B08_Solicitation_(Attachment_1_-_SOW).docx

SERVICE GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Vegetation at Menard-Hodges Mounds (Osotouy) should reflect the prehistoric appearance of grass covered mounds surrounded by open agricultural fields and dense hardwood forests. This appearance will be achieved by removing the overgrown, dense hardwood forest on the mounds and within the plaza and reintroduce native grasses in these areas.

DRAWINGS and PHOTOGRAPHS

Required Vehicle Access Route

1.0 LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF WORK

1.1 Background:

Arkansas Post National Memorial (referred herein as “the Park”) consists of two units, both of approximately 360 acres: the Memorial Unit contains the park’s offices, facilities, and a visitor center while the Osotouy Unit, remains unimproved. The Osotouy Unit, which is 29 miles from the Memorial Unit safeguards several intact archeological sites including a large earthen mound complex with one mound especially referred to as the Menard-Hodges mound. Osotouy Unit also serves as a riparian area.

This project proposes to remove existing tree vegetation from the Menard-Hodges mound complex-specifically Mounds A and B (see illustration). This will require a certified arborist who specializes in removing trees with ropes and rigging to prevent any damage to the existing archeological features.

The tree-covered mound complex is experiencing slumping and erosion due to the sheer weight of the trees. The possibility for wind to blow over the trees is of great concern. Overturned trees can pull up large chunks of soil with their root systems. Thereby pulling up large chunks of soil which can dislodge and destroy any intact cultural deposits that may exist. Continuous tree root penetration can also have a significant impact on intact archeological deposits. Furthermore, such tree root cavities provide locations for burrowing animals the opportunity to burrow inside the mounds. This again can lead to significant impact on the mound’s intact archeological deposits.

The Menard Hodges mound complex is located within the Menard Hodges site. The site ranges from generally flat to steeply sloping and is made up of bottomland hardwood forest and shrubs. Tree species include oak, sweet pecan, black walnut, and pawpaw. Trees range in height from 5-70 feet and have diameters averaging 12-18 inches. Trees range from slightly scattered to densely grouped throughout the site.

1.2 Project Location: Arkansas Post National Memorial. Mailing address: 1741 Old Post Road, Gillett, AR 72055. The actual work site is approximately 29 miles away.

1.3 Period of performance: Work shall be completed within ninety calendar days. The period of performance is inclusive of fifteen weather days.

1.4 Within five days of award, Contractor shall provide the following:

1.4.1 Safety and Accident Prevention Plan

1.4.2 Proof of Arborist Certification

1.4.3 Proof of employee certification and training

1.4.4 Job or Activity Hazard Analysis

1.4.5 Proof of current vehicle registration and inspection

1.5 The work of this contract will consist of the Contractor providing all labor, qualified supervision, materials, tools, equipment, supplies, incidentals, and other services and expertise necessary to perform reduction of hazardous fuels of approximately 3 acres as described herein. The contractor will be responsible for the entire scope of the contract; all work required by the project documents shall be accomplished even though minor items/services required may not be specifically mentioned.

1.5.1 Contractor shall always have a qualified site supervisor at the contract site while work is being performed, to include any work that may be performed by Contractor’s subcontractors. The supervisor shall be familiar with the scope and specifications of the work of the contract and shall have a copy of this Project Manual on him/her while on site.

1.5.2 Aerial tree removal will be used on Native American Mounds A & B utilizing chainsaws, bucket truck or crane, ropes, and rigging so that no tree is felled on the mound surface. Outrigger pads are to be used when outriggers are used. This area is approximately 3 acres of hardwood forest. Trees must be flush cut and stumps left in place to rot.

1.5.3 The following defects will NOT be acceptable or allowed by the Government:

1.5.4 NO hang-up trees,

1.5.5 NO limbs on stumps,

1.5.6 NO partially cut trees,

1.5.7 NO barber-chair trees with uncut bark and wood,

1.5.8 NO stumps greater than 3.0 inches in height or less than 1.0 inch in height,

1.5.9 NO damage or cutting of no-cut trees.

1.5.10 NO slash is to be left out on any trail or any road or private property.

1.5.11 NO removal of cultural or archeological artifacts and NO removal of wildlife.

1.5.12 NO equipment or vehicular traffic outside of designated work area

1.5.13 Pushing trees over is not allowed.

1.5.14 Remove all shrubs and vines on Mounds A & B using chainsaws and/or brush cutters.

1.5.15 The contractor shall cut and remove all species of trees and brush as specified as follows:

1.5.15.1 Cut and remove all brush and species of trees up to 6” DBH using chainsaws and brush cutters.

1.5.15.2 Cut and remove all large trees over 6” inches DBH using low impact damage techniques including high angle climbing and rigging, and aerial lifts. Completely cut and sever from the base of the tree.

