DOT-RFP-24-6189LS - EXHIBIT A SOS.pdf

State of Florida Department of Transportation

EXHIBIT “A”, SCOPE OF SERVICES

TO PROVIDE DISTRICTWIDE ENVIRONMENTAL

COMPLIANCE MONITORING OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

FOR COMPLIANCE WITH ALL ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITS

AND FULFILL MITIGATION SITE DEVELOPMENT,

MAINTENANCE AND MONITORING OBLIGATIONS FOR THE

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (FDOT),

DISTRICT 6 (MIAMI-DADE AND MONROE COUNTIES).

PROJECT/PROPOSAL NUMBER: DOT-RFP-24-6189LS

FINANCIAL PROJECT NUMBER: 250668-4-22-01

EXHIBIT A SCOPE OF SERVICES DOT-RFP-24-6189LS

Exhibit A - Page 2 of 16

NATIONAL POLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM DISTRICTWIDE

SERVICES CONTRACT

I. DESCRIPTION

II. OBJECTIVE

III. CONSULTANT RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Environmental Compliance Services to be Provided

B. Environmental Mitigation Services to be Provided

C. Expert Witness Services

D. Liaison Between Environmental Permit Office and Construction Office

E. Permit Applications/Modifications

F. Literature Searches, Manual Preparation, and Training

G. Mitigation Compliance Tracking Services

H. Additional Consultant Responsibilities

I. Progress Reporting/ Coordination

J. Quality Control

K. Equipment

IV. PERSONNEL STANDARDS

V. SUBCONTRACTING

VI. PROJECT PRESENTATION AND MEETINGS

VII. PROJECT ASSIGNMENTS

VIII.DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

IX. COMPUTER SERVICES

X. STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES FOR WORK

EXHIBIT A SCOPE OF SERVICES RFP- DOT-RFP-24-6189LS

Exhibit A - Page 3 of 16

SCOPE OF SERVICES

NATIONAL POLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM DISTRICTWIDE

SERVICES CONTRACT

I. DESCRIPTION

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Six, hereinafter referred to as the DEPARTMENT, desires to obtain assistance from the CONSULTANT for permit and environmental commitment compliance monitoring activities on a Districtwide basis. Primary services shall include inspections of construction or maintenance projects for compliance with all permits and other environmental commitments. The CONSULTANT shall prepare documentation of field inspections and any non-compliance situations. The CONSULTANT shall serve as a liaison between the Environmental Permit Office and District Construction personnel for communication on environmental compliance issues and coordination of environmental compliance related activities. The CONSULTANT shall conduct mitigation required by state and federal regulatory agency permits and regulations to offset unavoidable environmental impacts resulting from the Department’s Road and Bridge Projects.

Supplemental services may also be desired from the CONSULTANT. These services could include preparing permit application or modification packages; reviewing plans; preparing reports; and conducting biological surveys, water quality testing, agency coordination, landscape inspections, archaeological monitoring, mitigation site development, mitigation site maintenance and monitoring, report preparation, and other related tasks on a District-wide basis.

II. OBJECTIVE

The DEPARTMENT desires to obtain assistance from the CONSULTANT for permit and environmental commitment compliance monitoring activities on a Districtwide basis. Primary services shall include inspections of construction or maintenance projects for compliance with all permits and other environmental commitments. The CONSULTANT shall prepare documentation of field inspections and any non-compliance situations. The CONSULTANT shall serve as a liaison between the Environmental Permit Office and District Construction personnel for communication on environmental compliance issues and coordination of environmental compliance related activities. The CONSULTANT shall plan mitigation required by state and federal regulatory agency permits and regulations to offset unavoidable environmental impacts resulting from the DEPARTMENTs Road and Bridge Projects. The CONSULTANT shall conduct mitigation planning and permitting, mitigation site development, mitigation site maintenance, mitigation site monitoring, mitigation site remediation, report preparation, and other related tasks on a Districtwide basis including, but not limited to, environmental permit compliance inspections on DEPARTMENT construction and maintenance projects.

