A04_0040334264_SOW.pdf

Statement of Work Grand Canyon National Park

Implement Landscape Improvements at Rim Lodges – Phase 3

PMIS 200821

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

Scope: In accordance with the terms and conditions of this contract, the Contractor shall perform the work of this contract for the National Park Service (NPS), Grand Canyon National Park (GRCA), as described below.

Performance Period: The work of this task order shall be provided approximately from May 15, 2017 through November 10, 2017.

Project Identification: GRCA PMIS #200821 – Implement Landscape Improvements to Mitigate Elk – Human Interaction

Points of Contact:

Arizona MABO Contracting Officer:

Wendy Williams 928-638-7433 Wendy_Williams@nps.gov

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR):

TBD

II. PROJECT PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

Project Purpose and Background

The National Park Service (NPS) manages national parks and rehabilitates areas in parks consistent with their integrity and historic character. The park’s General Management Plan, Exotic Plant Management Plan, and Historic Village Cultural Landscape Report all call for removing nonnative species and reestablishing native landscaping.

To that end, the NPS eliminated Kentucky bluegrass (Poa Pratensis) lawns around the historic El Tovar and nearby rim lodges in fall 2013. The lawns were not a native species of the Grand Canyon and were planted in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s when the Kachina and Thunderbird lodges were constructed. In addition, removing the lawns helped to address human health and safety issues that have developed over the last decade; elk were attracted to the lawns as a food and water source, resulting in frequent, potentially dangerous elk-human interactions in a very busy location.

In lieu of the bluegrass lawns, native plant landscaping is being implemented in phases and will be consistent with the character of the cultural landscape around the El Tovar and adjacent rim lodges.

Phase 1 and 2 of the native plant landscaping has been implemented and includes implementation of planting beds on the north and east sides of the El Tovar and at the Thunderbird and Kachina Lodges; implementation of a demonstration garden on the north side of the El Tovar;

mailto:Wendy_Williams@nps.gov implementation of interpretive seating areas; and, stone lined paths. Phase 1 and 2 also included weeding and seeding of native grasses and forbs, and hydromulching of approximately 2 acres.

However, there are lots of weeds and/or undesirable native plants that are taking over areas where the desired effect is of predominantly native grass species.

This project (Phase 3) includes aggressive and frequent removal of weeds and unwanted native plants, spot soil scarification, seeding, fertilizing and spot hydromulching, in an area of approximately 2 acres. This project also includes charging of the irrigation system and making any needed repairs to the system. See attached Contract Limits of Work plan and Irrigation Asbuilt plan.

II. SCOPE OF SERVICE REQUIREMENTS:

Documentation: The contractor will provide a brief write-up documenting task outcomes and other information useful to this project and send a copy to the COR. Provide digital photos within the write-up and as external .jpg files (appropriately labeled) on a disc. The photos should be taken before, during and after the work from the same locations to document the process. A minimum of ten locations are required. Each location shall be geo-referenced and the coordinates shall be included within documentation.

General Information: All work shall be performed in accordance with III. QUALITY

STANDARDS.

Existing Site Conditions: Successful germination and growth from previous plantings exists in a minimum of 25% of the project area. Areas to be retained will be marked by the contractor through a site visit with NPS staff. Care will be taken to work around areas with plants to be retained; plants to be retained will be protected during weeding, seeding and hydromulching operations.

Soil Testing for Fertilization: The contractor shall take up to 5 soil samples and test for pH and organic matter. Based on test results, make a recommendation for organic fertilizer type and rate.

Include cost for fertilizer provision and application in bid.

Work within Lodging and Visitor Use areas: Work times are restricted between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. Contractor will provide visitor access along all pathways and will provide safety fencing and/or taping as needed to keep visitors safe and to keep visitors from walking on newly seeded areas.

