moisture is being received. Plants shall be watered with water within the salinity ranges in which they were grown. The Contractor must take the necessary precautions to ensure that plant materials receive adequate water during all phases of the Contract prior to actual planting. Transplants must stay moist during mobilization and while on site prior to planting. Rootballs shall be moist at the time of planting. Plants appearing discolored, shriveled, dehydrated, or otherwise stressed shall be rejected.

5.5.2 The Government and/or its Resident Project Representative reserve the right to reject any plant material not meeting minimum specifications.

5.6 Measurement and Payment: Payment for this item will be made at the Contract unit price per each for Bid Item 2, “Gulf Bluestem (Schizachyrium maritimum) – Two-Inch Container” which price and payments shall constitute compensation for furnishing all overhead, profit, labor, materials, equipment for installation, and any other cost incidental to performing all Work as specified herein. No payment shall be made for plants that are rejected or damaged due to fault or negligence by the Contractor.

TS-6. Coastal Groundcherry (Physalis angustifolia)

6.1 Description: Acceptable Coastal Groundcherry (Physalis angustifolia) plants for the purpose of this Contract are nursery grown plants produced vegetatively or from seed collected from source materials originating from the Gulf coast of Florida. For this project, Coastal Groundcherry (Physalis angustifolia) shall be grown in four (4) inch containers. If cutting or seed materials from within the project area are not readily available in quantities needed to complete the project, then the Contractor may utilize other sources with the approval of the Government.

6.1.1 Plants produced from cuttings or seeds collected from the project area are preferred. Plants produced from cell and tissue culture lines, DNA fragments and pollen, or other methods of biotechnology are not acceptable.

6.2 Work Plan. The workplan developed by the Contractor shall adhere to the following guidelines with regards to Coastal Groundcherry (Physalis angustifolia):

6.2.1 Coastal Groundcherry (Physalis angustifolia) shall be planted in all designated plots as outlined in the Restoration Plan.

6.2.2 Coastal Groundcherry (Physalis angustifolia) shall be planted 18 inches on center (see Appendix A) and adjacent only to Gulf Bluestem (Schizachyrium maritimum). Row spacing may vary between 18 inches and 1 meter, as specified in the Restoration Plans.

6.2.3 The number of plants needed will be adjusted following finalization of the work plan and will be subject to onsite adjustments at the time of installation.

6.3 Plant Size: Each four (4) inch container of Physalis angustifolia shall have a minimum four (4) inch rootball and a minimum three (3) live and actively growing stems. Each of the three (3) required stems shall have a minimum stem height/length of three (3) inches from the stem-root interface to the stem (not leaf) tip.

6.4 Fertilization: Coastal Groundcherry (Physalis angustifolia) plugs shall not be fertilized at the time of planting.

6.5 Plant Installation: All containerized plants shall be planted in a dug hole. The plant shall be removed from the container immediately prior to planting and placed into the hole. Plants shall not be removed from the container prior to transport to the site. The depth of the planting hole shall be fixed so that the top surface of the plant root ball is at least one (1) inch below the sand surface. The planting hole shall be tightly closed around the plant, covering the production substrate entirely, and plants must remain erect after planting as shown on the Plans.

6.5.1 Plants shall be planted the same day they are delivered to the site. Plants shall not become water stressed prior to planting. Plants shall retain their stem and leaf rigidity at all times, indicating adequate moisture is being received. Plants shall be watered with water within the salinity ranges in which they were grown. The Contractor must take the necessary precautions to ensure that plant materials receive adequate water during all phases of the Contract prior to actual planting. Transplants must stay moist during mobilization and while on site prior to planting. Rootballs shall be moist at the time of planting. Plants appearing discolored, shriveled, dehydrated, or otherwise stressed shall be rejected.

6.5.2 The Government and/or its Resident Project Representative reserve the right to reject any plant material not meeting minimum specifications.

6.6 Measurement and Payment: Payment for this item will be made at the Contract unit price per each for Bid Item 2, “Coastal Groundcherry (Physalis angustifolia) – Four-Inch Container” which price and payments shall constitute compensation for furnishing all overhead, profit, labor, materials, equipment for installation, and any other cost incidental to performing all Work as specified herein. No payment shall be made for plants that are rejected or damaged due to fault or negligence by the Contractor.

TS-7. Wrack/Wheat Straw Installation

7.1 Description: Because of the important resource it provides (wildlife food source and habitat, sand stabilization, seed dispersal), natural wrack should not be removed from a beach for the purpose of placing around newly transplanted dune species. However, wrack is mechanically removed from some beaches and bays in the Panhandle for aesthetic reasons. Using natural wrack that would otherwise be discarded is the preferred supplement to the dune plantings, but availability is often not reliable. When natural wrack is not available, wheat straw shall be used as a substitute to enhance moisture retention, plant growth, and sand accumulation.