III. CONSULTANT RESPONSIBILITIES

The CONSULTANT shall be proficient in biological and natural sciences and shall include

EXHIBIT A SCOPE OF SERVICES RFP- DOT-RFP-24-6189LS

Exhibit A - Page 4 of 16 specialists in the following areas: environmental commitment compliance procedures during construction and post-construction phases of a project, and mitigation planning, site development and monitoring.

Additionally, the CONSULTANT shall be knowledgeable about South Florida ecosystems, ecologically valuable or endangered flora and fauna, environmentally sensitive areas (wetlands, hammocks), survey and relocation methodology for plant and animal resources, hydrological analysis vegetation establishment methods, exotic vegetation removal, and environmental agency coordination.

All work conducted under this contract shall be coordinated with and supervised by the DEPARTMENT’s Project Manager or their designee. All authorizations and approvals shall be in writing and executed by the DEPARTMENT prior to the commencement of work.

The CONSULTANT shall provide any one or more of the following services as required by the DEPARTMENT.

A. Environmental Compliance Services to be Provided

Specific tasks to be performed by the CONSULTANT may include, but not be limited to:

1. Environmental Permit and Commitment Compliance Inspections – The CONSULTANT shall inspect DEPARTMENT and Local Agency Program (LAP) project sites for compliance with permit conditions and sketches. The CONSULTANT shall determine during these inspections if the contractor is complying with the environmental permits issued for the project, the construction plans, and/or other environmental commitments made by the DEPARTMENT. The CONSULTANT shall report potential or current non-compliance with any permit to the Project Manager, DEPARTMENT staff, Construction, Engineering, and Inspection (CEI) Consultants and/or contractors.

Inspections may consist of, but are not limited to:

a. Compliance with permit conditions

b. Post-construction monitoring of mitigation sites

c. Turbidity/erosion control inspections and/or monitoring

d. Endangered/threatened species special provisions compliance

e. Tree preservation/relocation/planting inspections

f. Exotic and nuisance plant species inspections

g. Staging areas

h. Benthic surveys

i. Archaeological monitoring

j. Noise abatement

k. Contamination

2. Environmental Permit and Commitment Compliance Reporting – The CONSULTANT shall provide inspection services for the DEPARTMENT’s construction projects, EXHIBIT A SCOPE OF SERVICES RFP- DOT-RFP-24-6189LS

Exhibit A - Page 5 of 16 maintenance activities, or mitigation. Results of the inspections will be provided in a previously approved memorandum format to the Project Manager on a weekly, or as needed basis. The memorandum shall include, but is not limited to, the status of the project, activities observed at the site, non-compliance actions, a photographic log, and a record of conversations held with DEPARTMENT staff, CEI Consultants and/or contractors. The CONSULTANT shall report non-compliance activities immediately to the FDOT Construction Project Manager or designee with corrective action recommendations. The CONSULTANT shall provide timely updates to the contract Project Manager or their designee during or immediately following inspection activities.

3. Turbidity/Erosion Control Inspections and/or Monitoring – The CONSULTANT shall inspect installation of all erosion/turbidity control devices and evaluate effectiveness of the set-up. The CONSULTANT shall instruct construction personnel in the use of turbidity monitoring equipment and procedures. The CONSULTANT shall monitor turbidity levels in receiving or adjacent bodies of water and/or review turbidity monitoring logs maintained by the construction staff, CEI consultants and/or contractors. The CONSULTANT shall conduct water quality sampling and analysis in accordance with current state and/or federal permit requirements. The CONSULTANT shall report non-conformity with these requirements to DEPARTMENT staff, CEI consultants and/or contractors and make recommendations for corrective actions.

4. Endangered/Threatened Species Special Provisions – The CONSULTANT shall inspect DEPARTMENT construction sites for proper posting of required endangered/threatened species information, presence of required endangered/threatened species observers, or other relevant conditions. The CONSULTANT shall serve as the endangered/threatened species observer when there is no other observer available and/or qualified. The CONSULTANT shall review or maintain endangered/threatened species monitoring logs. The CONSULTANT shall ensure compliance with commitments made in Endangered Species Special Provisions, and/or permit conditions regarding listed species. The CONSULTANT shall provide training for DEPARTMENT construction personnel and contractors on observation techniques or other endangered species protection measures required for a project.

