Planting_for_Panhandle_Dunes_PWS.pdf

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

Dune Habitat Restoration-Perdido Key State Park, Gulf Islands National Seashore – Johnson Beach, and Escambia

County Perdido Key Access Points Escambia County, Florida

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

Part 1

General Information

1. GENERAL: This is a non-personnel services contract to provide services for “Restoring Dune Habitats in the Florida Panhandle – USFWS Implementation, NFWF Project ID #66691”. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein.

Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn is responsible to the Government.

1.1 Description of Services/Introduction: The Contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to facilitate the acceleration and/or enhance the recovery of degraded dune systems by re-establishing vegetation diversity as defined in this Performance Work Statement except for those items specified as Government furnished property and services. The Contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract.

1.2 Background: Project is to facilitate the acceleration and/or enhance the recovery of degraded dune systems by re-establishing vegetation diversity, local scale dune connectivity and landscape dune heterogeneity where storms or other disturbances have diminished vegetation cover and diversity. Wildlife habitat quality will be enhanced for beach mice and other wildlife species dependent upon dune ecosystems.

Focus Area: Perdido Key State Park Restoration Needs Perdido Key is a 15-mile barrier island in the western Panhandle of Florida, stretching from Pensacola Bay to Perdido Pass. Perdido Key State Park is managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s state parks division which includes approximately two miles of beach along the Gulf of Mexico as well as about two miles of back dune area with interdunal swale and scrub habitat. The state park is situated in between county owned and managed land whether that be public or privately owned parcels. The entirety of Perdido Key has experienced rapid development over the last 15 years and continues to do so today. Even though development is not directly inside the boundaries of the state park, the impacts can be seen from the surrounding areas. Perdido Key State Park also provides viable habitat for some federally or state listed species including the Perdido Key beach mouse, nesting shorebirds, and nesting sea turtles.

Figure 1. Location of Perdido Key State Park within the Florida panhandle

Two habitat restoration sites within the Focus Area were identified for restoration activities:

A) West Pavilions / Access B) East Pavilions / Access

Figure 2. Restoration sites “Western Pavilion / Access” (left) and “Eastern Pavilion / Access” (right) within the Perdido

Key State Park Focus Area

Focus Area: Gulf Islands National Seashore – Johnson Beach Restoration Needs Perdido Key is a 15-mile barrier island in the western Panhandle of Florida, stretching from Pensacola Pass to Perdido Pass. Johnson Beach is owned and managed by the National Park Service as a unit of Gulf Islands National Seashore (GUIS). Johnson Beach is located at the far western end of the eastern end of Perdido Key in Escambia County within the national park. Gulf Islands National Seashore is America’s largest national seashore and includes over 160 miles of coastline across Florida and Mississippi. The Perdido Key unit/Johnson Beach encompasses almost 7.5 miles of beach, dune, interdunal swale, and scrub habitat along the Gulf of Mexico. This area is extremely important for the conservation of several state and federally listed species. Johnson Beach is also one of the busiest sections of GUIS for recreational use by visitors. Hundreds of thousands of visitors a year come to Johnson Beach, which has led to the construction of a large pavilion and a large parking lot. Human activities also lead to concerns about human disturbance in natural areas. Johnson Beach has also suffered high levels of erosion, from hurricanes and other tropical storms. For these reasons, Johnson Beach is a high-priority candidate for restoration through the Panhandle Dune Ecosystem Project.

Figure 3. Johnson Beach on Gulf Islands National Seashore property indicated by the star symbol.

Two habitat restoration sites within the GINS Johnson Beach Focus Area were identified for restoration activities:

A) West Johnson Beach B) East Johnson Beach

Figure 4. “West Johnson Beach” (left) and “East Johnson Beach” (right) Restoration sites within the GINS Johnson Beach Focus Area

Focus Area: Escambia County – Perdido Key Access Points Restoration Needs Perdido Key is a 15-mile barrier island in the western Panhandle of Florida, stretching between Pensacola Pass to the east and Perdido Pass to the west. The Escambia County-Perdido Key project area extends approximately a quarter of a mile on the main portion of Perdido Key and consists of beach, dune, interdunal swale, and scrub habitat along the Gulf of Mexico where development is not present. The Escambia County-Perdido Key project area consists of a mixture of public and privately owned parcels, but the county is heavily involved in any restoration or conservation work being done. The three access points for the proposed restoration need are each access points that have been reserved for public use as well as emergency vehicle access to the beach. Beach access 4 lies west of Perdido Key State Park while Beach accesses 2 and 3 lie east of the state park, but west of Gulf Islands National Seashore. Human development as well as natural erosion has made these areas in the county a high priority for this project.

