Attachment_1_-_Performance_Work_Statement_Planting_2026.pdf

Collect, Propagate, and Transplant - IDIQ Attachment 1 – Performance Work Statement

Performance Work Statement Collection, Propagation and Transplanting of Native Vegetation

1. Background

The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) needs to utilize transplanting techniques in support of implementing the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Programs (LCR MSCP) species habitat creation requirements. At least 8,312 acres of cottonwood-willow (5,940 acres), honey mesquite (1,320 acres), marsh (568 acres), and backwater (484 acres) land covers are to be designed and created.

As of 2025, the LCR MSCP has created 7,195 acres of cottonwood-willow (4,629 acres), honey mesquite (2,046 acres), marsh (362 acres), and backwater (158 acres). Cottonwood-willow, honey mesquite, and marsh creation involves the conversion of existing land cover types (active agriculture, fallow agricultural, and undeveloped lands) to land cover types benefiting LCR MSCP species. A backwater habitat, for this agreement, includes the establishment of a marsh along the open water edge

Reclamation has utilized a mechanized transplanter to efficiently plant over 3,500 acres of native vegetation. While the transplanter saves time, hand planting is used when cottonwoods are not planted as plugs, when vegetation is planted in furrows, when fields are inundated with water, and when the transplanter cannot operate safely. Both methods have proven to be cost-effective for meeting habitat creation requirements in a timely manner.

2. General Information

The purpose of this contract is to obtain services for the collection, propagation, and planting of native vegetation on LCR MSCP Conservation Areas. The Contractor shall be able to perform planting services at all locations listed in Table 1.

The Contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision and any other items and non-personal services necessary to carry out the collection, propagation and large-scale transplanting of native vegetation, as specified in this Performance Work Statement. All work shall be performed in accordance with the standards set forth in this contract.

2.1. Locations

Conservation Area Town State County

Beal Lake Conservation Area Needles California San Bernardino and Mohave

Cibola National Wildlife Refuge Unit #1 Cibola Arizona La Paz Cibola Valley Conservation Area Cibola Arizona La Paz Dennis Underwood Conservation Area Palo Verde California Imperial Laguna Division Conservation Area Yuma Arizona Yuma Palo Verde Ecological Reserve Blythe California Riverside/Imperial Planet Ranch Parker Arizona La Paz Section 26 Conservation Area Needles California San Bernardino Three Fingers Lake Palo Verde California Imperial Yuma Meadows Conservation Area Yuma Arizona Yuma

2.2. General Site Information

Most sites lack electricity, restroom facilities, potable water and may have limited to no cellular service. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to provide, or ensure the crew is provided with, all necessary accommodations, including but not limited to restroom facilities, lodging, food, and water. An exception is Planed Ranch, where housing is available for the crew. The site includes two houses with a total of eight bedrooms, four cots, full kitchens, potable water, and ice. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring the crew is prepared with food, toiletries, bathroom linens, and bedding.

2.3. Environmental Conditions

The lower Colorado River is a unique landscape with extreme conditions. Winter temperatures range from 50-80 degrees during the day with temperatures below freezing at night. In contrast the summer temperatures range from 90-120 degrees during the day with hot nights. As with any outdoor environment, appropriate caution must be taken. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to conduct due diligence regarding the challenges of working in desert environments and to address these considerations in their safety plan. (see section 7).

2.4. Type of Contract

Resultant award will be a five-year Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity Type Contract.

2.5. Period of Performance

Performance is anticipated to begin in September 2026 and run until August 2031.

3. Purpose

The purpose of this contract is to propagate and plant native vegetation (Table 2) in accordance with the LCR MSCP guidance to support habitat creation goals. The Contractor shall be capable of perform planting services at all location listed in Table 1.