5. Tree Preservation/Relocation/Planting Inspections – The CONSULTANT shall evaluate DEPARTMENT tree relocation and/or planting activities for compliance FDOT specifications and with specific landscape plans. The CONSULTANT shall inspect planting material prior to final acquisition to ensure the material meets DEPARTMENT specifications and quality standards. The CONSULTANT shall determine if proper scheduled for planting, watering, or other essential actions are being followed (e.g., trees properly guyed and stakes, mulch added, etc.) and report deficiencies to the Project Manager and the District Landscape Manager. The CONSULTANT shall document that all trees designated on the project plans or other contract documents for preservation, are being avoided and/or properly protected. The CONSULTANT shall monitor plantings, including relocated material for survivorship and overall health. The CONSULTANT shall inspect landscaped areas within

EXHIBIT A SCOPE OF SERVICES RFP- DOT-RFP-24-6189LS

Exhibit A - Page 6 of 16

DEPARTMENT right-of-way for compliance with DEPARTMENT maintenance commitments or other interagency maintenance agreements. The CONSULTANT shall make recommendations for corrective actions for any observed problems or non-compliance. Some tasks under this section may require experience in transportation landscape planning.

6. Exotic or Nuisance Plant Species Concerns – The CONSULTANT shall conduct inspections of DEPARTMENT project sites and right-of-way for presence of exotic or nuisance species before, during, and following construction to determine if exotic or nuisance species are introduced during the project. The CONSULTANT shall ensure compliance with permit conditions or other relevant documents regarding exotic plant control and/or removal.

7. Staging Areas – The CONSULTANT shall conduct assessments of proposed staging areas for construction sites for compliance with all requirements including but not limited to potential impacts to wetlands or other surface waters, endangered or threatened species habitat, other wildlife, water quality and/or archaeological sites.

Staging areas shall also be confirmed as being with the DEPARTMENT right-of-way.

Documentation of the assessment shall be distributed to the Project Manager, DEPARTMENT staff, CEI consultants and/or contractors. Any potential contamination concerns within the staging area shall be reported to the Project Manager and the District Contamination Coordinator.

8. Noise Abatement Concerns – The CONSULTANT shall monitor noise level of active construction projects in accordance with special provisions and make recommendations for corrective actions in instances of non-compliance. The CONSULTANT shall conduct inspections of noise barrier construction, painting, and placement as indicated in noise studies, construction plans, or other relevant documents. The CONSULTANT shall inspect existing noise walls for automobile damage. The CONSULTANT shall report damage to the Project Manager, DEPARTMENT staff, CEI consultants and/or contractors.

9. Contamination – The CONSULTANT shall report any concerns regarding contamination or hazardous materials to the Project Manager, the District Contamination Coordinator, and the District NPDES Coordinator for further investigation by appropriate DEPARMENT staff and/or consultants.

10. Environmental Permit Closeout – Upon completion of construction the CONSULTANT shall ensure that all environmental permit conditions and environmental commitments have been met prior to coordination with the appropriate regulatory agencies to close out any environmental permits.

11. Support Tasks – For support of compliance and mitigation requirements mandated by local, state, and federal regulatory agencies, the CONSULTANT shall perform the following tasks including but not limited to the following:

EXHIBIT A SCOPE OF SERVICES RFP- DOT-RFP-24-6189LS

Exhibit A - Page 7 of 16

a. Screening

b. Inventory

c. Mapping

d. Inspections for Illicit discharge

e. Reports

f. Research and monitoring support

g. Summary review/report of codes and regulations

h. Work Recommendations

i. Computer Services

j. Unforeseeable Work

k. Training

l. Coordination with Construction

B. Environmental Mitigation Services to be Provided

Specific tasks to be performed by the CONSULTANT may include, but not be limited to:

1. Mitigation Planning – The CONSULTANT shall investigate mitigation alternatives.

The CONSULTANT shall plan and permit wetland and/or upland mitigation as well as mitigation efforts which may be required for listed species, Essential Fish Habitat, or other mitigative actions as required by environmental permits and/or regulatory agencies. This shall include wetland impact analysis by habitat type and impact amount, wetland delineation, analysis of avoidance and minimization alternatives, assessment of suitable wetland mitigation sites, and coordination with regulatory agencies. This shall entail investigation of the DEPARTMENT mitigation ledger, mitigation funds, availability of mitigation banks or in-lieu fee banks.