7.1.1 Both wrack and wheat straw shall be free of debris, trash, or other foreign objects. Wheat straw shall also be free of seeds.

7.2 Installation:

7.2.1 Wrack or wheat straw shall be placed around designated plugs of Gulf bluestem and/or sea oats as outlined in the Restoration Plan. Wrack or wheat straw will only partially cover restoration plots, with some rows and species left out.

7.2.2 Wrack or wheat straw shall be laid in two different thicknesses within each plot. The plot shall be divided in half (left and right). Two (2) inches of wrack or wheat straw shall be placed on one side and four (4) inches of wrack or wheat straw shall be placed on the other side.

TS-8. Post and Rope Fencing Repair/Installation

8.1 Materials and Assembly:

8.1.1 New posts shall be 6-foot tall wooden 4-inch x 4-inch posts. The top of posts shall be cut at a 45-degree angle to deter predator perching. Existing posts in good condition shall be reused.

8.1.2 Rope shall be 1-inch diameter and a synthetic material, such as polypropylene or Nylon, that can reasonably withstand the harsh conditions of the beach-dune system. Rope material shall be a natural color, such as brown or beige.

8.1.3 Rope shall be affixed to posts with heavy duty staples.

8.2 Installation:

8.2.1 Existing posts shall be assessed for structural integrity and reused when possible. Original, downed wires strung between existing posts shall be removed.

8.2.2 New posts shall be placed approximately 20 feet apart but may be placed closer together to better control public access in high use areas or at corners/turns in the fence line.

8.2.3 Holes for new posts shall be dug with a posthole digger or auger and posts shall be driven in with a hammer or mallet after placement. Sand shall be packed around the base of the post with a tamp.

8.2.4 Posts shall be 6 feet tall, driven 2 feet into the substrate with 4 feet remaining above the sand surface.

8.2.5 Two taut rows of rope shall be strung between all posts on either side of the access to create a designated pathway. One taut row of rope shall be strung between the posts that fan out onto the beach at the top of the post so that the rope is no closer than 2.5 feet above the sand surface to minimize entanglement risk for nesting sea turtles. Drill a 1 to 1.5-inch hole through each post parallel with the direction of the pathway. For posts with two rows of rope, holes should be drilled 8 inches and 26 inches below the highest point on the post. For posts with only one row of rope, holes should be drilled 8 inches below the highest point on the post. Rope shall be passed through the drilled hole and tied off at each end of the strand/fence line. The tie should be a knot large enough to prevent the rope from being pulled back through the post. See Appendix D for detailed diagrams.

8.2.6 Affix restoration signage to every fourth newly installed post (approximately every 80 feet) with screws. The top of the signs shall extend beyond the top of the post by at least 2 inches to deter predator perching and shall be posted on the side of the post that faces the public access path and/or beach (i.e. opposite of the rope). Signs shall not be affixed to repaired or reused posts.

8.2.7 Following installation, both signs and rope shall be no closer than 2.5 feet above the sand surface to minimize entanglement risk for nesting sea turtles.

TS-9. Restoration Signage and Symbolic Roping

9.1 Materials and Assembly:

9.1.1 Acceptable materials for posts include untreated wooden construction stakes, PVC pipe, and fiberglass (e.g. Carsonite).

9.1.2 Posts shall be approximately 4 feet tall within backdune areas (landward of primary dune line) and 6 feet tall within foredune areas (seaward of the primary dune line on the tidally influenced beach).

9.1.3 Signs shall be affixed to all posts with screws as high up the post as possible. Signs shall extend beyond the top of the post by at least 2 inches to deter predator perching. If the sign cannot be affixed to the post in this way, the top of the post shall be cut at a 45-degree angle to deter predator perching.

9.1.4 Rope shall be 4mm polypropylene or Nylon rope in a bright color that is visible against bright white sand, such as red or blue.

9.2 Installation:

9.2.1 Posts with restoration signage and symbolic roping shall be placed according to maps in Appendix C.

9.2.2 Posts shall be placed approximately 20 feet apart but may be placed closer together to better demarcate restoration plots, especially in areas of high public use and around smaller plots, or to better hold up symbolic roping. Posts shall be placed no closer than 10 feet from restoration plantings.

9.2.3 Holes shall be dug with a posthole digger or auger and posts shall be driven in with a hammer or mallet after placement. Sand shall be packed around the base of the post with a tamp.

9.2.4 Posts placed in the backdunes (landward of the primary dune line) shall be 4 feet tall, driven 1 foot into the substrate with 3 feet remaining above the sand surface. Posts placed in front of the foredunes on the tidally influenced beach shall be 6 feet tall, driven at least 3 feet into the substrate with approximately 3 feet remaining above the sand surface.

9.2.5 Affix restoration signage to every other post (approximately every 40 feet) with screws. The top of the signs shall extend beyond the top of the post by at least 2 inches to deter predator perching and shall be posted on the side of the post that…