Scientific Name Common Name Baccharis salicifolia Mule fat Baccharis sarothroides Desert broom Distichlis spicata Saltgrass Distichlis sticata Inland saltgrass Eleocharis palustris Common spikerush Muhlenbergia asperifolia Scratchgrass Populus fremontii Fremont cottonwood Prosopis glandulosa v. torreyanna Honey mesquite Salix gooddingii Goodding’s willow Salix exigua Coyote willow Schoenoplectus americanus (Scirpus olneyi) Chairmaker’s bulrush Schoenoplectus californicus California bulrush Scirpus tabernaemontani Softstem bulrush Sporobolus aeroides Alkali sacaton Anemopsis californicus Yerba manza Atriplex canescens 4-wing saltbush Atriplex lentiformis Quailbush Atriplex polycarpa Cattle saltbush Bouteloua gracilis Blue grama Festuca arizonica Arizona fescue Paspalum distichum Knot grass Pluches odorata Marsh fleabane Salicornia spp. Pickleweed

4. Services to be Performed

The contractor must be able to complete all activities associated with acquiring the necessary plant materials, including collecting or purchasing seeds and cuttings, performing all propagation activities, and delivering the plants to the designated planting locations.

The Contractor’s facility must have the capacity to house up to 1,000,000 plugs (72 plugs per flat) and 50,000 larger plants (18 plugs per flat) plants. The facility shall also have the ability to propagate and furnish plants year-round.

4.1. Task 1 – Collection of Plant Materials

Seed and cuttings must be collected from locations approved by Reclamation. Approved sources may include, but are not limited to, existing LCR MSCP nurseries located at the Palo Verde Ecological Reserve (Blythe, CA) or the Cibola Valley Conservation Area (Cibola, AZ).

All collections from LCR MSCP Conservation areas must follow the general cutting and collection guidelines:

• Notify LCR MSCP staff prior to removing any trees.

• Discard any unused plant material off-site.

• Keep all vehicles on established roads.

The collection of plant materials is limited to the months of January through February unless otherwise approved by Reclamation. Additionally, collection may be required up to 15 months prior to the scheduled planting date.

4.2. Task 2 – Propagation and Furnishing of Plant Materials

4.2.1. Plant Propagation

The Contractor shall determine appropriate propagation techniques to meet the plant quantities requirements specified by Reclamation. The Contractor’s greenhouse facility must include a controlled environment capable of regulating heat, light, relative humidity, and irrigation, and be equipped with rolling benches, a shade system, and high-intensity discharge lighting to support propagation activities.

Plant tray cell size must be appropriate for each species, allowing for maximum root development. This determination shall be based on the known growth habits of each species and operational requirement of the mechanized transplanter.

The Contractor shall also select the planting medium based on prior propagation experience of native species found along the lower Colorado River. All propagated plans must have quality root balls, defined as a dense root mass upon removal from the container, consisting of a minimum ratio of 50% root mass to 50% growing medium.

4.2.2. Furnishing Plant Materials

All plants are subject to inspection and approval by Reclamation, both at the Contractor’s facility and upon delivery to the planting site, prior to planting. Approval or rejection will be based on the following:

• Quantity, quality, and size of plants.

• Absence of defects or injuries — plants shall be free of disease and show no visible signs of stress, including yellowing, leaf drop, wilting, discoloration (e.g., colored spots), leaf curling, or insect infestation.

• Root ball quality — each plant shall have a dense root ball that, when removed from the container, consists of no less than 50% root mass.

If the Contractor is unable to supply the quantity or species of plants specified in the planting guide or task order, a substitute species (already specified in the task order) may be provided at no additional cost, pending Reclamation’s approval. To ensure plant quality during transit:

• An anti-desiccant agent shall be applied before shipping.

• Plants must be shipped in closed containers to protect them from environmental damage.

• Reclamation and the Contractor shall jointly develop a shipping and planting schedule based on acreage and planting method, to minimize the amount of time plants remain in containers.

Approval at the Contractors facility does not preclude rejection at planting. Plants found noncompliant with the specified standards at the time of planting may still be rejected. In such cases:

• The Contractor may supply a replacement plant.

• If a replacement is not provided, the Contractor shall forfeit billing for the rejected plants.

• Rejected plants must be removed from the site by the Contractor.

4.3. Task 3 – Planting

Task 3 includes all activities required from the time the plants arrive on site until they are successfully planted in the ground. The Contractor shall provide all necessary equipment to load and unload plant shipments and accomplish planting by mechanized methods, hand planting, or a combination of both. Planting crews must be available from March through May.

Reclamation may request plants outside of the specified time frame. If the Contractor has crews available, they will be utilized. If not, Reclamation, a partnering agency, or a conservation corps may perform the planting. Regardless of who performs the planting, the Contractor remains responsible for all activities listed under Task 1.