The CONSULTANT shall prepare mitigation site construction plans for mitigative efforts, particularly wetlands and/or upland mitigation. Services may include, but not be limited to, plans preparation, geotechnical investigation, preparation of contract documents, and interagency coordination.

2. Mitigation Site Development – The CONSULTANT shall implement mitigation site development, which may include, but is not limited to the following:

a. Site preparation including survey, clearing and grubbing, earthwork, etc.

b. Soil amendment to improve drainage, replenish nutrients, correct soil pH, and prevent erosion.

c. Re-vegetation (planting) of the site including transplanting of desirable vegetation from other sites.

d. Seagrass planting and monitoring plans.

e. Coal relocation plans.

3. Benthic Surveys – The CONSULTANT shall perform in-water benthic surveys to determine presence/absence of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV), coral, and other benthic resources by snorkeling or diving. All diving operations must be conducted by

EXHIBIT A SCOPE OF SERVICES RFP- DOT-RFP-24-6189LS

Exhibit A - Page 8 of 16 divers with the required level of certification needed to perform the required tasks.

4. Coral Relocation– The CONSULTANT shall perform relocation of hard coral colonies as needed. The task shall include but not be limited to:

a. Surveying areas to be impacted in accordance with regulatory agency requirements and documenting the presence/absence of all hard corals.

b. Developing a relocation plan to present to environmental agencies for approval.

c. Permitting coral relocation projects.

d. Performing the permitted relocation activity.

e. Documenting the relocation effort and monitoring the relocated coral colonies.

f. Documenting and tracking mitigation credits earned through coral relocation activities.

5. Post-Construction Monitoring of Mitigation Sites – The CONSULTANT shall conduct monitoring of the mitigation site after the construction phase of a mitigation site is completed and maintenance responsibilities have been assumed by the DEPARTMENT. The CONSULTANT shall monitor each site and prepare reports in accordance with the specific conditions of the environmental permits, in the format specified and approved by the Project Manager or their Designee. The CONSULTANT shall report non-compliance conditions immediately to the Project Manager and will recommend corrective actions if the mitigation areas are not functioning as designed or intended. Mitigation monitoring duties shall include, but may not be limited to the following:

a. The CONSULTANT shall be responsible for taking all field measurements, establishing permanent monitoring stations and photographic stations, and collection of any other field data required for the permit or requested by the DEPARTMENT’s Project Manager.

b. The CONSULTANT shall provide inspection services during construction on mitigation sites or FDOT road and bridge construction or maintenance sites.

The CONSULTANT shall determine during these inspections if the construction contractor is complying with the environmental permits issued for the project, the construction plans, and/or other environmental commitments.

The CONSULTANT shall report non-compliance activities immediately to the DEPARTMENT’s Project Manager or their designee with corrective action recommendations.

c. The CONSULTANT shall assess the overall success and function of the mitigation area in the form of a “time zero” report.

d. The CONSULTANT shall compile field data, photographs, and other supporting information into written reports in accordance with the specific permit conditions. A draft copy of the report shall be submitted to the DEPARTMENT Project Manager. Finalized reports shall be submitted to the regulatory agencies by the DEPARTMENT.

e. The CONSULTANT shall inspect the mitigation area for the presence of invasion of nuisance/exotic species as defined in Chapter 17-3.021(19), F.A.C.

EXHIBIT A SCOPE OF SERVICES RFP- DOT-RFP-24-6189LS

Exhibit A - Page 9 of 16

If observed, the CONSULTANT shall submit recommendations for control or eradication to the DEPARTMENT’s Project Manager.

f. The CONSULTANT shall provide monitoring in the form of aerial videos or aerial photography. The aerial photography shall be coordinated with the DEPARTMENT’s GIS Coordinator to ensure compatibility with the DEPARTMENT’s database.

g. The CONSULTANT shall prepare permit close-out documentation and coordinate with Regulatory Agencies on close-out of any environmental permits issued for mitigation sites.

