Statement_of_Work_(Base_IDIQ)_HID_Land_Clearing.pdf

BASE STATEMENT OF WORK

FOR LANDCLEARING

IN THE

HOLE-IN-THE-DONUT

WETLAND RESTORATION AND MITIGTION PROJECT

Date: 12/14/2015

EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

BACKGROUND

OVERVIEW

Minimum Technical Requirements

STATEMENT OF WORK

Task 1: Operating Plan Task 2: Disposal Mound Preparation Task 3: Prepare Haul Route Task 4: Vegetation Clearing Task 5: Haul Bulk Vegetation and Soil and Build Disposal Mound Sub-Task 5A Haul Bulk Vegetation and Soil Sub-Task 5B: Build Disposal Mound Task 6: Final Scrape Payment and Invoice Schedule Monthly Progress Reports:

Resource Damages Directions to ENP, the Daniel Beard Center and HID Appendix A Appendix B

BACKGROUND

The Contractor(s) will be working in the Hole-In-The-Donut (HID) which is an area of former agricultural land located in Everglades National Park (Figure 1, Appendix A). After farming in the HID stopped a forest comprised of an invasive exotic plant called Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) developed. The only way to prevent the forest of Brazilian pepper from developing is to clear the land of all the vegetation and as much of the farmed soil as is technically feasible.

OVERVIEW

It is anticipated that one or more Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity fixed price Service Contracts with a Base Year running for twelve months from the date of award, and four (4) Option Years will be awarded as a result of this Statement of Work, under which the Government will order various tasks necessary to accomplish a certain amount of land clearing in the HID.

Land clearing requirements include, site visits, operating plans, site preparation, vegetation and soil removal, and on site soil disposal, monthly reporting and site cleanup. Land clearing will occur during the dry season (approximately December – May). All the areas where work will be conducted will be accessible by either paved or unpaved roads. The work will also occur while normal Park operations are ongoing. Vegetation clearing, soil removal, and disposal operations must be closely coordinated with known or projected Park operations.

Figure 2, Appendix A identifies by year all the anticipated restoration areas that remain in the HID. The Government estimates that the contractor will restore approximately 233 acres during the Base Year (2016). Over the next 4 Option Years (2017-2020), if they are executed, the Government estimates that the maximum acreage of the restored areas will range from 214 to 251acres. The minimum acreage ordered will be 100 acres and the maximum acreage ordered will be 350 acres. Contractors are advised that details of the work, like the variety of tasks and the number of acres ordered, may vary from year to year. It is anticipated that only one Task Order will be awarded during the Base Year and in each of the Option Years. Each Task Order will provide the specific details of limits and requirements.

The work is funded through the use of wetland mitigation funds. The amount of work required each year would depend on the availability of these funds. The HID is permitted under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, in 1996, through the issuance of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permit #SAJ-1993-01691 and under the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Mitigation Banking Statute (F.S. 373.4135) through the issuance of Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Permit # 132416479, in 1995. These permits authorize the work described herein. If funds are not available, or are not available in sufficient quantities to perform significant work, and the Government deems it's in the best interest to do so, the Government may reduce the amount of area restored or terminate this contract(s) without cost.

The amount of work ordered may include approximately 67.71 acres of Brazilian pepper forest on an area immediately adjacent to and contiguous with the HID that is owned by the United States Boy Scouts of America (USBS) (Figure 3, Appendix A). This land has the same farming history as the HID, has also developed a forest of Brazilian pepper like the HID and requires the same methods of land clearing as the HID. The forest of Brazilian pepper on the USBS land, provides a seed source that degrades the long term sustainability of the HID restoration efforts. However, for this work to be ordered, it is first necessary to develop agreements and appropriate permits between the ACOE, FDEP, USBS and the National Park Service (NPS). It is estimated that these agreements and permits could be completed by 2018.

All discussions, meetings, miscellaneous requests, reports, transfers of information, etc., shall be coordinated between the contractor's Project Manager and the Park's COR. The contractor’s Project Manager shall identify alternates or additional personnel as deemed necessary for the implementation of the project. The COR shall not have the authority to issue changes to the contract, order additional work, increase or decrease the price of work, or alter the period of performance. All such changes must be accomplished through formal written orders or contract modifications issued by the Contracting Officer (CO).