Figure 5. Location of SITE within the Florida panhandle

Three habitat restoration sites within the Escambia County – Perdido Key Access Points Focus Area were identified for restoration activities:

A) Beach Access 2 B) Beach Access 3 C) Beach Access 4

Figure 6. Restoration sites within the SITE Focus Area

1.3 Objectives: The USFWS Gulf Restoration Office (GRO), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and University of Florida-IFAS, West Florida Research and Education Center (UF) (hereafter known as the Project Oversight Team (POT)), shall work collaboratively to support the following restoration activities in selected focus areas throughout the Florida Panhandle.

• Restoring the historical heterogeneity of landscape features within the dune ecosystem

• Re-establishing connectivity of dunes in degraded areas where disturbance has created gaps or openings.

• Restoring or enhancing the natural diversity and richness of native dune vegetation

• Increasing the diversity and resilience of the coastal dune ecosystems to enhance wildlife/beach mouse populations that are dependent on them.

1.4 Scope:

1.4.1 Base Bid Task 1. Work Plan

The Contractor shall develop a work plan and submit it to the Government within 30 days of receiving the Notice to Proceed. The work plan shall detail the Contractor’s plan and proposed schedule for accomplishing the work required to complete Task 2, Task 3, Task 4, Task 5, and Task 6. The work plan shall adhere to technical specification TS-6.

1.4.2 Base Bid Task 2. Dune Planting

The Contractor shall provide all transportation, plants, equipment, labor, and materials necessary to plant Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum var. amarum) 2-inch containers, Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata) 2-inch containers, and Beach Elder (Iva imbricata) 4-inch containers at the designated restoration sites. See Attachment 1 - PDEP - PK State Park Restoration Plan.docx, Attachment 2 – PDEP - Johnson Beach Restoration Plan.docx, Attachment 3 - PDEP - Escambia County PK Restoration Plan.docx, and

Attachment 4 - PK EC JB Plot Summaries.xlsx for specific information on designated restoration sites.

Please note that the western portion of plot 2 in Attachment 2 - PDEP – Johnson Beach Restoration Plan.docx has been shifted 15 feet to the west as depicted in Appendix C. Figure 10. of this PWS to accommodate an emergency access added after publication of the Restoration Plan. This change does not alter the number of plants to be planted nor planting specifications. All planting containers, debris, trash, or other incidentals used by the Contractor shall be removed from the Project Site and properly disposed of prior to Final Acceptance and demobilization.

1.4.2.1 Plant Specifications:

All plants used for this task shall adhere to technical specifications TS-1. Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum var. amarum) shall adhere to technical specification TS-2. Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata) shall adhere to technical specification TS-3. Beach Elder (Iva imbricata) shall adhere to technical specification TS-4.

Table 1. Task 2 Dune Planting

Site Bitter Panicum (2-inch containers)

Sea Oats (2-inch containers)

Beach Elder (4-inch containers)

PK SP – West Pavilions / Access

6,112 6,056 5,804

PK SP – East Pavilions / Access

9,910 6,552 10,647

GINS JB – West Johnson Beach

5,298 5,088 5,088

GINS JB – East Johnson Beach

2,225 2,034 2,086

EC – Beach Access 2

291 335 248

EC – Beach Access 3

316 614 284

EC – Beach Access 4

963 924 928

Total 25,115 21,603 25,085

1.4.3 Base Bid Task 3. Wheat Straw or Wrack Installation

The Contractor shall install wheat straw and/or wrack material in designated restoration sites to slow erosion, recover dune height, and protect woody vegetation. See Attachment 1 - PDEP - PK State Park Restoration Plan.docx, Attachment 2 – PDEP - Johnson Beach Restoration Plan.docx, Attachment 3 - PDEP - Escambia County PK Restoration Plan.docx, and Attachment 4 - PK EC JB Plot Summaries.xlsx for specific information on designated restoration sites where wheat straw or wrack will be applied. Please note that the western portion of Plot 2 in Attachment 2 - PDEP – Johnson Beach Restoration Plan.docx has been shifted 15 feet to the west as depicted in Appendix C. Figure 10. of this PWS to accommodate an emergency access added after publication of the Restoration Plan. This does not alter the amount of wheat straw or wrack to be applied nor application specifications. All planting containers, debris, trash, or other incidentals used by the Contractor shall be removed from the Project Site and properly disposed of prior to Final Acceptance and demobilization.

