Statement of Work

Reconstruction of the Iguaca Aviary Trails

9 June 2026

1. Background

The Iguaca Aviary is a facility located within El Yunque National Forest that supports the Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Program through captive breeding and population enhancement efforts. The facility is used to boost and sustain the captive bird population and serves as a critical component of the recovery and management of the endangered Puerto Rican parrot.

Due to the addition of breeding cages at the Iguaca Aviary, approximately 425 linear feet of safety trails require reconstruction and improvement. These trails are essential to the Program because they provide safe and reliable access for staff conducting daily husbandry, monitoring, maintenance, and security activities associated with the breeding cages and aviary operations.

Existing portions of the trail system have experienced deterioration from weather exposure, heavy rainfall, drainage issues, erosion, and fallen vegetation. Rehabilitation of the trail system is necessary to maintain safe access, improve drainage, reduce erosion, and support the continued operation of the aviary and the Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Program.

2. Project Schedule

To avoid interference with the Puerto Rican parrot breeding season, all work shall be completed during the period of performance established in the contract. The current anticipated period of performance is August 1, 2026, through December 30, 2026.

The Contractor shall coordinate all work activities with the Government Project Leader to ensure minimal disruption to aviary operations, husbandry activities, and other ongoing work occurring within the facility.

3. Site Conditions

The project site is located within a tropical rainforest environment and may present challenging working conditions. Contractors shall consider these conditions when preparing proposals and planning work activities.

Site conditions may include:

1. Rugged terrain, steep slopes, uneven ground, high humidity, and frequent rainfall.

2. Fallen trees, limbs, vegetation, and other debris located within or adjacent to work areas that may require removal to facilitate trail reconstruction activities.

3. Limited access to certain work areas, requiring manual transport of materials, tools, or equipment.

4. Simultaneous activities by Government personnel or other contractors within the aviary facility.

Prospective contractors are strongly encouraged to conduct a site visit prior to submitting a proposal to:

• Verify site conditions;

• Determine material quantities and equipment requirements;

• Evaluate access limitations and terrain conditions;

• Assess drainage and erosion concerns;

• Identify fallen trees, debris, and other obstructions requiring removal; and

• Develop an appropriate approach for completing the work.

The Contractor shall maintain flexibility in scheduling and sequencing work to accommodate other activities occurring within the aviary and shall coordinate closely with the Government Project Leader throughout project execution.

4. Scope of Work

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, supervision, equipment, tools, transportation, materials, and incidental services necessary to reconstruct and improve approximately 425 linear feet of access and safety trails within the Iguaca Aviary.

The completed trail system shall provide safe, stable, and reliable pedestrian access for authorized personnel and support continued husbandry, maintenance, monitoring, and security operations associated with the Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Program.

Task 1 – Trail Reconstruction and Drainage Improvements

The Contractor shall assess existing trail conditions and perform repairs, replacement, and reconstruction activities as necessary to restore trail functionality and improve long-term durability.

Work shall include, but is not limited to:

• Repairing existing culverts and drainage features as necessary to improve water management and reduce erosion.

• Constructing and/or reconstructing trail steps, water-control structures, and erosion-control measures to reduce runoff damage and minimize the loss of trail surfacing materials.

• Repairing existing trail sections constructed with pressure treated 2”x6” wood panels.

• Replacing damaged or deteriorated trail panels where required.

• Installing approximately 10 linear feet of new wood paneling and additional sections where trail height or site conditions require double-panel construction.

• Reusing existing gravel where suitable and furnishing additional gray gravel as necessary to restore stable trail surfaces.

• Regrading localized trail sections as necessary to improve drainage and pedestrian safety.

The Contractor shall determine the specific repair methods necessary to achieve the desired performance outcomes while maintaining compatibility with existing trail features and site conditions.

Task 2 – Labor and Materials

The Contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, tools, transportation, and materials necessary to complete the work.

All materials shall be new, durable, and suitable for use in a tropical rainforest environment.

Wood materials shall be suitable for ground-contact applications and resistant to weathering, moisture, decay, and insect damage. Materials selected shall provide a longer service life than existing deteriorated components where practical.

Task 3 – Removal and Disposal of Materials

The Contractor shall remove and properly dispose of all deteriorated, damaged, or replaced materials generated during the project.

The Contractor shall also remove excess materials, construction debris, and scrap from the work site and leave all work areas in a clean and orderly condition upon project completion.

Task 4 – Removal of Fallen Trees and Obstructions

The Contractor shall remove fallen trees, limbs, vegetation, and other obstructions that interfere with access to, repair of, or reconstruction of the aviary trail system.

All removed materials shall be disposed of in accordance with applicable federal, territorial, and local requirements.

5. Deliverables & Meetings

A. Pre-Work Conference

A pre-work conference shall be conducted virtually within 15 calendar days after contract award and prior to the commencement of on-site work.

The purpose of the meeting is to review project requirements, discuss site access and coordination procedures, establish communication protocols, review safety considerations, and confirm the project schedule.

Attendees shall include the Contractor's project manager or designated supervisor, key subcontractors (if applicable), the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), and other Government personnel as appropriate.

At the pre-work conference, the Contractor shall provide:

• A proposed project schedule for the planned construction approach and sequencing of work identifying anticipated mobilization, commencement of physical work, major work activities, substantial completion, final inspection, and project completion; and

• Primary points of contact such as the site superintendent.

B. Progress Communications

The Contractor shall keep the COR informed of project status throughout performance.

The Contractor shall provide email updates at least biweekly during periods of active construction. Updates shall summarize:

• Work completed during the reporting period;

• Work anticipated during the next reporting period;

• Schedule impacts or delays;

• Significant site conditions encountered; and

• Any issues requiring Government coordination or action.

The Government may request additional status updates if significant project issues arise.

C. Progress Meetings

Progress meetings may be conducted at the request of the Contracting Officer, COR, or Contractor when necessary to discuss project status, schedule concerns, site conditions, safety issues, or coordination matters.

Meetings may be held virtually or at the project site.

If a progress meeting is conducted, the Contractor shall provide meeting minutes to the COR via email within five (5) business days summarizing key discussion items, decisions, action items, and responsible parties.

D. Punch List and Final Inspection

Upon completion of the work, the Contractor shall notify the COR in writing via email that the project is ready for final inspection.

The Government may identify deficiencies requiring correction prior to acceptance. The Contractor shall correct all punch-list items within a mutually agreed-upon timeframe at no additional cost to the Government unless otherwise authorized by contract modification. Final acceptance will occur following completion of all punch-list items and verification that the work satisfies the requirements of this Statement of Work.

6. Performance Requirements

Upon completion of the project:

• The trail system shall provide safe and continuous pedestrian access throughout the project area.

• Trail surfaces shall be stable and free of significant erosion hazards.

• Drainage improvements shall effectively reduce runoff impacts and minimize the loss of trail surfacing materials.

• Trail steps, panels, and structural features shall be secure and capable of supporting normal pedestrian use.

• Work areas shall be free of construction debris and unnecessary obstructions.

• The rehabilitated trail system shall support safe access for aviary personnel conducting husbandry, maintenance, monitoring, and security activities.