6. Mitigation Site Remediation – The CONSULTANT shall analyze mitigation plans or sites, prepare planting schemes, and implement reconstruction and/or replanting for remediation of mitigation sites which do not meet permit requirements or are deficient by DEPARTMENT standards. The remediation plan(s) must comply with federal, state, and local environmental permit requirements. Specific tasks necessary for the completion of the planting schemes and reconstruction of the mitigation may include, but are not limited to:

a. Conduct field review(s) at the mitigation site to assess existing conditions.

b. Recommend corrective actions if the mitigation is not functioning as designed.

This may involve development of remediation plan(s) which may include changes in plant species, elevations, levels of water supply (hydrology), quantities, location, etc. The plan(s) may also include earthwork requirements relating to construction activity, etc. The remediation plans shall be accurate, legible, complete in design, and drawn to scales acceptable to the DEPARTMENT. Construction plans shall be prepared to include as required, but not limited to: plotting of all survey data, the preparation of the key sheet, summary of quantities, plan profiles, construction staging areas, storage site(s) for suitable fill material removed from the site(s), soil survey, cross-section (including earthwork computation), cross section pattern, maintenance of traffic, utility adjustment, temporary roads and bridges as needed, and other detail sheets necessary to convey the intent of the mitigation plan. For recommendations concerning the plans preparation, the CONSULTANT shall refer to the latest edition of the Florida Department of Transportation Plans Preparation Manual.

c. Determine the best method to eradicate/control of exotic or nuisance vegetation.

d. Coordinate with appropriate environmental agencies as necessary at the direction of the Project Manager.

e. Identify areas of the DEPARTMENT’s right-of-way either existing or proposed, in which to conduct mitigation.

f. Prepare preliminary estimates for construction and/or for the supplemental planting for the remediation plan.

g. Coordinate and be responsible for all supervision, labor, materials, tools, and equipment needed to fulfill the requirements of the remediation plan(s).

h. Inspect final grades in the planting area(s) and direct minor adjustments if necessary to ensure planting success.

EXHIBIT A SCOPE OF SERVICES RFP- DOT-RFP-24-6189LS

Exhibit A - Page 10 of 16

7. Post-Construction Maintenance of Mitigation Sites – The CONSULTANT shall be responsible for maintenance of DEPARTMENT mitigation sites. Maintenance is required to ensure permittee-responsible mitigation sites are in compliance with environmental permits or commitments. These activities shall include, but will not be limited to the following:

i. Manual or mechanical removal of nuisance/exotic species within a mitigation site or within the DEPARTMENT’s right-of-way.

j. Manual or mechanical trimming of desirable vegetation, Any mangrove trimming shall be supervised by a Professional Mangrove Trimmer as defined in the 1996 Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act, Section 403.9329, of the Florida Statutes (F.S.).

k. Removal and disposal of dead or decaying plants.

l. Removal and disposal of non-hazardous solid waste.

m. Herbicide application for nuisance or exotic species within a mitigation. The

CONSULTANT shall be selective in herbicide application procedures (i.e., hand spraying, wiping) to assure survivability of plant species. Herbicide application shall be performed by a Florida Department of Agriculture licensed commercial applicator certified in Aquatic Pest Control application (Right-of-way Certification is strongly recommended). All herbicide application shall be supervised by a certified herbicide applicator. A copy of at least one herbicide applicator’s license must be provided when submitting the proposal or it will be deemed non-responsive.

n. Application of water to planted species if needed during the establishment period.

o. Mowing, fertilizing, mulching, seeding, etc. to enhance plant growth in a mitigation area.

p. Removal of tags, wires, stacks, or other features from plants subsequent to the establishment period.

q. Planning, construction, and placement of signage to identify a site as a mitigation area.

C. Expert Witness Services

The CONSULTANT shall provide expert witness services for any and all scope tasks listed in Exhibit A for legal proceedings on DEPARTMENT issues or projects. This may include, but is not limited to, preparation for litigation/court proceedings, answering interrogatory documents, and participation in court proceedings on behalf of the

DEPARTMENT.