1.4.3.1 Wheat Straw/Wrack Specifications:

All wheat straw or wrack shall adhere to technical specification TS-5.

Table 2. Task 3 Wheat Straw or Wrack Installation

Site Wheat Straw or Wrack Coverage (Sq Ft)

Perdido Key State Park 27,037.81

Gulf Islands National Seashore – Johnson Beach

13,291.52

Escambia County Beach Access

2,583.74

Total 42,913.07

1.4.4 Base Bid Task 4. Symbolic Fencing Installation

The Contractor shall provide all transportation, equipment, and labor, necessary to install symbolic rope fencing at the designated restoration sites. The Contractor shall provide all transportation, equipment, and labor necessary to install symbolic rope at the designated restoration sites, and install the signs provided by the Government. All materials and installation methods used for this task shall adhere to technical specification TS-7.

1.4.5 Base Bid Task 5. Restoration Sign Installation

The Contractor shall provide all transportation, equipment, and labor, necessary to install restoration signs onto symbolic fencing at the designated restoration sites. The Government shall provide the restoration signs. All materials and installation methods used for this task shall adhere to technical specification TS-8.

Table 3. Task 4 Symbolic Fence Installation and Task 5 Signage Installation

1.5 Period of Performance:

The period of performance shall be for one (1) Base Year of 12 months. Contractors must confer with the Contracting Officers Representative (COR) and/or designated POT prior to initiating and completing any work. Fencing and signage work as described in Task 4 and Task 5 shall be conducted between January 2, 2025, and February 14, 2025. Planting and Wheat Straw or Wrack work as described in Task 2 and Task 3 must be conducted between January 15, 2025, and February 28, 2025 and cannot begin until the Government has issued an initial acceptance for Task 4 and Task 5 (See section 1.6.3). All work (Tasks 2-

5) at the Perdido Key State Park Site must be completed prior to February 15, 2025, to minimize potential disturbance to and/or impacts from possible imperiled shorebird nesting.

1.6 Initial Inspection, Final Inspection Acceptance, and Payment

1.6.1 Plantings:

Site Symbolic Fencing (LF) Restoration Signage

PK SP – West Pavilions / Access 1,318.29 17

PK SP – East Pavilions / Access 1,395.47 18

GINS JB – West Johnson Beach 2,530.09 32

GINS JB – East Johnson Beach 1,187.75 15

EC – Beach Access 2 0 0

EC – Beach Access 3 0 0

EC – Beach Access 4 0 0

Total 6,431.60 82

When Task 2 “Dune Planting” has been satisfactorily completed in accordance with technical specifications, the COR shall be notified in writing stating work is completed and ready for initial inspection. The Government shall, unless otherwise provided, make the initial inspection within 10 business days after the receipt of such notification.

If the work provided for in the contract is found completed to the Government satisfaction, that inspection for initial completion of work shall constitute an initial acceptance for the plants that were inspected.

Payment for initial acceptance of the work shall be issued at a rate of 80% of the items bid price, with the remaining 20% being issued upon final acceptance.

When the work has been satisfactorily completed in accordance with technical specifications, and plants have been installed for a minimum of 30 days, the COR shall be notified in writing stating work is completed and ready for final inspection. The Government shall, unless otherwise provided, make the final inspection within 10 business days after the receipt of such notification.

If all work provided for in the contract is found completed to the Government’s satisfaction, that inspection shall constitute the final inspection and the Government will issue final acceptance and notify the Contractor in writing of this acceptance. Payment for final acceptance of the work shall be issued at a rate of the remaining 20% of the items bid price.

Work shall be inspected and judged based on standards specified in this document and in Technical Exhibit 1 “Performance Requirement Summary”.

1.6.2: Wheat Straw or Wrack Installation:

When Task 3 “Wheat Straw or Wrack Installation” has been satisfactorily completed in accordance with technical specifications, the COR shall be notified in writing stating work is completed and ready for final inspection. The Government shall, unless otherwise provided, make the final inspection within 5 business days after the receipt of such notification. If all work provided for in the contract is found completed to the Government’s satisfaction, that inspection shall constitute the final inspection and the Government will issue final acceptance and notify the Contractor in writing of this acceptance. Payment for final acceptance of the work shall be issued at a rate of 100% of the items bid price.

