Attachment_3_Appendix_A_Phase_3_Planting_Sand_Fence_PWS_(FOR_REFERENCE_ONLY).docx

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

North Breton Island Restoration Project – Phase 3 Planting and Sand Fence Installation Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

Part 1

General Information

1. GENERAL: This is a non-personnel services contract to provide services for “Louisiana Outer Coast Project - North Breton Island Component”. 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 perform a native vegetative planting and installation of sand fencing 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: Breton National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established in 1904 and is the second oldest national wildlife refuge in the National Wildlife Refuge System. The Refuge is comprised of a series of barrier islands including North Breton Island. Breton NWR provides breeding habitat for colonies of nesting wading birds and seabirds, as well as wintering habitat for shorebirds and waterfowl.

North Breton Island is approximately 13 miles from the nearest mainland coast and 62 miles southeast from the New Orleans metropolitan area in Louisiana (LA). North Breton Island is within the southern portion of the Breton NWR in Plaquemines Parish, LA. The island is a remote offshore island that does not have a landing facility but can be reached by boat from a launch in Venice, LA (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Location of North Breton Island.

In 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill caused ecosystem level damages to barrier island habitat and bird populations on the Gulf coast. As part of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) program, the Department of the Interior (DOI), through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) was tasked with mitigating environmental damages caused by the spill. North Breton Island was identified as an ideal location to provide additional bird nesting habitat to help restore bird populations that were injured by the spill.

The primary goal of the North Breton Island Restoration Project is to restore beach, dune, and back barrier marsh bird habitat on the island. Construction actions on the island between 2020 and 2022 expanded the area to approximately 426 acres through fill placement using an offshore sand source. A series of native vegetation plantings have also installed hundreds of thousands of native plants on the island to stabilize sediment and increase vegetation recruitment. A Phase 1 Planting in 2023 installed 52,000 plants, including Bitter panicum (Panicum amarum) and Sea oats (Uniola paniculata) over 64 acres along the island’s dune crest. A Phase 2 Planting installed 14,400 black mangroves (Avicennia germinans) in a 53-acre area of back-barrier marsh on the island’s north end.

Work under this contract will install further native vegetation and sand fencing. This will provide additional nesting and foraging habitat for birds, as well as stabilize the island’s sediment system.

1.3 Objectives: The USFWS Gulf Restoration Office (GRO) and Breton NWR shall enhance marsh and mangrove habitats on North Breton Island through native vegetation plantings. In addition, they shall stabilize and enhance the resiliency and longevity of the island’s dunes through the installation of sand fencing.

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 (NTP). The work plan shall detail the Contractor’s plan and proposed schedule for accomplishing the work required to complete Task 2 and Task 3. The work plan shall adhere to technical specification TS-1.

1.4.2 Task 2. Native Vegetation Plantings

The Contractor shall provide all transportation, plants, equipment, labor, and materials necessary to plant 67,600 Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) 4-inch containers and 11,000 Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) 2-inch plugs at the designated restoration areas. See Attachment A – Restoration Plan for specific information on the designated restoration area. 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.

Figure 2. North Breton Island with Phase 3 Planting restoration areas.

Table 1. Task 2 native vegetation plantings.

1.4.2.1 Plant Specifications:

All plants used for this task shall adhere to technical specifications TS-2. Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) shall adhere to technical specifications TS-3, and Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) shall adhere to technical specifications TS-4.

1.4.3 Task 3. Sand Fence Installation

The Contractor shall provide all transportation, plants, equipment, labor, and materials necessary to install no less than 6,120 linear feet (LF) and up to 7,500 LF of sand fencing on the island. The Contractor shall provide all transportation, equipment, and labor necessary to install sand fencing. The exact location, orientation, and amount of the 6,120-7,500 LF of sand fencing will be finalized by the Government at least 60 days prior to mobilization to the island. All materials and installation methods used for this task shall adhere to technical specification TS-8.

Figure 3. Existing sand fencing.

Table 2. Task 3 sand fence installation.

1.5 Period of Performance:

The period of performance shall be for two (2) Base Year of 12 months, totaling 24 months, from the issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP). Work shall not be conducted on the island between March 1st and August 15th of any year due to the presence of nesting birds. Contractors must confer with the Contracting Officers Representative (COR) and/or Project Manager prior to initiating and completing any work.

