US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Performance Work Statement

Contents Project Title

General Information

1.0 Background and Purpose

2.0 Definitions

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

4.0 Deliverable / Schedule

5.0 Government Furnished

6.0 Travel

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

8.0 Security Requirements

9.0 Data Rights

10.0 Section 508 - Electronic and Information Technology Standards

11.0 Performance Requirement Measures

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Project Title Black Creek Trail Restoration Project

General Information

1.0 Background and Purpose

The Black Creek Trail (BCT) is an approximately 39-mile hiking trail (approximately 10 miles of which is federally designated wilderness) located within the Desoto District of the Desoto National Forest. Over time, the trail corridor has narrowed with the encroachment of unchecked brush growth, hazardous snags, and felled trees generated during tropical storm systems moving through the area. Restoring this trail to standard will not only lead to better recreational opportunities but also increase public safety in the area by removing hazard trees and reduction of fuel load.

2.0 Definitions

N/A

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

Requirement: Restore approximately 29 miles of the non-wilderness portion of the BCT to standard hiking trail width (60 inches), with some allowances in width where areas have overgrowth that is greatly impeding foot traffic and safety (including overhang from bordering brush and trees approximately 5-6 feet high. Saws, trimmers or loppers may also be used to remove branches that present hazards to hikers. Forest Service personnel will provide any necessary assistance that is required to meet all objectives as outlined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

Methodology: The recommended method for clearing the BCT is with skid steer(s) using various attachments, including forestry mulchers (preferred), buckets, and grapples with trail UTV vehicle carrying saws, trimmers or loppers as required. A combination of attachments should be used for optimal results. Saws, loppers or other hand or power trimming devices will be used for overhanging branches, snags, or hazard trees, etc. as the need arises. For example, a mulcher might be used to clear the initial vegetation, followed by a bucket or grapple to remove larger debris and stumps where present.

Important Considerations:

Safety: When clearing hiking trails, prioritize safety. Wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, gloves, and eye protection, and ensure the skid steer has an enclosed cab with reinforced glass. Heat, humidity, and biting insects can be challenges in South Mississippi, consider bringing repellant and light weight clothing for protection and comfort. Proper hydration is important when working in this environment.

Obstacles: Be aware of potential obstacles, such as rocks, wires, and snags, and mark them to avoid damage to the equipment or injury to the operator.

Terrain: Terrain in this area can often be wet and muddy, tracked equipment generally offers better stability in this area.

Be aware of changes in topography as the trail crosses seasonal or permanent creek beds.

Finishing: After clearing, consider using a land leveler or other attachment to smooth the trail surface in areas where the ground was disturbed during widening to make it safer and more enjoyable for hikers.

4.0 Deliverable / Schedule

To ensure a structured workflow, the project is broken down into clear operational phases:

Phase 1: Pre-Work Checklist (Day 1) o Contractor safety briefing completed.

o Verification of tracked skid steer equipment and attached forestry mulchers/grapples serviceability.

Phase 2: Execution Milestones (Weekly) o Submission of a weekly progress log detailing completed mileage.

o Documented mapping of marked ground obstacles (rocks, wires, hidden snags).

Phase 3: Final Acceptance (Project End) o Joint walkthrough inspection of all 29 non-wilderness miles.

o Formal sign-off by the COR and CO confirming standard restoration.

5.0 Government Furnished

N/A

6.0 Travel

N/A

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

Project Manager: The Contractor shall assign a highly qualified Project Manager to serve as the core leader and single point of contact for the duration of this trail rehabilitation project. They must ensure that all equipment operators are trained and safely conduct operations. This individual must be English speaking and will be the primary liaison between the Contractor, the COR and the CO.

8.0 Security Requirements

N/A

9.0 Data Rights

N/A

10.0 Section 508 - Electronic and Information Technology Standards N/A

11.0 Performance Requirement Measures

This matrix defines the specific metrics, acceptable quality levels, and surveillance methods for the project.

Performance Element

Performance Standard (SOW Metric)

Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) Method of Surveillance Remediation Action

Trail Width Clearance

Horizontal clearance of 60 inches minimum across 29 miles.

≥ 95% of inspected trail segments meet width.

Periodic random physical measurements by COR.

Contractor recuts substandard sections at no cost.

Vertical Overhead Clearance

Vertical clearance of 5–6 feet high from overhanging brush/limbs.

Zero hazardous overhanging branches in completed zones.

Visual inspection and physical height clearance checks.

Immediate hand-lopping or mechanical pruning.

Debris & Hazard Removal

Eradication of snags, felled trees, and larger debris via bucket/grapple.

100% removal of identified hazards blocking trail corridor.

100% inspection of designated project milestones.

Contractor reruns equipment to clear missed blockages.

Trail Surface Finishing

Smooth surface via land leveler in mud/disturbed areas.

No ruts deeper than 3 inches left by skid steer tracks.

Visual inspection and walking checks.

Contractor must re-level or regrade the disturbed soil.

Safety & PPE Compliance

Enclosed cab with reinforced glass and/ or operator helmets, gloves, eye wear.

100% strict compliance at all times.

Random spot checks by the COR.

Immediate work stoppage until safety violations are fixed.

Timeline Adherence

Completion of weekly mileage milestones per the agreed schedule.

No more than 3 days behind scheduled milestones.

Review of weekly progress logs against baseline timeline.

Contractor must submit a formal schedule-recovery plan.

Methods of Surveillance Periodic Random Sampling

The COR will select random 1,000-foot segments within completed miles each week. The COR will physically measure the trail width and overhead clearance to ensure it strictly meets the 60-inch requirement.

100% Inspection Critical safety components, such as equipment glass reinforcement, operator PPE compliance, and the successful clearance of major seasonal creek-bed crossings, will receive 100% inspection oversight.

Progress Review Meetings The COR and Contractor Project Manager will meet weekly to review completed trail mileage against the baseline project timeline. This ensures tropical storm debris buildup does not cause hidden delays

Quality Control and Remediation When performance falls below the specified AQL, the Forest Service will issue a verbal or written Non-Conformance Report (NCR).

1. Response Window: The contractor has 48 hours to correct physical trail deficiencies (e.g., re-leveling ruts or widening a missed narrow choke point).

2. Safety Stops: Any safety deviation results in an immediate verbal stop-work order. Work resumes only when the hazard is fully corrected.

Summary of Performance Requirement Measures Objectives The primary goal of this document is to establish clear boundaries for verifying that approximately 29 miles of the non-wilderness Black Creek Trail are successfully restored to a safe, 60-inch-wide standard using efficient mechanical and manual clearing methods

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