Minimum Technical Requirements

a. The contractor shall have recent previous experience with the management and coordination of land clearing projects where each project has the following characteristics:

i. Are more than 200 acres in scale.

ii. Required the loading, hauling and management of more than 700,000.00 cubic yards of material.

iii. The coordination of multiple types of equipment, activities and personnel.

b. The contractor shall have key personnel with experience managing projects greater than 200 acres.

c. The contractor shall have key personnel with experience managing and coordinating subcontractors.

e. The contractor shall have key personnel with experience working in remote areas where cell phones do not work and logistics are difficult to coordinate.

STATEMENT OF WORK

Task 1: Operating Plan

Prior to work starting the contractor will be notified via a task order of the nature of the work ordered, including where the work will be conducted, the timing of the work, where the staging area will be and of the tasks to be completed. After the Contractor has been notified of award of a task order, the Contractor shall attend the scheduled site visit with the CO, to discuss the aspects of the work being ordered and to identify landscape features to be avoided, for example structures, native vegetation or private lands. The contractor shall coordinate with the COR and appropriate utility companies to identify any buried utility lines if they are suspected of being in the work area.

Following the site visit the contractor shall submit a draft Operating Plan

The COR shall review the draft Operating Plan to ensure that there is full understanding of the work, to identify problem areas and if need be to clarify operating requirements and limitations. If necessary, a meeting to discuss the draft Operating Plan shall be held at the Park or by phone between the COR, NPS Contracting Officer, Contract Specialist, and Denver Service Center Project Manager and the contractor's Project Manager and other key personnel. Based on the outcome and decisions arrived at during the review of the Operating Plan the contractor shall, prepare a Final Operating Plan.

The deliverables from this task will be a CO accepted Final Operating Plan.

This task will be required for every task order issued.

Operating Plan:

The Operating Plan shall address the following:

The Operating Plan shall address the tasks being ordered, how each task will be accomplished, the types and number of equipment that will be required per task, and any specific limitations and requirements.

A Project Schedule shall be included with the operating plan. Since the work will be conducted while normal Park operations are being conducted, potential conflicts exist with Park operations and visitor use. All work will be conducted during Monday – Saturday during daylight hours only to minimize potential impacts to visitors and wildlife per the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Permit No. 132416479.

Work outside of the normal work hours maybe requested and evaluated by the CO. Written approval from the CO will be provided if approved to work outside of normal work hours.

All key personnel for the subject task order shall be identified in the Operating Plan. The contractor’s Project Superintendent shall be on-site every day and at all times while work is occurring. With prior written permission from the Contracting Officer other personnel reporting to the contractor's Project Manager may be delegated the responsibilities of the Project Superintendent IAW with the Clause.

The Operating Plan shall describe how the Project Superintendent shall instruct workers, subcontractors and anyone providing logistical support to the contractor to obey posted speed limits in the Park and not to intimidate visitors or Park staff by tailgating or employ other aggressive driving practices.

The Operating Plan shall address how to control noise, dust and maintain air quality at the work site as it affects workers, equipment, Park visitors and employees and the environment.

The contractor’s Project Superintendent shall advise and instruct workers, subcontractors and anyone providing logistical support to the contractor not to intentionally kill, harass or feed wildlife.

The Operating Plan will include contingencies for reporting exotic non-native snakes and animals to the CO/COR.

A communication plan shall be developed because off site communication will be difficult. Cell phones often don’t work at the site and, while land lines are available, access is limited. As such, it is a challenge to coordinate logistical support and respond to problems relating to, but not limited to, equipment and parts delivery, breakdowns and supply purchases, or emergencies.

The Operating Plan shall describe where and how the cleaning of equipment will be conducted to prevent spills of petrochemicals. An environmental safety plan shall be included addressing clean up and mitigation of possible hazardous material spills such as petrochemicals, the management of on-site human waste facilities, removal of all project generated refuse (derelict equipment parts, abandoned farm implements, trash, cigarette butts, etc.).

The Operating Plan shall describe how to minimize impacts to water quality for all activities. The Contractor shall be responsible for implementing Best Management Practices for the control of turbidity and erosion as specified in FDEP Permit No. 132416479.