1.6 Initial Inspection, Final Inspection, Acceptance, and Payment

1.6.1 Plantings:

When Task 2 “Native Vegetation Plantings” has been satisfactorily completed in accordance with technical specifications, the COR shall be notified in writing stating work is completed and ready for initial inspection. The Government shall, unless otherwise provided, make the initial inspection within 10 business days after the receipt of such notification. If the work provided for in the contract is found completed to the Government satisfaction, that inspection for initial completion of work shall constitute an initial acceptance for the plants that were inspected.

After the plants have been installed for a minimum of 30 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 business 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.

Work shall be inspected and judged based on standards specified in this document and in Technical Exhibit 1 “Performance Requirements Summary”.

1.6.2: Sand Fence Installation:

When Task 3 “Sand Fence Installation” has been satisfactorily completed in accordance with technical specifications, 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 business 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.

Work shall be inspected and judged based on standards specified in this document and in Technical Exhibit 1 “Performance Requirements Summary”.

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 should assure that 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 all contracts other than firm fixed price, 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 North Breton Island located within Breton National Wildlife Refuge, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. Latitude 29°28'55.46"N Longitude 89°10'29.52"W.

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 following personnel are considered key personnel by the Government: Contract 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

1.7.15: Key Government Personnel: The following personnel are considered key personnel by the Government: Comment by Anthis, Luke D: Update prior to solicitation posting

Contract Specialist: William (Bill) Fluharty, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Joint Administrative Operations Ph: 703-559-1589; Email: william_fluharty @fws.gov

Contracting Officer’s Representative: Kara Barcomb, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Gulf Restoration Office, Ph: 251-510-6762; Email: kara_barcomb@fws.gov

Project Manager: Sophie Williams, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Gulf Restoration Office, Ph: 334-318-9033; Email: sophie_williams@fws.gov.

Government Designated Field Representative: TBD Ph: TBD; Email: TBD

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: The Government shall provide the contractor with relevant geospatial data used to generate figures and estimates within the PWS. Data will be provided as shapefiles (.shp) in a projected coordinate system (NAD 1983 UTM Zone 15N, EPSG 26915). Files will include:

· Elevation points (ft) measured in 2023

· Polygon Restoration Area for Avicennia germinans plantings

· Polygon Restoration Area for Spartina alterniflora plantings

· Line location of existing sand fencing Additional geospatial data files may be provided by the Government upon Contractor request. More detail is provided in Attachment A – North Breton Island Phase 3 Planting Restoration Plan.

3.2 Facilities: N/A

3.3 Utilities: N/A

3.4 Equipment: N/A

3.5 Materials: N/A

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: N/A

PART 5

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Technical Specifications (TS):

TS-1. Work Plan

1.1 The following items shall be included in the Work Plan in addition to those required by TS-3.3, TS-4.3, TS-5.3, TS-6.3 and TS-7.3:

1.2 The source(s) of all plant materials (nursery name, mailing and physical address, phone number, and name of contact person);

1.3 A legible copy of all current and state nursery licenses and/or permits issued to the nursery, or nurseries;

1.4 A letter from the nursery or nurseries supplying plant materials that it has received, read, and understands the plant specifications regarding this Contract and that it will provide plant materials meeting these Specifications;

1.5 The types of equipment the Contractor proposes to use for delivering plant materials from the nursery to the delivery site and from the delivery site to the planting site and on the planting site to transport materials, personnel, etc.;

1.5.1 The Contractor shall identify a staging area on the mainland where equipment, materials, and plants may be stored and inspected prior to transportation to the island.

1.6 The Contractor’s proposed method of protecting plants from the nursery to the delivery site and from the delivery site to the Project Site;

1.7 The Contractor’s proposed method of salt-hardening plants and watering plants prior to planting;

1.8 The estimated Work Schedule that shows the planned schedule of dates and timelines for the major elements of work required to complete the Work described in these Specifications, including but not limited to the anticipated dates of the following:

1.8.1 The date all plant materials are on the premises of the nursery or nurseries;

1.8.2 The anticipated dates that salt-hardening shall be commenced and completed;

1.8.3 The anticipated date(s) for the site layout and staking;

1.8.4 The anticipated initiation of delivery and planting operations at the work location;

1.8.5 The estimated duration of planting operations.

1.8.6 The anticipated initiation of material delivery and sand fence installation at the work location;

1.8.7 The estimated duration of sand fence installation operations.

1.9 Pre-Planting Verification Surveys: The Government intends to perform elevation verification surveys at least 60 days prior to the Contractor’s scheduled mobilization to the island. The purpose of the surveys is to determine whether the topography of the island will have changed in such a way between the Notice to Proceed and mobilization date, that the viability of plantings would be diminished. At least 40 days before, but no more than 50 days before the Contractor’s scheduled mobilization date, the Government shall provide updated sizes and locations of Restoration Areas if any adjustments were made because of the elevation verification surveys. No adjustments to final plant numbers or agreed upon cost shall occur except through a contract modification.