Work shall be inspected and judged based on standards specified in this document and in Technical Exhibit 1 “Performance Requirement Summary”.

1.6.3: Symbolic Fencing and Restoration Signage When Task 4 “Symbolic Fence Installation” and Task 5 “Signage Installation” have been satisfactorily completed in accordance with technical specifications, the COR shall be notified in writing stating work is completed and ready for initial inspection. The Government shall, unless otherwise provided, make the initial inspection within 5 business days after the receipt of such notification. If all work provided for in the contract is found completed to the Government’s satisfaction, that inspection shall constitute completion of the initial inspection and the Government will issue acceptance and notify the Contractor in writing of this acceptance. Payment for initial acceptance of the work shall be issued at a rate of 80% of the items bid price.

When Task 2 has been issued initial acceptance and Task 3 has been issued final acceptance, the COR shall be notified in writing stating work is completed and ready for final inspection. The Government shall, unless otherwise provided, make the final inspection within 5 business days after the receipt of such notification. If all work provided for in the contract is found completed to the Government’s satisfaction, that inspection shall constitute completion of the final inspection and the Government will issue acceptance and notify the Contractor in writing of this acceptance. Payment for final acceptance of the work shall be issued at a rate of the remaining 20% of the items bid price.

Work shall be inspected and judged based on standards specified in this document and in Technical Exhibit 1 “Performance Requirement Summary”.

1.7 General Information

1.7.1 Quality Control: The Contractor shall develop and maintain an effective quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The Contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The Contractor’s quality control program is the means by which he assures himself that his work complies with the requirement of the contract.

1.7.2 Quality Assurance: The Government shall evaluate the Contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. This plan is primarily focused on what the Government must do to ensure that the Contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rate(s).

1.7.3 Recognized Holidays:

New Year’s Day Labor Day Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Columbus Day President’s Day Veteran’s Day Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day Juneteenth National Independence Day Christmas Day Independence Day

1.7.4 Hours of Operation: The Contractor is responsible for conducting business, between the hours of 6:00am – 5:00pm CST, Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government directed facility closings. For other than firm fixed price contracts, the Contractor will not be reimbursed when the Government facility is closed for the above reasons. The Contractor must at all times maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS when the Government facility is not closed for the above reasons. When hiring personnel, the Contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the workforce are essential.

1.7.5 Place of Performance: The work to be performed under this contract will be performed at SITE

LOCATIONS.

1.7.6 Type of Contract: The Government will award a Firm Fixed Price Contract.

1.7.7 Security Requirements: Not applicable

1.7.7.1 Lock Combinations. Not applicable

1.7.8 Special Qualifications: Not applicable

1.7.9 Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings: Not applicable.

1.7.10 Contracting Officer Representative (COR): The (COR) will be identified by separate letter. 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. A letter of designation issued to the COR, a copy of which is sent to the Contractor, states the responsibilities and limitations of the COR, especially with regard to changes in cost or price, estimates or changes in delivery dates. The COR is not authorized to change any of the terms and conditions of the resulting order.

1.7.11 Key Personnel: The follow personnel are considered key personnel by the Government: Project Manager. The Contractor shall provide a contract manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate who shall act for the Contractor when the manager is absent shall be designated in writing to the contracting officer. The contract manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The project manager or alternate shall be available between 8:00a.m. to 4:30pm, Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed for administrative reasons.

1.7.12 Identification of Contractor Employees: N/A

1.7.13 Other Direct Costs: N/A

1.7.14 Organizational Conflict of Interest: N/A

1.7.15: Key Government Personnel: The following personnel are considered key personnel by the Government:

Contract Specialist: Lamont Sawyers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Joint Administrative Operations Ph:

301-575-6495; Email: lamont_sawyers@fws.gov

Contracting Officer’s Representative: Kara Barcomb, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Gulf Restoration Office, Ph: 251-510-6762; Email: kara_barcomb@fws.gov

Project Manager: Ashley Warren, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Gulf Restoration Office, Ph: 470-877- 8197; Email: ashley_warren@fws.gov.

Government Designated Field Representative: Tabitha Samuels, University of Florida, Ph: 850-736- 2504; Email: tlsamuels@ufl.edu mailto:lamont_sawyers@fws.gov mailto:kara_barcomb@fws.gov mailto:ashley_warren@fws.gov

PART 2

DEFINITIONS & ACRONYMS

2. DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS:

2.1. DEFINITIONS:

2.1.1. CONTRACTOR. A supplier or vendor awarded a contract to provide specific supplies or service to the Government. The term used in this contract refers to the prime.