TASK 1: WEED ERADICATION

The contractor shall remove all unwanted native plants and weeds in areas to be seeded and hydromulched. Weeding shall occur 5 times over the life of the contract; frequency shall be agreed upon by the contractor and COR, depending on site conditions. Assume frequency will be approximately monthly. The contractor shall also remove all unwanted native plants and weeds from planting bed locations on the east and north sides of the El Tovar, and in the planting beds around the Kachina, Thunderbird, and along the north side of the Arizona Room (however these areas will not be seeded or hydromulched). Survey site with NPS vegetation management staff to determine areas / plants to be retained (approximately 25% of the total 2 acres); mark plants/areas accordingly with flagging, paint and/or other materials; marking materials to be maintained so that they remain in place throughout the project.

Weeds and unwanted plants and their entire root system shall be removed utilizing hand tools. All removed vegetation shall be hauled to a landfill outside of the park for disposal.

TASK 2: SCARIFICATION / SEED BED PREPARATION

Scarify all areas where unwanted plants have been removed and in all bare areas where seeding and hydromulching is to occur. Scarify (loosen or stir) the soil surface with rake, hoe or thatcher to a depth of one inch. Avoid turning up new soil, as this will bring new weed seeds to the surface.The intent is to break up any hard soils or old hydromulch and provide pockets for optimal seed/soil contact.

TASK 3: SEEDING

Provide a seed mix as follows. Seed shall be certified weed free and shall be purchased from Flagstaff Native Plant and Seed or approved equal. Each of the 3 seed applications shall consist of the following mix and weights:

1. Bouteloua gracilis 12 lbs

2. Poa fendleriana 12 lbs

3. Hesperostipa comate 2 lbs

Broadcast 100% of seed in areas and per seed weight rate as shown on provided plans. Seeding shall occur 3 times; once in May, July and September.

TASK 4: FERTILIZING AND HYDROMULCHING

Fertilize and hydromulch (one or two step process, to be recommended by contractor for fertilizing needs).

Fertilizer shall be a Biosol 7-2-1 at a rate of 800 lbs per acre for approximately 2 acres. Hydromulch shall be a 100% virgin, weed free Wood Fiber Mulch (Aspen mulch or other wood fiber; must be COR approved) at a rate of 1,200-1,500 lbs per acre, for approximately 2 acres. Use hydraulic type equipment capable of providing a uniform application using water as the carrying agent.

TASK 5: CHARGE / REPAIR / SHUT OFF EXISTING IRRIGATION SYSTEM

There is an existing reclaim water irrigation system in place within the project area. A few modifications have occurred over the past 2 years and any needed repairs are anticipated to be minor. Assume not to exceed 20 man hours for repairs and $1,500 in repair materials (include in bid). At the end of the season, blow out/drain the system and prepare it for winter. Start-up and Shut-off costs shall be in addition to repair costs.

III. QUALITY STANDARDS

Quality Standards shall be in accordance with commercial practices and as described in this statement of work. All work in the Scope of Services shall adhere to III. Quality of Standards. If discrepancies exist the more stringent standards shall apply.

1. Safety. The contractor will understand that its employees will be working alongside hundreds to thousands of daily visitors. Proper safety protocol will be the responsibility of the contractor. This includes, but is not limited to, proper barriers and signage as needed, and safety attire for employees.

2. Quality Assurance

a. The contractor will be responsible for its workers at all times. The NPS expects full compliance with National Park Service regulations and the quality standards listed in this task order. The contractor is to assume this responsibility.

3. The contractor is expected to keep a clean job site. Dirt clods, mud, and any other debris are expected to be removed from adjacent walks / roadways prior to departure each day.

4. The contractor is expected to maintain the site’s existing pavement and rock lining conditions. Do not break, crack, or damage the pavement; replace in kind any damaged rock lining.

5. Shipping to the park is not permitted. NPS is not responsible for any items shipped to the park. This includes arranging any shipments, off-loading and secure storage.

6. Equipment Cleaning

a. All vehicles and equipment will be inspected before their entry into the park for mud, weeds, and other unwanted substances. Power-wash all equipment before loading for transport to the Park and conduct secondary inspection before off-loading equipment at park.