4.3.1. Ground Conditions

The Contractor is responsible for planting cottonwood-willow, honey mesquite, and marsh habitat per the requirements provided by Reclamation. Planting methods will include mechanized transplanting, hand planting, or a combination of both. The selected method will be discussed with the Contractor prior to planting. Ground conditions may include the following:

4.3.1.1. Prepared Grounds

The ground will be disced to an unconsolidated state of 6.0 inches or greater. Ground preparation is the responsibility of Reclamation. These areas may be planted using mechanized transplanting, hand planting, or a combination of both.

4.3.1.2. Minimally Prepared Grounds

Grounds will be minimally cleared of vegetation and may be root plowed. The Contractor may encounter debris in the soils. Conditions may include, but are not limited to, varying slopes, uneven terrain, riprap shorelines, and compacted soils.

These areas may be planted using mechanized transplanting, hand planting, or a combination of both

4.3.1.3. Water Inundated Grounds

Marsh plantings may be required on land inundated with water. Plants must be secured to prevent them from floating away. This is considered a special circumstance. Any additional equipment needed to meet this requirement would be procured under Line Item 10. These areas will be planted by hand.

4.3.1.4. Furrowed Grounds

Furrows will be cut into the planting site to a depth of 2 – 3 feet and space 15 – 50 feet apart, with moderated sinuosity. Plants are to be placed at the invert of the furrow. With in each furrow, plants may be spaced at 10 – 40 feet apart, depending on the planting density. Furrowed areas will be planted by hand.

4.3.1.5. Swales/Meanders

Swales/Meanders may be constructed at the planting site to maximum depth of 4 feet and a maximum width of 150 feet. The swale bottom may be disced to an unconsolidated sated of 4.0 inches or greater to accommodate mechanized transplanting. However, the sloped edges will require hand planting. These areas may be planted using mechanized transplanting, hand planting, or a combination of both

4.3.2. Storage

Plants shall be distributed within shipping containers in a manner that minimizes the number of containers required to be opened during planting operations. Shipping containers must remain secured when plants are not being removed or returned.

At the end of the planting shift, any unplanted plants shall be returned to the shipping containers for storage. Plants must be shaded, protected from wind and direct sunlight, and kept in moist conditions until planting occurs. They shall be kept free from damage including drying, freezing, and mechanical injury.

Plants shall be planted as received. If any signs of mold, dry roots, dieback, or other injuries are observed, the conditions must be reported the Reclamation representative.

Site inspections may occur during planting but will be completed no later than three (3) working days after a site is planted. Inspections will include the use of an XLUX Soil Moisture Meter to confirm that plants have arrived and been maintained within the

“normal to wet” moisture range. Additionally, random transects will be walked to verify that plugs have been properly placed in the ground.

4.3.3. Handling

Plants shall not be dropped or dumped from shipping containers or bins at any time. Care must be taken to avoid damaging plants during removal from containers or bins, whether transferring to the mechanized transplanter or during hand placement in the ground.

4.3.4. Planting

Plants shall be installed at a depth sufficient to ensure proper root coverage and support full recovery and development. Planting shall not be conducted when site conditions could result in alteration of the ground surface due to equipment operations or when environmental or climatic factors may cause damage to the plants. Additionally, no planting shall occur within 20 feet of water conveyance structures.

4.3.4.1. Mechanized Transplanting

Mechanized transplanting will follow techniques commonly used in the agricultural industry. This is the preferred method for planting for cell-grown species on restoration sites where the soil has been disced to an unconsolidated state of at least

4.0 inches. Spacing requirements will be provided by Reclamation to assist in transplanter setup. The Contractor shall plant the specified number of plants per check and intermix species randomly to avoid a uniform or landscape appearance. The Contractor shall also avoid straight-line planting where feasible by incorporating contours, changes in planting direction, or sinuosity to create a more natural layout.

4.3.4.2. Hand Planting

Hand planting is required for the following situations:

• For potted plants

• On the sloped sides of swales

• In furrowed grounds

• Where site conditions do not mee the requirements for mechanized transplanting

These sites may include uneven terrain, compacted soils, inundated areas, or minimally cleared of vegetation. Planting locations may be marked with pin flags or, if unmarked, crews shall space plants following the specifications within the planting guide. When using pacing to determine spacing, deviation shall not exceed 3 feet from the prescribed distance.