2.1.2. CONTRACTING OFFICER. A person with authority to enter into, administer, and or terminate contracts, and make related determinations and findings on behalf of the Government. Note: The only individual who can legally bind the Government.

2.1.3. CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (COR). An employee of the U.S. Government appointed by the contracting officer to administer the contract. Such appointment shall be in writing and shall state the scope of authority and limitations. This individual has authority to provide technical direction to the Contractor as long as that direction is within the scope of the contract, does not constitute a change, and has no funding implications. This individual does NOT have authority to change the terms and conditions of the contract.

2.1.4. DEFECTIVE SERVICE. A service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with the Performance Work Statement.

2.1.5. DELIVERABLE. Anything that can be physically delivered, but may include non-manufactured things such as meeting minutes or reports.

2.1.6. KEY PERSONNEL. Contractor personnel that are evaluated in a source selection process and that may be required to be used in the performance of a contract by the Key Personnel listed in the PWS. When key personnel are used as an evaluation factor in best value procurement, an offer can be rejected if it does not have a firm commitment from the persons that are listed in the proposal.

2.1.7. PHYSICAL SECURITY. Actions that prevent the loss or damage of Government property.

2.1.8. QUALITY ASSURANCE. The Government procedures to verify that services being performed by the Contractor are performed according to acceptable standards.

2.1.9. QUALITY ASSURANCE Surveillance Plan (QASP). An organized written document specifying the surveillance methodology to be used for surveillance of Contractor performance.

2.1.10. QUALITY CONTROL. All necessary measures taken by the Contractor to assure that the quality of an end product or service shall meet contract requirements.

2.1.11. SUBCONTRACTOR. One that enters into a contract with a prime Contractor. The Government does not have privity of contract with the subcontractor.

2.1.12. WORK DAY. The number of hours per day the Contractor provides services in accordance with the contract.

2.1.12. WORK WEEK. Monday through Friday, unless specified otherwise.

2.2. ACRONYMS:

CO Contracting Officer COR Contracting Officer Representative FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation FWC Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission GRO Gulf Restoration Office LF Linear Foot NPS National Park Service NFWF National Fish and Wildlife Foundation POC Point of Contact PRS Performance Requirements Summary POT Project Oversight Team PWS Performance Work Statement QA Quality Assurance QAP Quality Assurance Program QASP Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan QC Quality Control QCP Quality Control Program TS Technical Specifications UF University of Florida-IFAS, West Florida Research and Education Center USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service

PART 3

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES

3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES:

3.1. Services: N/A

3.2 Facilities: N/A

3.3 Utilities: N/A

3.4 Equipment: N/A

3.5 Materials: The Government will provide 158 restoration signs to be installed by the Contractor. 32 of the signs will be “Informational” signs and the remaining 126 will be “Keep Out” signs.

PART 4

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES

4. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

4.1 General: The Contractor shall furnish all supplies, equipment, facilities and services required to perform work under this contract that are not listed under Section 3 of this PWS.

4.2 Secret Facility Clearance: N/A

4.3. Materials: N/A

4.4. Equipment: The Contractor shall identify the location for overnight storage of equipment and supplies (See TS-6.5).

PART 5

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Technical Specifications (TS):

TS-1 All Plants

1.1 The GOVERNMENT and/or the Government Designated Field Representative shall approve or reject plant materials based on their adherence to specifications outlined in TS-1, TS-2, TS-3, and TS-4, as applicable. At a minimum, plant material shall be inspected by the Government prior to shipment to the restoration sites. The Government reserves the right to reject plant materials any time prior to final inspection and acceptance.

1.2 The contracting nursery shall acclimate plant materials by growing plants in full sun conditions for at least ten (10) days prior to planting (i.e. not inside greenhouse, under glass, under shade cloth, etc.). A legible copy of all current state nursery license(s) and/or permit(s) issued to the contracting nursery (or nurseries, or their Subcontractors) to be utilized by the Contractor shall be provided to the Government prior to delivery of the plants to the project site.

1.3 Certification shall be provided that all plant materials have been produced in accordance with federal and state laws where applicable. Federal and State Quarantine Summaries are available through the Regulatory Affairs Director, American Nursery and Landscape Association, Washington, DC.

1.4 The Contractor, or its Subcontractor, shall secure all permits required in the transportation, collection, and propagation of nursery stock and submit a copy to the Government.