1.5.15.3 Maximum stump height is to be no more than 3.0 inches. Minimum stump height is to be no less than 1.0 inch above ground.

1.5.15.4 Trees will be cut in small sections starting at the top of the tree and will be lowered via a roping system to a staging area away from the mounds.

1.5.15.5 The stumps will be flush cut/ground down and left in place to decay over time.

1.5.15.6 Trees to be taken down or pruned will be tagged by NPS personnel prior to contractor arrival.

1.5.15.7 Any additional tree or debris removal incidental to felling a tagged tree shall be included in cost of felling the tagged tree.

1.5.15.8 All heavy equipment will be mobilized on ground protecting mats provided by the contractor to avoid any disturbance to cultural features.

1.5.15.9 The following equipment is allowed: ground protection mats, chainsaws, brush cutters, aerial lift (bucket truck), kinetic energy mitigation devices (porta wrap, GRCS, blocks, pulleys, rigging, slings, & dynamic double-braided ropes), debris and green waste removal equipment (rubber-tracked skid steer, knuckle-boom loader truck, and dump truck). Other equipment may be allowed after coordination with the CO and COR.

1.5.15.10 No heavy equipment on wet or saturated ground. No vehicular equipment is permitted on any of the mounds (see 1.6.1). No vehicles or heavy equipment are permitted outside the designated worksite or designated route to the worksite without the expressed permission of the COR.

1.5.15.11 No government equipment will be available for the Contractor’s use during this contract.

1.5.15.12 A layer of chalk 1-2 inches thick will be placed on the mound by NPS staff before any voids are filled with dirt to delineate any cultural resources from modern fill.

1.5.15.13 Debris may be removed using either of the below approved methods. No burn piles are allowed on-site.

1.5.15.13.1 Chipping on-site at a designated location.

1.5.15.13.2 If debris is to be removed from the worksite, the park must approve a debris removal Plan assuring impact to soil must be minimal, and disposal of debris is the responsibility of the Contractor.

1.6 The project area consists of two Native American mounds with moderately steep slopes and broken terrain.

1.6.1 Heavy equipment (i.e., motorized) is not allowed atop of or in the mounds.

1.6.2 Only foot traffic is allowed on the mounds.

1.7 The contractor should anticipate that a designated Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will inspect work daily and will be available to answer any questions.

1.8 The contractor will stop work immediately if a tree inadvertently collapses to the ground. The COR will be notified immediately. The COR will notify the park’s Resource Management Division manager to inspect the location and determine if any intact cultural deposits may have been unearthed.

1.9 The contractor will stop work immediately if bones or artifacts are exposed as a result of work activities. The contractor will leave all bones and artifact in place. The COR is to be promptly notified. The COR will notify the park’s Resource Management Division manager to inspect the location and determine if any intact cultural deposits have been unearthed.

2.0 UTILITIES

2.1 Arkansas Post National Memorial knows of no utilities existing in the Osotouy Unit.

2.2 If damage occurs to a previously unknown utility, contact the CO and COR as soon as safely possible for further instructions.

3.0 CONTRACTOR’S USE OF PREMISES

3.1 Conduct of Operations: the contractor shall conduct his operations in conformance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Interior for the National Park Service, and applicable park rules and regulations prescribed by the Park Superintendent as noted in The Superintendent’s Compendium located at https://www.nps.gov/arpo/learn/management/arpo-superintendent-s-compendium.htm.

3.2 Contractor shall have limited use of the site.

3.2.1 Limit use of premises to worksite and route to worksite as shown on map on page 3.

3.2.2 Do not disturb portions of Project site beyond areas in which the Work is indicated.

3.2.3 No signs or advertisements (except those specified herein and as required for safety) shall be displayed on the site or within the park unless approved by the Contracting Officer. If signs are to be placed in the ground the COR should be notified prior and must be approved by ARPO’s Resource Manager.

3.2.4 Should any personnel need to go to park offices at the Memorial Unit for any reason, note that smoking is not permitted within any Federal building or within 25 feet of entrances, operable windows, or outdoor air intakes.

3.2.5 On-site work hours: Work shall be generally performed during normal business working hours of 8 a.m.to 5 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday, unless otherwise arranged with the CO/COR. It is expected the Contractor shall be at the contract site performing each workday. Contractor shall notify the COR as soon as possible when adverse weather conditions are preventing the Contractor from performing at the work site.