D. Liaison Between Environmental Permit Office and Construction Office

The CONSULTANT shall assist in communication and resolution of compliance related issues between the Project Manager, DEPARTMENT Construction Personnel, and the project Construction Contractors. The CONSULTANT shall also assist in coordination of

EXHIBIT A SCOPE OF SERVICES RFP- DOT-RFP-24-6189LS

Exhibit A - Page 11 of 16 environmental compliance-related activities between these same parties. The CONSULTANT shall assist, as necessary, in training DEPARTMENT Construction Personnel to conduct environmental compliance oversight responsibilities associated with DEPARTMENT Projects. The CONSULTANT shall advise and educate the DEPARTMENT construction personnel or project contractors on environmental compliance issues or monitoring techniques as directed by the Project Manager.

E. Permit Applications/Modifications

The CONSULTANT shall assist in obtaining environmental regulatory agency permits for DEPARTMENT construction, maintenance, or mitigation projects. The CONSULTANT shall obtain modifications or extensions to existing permits or may obtain new permits for unanticipated construction needs. The CONSULTANT shall draft and assemble application packages and submit to the DEPARTMENT for review, signature, and submittal to the permitting agencies. The CONSULTANT shall maintain project files containing field notes, meeting minutes, telephone logs, as well as permit applications and subsequent summaries.

F. Literature Searches, Manual Preparation, and Training

The CONSULTANT shall research permitting legislation, existing regulations relevant to the permit conditions or other information pertinent to compliance needs of the DEPARTMENT. All data collected shall be presented to the DEPARTMENT in a report format which is to include, but not be limited to, sources utilized, data or information collected, interpretation and discussion of the findings, and recommendations as appropriate. The CONSULTANT shall develop and/or update informational or training manuals to be utilized by FDOT staff, consultants, or contractors to facilitate compliance.

G. Mitigation Compliance Tracking Services

The CONSULTANT shall assist the DEPARTMENT with development and/or updating computer applications, spreadsheets or other techniques utilized to track the status of permit conditions, mitigation requirements, credits, and/or reports, environmental commitments, or other permit compliance documents or schedules.

H. Additional Consultant Responsibilities

The CONSULTANT shall have the following additional responsibilities in performing the services listed above.

The CONSULTANT shall report directly to the Project Manager. The CONSULTANT shall maintain frequent contact and close communication with the Project Manager via telephone or other manner specified by the DEPARTMENT.

The DEPARTMENT shall be allowed the opportunity to have a representative at all meetings and/or field reviews between the CONSULTANT and construction personnel or

EXHIBIT A SCOPE OF SERVICES RFP- DOT-RFP-24-6189LS

Exhibit A - Page 12 of 16 permitting agencies and shall review and be copied on all correspondence between these parties.

The CONSULTANT shall be available to conduct emergency or unanticipated compliance inspections as needed with minimal notice (2 hours or greater) from the DEPARTMENT.

Because the DEPARTMENT’s construction contractors work irregular hours, the CONSULTANT shall be available to conduct inspections outside of regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8am - 5pm), including but not limited to early morning hours, night hours, or weekends.

The CONSULTANT shall assist the Department in establishing techniques to keep track of the permit expirations, annual compliance and mitigation report submittal due dates, revisions to forms, updates, publications, and any correspondence from regulatory agencies.

I. Progress Reporting/ Coordination

The CONSULTANT shall provide environmental inspection and monitoring progress reports for DEPARTMENT construction projects, maintenance activities, or mitigation sites to the Project Manager. The CONSULTANT shall conduct project status meetings on an as-needed basis with representatives of the DEPARTMENT present. Results of inspections and monitoring shall be provided in a previously approved memorandum format and electronically delivered to the DEPARTMENT.

J. Quality Control

The CONSULTANT shall produce a plan to maintain adequate records of the quality assurance actions performed by both the CONSULTANT and the DEPARMTENT. It shall be the responsibility of the Consultant to keep the plan current with the work requirements.

The Plan shall include, but not be limited to the following areas:

1) Organization: A description of the CONSULTANT’S Quality Control organization and its functional relationship to the part of the organization performing the work under the contract. The authority, autonomy and responsibilities of the Quality Control organization shall be detailed as well as the names and qualifications of personnel in the quality control organization.

2) Quality Review: The CONSULTANT’S Quality Assurance (QA) methods used to monitor and assure compliance of this organization with the contract requirements for services and products shall be detailed.

3) Quality Records: The types of records which shall be generated and maintained by the Consultant during the execution of the QA program shall be outlined.