The Operating Plan shall describe operating conditions for minimization of impacts to Park roads and infrastructure. The contractor’s Project Superintendent shall ensure that all the landscape features identified by the NPS for protection are not harmed, remain undisturbed and are avoided by the field equipment. Any violation of this requirement thereby causing damage to structures, native vegetation or other landscape features identified for protection shall be the responsibility of the contractor.

The Operating Plan shall discuss the use and location for staging areas. The staging area is where vehicles trailering equipment can turn around and drop off equipment. The staging areas are approximately 4 acres in size. The staging area is intended to be the place where all equipment maintenance (other than necessary on-site repairs), vehicles or other equipment, power generators or supplies that must be stored or warehoused are to be kept. The staging area is to be maintained free of trash, cigarette butts, rubbish, derelict equipment, or other items deemed by the Park to be a potential hazard or eyesore. It is intended to be the place where the fueling depot is placed. It is the contractor’s responsibility to obtain appropriate permits for fuel containers if fuel containers are stored on site must have secondary containment that meet environmental and occupational safety standards.

The contractor can suggest an alternative staging area in the Operating Plans, but the Park shall approve the location of alternative staging area(s).

The contractor is responsible for the security of any project vehicles, equipment and materials kept in the Park for the duration of the project.

Figure 2, Appendix A shows where the two staging areas that will be used over the Base and 4 Option year contract. The West Staging Area will be used during the Base Year (2016) and the next two option years (2017 and 2018) if they are executed. The West Staging Area is already cleared with no dense vegetation or soil. The NPS will delineate the boundary of this area for the contractor. The effort to prepare this area may require some minimal grading.

It is anticipated that the East Staging Area would be used during the last two Option Years (2019 and 2020), if they are executed. The effort to prepare this site will include vegetation clearing and removing soil from the site down to limestone bedrock.

Prior to final acceptance of all the work completed by the contractor the staging area must be clean. The staging area must be free of trash, cigarette butts, rubbish, derelict equipment, soil, tree limbs, stumps and other items deemed by the Park to be a potential hazard or eyesore.

Task 2: Disposal Mound Preparation

Figure 2, Appendix A, shows the location of the two disposal mounds that will be used over the course of this contract. The 2014 Mound will be used during the Base Year (2016) and the next two option years (2017 and 2018) if they are executed. It is anticipated that the Incomplete Mound would be used during the last two Option Years (2019 and 2020), if they are executed.

The deliverable for this task is to prepare the disposal mound to receive all the bulk vegetation and soil from the targeted work area and to prepare the disposal mound to be surveyed (the NPS is responsible for conducting the survey after preparation of the mound). Sequentially preparing the disposal mound for the purpose of conducting the survey is one of the first activities to be carried out in order to facilitate scheduling of the survey in a timely fashion. The disposal mounds have up to a 25 acre footprint at the base.

Preparation activities can include work within 30 feet around the base of the disposal mounds in order to allow efficient access and management of the disposal mound. The contractor shall not move or place any bulk vegetation or soil from the work area to the disposal mound until the survey has been completed and the CO approves the contractor to begin hauling to the disposal mound.

Preparation of the 2014 Mound (between 2016-2018).

This disposal mound was last used in Calendar year 2014. The NPS has maintained this mound since it was first built. The top of the mound is divided into two essentially level areas separated by one gradual slope. It has mostly herbaceous vegetation and scattered small trees. Most vegetation is less than 10 feet in height. There no large trees. The effort for this task will require some combination of bulldozing and grading sufficient to allow contractor’s equipment access and movement

Preparation of the Incomplete Mound (in Option Year 3, 2019). This disposal mound was last used was in 2004. It has not been maintained by the NPS. The top of the mound is not level, it is uneven and nearly completely overgrown with a forest of Brazilian pepper. The effort for this task may require some combination of vegetation clearing, bulldozing and grading sufficient to allow contractor’s equipment access and movement.

Upon completion of Sub-Task 2B the disposal mound will be referred to as 2019 Mound.

Preparation of the 2019 Mound (in Option Year 4, 2020).

This Disposal Site will have last been used in 2019. The NPS will have maintained this disposal mound since it was first built. The top of the disposal site will be essentially level. It will have mostly herbaceous vegetation and scattered small trees. Most vegetation will be less than 10 feet in height. There will be no large trees. The effort for this task may require some combination of bulldozing and grading sufficient to allow contractor’s equipment access and movement.