4.3.5. Cleanup

The Contractor is responsible for the daily cleanup of plant containers from which plant material has been removed. Upon completion of planting activities, the Contractor shall clean the site of all debris, planning containers, and equipment. If any equipment will remain on site for more than three (3) days after planting is complete, the Contractor must notify Reclamation in advance.

4.4. Task 4 – Site Evaluation

Site evaluations may be conducted to identify site-specific considerations prior to planting or to determine appropriate planting methods for a task order. Reclamation may meet with the Contractor to evaluate site conditions to ensure that:

• The site conditions meet the requirement for planting;

• The staging area is adequate for equipment setup and operation;

• Access points are suitable for the tractor-trailer; and

• Delivery and storage locations for plant bins are properly identified.

4.5. Task 5 – New Species Trials:

Task 5 includes all activities related to conducting growth trials for newly selected species not listed in Table 1. The Contractor will work with Reclamation to determine the appropriate sample size and container type (e.g., 18, 72, or 231 plugs per flat) for the trials. This task includes the collection or purchase of seeds and cuttings, propagation activities, and the disposal of plant materials following the completion of the trials.

4.5.1. Collection of Plant Materials

The Contractor will identify and secure a source of seeds or cuttings for the trial species.

4.5.2. Plant Propagation

The Contractor may test multiple propagation techniques to determine the most effective method for producing the highest number of plants with well-developed root balls (as defined in Task 1).

4.5.3. Disposal of Plant Materials

Upon completion of the trial, the Contractor will report the results to Reclamation, either through a written report or a conference call. Based on these results, a determination will be made regarding the inclusion of the trial species in future LCR MSCP plantings. All plant materials must be properly disposed of unless Reclamation provides alternative instructions.

4.6. Task 6 – Management

4.6.1. Initial Contract Submittals (Administrative)

The Contractor shall submit the following documents to the designated individuals within the timeframe specified in the Required Submittals Table:

• Insurance for Work on Government Installation

• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for any hazardous materials

• Quality Control Plan

• Safety Plan

The Contractor shall also schedule and attend a project kickoff meeting, to be held at their facility within 30 days of the contract award date. A facility tour will be conducted during this meeting to verify that the facility meets the requirements outlined in Section

4.1 – B.

4.6.2. Invoicing (Administrative)

The Contractor shall submit itemized invoices reflecting the scheduled line items.

4.6.3. Planting Guide Review (Administrative)

Reclamation will provide a planting guide to the Contractor, which will include:

• Project contacts

• Schedule

• Directions and site access

• Planting design

• Site Map

• Species List

• Planting Techniques

• Plant Spacing (either in-line or on-center).

The Contractor will receive a draft of the planting guide 90 days before the first scheduled planting day and will have 30 days to review and provide feedback.

4.6.4. Pre-Planting Meeting and Plant Inspection (Administrative)

A pre-planting meeting and plant inspection will be held at the Contractor’s facility approximately two weeks before planting begins. The purpose of this meeting is to finalize the planting guide and schedule, and to inspect and approve plants for shipment to the restoration site(s).

4.6.5. On-site Representative (Field)

The Contractor shall ensure that an on-site representative is present in the work area whenever work is being performed. This representative must be able to communicate effectively in English. Their responsibilities will include:

• Reviewing plant shipments against shipping slips with Reclamation

• Monitoring plant condition during planting

• Ensuring all planting activities meet Reclamation’s specifications

• Communicating any issues or concerns directly with Reclamation

5. Reclamation Responsibilities

Reclamation shall be responsible for all ground preparation. Fields will be disked to an unconsolidated depth of at least 4.0 inches and will be pre-irrigated.

1. In areas designated for hand planting, such as marshes, ground preparation may be minimal.

2. Reclamation shall provide a planting guide.

3. Irrigation will be the responsibility of Reclamation.

6. Quality Assurance

In accordance with clause 52.212-4(a), Inspection/Acceptance, the Government will evaluate the Contractor’s performance in meeting the work requirements. For each of the required services listed in the Performance Requirements Summary (PRS), the Government intends to use — but is not limited to — the surveillance methods identified in the PRS.

Government personnel will document all surveillance observations. Surveillance of services not specifically listed in the PRS (as permitted under the Inspection of Services clause) may also be conducted during the performance period.

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP):

The Government’s QASP will be developed to assess the effectiveness of the Contractor’s Quality Control Plan (QCP).