4) Control of Subcontractors and CONSULTANTs: The methods used by the Consultants to control the quality of subcontractors and CONSULTANTs shall be detailed.

5) Quality Assurance Certifications: An office of the CONSULTANT firm shall be required to sign and seal a certification that shall have been prepared and checked in accordance with FDOT specifications.

EXHIBIT A SCOPE OF SERVICES RFP- DOT-RFP-24-6189LS

Exhibit A - Page 13 of 16

K. Equipment

The CONSULTANT must provide all software and hardware necessary to efficiently and effectively carry out the responsibilities of the contract. Equipment required shall include but not be limited to GPS equipment, cellular phones, digital cameras and personal computer with access to SAMS, and vehicles used for inspections, GPS data collector with sub-foot accuracy, and digital cameras. The CONSULTANT should provide a list of all equipment and materials (if any) that are subject to a fee.

IV. PERSONNEL STANDARDS

The CONSULTANT’S work shall be performed and/or directed by the personnel identified in the CONSULTANT’S fee proposal. Any changes in the indicated personnel shall be subject to review and approval by the DEPARTMENT.

Provide competent personnel qualified by experience and education. All project staff must possess all the necessary qualifications/certifications for fulfilling the duties of the position they hold.

PROJECT MANAGER: Must have at a minimum a master’s degree in Natural Science or other related field and five (5) years of experience in South Florida ecosystems, OR a bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences or other related field with eight (8) years of experience in South Florida ecosystems. This experience shall include identification of native flora and fauna, invasive exotic species and endangered species. The Project Manager must also have a minimum of eight (8) years of experience in the required compliance and mitigation services, preferably with FDOT projects and with those environmental agencies responsible for Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties.

SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST: Must have at a minimum, a master’s degree in Natural Science or other related field and four (4) years of experience in South Florida Ecosystems, OR a bachelor’s degree in Natural Science or other related field with six (6) years of experience in South Florida ecosystems. The experience shall include identification of native flora and fauna, invasive exotic species and endangered species.

The Senior Environmental Scientist shall also be knowledgeable about planting trees and other vegetation and/or experienced in environmental mitigation, monitoring and compliance.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST: Must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Natural Science or other related science field and two (2) years of experience in South Florida Ecosystems. The experience shall include identification of native flora and fauna, invasive exotic species and endangered species. The Senior Environmental Scientist shall also be knowledgeable about planting trees and other vegetation and/or experienced in environmental mitigation, monitoring and compliance.

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICIAN/INSPECTOR: Must have at a minimum a bachelor’s

EXHIBIT A SCOPE OF SERVICES RFP- DOT-RFP-24-6189LS

Exhibit A - Page 14 of 16 degree in Natural or Physical Sciences.

SCIENTIFIC DIVER: All Scientific Diving (OSHA Regulations 29 CFR 1910.401 (a)(2)(iv)) shall be performed by divers certified by a recognized by a diving certification agency (e.g., AAUS, NOAA, U.S. Military, NAUI, PADI, IANTD, SSI, TDI, YMCA, etc.)

A copy of certifications for proposed dive staff must be provided when submitting the proposal or it will be deemed non-responsive.

LICENSED HERBICIDE APPLICATOR: Must meet General Certification Standards and Aquatic Certification for Pesticide/Herbicide application. A copy of at least one herbicide applicator’s license must be provided when submitting the proposal or it will be deemed non-responsive.

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) SPECIALIST: Must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field and two (2) years of experience in GIS map production and/ or database management. Must have working knowledge of GIS technical skills and a general knowledge of stormwater drainage system layouts.

CLERICAL: High School Diploma or equivalent plus minimum 2 years’ experience in clerical work.

OTHER LICENSES or CERTIFICATIONS:

1. Florida Stormwater Erosion & Sedimentation Control (FSESCI);

2. FSESCI Training Instructor;

3. Professional Mangrove Trimmer – Qualified to conduct mangrove trimming in accordance with the Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act (sections 403.9321-

403.9333 of the F.S.).