3.2.6 Work on Saturdays, Sundays, Federal holidays, early morning, or at night may not be performed without prior consent from the CO and COR. Submit requests for work outside the stated normal business hours to the CO and COR for approval at least 48 hours in advance of the work.

3.2.7 The National Park Service observes federal holidays. Any holiday falling on a Saturday will be observed on the preceding Friday; holidays falling on Sunday will be observed on the following Monday. The specific day that each holiday is recognized for each year can be found at https://www.opm.gov/ policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/.

3.3 Driveways and Entrances: Keep driveways, access roads, and entrances at the Memorial Unit and the Osotouy Unit clear and available to Government's employees, visitors, and emergency vehicles. Do not use these areas for parking or storage of materials. Schedule deliveries to minimize use of driveways and entrances.

3.4 Utilities at Memorial Unit (if needed)

3.4.1 General: Cost or use charges for temporary facilities shall be included in the Contract Sum as required.

3.4.2 Water Service:

3.4.2.1 Water from the existing water system at the Memorial Unit is available for use without metering and without payment of use charges. Provide connections and extensions of services as required for operations without any additional permit costs. Use resources wisely and minimize waste of water.

3.4.2.2 No water service is available at the Osotouy Unit. The contractor must supply all needed water.

3.4.3 Electric Power Service:

3.4.3.1 Electric power from existing system at the Memorial Unit is not available for use without metering and without payment of use charges. Provide connections and extensions of services as required for operations without any additional permit costs.

3.4.3.2 No electricity is available at the Osotouy Unit. Any needed generators must be supplied by the contractor.

3.4.4 Contractor provides sufficiently lighted and ventilated toilet facilities in weatherproof, sight proof, handicap accessible (if required), sturdy enclosures with privacy locks. Coordinate with COR for approved location if not shown on attached site plan.

3.5 Security and Protection of Facilities

3.5.1 The Contractor may leave equipment at the work site during the period of performance. The Contractor shall be solely responsible for the equipment if it is lost, stolen or damaged. The Contractor may park/stage equipment only in designated areas.

3.6 Environmental Protection: Provide protection, operate temporary facilities, and conduct work in ways and by methods that comply with state and federal environmental regulations and that minimize possible air, waterway, and subsoil contamination or pollution or other undesirable effects. The contractor shall be responsible for any damage to park resources, including archaeological resources, by contractor’s employees and/or equipment.

3.6.1 Cleaning of Equipment: The Contractor shall ensure that prior to moving on to the Project Area, all service equipment, is free of soil, seeds, vegetative matter, or other debris that could contain or hold seeds. Disassembly of equipment components or specialized inspection tools is not required. To preserve potentially sensitive archaeological artifacts and areas, all equipment should be free of all leaks (oil, gasoline, etc.)

3.6.2 Tree and Plant Protection: Provide Tree Protection fence at drip line of trees impacted in service area. Coordinate with COR.

3.6.3 Restore areas damaged by contractor’s employees and/or equipment (including those areas within and outside the designated worksite and route to the worksite) to original condition, repairing or replacing damaged trees and plants, at no additional expense to the Government.

3.6.4 Provide temporary barriers to protect existing trees and plants outside the designated work area and root zones.

3.6.5 Do not remove, injure, or destroy trees, other plants, or wildlife without prior approval. Consult with Contracting Officer Representative and remove agreed-on roots and branches that interfere. Any action that might cause soil to be disturbed (e.g. ruts, etc.) must be monitored by the COR and/or designated archaeologist(s).

3.7 Storage - Staging Areas:

3.7.1 Confine storage of materials and equipment to the project staging area noted on the plans/aerial photographs. Alternative storage and staging areas may be discussed at the kickoff meeting.

3.7.2 Schedule deliveries to minimize space and time requirements for storage of materials and equipment on-site whether at the Memorial Unit or the Osotouy Unit.

3.7.3 Preservation of Natural Features

3.7.3.1 Contractor to verify path to site and meet state and county road requirements and height restrictions for all park work/access.

3.7.3.2 Contractor responsible for ground rehab such as rutting and turf damage. All precautions shall be taken to prevent ground disturbance. Contractor will stop work and immediately notify the COR if ruts are observed.

3.7.3.3 Heavy equipment must be deployed on ground protection construction mats rated for heavy equipment.

3.7.3.4 Contractor shall be responsible for rehabilitation at Park Service Standards if ground disturbance occurs.

3.7.3.5 If ground disturbance occurs work shall be immediately stopped and appropriate NPS personnel (COR or Superintendent in his absence) shall be notified to assess the extent of the disturbance.

3.7.3.6 The Contractor shall preserve and protect all existing vegetation such as trees, shrubs, and grass areas (on or adjacent to trees being removed) which do not reasonably interfere with work.