1.10 Field Adjustments: If all or a portion of one of the designated Restoration Areas cannot be planted, the Contractor may request an adjustment to the location and spacing of the Restoration Area from the USFWS Project Manager or the Government Designated Field Representative. If the request is reviewed and approved, the Contractor may make the necessary field adjustments for installation and shall document their changes from the original specifications. A summary of all documented changes shall be provided to the Government within 30 days of plant installation.

1.10.1 Acceptable reasons for a field adjustment include but are not limited to: Presence of nesting birds, changes in topography, presence of existing plants, and/or unanticipated discovery of cultural resources.

1.10.2 Field adjustments shall not result in changes to established pricing and schedule. Any changes that would result in changes to pricing or schedule shall be handled through a contract modification.

TS-2 All Plants

2.1 The Government and/or the Government Designated Field Representative shall approve or reject plant materials based on their adherence to specifications outlined in TS-2, TS-3, and TS-4 as applicable. At a minimum, plant material shall be inspected by the Government prior to transportation to the island. The Government reserves the right to reject plant materials any time prior to final inspection and acceptance for not meeting minimum specifications.

2.2 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.

2.3 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.

2.4 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.

2.5 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.

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

2.7 When possible, 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.

2.8 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.

2.9 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.

2.10 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.

2.11 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.

2.12 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.

2.13 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-3. Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans)

3.1 Description: Acceptable Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) plants for the purpose of this Contract are nursery grown plants produced vegetatively first-generation foundation material and/or plants produced vegetatively as accessional generations from foundation materials of Avicennia germinans ‘Pelican’. For this project, Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) shall be grown in four (4) inch containers. If accessional generation from foundation material of Avicennia germinans ‘Pelican’ is not readily available in quantities needed to complete the project, then the Contractor may utilize other varieties with the approval of the Government.

3.2 Foundation Material: The plant species Avicennia germinans ‘Pelican’ seed germplasm is available from the Golden Meadow Plant Materials Center (PMC) to qualified nurseries, however material availability is seasonal and limited in quantity.

3.2.1 Foundation material as it relates to Avicennia germinans ‘Pelican’ and this Contract is defined as and shall meet all three of the following:

3.2.1.1 Vegetative germplasm released and maintained by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Golden Meadow PMC; and

3.2.1.2 Foundation material provided directly to a nursery from the Golden Meadow PMC; and

3.2.1.3 Vegetative propagules subsequently produced as direct accessional 50 generations from the original foundation material provided to a nursery by the Golden Meadow PMC. That is, the plants shall be reproduced vegetatively by and at a nursery from its own foundation material obtained from the Golden Meadow PMC.

3.2.2 The Contractor shall provide official documentation that the nursery providing plant material has received foundation material for Avicennia germinans ‘Pelican’ from the Golden Meadow PMC.

3.2.3 Seed propagules for nursery propagation can be obtained from: Golden Meadow PMC, 438 Airport Road Galliano, LA 70354; (985) 475-5280; website link: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/plantmaterials/pm c/south east/lapmc/

3.3 Work Plan. The work plan developed by the Contractor shall adhere to the following guidelines with regards to Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans):

3.3.1 Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) shall be planted throughout the entire “Black Mangrove Marsh” Restoration Area.

3.3.2 Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) shall be planted three (3) feet, or thirty-six (36) inches, on center with three (3) feet, or thirty-six (36) inches between each row (See Attachment A – North Breton Island Phase 3 Planting Restoration Plan)

3.4 Plant Size: Each four (4) inch container of Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) shall have a minimum four (4) inch rootball and a minimum one (1) live and actively growing stems. Each of the one (1) required stems shall have a minimum stem height/length of twelve (12) inches from the stem-root interface to the stem (not leaf) tip. The primary stem shall have a minimum diameter of a quarter (0.25) inches.