Task 3: Prepare Haul Route

The deliverable from this task is it to prepare the haul route between the identified work area and the disposal mound. The haul route may be sufficiently wide enough to allow two way traffic of equipment. Fill will not be used for this task. During the Base Year (2016) and the next two option years (2017 and 2018) if they are executed, the haul route will be between the 2014 Mound and the targeted work areas. The haul route will cross previously restored lands. The shortest route to be prepared would be 0.18 miles in the Base Year (2016). The longest haul route to be prepared would be 1.09 miles during the 2nd option year (2018). There will be no soil to remove or vegetation to cut and remove. The effort may involve some level of grading. Task Orders will identify the location and length of haul routes.

It is anticipated that the Incomplete Mound would be used during the last two Option Years (2019 and 2020), if they are executed. Haul routes per se are not required during these years as the work will start in and around disposal mound and progress outwards into the targeted work areas.

The maintenance of the haul route (i.e. grading and dust control) will be the contractor’s responsibility. Upon completion of work, the contractor shall remove all material (down to resistance from solid limestone) associated with the establishment, use and maintenance of the routes including woody material, piles of debris, rocks and soil. The contractor shall coordinate this activity with the CO/COR.

Task 4: Vegetation Clearing

The deliverable from this Task is to completely cut up, chip or grub (or some combination thereof) all of the above ground portions of the vegetation (i.e.

trunks, stems and branches) down to ground level, completely separating the above ground portions from the below ground portions (i.e. roots and stumps).

The contractor is advised that there is comparatively less soil to work with when compared to the amount of chopped and cut vegetation (limbs, branches, roots and stumps). The contractor is advised to develop a strategy to ensure that the cut and chopped vegetation is of a size that it can be easily worked into the mound from the very beginning of hauling operations and that there is enough soil to “cap” the work and make it easier to successfully accomplish the second deliverable mentioned above. This strategy should be described in the Operating Plan.

Task 5: Haul Bulk Vegetation and Soil and Build Disposal Mound

Sub-Task 5A Haul Bulk Vegetation and Soil

The deliverable from this Task is the removal of the bulk vegetation and soil down to resistance from solid limestone bedrock. Bulk vegetation shall be considered all of the material produced in Task 4 as well as the below ground plant material (i.e. stumps and roots). Soil shall be considered the all of the substrate down to the solid limestone bedrock. The depth of the soil (including roots and stumps) on top of the solid limestone bedrock is highly variable but most often ranges between 6-12 inches. Over the last three most recent land-clearing operations the cubic yards removed per acre have been 772 cubic yards/acre, 938 cubic yards per acre and 1305 cubic yards per acre for an average of 1005 cubic yards per acre. The contractor is advised to use 1005 cubic as the basis for estimates. The level of effort for this task requires, mounding soil and bulk vegetation for loading (windrowing), loading and hauling to a disposal mound. This task includes removing all material (down to resistance from solid limestone) associated with the work area.

Sub-Task 5B: Build Disposal Mound

The deliverable from this task is the building of a disposal mound while work is being conducted. The material used to build the disposal mound will consist of the bulk vegetation and substrate (soil, rock, vegetative debris, wood, stumps, roots, limbs, loose rubble) hauled from a work area. The disposal mound shall not consist of human trash, waste materials, human-made materials and equipment. The disposal mound can be built to a maximum height not to exceed 35 feet. The footprint of the mound is not to exceed 25 acres. Upon completion of each task order, the disposal mound is to have side slopes ranging from 3:1 to 4:1, and have a flat, nearly level top capable of being driven on with a small pick-up truck. The top should be graded in a manner where water drains to the edges and ponding on top of the mounds is not likely to occur. Woody material cannot be sticking up out of the mound that would prevent the safe passage of a small pick-up truck.

These standards must be met on each Task Order, in order to receive final acceptance from the CO.

The effort for this task may involve blading, bulldozing, chipping, grinding, grading, dust control or some combination thereof. Photo 3, Appendix B shows what acceptable completed mound work would look like. Photo 4, Appendix B shows mound work that would not be accepted as completed.