3.7.4 The Contractor shall be responsible for all unauthorized cutting or damage to trees and shrubs, including damage due to careless operation of equipment, stockpiling of materials or tracking of grass and other surfaced areas by equipment. Such damaged areas or materials shall be restored, repaired or replaced by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government.

3.7.5 Pneumatic tires are a requirement and pavement protection for vehicles over 10,000gvw is required in sensitive areas (2’ rigid foam with two layers of ¾” plywood) Sensitive areas are defined by Historical value and environmental conditions, underground utilities, paths and walkways.

3.7.6 The Contractor shall not permit heavy equipment or vehicles or the stock piling of heavy materials off hard surface roads without the expressed permission of the COR.

3.7.6.1 Limited activity may take place, within the root protection area, with the expressed permission of the COR, only in areas determined to be safe from excessive damage. The root protection area is defined as an area equal to a radius of 1.5 feet for each inch of diameter at breast height (DBH) (i.e. a 10-inch DBH tree will have a root protection area equal to 15 feet from the main trunk in all directions). Any damage resulting from such operations shall be repaired to original condition or to the satisfaction of the COR, at no additional cost to the Government.

3.7.6.2 Pneumatic tires are a requirement and pavement protection for vehicles over 10,000gvw is required in sensitive areas (2’ rigid foam with two layers of ¾” plywood) Sensitive areas are defined by Historical value and environmental conditions, underground utilities, paths and walkways.

3.7.6.3 During all operations under this contract, the Contractor shall exercise reasonable measures to prevent or minimize soil erosion and pollution of water and other resources. All refuse, including garbage, rubbish, and solid or liquid wastes from the Contractor's operations shall be collected and stored in a sanitary, nuisance-free manner and disposed of in a State-approved sanitary landfill or as approved by the Contracting Officer.

3.7.7 Oil from crankcases or gear boxes, equipment waste or spilled or excess fuel shall be placed in containers and removed from the work site and disposed of as approved and required by Federal, State, and Local laws.

3.8 Housekeeping:

3.8.1 Keep project area neat, orderly, and in a safe condition.

3.8.2 Dispose of waste materials and recycling legally outside the park. The contractor shall not use park dumpsters.

3.8.3

3.8.4 Government goal is to salvage and recycle as much nonhazardous waste as possible.

3.8.4.1 Recycle material as is probable with local means.

3.8.4.2 Maintain accurate documentary records for submittal of all recycled materials used.

3.8.4.3 The addresses of nearby recycling centers and waste facilities/landfills can be provided by the COR.

3.8.5 Disposal of trees felled by this project is addressed in another section of this SOW (1.4.1.5).

3.8.5 All equipment is to be inspected for leaks (involving oil, grease, gasoline, and hydraulic fluid) prior to, during, and after each workday. Spill cleanup materials are to be kept on site and are to be used immediately should a leak be observed. Also, the COR is to be notified immediately. Additionally, the Contractor is responsible for getting the leaking equipment repaired prior to any additional use at the project location.

3.9 Photo Documentation:

3.9.1 Contractor must provide pre-existing condition, progress, and project completion photos.

3.9.2 All photos shall be in focus, show maximum range of depth of field general photo and then close-up detail photo as needed.

3.9.3 All photos shall be in JPEG digital form.

3.9.4 All photos shall be submitted electronically by email within 7 days from time of taken or as approved by COR.

3.10 Safety

3.10.1 All workers to comply with Federal, State and Local safety requirements including the requirements of NFPA.

3.10.1.1 Contractor shall submit a Safety/Accident Prevention Plan and a Communication Plan to the Contracting Officer for acceptance prior to issuance of a Notice to Proceed to begin work.

3.10.1.2 Outline each phase of the work, the hazards associated with each major phase, and the methods proposed to ensure property protection and safety of the public, National Park Service personnel, and Contractor's employees.

3.10.2 Plan for possible emergency situations including fires, windstorms, lighting storms etc.

3.10.3 Place all required protective barriers and take all necessary measures to assure unauthorized persons do not enter the work site.

3.10.4 All operations shall be conducted in accordance with all Federal (including OSHA), state and local safety requirements.

3.10.5 Provide adequate first aid facilities for the number of employees and the type of construction at the site. Provide adequate training to the appropriate personnel to ensure prompt and efficient first aid.

3.10.6 Assure all employees have adequate initial and continuing training for the tasks that they perform.

3.10.7 Fire Protection - Always Maintain adequate and proper fire protection equipment on site.

3.10.8 This project is a required Safety Vest / Shirt and Hard Hat Area.

3.10.9 The contractor is responsible for all traffic and pedestrian control, including but not limited to signage, and/or flaggers when working on or adjacent to on roads.