3.5 Fertilization: Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) shall not be fertilized at the time of planting.

3.6 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 two (2) inches and at most four (4) 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.

3.7 Measurement and Payment: Payment for this item will be made at the Contract unit price per each for “Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) – 4-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. Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora)

4.1 Description: Acceptable Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) plants for the purpose of this Contract are nursery grown plants produced vegetatively first-generation foundation material and/or plants produced vegetatively as accessional generations from foundation materials of Spartina alterniflora ‘Vermilion’. For this project, Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) shall be grown in two (2) inch containers. If accessional generation from foundation material of Spartina alterniflora ‘Vermilion’ is not readily available in quantities needed to complete the project, then the Contractor may utilize other varieties with the approval of the Government.

4.2 Foundation Material: The plant species Spartina alterniflora ‘Vermilion’ seed germplasm is available from the Golden Meadow Plant Materials Center (PMC) to qualified nurseries. However, material availability is seasonal and limited in quantity.

4.2.1 Foundation material as it relates to Spartina alterniflora ‘Vermilion’ and this Contract is defined as and shall meet all three of the following:

4.2.1.1 Vegetative germplasm released and maintained by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Golden Meadow PMC; and

4.2.1.2 Foundation material provided directly to a nursery from the Golden Meadow PMC; and

4.2.1.3 Vegetative propagules subsequently produced as direct accessional 50 generations from the original foundation material provided to a nursery by the Golden Meadow PMC. That is, the plants shall be reproduced vegetatively by and at a nursery from its own foundation material obtained from the Golden Meadow PMC.

4.2.2 The Contractor shall provide official documentation that the nursery providing plant material has received foundation material for Spartina alterniflora ‘Vermilion’ from the Golden Meadow PMC.

4.2.3 Seed propagules for nursery propagation can be obtained from: Golden Meadow PMC, 438 Airport Road Galliano, LA 70354; (985) 475-5280; website link: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/plantmaterials/pm c/south east/lapmc/

4.3 Work Plan. The work plan developed by the Contractor shall adhere to the following guidelines with regards to Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans):

4.3.1 Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) shall be planted throughout the entire “Smooth Cordgrass Marsh” Restoration Area.

4.3.2 Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) shall be planted three (3) feet, or thirty-six (36) inches, on center with three (3) feet, or thirty-six (36) inches between each row (See Attachment A – North Breton Island Phase 3 Planting Restoration Plan)

4.4 Plant Size: Each two (2) inch container of Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) shall have a minimum two (2) inch rootball and a minimum three (3) live and actively growing stems. Two of the three (3) required stems shall have a minimum stem height/length of ten (10) inches from the stem-root interface to the stem (not leaf) tip.

4.5 Fertilization: Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) shall not be fertilized at the time of planting.

4.6 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) inches and at most 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 Restoration Plan.

4.7 Measurement and Payment: Payment for this item will be made at the Contract unit price per each for “Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) – 2-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-8. Sand Fencing

5.1 Description: Sand fencing shall be installed to aid in the stabilization of sand and in the retention of windblown sand. Section lengths and configurations may vary. Gaps as shown on the Restoration Plan will separate the beginning and end of each fence section to facilitate movement through the fencing (See Attachment A – North Breton Island Phase 3 Planting Restoration Plan). Sand fencing shall be fastened to wooden fence posts at the top, middle, and bottom. The wire shall be corrosion resistant and affixed with no less than three (3) tie clips around the posts. At the end of fence sections, two (2) wraps of wiring shall be used at each fence wire and at the top and bottom.

5.2 Sand fencing shall be installed adjacent to or near the existing dune crest and sand fencing, in locations determined by the Government at least 60 days prior to mobilization to the island. Existing sand fencing shall remain in place and shall not be removed before, during, or after installation of new fencing. Tie clips or wire must be approved by the COR prior to construction. Three (3) wraps of the wire shall be used at all tie locations on the fence.

5.3 Materials: Sand fencing shall be standard, weather resistant sand fencing. Sand fence shall be furnished in rolls of 50 feet or 100 feet. The sand fence is to be composed of the following elements:

5.3.1 Posts: Fence posts shall be four (4) inch x four (4) inch, four (4) inch x three (3) inch, or four (4) inch diameter untreated #2 grade lumber posts eight (8) feet long driven four (4) feet into the ground and placed a maximum of ten (10) feet on center. The posts shall be vertically plumb, and the alignment shall be in straight lines. Any alternative equivalent post proposed by the Contractor shall be submitted in writing and approved by the COR prior to purchase and installation.