7. Safety Plan

The Contractor shall submit a Safety Plan to the Contracting Officer for acceptance within 30 calendar days of contract award. The plan shall be submitted in accordance with Reclamation Clause 1452.223-81, Safety and Health, and the submittal requirements outlined in the Performance Work Statement.

8. Invoices

Invoicing will be based on the completion of work and will occur no more than once per month.

9. Submittals

The Contractor shall perform all work required to furnish submittals to the Government in accordance with this Performance Work Statement. The Government will review each submittal or resubmittal within 14 calendar days of receipt. If the Government exceeds this review period, the Contractor will be granted additional time for performance equal to the number of excess days used by the Government.

Following the Government’s review, any submittals that are not approved or that require revisions will be returned to the Contractor. The Contractor shall make the necessary corrections and resubmit the materials within 5 calendar days of receiving the Government’s comments.

Required Submittal Table

LIST OF REQUIRED SUBMITTALS

RSN Item Reference Subparagraph

Submittals Required

No. of sets Due date

Insurance - Work on a Government Installation

1452.228-70 Liability insurance

(1) Written certification that the required insurance has been obtained

(2) Current certification of insurance for each subcontractor

1 to the Contract Specialist

Before commencing on-site performance

Materials Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Materials

Clause 52.333- 03 Hazardous Material ID

Updated List of Hazardous Materials and Material safety data sheets

1 to COR & 1 to the Contract Specialist

At least 15 days prior to job site delivery of each hazardous material

Quality Control Plan

Paragraph 6 Quality Control Plan

1 to COR Within 15 days of contract award

Safety Plan Paragraph 7 Safety plan 1 to COR & 1 to the Contract Specialist

Within 10 Days of award (Must be approved by Reclamation prior to commencing on-site performance)

Unsafe/Hazardous Conditions Report

1452.223-81 Safety & Health

Report 1 to COR Within 24 hours of the Contractor becoming aware of unsafe/hazardous condition

Injury and Illness Reports

1452.223-81 Safety & Health

Reclamation Form 7-2218, Contractor Monthly Summary of Occupational Injuries/Illnesses

2 each to

COR

Within 24 hours of any incident

Performance Requirements Summary The Contractor service requirements are summarized into performance objectives that relate directly to mission essential items. The performance threshold briefly describes the minimum acceptable levels of service required for each requirement. These thresholds are critical to mission success.

Performance Objective

Standard Maximum Errror Rate (MER) or Performance Rate (PR)

Method of Surveillance

PRS #1 (Task 1) Plant Acceptance

Plants shall be healthy and free of disease, no apparent yellowing, leaf drop, wilting, colored spots, leaf curling, or insect infestation.

PR = 100% of total ordered quantity must be met.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx The Contractor may substitute a plant species with a similar species listed in Table 2 to meet total quantity goals.

Reclamation will be at the Contractor’s facility about two weeks prior to planting to accept plants.

Review of shipping reports.

PRS #2 (Task 1) Maintaining soil moisture in shipping containers at planting location.

Healthy live plants will be delivered to planting site. Anti-desiccant, closed or open containers, watering, and adequate circulation must be maintained throughout shipping.

PR= 95% plants must measure with in the normal to wet range on a soil moisture meter.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx If less than 95% the Contractor has 4 hours to wet the plants and meet the 95% PR. If not met within the 4-hour time frame the plants may be rejected.

A sample from each container or bin will be inspected upon delivery and randomly during planting with a soil moisture meter.

PRS #3 (Task 2) Planting trees and shrubs at Reclamation sites.

All grounds must be planted with the number of plants provided in the planting guide.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx Plants in furrows must be planted at the specified spacing in the planting guide.

PR= must be within 95% of the number of plants specified per location.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Furrowed planting not to vary more than 3 feet from spacing provided in the planting guide.

On-site inspection during planting events.

PRS #4 (Task 2) Planting trees and shrubs and Reclamation sites.

Planting quality meets or exceeds performance standard of 95% quality.

PR= must be within 95% of the number of plants specified per location.

On-site inspection during planting events.

PRS #5 (Task 2 and 5) Schedule

Work meets schedule as per the planting guide

The contractor’s ability to maintain schedule and complete work on schedule will be reflected in the performance assessment.

On-site inspection.