3.10.10 The Contractor shall comply in rectifying all unsafe or unhealthy conditions called to his/her attention by the CO or COR.

3.10.11 The Contractor shall allow for formal and informal, announced and unannounced, safety inspections at the worksite.

3.10.12 All operations shall be conducted in accordance with ANSI Z133.1-2017 Safety Requirements for Pruning, Trimming, Repairing, Maintaining and Removing Trees and Cutting Brush and all Federal OSHA, state and local safety requirements.

3.10.13 Post telephone numbers and reporting instructions for ambulance, physician, hospital, fire department, and police in conspicuous locations at the work site.

3.10.13.1 Notify COR immediately in the event of a reportable accident.

3.10.13.2 A reportable accident is defined as death, occupational disease, traumatic injury to employees or the public, property damage by accident in excess of $100, and fires.

3.10.13.3 Within 7 days of a reportable accident, fill out and forward to the Contracting Officer a DI-134 form, which may be obtained from Contracting Officer.

3.10.13.4 The Contractor shall report all other accidents to the Contracting Officer as soon as possible and assist the Contracting Officer and other officials as required in the investigation of the accident.

3.10.14 The Contractor shall provide, erect, and maintain all necessary barricades, danger signals, detour and other signs, and take all necessary precautions for the protection of the work and safety of the public.

4.0 EXAMINATION OF THE SITE

All interested contractors are urged to visit the job site and examine existing conditions before submitting quotes. Contractors will be expected to complete the work as quoted.

5.0 SUBMITTALS

5.1 General Submittal Procedures:

5.1.1 General: Prepare and submit submittals for approved equipment as specified

5.1.2 CM-16 Transmittal Form: All submittals shall be transmitted via electronic email using National Park Service form CM-16 form. The form will be provided by the Contracting Officer.

5.1.3 Shop Drawings, Product Data, and Samples: N/A

6.0 TEMPORARY SERVICES

6.1 It is the Contractor’s responsibility to provide temporary services, equipment, tools, and skilled labor as required for the chosen means and methods to perform the work in accomplishing this Contract.

7.0 PROJECT CLOSEOUT

7.1 Cleaning: Remove all tools, equipment, surplus materials, and rubbish. At time of final inspection, project shall be thoroughly clean and ready for intended use.

7.2 The Contractor will be required to furnish all labor, materials, and equipment for cleanup and restoration of all disturbed areas or features, which have been damaged during this contract.

7.3 Completion: Contractor shall request a final inspection to the Contracting Officer and COR.

8.0 INSPECTION/ACCEPTANCE

8.1 The NPS reserves the right to conduct any inspection it may deem necessary prior to acceptance and approval of payment, to assure that all work conforms to the Statement of Work and any applicable standards, regulations, or laws.

8.2 All work under this contract shall follow the American National Standards Institute standards for tree care operations and safety requirements, OSHA Standards and Safety Codes and any state, federal or other code that apply to the project. Where there are conflicting codes, the most stringent of codes will apply.

8.3 All work shall be accomplished by skilled and experienced tradesmen in accordance with the best practices of the industry.

8.4 The Certified Arborist shall be always on the job site and shall be the primary contact with the Government's technical representative responsible for controlling the quality of work and inspecting all completed work to ensure that contract performance requirements are met.

8.4.1 The Certified Arborist must be a current International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or equivalent Certified Arborist and have experience working with historic trees with local or national significance.

8.4.2 Their names and certification number(s) must be included in the bid document (Attachment A) to be considered for this project.

8.4.3 Any change in the status of the “certified” individual(s) during the life of this contract must be reported to the Contracting Officer.

8.4.4 All certification numbers will be verified through the certifying office.

8.4.5 Failure to have a certified arborist on site during the evaluation, pruning, felling of trees and cabling shall result in the termination of the contract.

8.4.6 All tree workers shall, through related training and on the job experience, be familiar with the technical aspects and hazards of tree maintenance work and equipment used in such operations.

8.4.7 All tree workers shall abide by any code of ethics or professional conduct established by the National Arborist Association and the International Society of Arboriculture.

END

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Microsoft_Word_97_-_2003_Document.doc Arkansas Post National Memorial

Gillett, Arkansas

Preservation and Stabilization of

Menard-Hodges NHL Earthworks

PMIS 338682

PROJECT STATEMENT OF WORK

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

January 22, 2025 image2.jpg image3.jpg image4.jpg image5.jpeg image6.jpeg image7.jpg image8.jpg