V. SUBCONTRACTING

Should the CONSULTANT require the services of a specialist for specialty work, the CONSULTANT is authorized to subcontract these services under the provisions of the Standard CONSULTANT Agreement. Firms selected for subcontractors must be approved in writing and qualified by the DEPARTMENT prior to the CONSULTANT authorizing any such work. The CONSULTANT shall be fully responsible for the satisfactory performance (as defined by the DEPARTMENT) of all subcontracted work. The CONSULTANT shall be responsible for coordination with all approved subcontractors.

VI. PROJECT PRESENTATION AND MEETINGS

The CONSULTANT shall attend all relevant meetings and shall make presentations at the request of the DEPARTMENT. The CONSULTANT may be called upon to provide maps, materials, audio-visual displays and similar material for such presentations or meetings. The CONSULTANT shall be responsible for recording and distributing the minutes of all meetings pertaining to this project.

EXHIBIT A SCOPE OF SERVICES RFP- DOT-RFP-24-6189LS

Exhibit A - Page 15 of 16

VII. PROJECT ASSIGNMENTS

Individual projects shall be assigned on an "as needed" basis. For each project, the CONSULTANT shall be required to respond with a written proposal of the tasks to be conducted as well as a schedule of starting and ending dates and a manpower and cost estimate (personnel, job classification, areas of specialty, percent of time devoted to task and estimated cost). Once the DEPARTMENT and the CONSULTANT agree as to services to be performed and the associated costs, the Project Manager shall furnish the CONSULTANT a “Letter of Authorization” or “Task Work Order”. Unless the work is required in response to an emergency declaration by the Secretary of the Department of Transportation, no work shall be commenced by the CONSULTANT until receipt of a Letter of Authorization.

Copies of all correspondence and memos regarding major public and agency contacts shall be provided to the DEPARTMENT. Frequent telephone contact shall be maintained with the Project Manager, as well as other key project personnel in both the District and Central offices of the DEPARTMENT.

Progress Reports shall be submitted to the DEPARTMENT Project Manager on a monthly basis in the manner specified by the DEPARTMENT. MONTHLY progress meetings shall be held throughout the course of the project.

VIII. DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The DEPARTMENT shall ensure the Consultant is notified of all up-coming projects going to Construction and shall make accessible the permit documents, construction plans, and all other documentation pertinent to the environmental commitments.

The DEPARTMENT shall provide guidance in permit application and documentation preparation, including review and commentary of draft reports, and shall provide all necessary assistance and interagency coordination.

The Department will assist the Consultant in keeping active credentials through the Automated Access Request Form (AARF) to access the Department’s networking system throughout the contract.

In addition, the DEPARTMENT shall maintain close contact with the CONSULTANT to ensure that major purchases are not incurred for materials, goods, and services that can be provided by the DEPARTMENT.

IX. COMPUTER SERVICES

Should the CONSULTANT desire to use any of the DEPARTMENT computer programs, permission must be obtained in accordance with Section 23.00 of the Standard Consultant Agreement. Computations based on other computer programs must conform to the DEPARTMENT’s general format (see "Florida Design Manual" Chapters 250 & 265). The

EXHIBIT A SCOPE OF SERVICES RFP- DOT-RFP-24-6189LS

Exhibit A - Page 16 of 16

DEPARTMENT shall provide technical support for project-related software on an as-needed basis.

X. STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES FOR WORK

In addition to all Laws, Regulations, Standards, and guidelines previously mentioned, all work will conform to the following:

A. Section 403.918 (2) (b) F.S.

B. Chapter 62-312, of the Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.)

C. SFWMD Permit Info Manual, Vol. 4 D. Chapter 40E-4.091 F.A.C.

E. SFWMD Basis of Review Appendix 7, Section 253 F.S.

F. Chapter 62-3 F.A.C.

G. Chapter 62-301 F.A.C.

H. Chapter 62-302 F.A.C.

I. Chapter 62-25 F.A.C.

J. Endangered Species Act of 1973 (as amended)

K. 23 CFR 771

L. Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (as amended) M. F.S. Chapter 267, Historic Preservation N. F.S. Chapter 373, Water Resources P. Clean Water Act, Section 404 (33 U.S.C. 1344) Q. Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, Section 10 (33 U.S.C. 403) R. All applicable guidelines for incorporation of the use of the metric system.

S. All other applicable DEPARTMENT Procedures and Directives and their updates.