B08_Solicitation___Attachment_1_SOW.pdf

Statement of Work

Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge (MXNWR) Fuel Break Project on USFWS Lands

Maxwell, NM April 2024

BACKGROUND

This Statement of Work summarizes the justification and payment to clear a fuel break on the southeast boundary of the Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge in northern New Mexico. This scope of work describes the terms and period of performance for a vegetation and tree removal project for the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT NEEDS

The Maxwell NWR would like to clear 3 acres of woody vegetation outlined in the maps below in an old growth cottonwood stand consisting of dead trees ranging between 10-30 inches DHB. All woody material is to be removed from the project area and all slash either masticated (chips < 3-inch diameter) or removed from refuge property. Clearing would involve cutting, mastication of brush and smaller diameter trees including some trees along an existing barbed wire fence that must not be damaged (i.e., some chainsaw work). Any damage to the fence must be repaired. Trees too large for mastication will need to be removed from the property with all stumps flush cut to ground level to allow for vehicle and mower access. Terrain is flat and is bordered on the south by a well serviced road that runs along the entire project area. The goal would be to have a cleared fuel break that could be easily maintained with farm equipment (e.g., mower, harrow). The NWR does not have the appropriate machines or operators to dedicate to this size of project. The overall goals are to reduce the risk of wildfire causing damage to wildlife habitat, mitigate safety risks to FWS staff, and to improve access and visibility. See attached maps of the proposed work area.

Place of Performance The work to be performed under this contract will be performed at the Maxwell NWR. Job site is approximately 150 miles north of Santa Fe, NM. The nearest facilities are located in the town of Raton, NM located 31 miles to the north of the refuge. I-25 is the nearest highway to the refuge approximately 5 miles away.

Scope of Work The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform vegetation/tree mastication and/or removal of all vegetative material identified in the attached maps along the refuge boundary that boarders the A-2 county road on the southeast boundary of the Maxwell NWR located near Maxwell, NM as defined in this Statement of Work. The contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract and will have on the ground guidance project and planning guidance directed by refuge staff.

Objectives:

• Clear and mechanically masticate identified project area in a mature cottonwood stand consisting of dead trees approximately 10-30” DBH on the Maxwell NWR adjacent to private lands. Total linear distance of area needing clearing is approximately 0.37 of a mile. An Avenza map will be provided upon selection at the kick-off meeting with fuel break and cultural avoidance areas identified.

• Maintain proper safety and efficiency measures as directed by refuge personnel and crew leader.

Period of Performance The period of performance for mastication by heavy equipment shall be February -April 2024 and July- September 2024

Table1. Operating Time Restrictions. An “X” marks periods of performance that are allowed.

UNIT Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

North X X X X X X

East X X X X X X

West X X X X X X

Inholdings X X X X X X

Hours of Operation The Contractor is responsible for conducting business, between the hours of sunrise to sunset Sunday through Saturday except Federal holidays at the contractor’s option. The contractor must, at all times, maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this contract when the government facility is not closed. When hiring personnel, the contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the workforce are essential. The facility is closed on recognized Federal holidays. The contractor is not required to perform work on these holidays:

New Year’s Day, January 1st or the Friday preceding or Monday following Martin Luther King’s Birthday, 3rd Monday in January President’s Day, 3rd Monday in February Memorial Day, Last Monday in May Juneteenth, June 19th or the Friday preceding or Monday following Independence Day, July 4th or the Friday preceding or Monday following Labor Day, 1st Monday in September Columbus Day, 2nd Monday in October Veteran’s Day, November 11th or the Friday preceding or Monday following Thanksgiving Day, 4th Thursday in November Christmas Day, December 25th or the Friday preceding or Monday following

Project Contact

Questions regarding the statement of work for this purchase shall be directed to:

Nate Barrett

520-993-0229

Nathan_barrett@fws.gov

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

Or

Clyde Burris

505-506-0719

Clyde_burris@fws.gov

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

The Contracting Officer Representatives (COR) are Nathan Barrett who can be reached via phone at 520- 993-0229 or via email at nathan_barrett@fws.gov, or Clyde Burris who can be reach at 505-506-0719 or via email at clyde_burris@fws.gov. 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.

SPECIFIC TASK

The contractor shall remain in close contact with the FWS COR and Staff. Contactor is responsible to ensure all pertinent information is clearly understood. Contractor will:

• relay all the job task information the workforce prior to the first day of work.

• follow all protocol for accessing the project area and avoidance areas as described by refuge staff.

• meet regularly with Refuge Staff to discuss the progress and plans for the following day.

• assist in changes and modification to the plan and workday as needed.

• perform all the objectives as listed in “Scope of Work”.

• adhere to the daily schedule.

• follow all National Wildlife Refuge Rules and Regulations, including fire safety while on site.

Appendices:

A: Project Maps B: Project Pictures

Project Maps

Figure 1. Maxwell NWR boundary fuel break project location marked in red.

Figure 2. Entire Maxwell NWR boundary and project in red.

Figure 3. Maxwell NWR boundary and surrounding towns.

B. Project Pictures