7. Plant Knowledge

a. The contractor will have an in-depth knowledge of the various plants that make up native plant species to be retained, and weed species to be removed. This includes but is not limited to plant identification of species, and the overall ecology of the area.

8. Hydromulching Standards:

a. Use 100% weed free, recycled wood fiber mulch at a dry weight rate of 1,200 –

1,500 lbs per acre.

b. Use an individual who is certified by the manufacturer or other acceptable certification training to install the hydromulch.

c. Do not apply the hydromulch immediately before, after or during rainfall such that the hydromulch will have opportunity to dry for up to 24 hours after installation.

d. Use a non-asphaltic, non-toxic, biodegradable guar gum based tackifier. The tackifier shall contain a dispersal agent that is natural and hydrocolloid treated for field mixing. The tackifier shall be made from 100% natural non-toxic ingredients. The emulsion shall have good cover and adherence to soil. The tackifier shall be a minimum of 84% soluble and able to yield 80% of peak viscosity within 5 minutes of mixing. The cured product shall have high resistance to wind and rain drop impacts.

e. To ensure proper curing of the tackifier, it shall be applied when the daytime temperature is above 50 degrees F., and minimum temperatures do not fall below freezing. It should not be applied to saturated wet soil or during rain.

9. Mulch:

a. Mulch shall consist of 100% recycled wood fibers

b. Moisture 10.0% ± 3% PH 5.4 ± 0.1

c. Organic matter (oven dried basis) 99.3% ± 0.2

d. Inorganic Ash (oven dried basis) .7% ± 0.2

e. Water Holding 1,100%

f. Terra-Wood Hydraulic Mulch or approved equal.

10. Fertilizer

a. Furnish 7-2-1 Biosol, or approved equal with the following characteristics to the hydromulch at a rate of 800 lbs per acre:

• 96% fungal biomass (dry mycelium), 1% water, and 3% potassium-magnesia

• N-P-K 7-2-1

• Total Nitrogen (N) 7.00%

1. Min 5.50% water insoluable mitrogen

• Available Phosphoric Acid (P2O5) 2.00%

• Soluble Potash (K2O) 1.00%

• Sterilized and weed free

11. Irrigation system start-up, minor repairs and shut off

a. Working closely with Xanterra, do an assessment of irrigation system needs and repairs. Notify COR if any repairs appear to be more extensive than the anticipated 20 man hours.

12. General Damage. The contractor will be held accountable for any damage to government property this includes, but is not limited to walls, paving surfaces, building structures and plants to be retained.

13. Promote a green jobsite

a. Wherever possible the contractor is encouraged to recycle all unused material in an offsite location.

b. The contractor shall not idle vehicles unnecessarily.

IV. PERFORMANCE

a. Place of performance: All work described shall take place at the Bright Angel, Thunderbird, Katchina, and El Tovar rim lodges at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

b. Period of performance: Construction period shall be 180 calendar days from notice to proceed.

c. All work shall be guaranteed for a period of 1 year.

V. RESOURCES PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT

The following items will be provided by the Government:

a. Site Plans

b. Irrigation Asbuilt Redlined Drawings

VI. PRE-BID MEETING AND BID PROPOSALS

It’s important that all bidders meet with NPS staff on-site on May 9, 2017 at 9am, to review the existing project conditions and get an understanding of project requirements. Bidders shall provide a detailed written proposal along with their cost proposal. Written proposals shall include a detailed approach for performing this scope of work. Proposals for alternative approaches for achieving the parks desired affect are welcome and encouraged. All proposals shall meet the evaluation criteria submitted as part of this solicitation.

VII. DESCRIPTION OF BID CONTRACT LINE ITEMS

Provide subtotal costs for each of Tasks 1-5.

For each task, provide itemized costs for each of the subtasks required for each task.

All itemized costs shall be fully loaded and include all general conditions, overhead, profit, bonding, taxes and insurance.

Task 1: Weed Eradication