The contractor is advised that there is comparatively less soil to work with when compared to the amount of chopped and cut vegetation (limbs, branches, roots and stumps). The contractor is advised to develop a strategy to ensure that the cut and chopped vegetation is worked into the mound from the very beginning of hauling operations so that there is enough soil to “cap” the work and make it easier to successfully accomplish the deliverable. This strategy should be described in the Operating Plan.

Task 6: Final Scrape

The deliverable from this task requires complete removal (100%) of all the remaining loose substrate as is technically feasible (including loose rocks, rubble, gravel, dust and woody debris) and the cleaning out of large solution holes. The effort for this task involves grading or sweeping, excavating or some combination thereof and loading and hauling to the disposal site. This clean up includes the haul routes used between the work area and the disposal mound. Photos 1 and 2, Appendix B show previous work that has been accepted as final scrape.

Payment and Invoice Schedule

Payment shall be made based on the work completed each year and the contractor’s performance as outlined in the Contract Price Schedule, which is attached. Invoices may be submitted monthly based on the work completed. The Contractors are required to submit, at a minimum, an offer that conforms to the solicitation documents with pricing for all Base line items. Failure to do so may render the proposal unacceptable. On lump-sum line items, provide the total price only. For all unit-priced line items, provide the unit price and the extended total price. If no specific line item exists for a portion of the work, include the costs in a related item. In case of error in calculation of extended prices, the unit price governs. In case of errors in summations, the total of the corrected amounts govern. Round totals and extended prices to whole dollars. Pricing will be evaluated based on what is determined to be the best value to the Government.

Monthly Progress Reports:

Monthly progress reports accompanying monthly invoices shall be required.

a. An updated project schedule.

b. Summary of overall progress for previous report period and percent completion of project tasks.

c. Indication of any current problems, or favorable or unusual developments, task and scheduling alterations.

d. A description of the methods, work results and conclusions.

e. Summary of work to be accomplished during the next reporting period, and an updated project schedule.

Site inspections shall be scheduled between the contractor’s Project Manager and the COR no less than monthly. These inspections shall cover overall progress to date and quality of work related to meeting contract specifications and requirements. The contractor's Project Superintendent shall also be available to attend meetings, as requested by the COR.

Resource Damages

The contractor’s Project Superintendent shall ensure that all the landscape features identified by the COR for protection are not harmed, remain undisturbed and are avoided by the field equipment. Any violation of this requirement thereby causing damage to structures, native vegetation or other landscape features identified for protection shall be the responsibility of the contractor to repair.

The contractor shall, at the contractor's own expense, fully restore the structure, utilities or damaged site (i.e. return the site to its original or as near to original condition as possible). Restoration of damaged areas may include, but is not limited to the following methods: clearing of debris caused by damage, planting, replanting or seeding using same species as present in damaged site), and monitoring the disturbed site to successful restoration. Submission of a plan for Restoration of damaged areas shall be submitted within 30 days of damage occurring and the final restoration completed 30 days from approval of the plan or in the event less than 30 days on the task order exists, prior to demobilizing from the site and final acceptance is taken by the Government.

The contractor shall allow personnel under the Park’s auspices access to sites.

Directions to ENP, the Daniel Beard Center and HID

Take any major highway such as state road 997 (Krome) or the Ronald Reagan Turnpike (aka 821) to Homestead, Florida (Figure 1, Appendix A).

These routes intersect state road 9336 (aka Palm Drive) in Homestead. Take state road 9336 west to Everglades National Park. Once in the Park, state road 9336 becomes Main Park Road. Stay on Main Park Road until you arrive at an entrance/fee booth (do not pull off of Main Park Road and go to the Visitor Center).

From the entrance /fee booth go one mile west on Main Park Road towards Royal Palm. Turn left heading towards Royal Palm. In about 0.8 miles take your first right towards the Bill Robertson Jr. Center. In about 0.5 miles take your first right on to Research Road (there is a stop sign). Take

Research Road for approximately 3.8 miles. The Daniel Beard Center will be on the left.

Appendix A

Appendix B

Photo #1 Acceptable Final Scrape Quality

Photo #2 Acceptable Final Scrape Quality

Photo #3 Acceptable Mound Work

Photo#4. Unacceptable Mound Work.