5.3.2 Slats: Slats shall be made of No. 1 aspen or spruce measuring 3/8 inch thick, 1-1/2 inch wide by 4 feet long. The maximum distance between slats shall not exceed 2-1/4 inches. The slat shall be weather proofed by an acceptable pressure treatment method.

5.3.3 Fence Wire: Wire for securing slats shall be good commercial quality steel that has been hot-dipped galvanized with a minimum gauge rating of 13. The wire shall be twisted around the slats sufficiently to penetrate the slat to hold it in place. Wire strands shall not be closer than four (4) inches from slat ends.

5.3.4 Tie Wire: The wire that is used to tie the fence to the post shall be galvanized and shall be at least one gauge larger than the individual wires used for the fencing.

5.3.5 Splice Overlaps: Where sections of sand fence are joined, a minimum of six (6) inches of each section shall overlap. The overlaps shall be secured using three (3) wraps of wiring at four (4) places: top, bottom, middle top and middle bottom as specified.

5.4 Installation

5.4.1 Alignment: Sand fence location and alignment shall be finalized between the Government and the Contractor at least 60 days prior to the Contractor’s scheduled mobilization to the island. The sand fence location will be within the island’s existing dune system. The sand fence shall be installed facing the beach side of the post.

5.4.2 Equipment: Equipment used for the installation of fence posts, the transportation of fence materials and movement of personnel shall be appropriate for the Work and approved by the COR. To be appropriate, the Contractor’s equipment shall be of the type that shall not cause non-repairable damage to surface area of the beach and dune when properly used. All equipment proposed for use on the beach and dune shall be acceptable to the COR prior to mobilization. Equipment operators shall be fully instructed about avoiding damage to the beach and dune surfaces and vegetation.

5.4.3 Vegetated Areas: Fence installation may be in both vegetated and non-vegetated areas. In vegetated areas, ingress and egress of equipment and personnel and the movement and placement of fence materials shall be restricted and must be closely supervised by the Contractor. In non-vegetated areas, these factors shall be less restrictive but must be controlled; access to and from any non-vegetated area shall not be through vegetated areas. Damage to the beach and dune environment shall be justification for the immediate removal of those responsible from the Work Area.

5.4.4 Storage: Fencing materials stored within the Work Area shall be placed in an easily accessible location that has been approved by the COR. Stored Materials shall be placed and maintained in a neat, orderly, and safe manner.

5.4.5 Sand fencing shall be measured for payment by the linear foot completely installed in accordance with this contract, with Attachment A – North Breton Island Phase 3 Planting Restoration Plan, and these Technical Specifications and such approved changes as made thereto. Splice overlaps mentioned shall not be measured for payment. Sand fencing shall be paid for at the Contract Price per linear foot for Bid Item “Sand Fencing”. No payment shall be made for sand fencing that is rejected or damaged due to fault or negligence by the Contractor.

ATTACHMENTS

A. North Breton Island Phase 3 Planting Restoration Plan

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 1

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 (The Service required—usually a shall statement)

Method of Surveillance

PRS # 1 Native Vegetation Plantings The Contractor shall install all plants required for Task 2 “Native Vegetation Plantings” per the requirements of the Performance Work Statement. Specifically, the planting of 67,600 Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) 4-inch containers in the 16-acre Avicennia germinans Restoration Area and 11,000 Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) 2-inch plugs in the 2.5-acre Spartina alterniflora Restoration Area.

For the final inspection, after plants have been installed for a minimum of 30 days, within 10 business days of the Contractor requesting the inspection, installed plants will be accepted if the plots have a survival rate of 80% or greater.

Restoration Areas will be surveyed utilizing random sample areas.

The Government shall visually inspect plant materials within 10 days of being notified by the Contractor requesting initial inspection and final inspection.

PRS # 2 Sand Fence Installation The Contractor shall install Sand Fencing per the requirements of the Performance Work Statement. No less than 6,120 LF and up to 7,500 LF of sand fence shall be installed.

The Contractor installed all sand fencing in accordance with standards outlined in the Performance Work Statement. All work adhered to TS-8.

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