1.5 Within thirty (30) days following the receipt of the Notice to Proceed, the Contractor shall notify, in writing to the Government, that plant material is on the premises of the nursery (or nurseries) responsible for growing operations in an amount sufficient to propagate the required number of Contract transplants. After submission of the nursery or nurseries to be utilized, the Contractor shall not change the selected source of plant materials without notifying the Government in writing.

1.6 Plants shall be free of defects, disfiguring, sun scalding, diseases, insects, insect eggs, borers, or other forms of infections or infestation.

1.7 Plants shall be viable and actively growing as indicated by a proliferation of new root development within the container. Plants must show sufficient growth so that a soil root-ball remains formed when the plant is removed from the container. No plants shall be loose in containers.

1.8 Plants appearing discolored, shriveled, dehydrated, or otherwise damaged will be rejected and shall be removed and replaced immediately at the Contractor’s expense. Plants not meeting specifications or not installed in compliance with the Contract shall be replaced and replanted according to the specifications at the Contractor’s expense.

1.9 The Contractor and the nursery (or nurseries) shall make available for inspection to the Government the specified plants that are to be used for this project.

1.10 All plants shall be packed for delivery from the nursery to the delivery site and from the delivery site to the planting site in such a manner as to ensure adequate protection against climatic, seasonal, wind damage or other injuries during transit.

Special care shall be taken for prompt delivery and careful handling in loading and unloading. Damaged plants shall be rejected by the Government and shall be removed and replaced immediately at the Contractor’s expense.

1.11 Each individual shipment of plants to the delivery site shall be accompanied by a delivery slip indicating the following information: 1) source of plant material (nursery name), 2) species (scientific and common name), 3) plant size, 4) quantity being delivered, 5) date of delivery, and 6) date dug or packed for shipment. Shipping slips are to be signed by the Contractor. Copies of the shipping slips shall be provided to the Government and/or its Resident Project Representative at time of plant delivery.

1.12 The growing medium shall be free of any foreign objects such as glass, shell, stones, pottery, or other debris not generally considered standard potting media.

Acceptable growing medium shall be a homogeneous mixture of various substrates such as shredded pine wood, pine bark (¾ and ⅜ size), hardwood, coconut fiber, or rice hulls.

Growing media shall not contain perlite or other inorganic components, such as Styrofoam. Commercially prepared horticulture potting mixes are suitable but also shall not contain inorganic components, such as perlite or Styrofoam.

TS-2. Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum var. amarum)

2.1 Description: Acceptable Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum var. amarum) plants for the purpose of this Contract are nursery grown plants produced vegetatively or from seed collected from source materials originating from the Gulf coast of Florida. For this project, Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum var. amarum) shall be grown in two (2) inch containers. If cutting or seed materials from within the project area are not readily available in quantities needed to complete the project, then the Contractor may utilize other sources with the approval of the Government.

2.1.1 Plants produced from cuttings or seeds collected from the project area are preferred. Plants produced from cell and tissue culture lines, DNA fragments and pollen, or other methods of biotechnology are not acceptable.

2.2 Work Plan. The work plan developed by the Contractor shall adhere to the following guidelines with regards to Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum var. amarum):

2.2.1 Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum var. amarum) shall be planted in all designated plots as outlined in the Restoration Plan.

2.2.2 Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum var. amarum) shall be planted 18 inches on center (see Appendix A) and adjacent to only Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata) and/or Beach Elder (Iva imbricata). Row spacing may vary between 18 inches and 1 meter, as specified in the Restoration Plan.

2.2.3 The number of plants needed will be adjusted following finalization of the work plan and will be subject to onsite adjustments at the time of installation.

2.3 Plant Size: Each two (2) inch container of Panicum amarum var. amarum shall have a minimum two (2) inch rootball and a minimum three (3) live and actively growing stems.

Each of the three (3) required stems shall have a minimum stem height/length of twelve

(12) inches from the stem-root interface to the stem (not leaf) tip.

2.4 Fertilization: Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum var. amarum) plugs shall not be fertilized at the time of planting.

2.5 Plant Installation: All containerized plants shall be planted in a dug hole. The plant shall be removed from the container immediately prior to planting and placed into the hole.

Plants shall not be removed from the container prior to transport to the site. The depth of the planting hole shall be fixed so that the top surface of the plant root ball is at least six

(6) inches below the sand surface. The planting hole shall be tightly closed around the plant, covering the production substrate entirely, and plants must remain erect after planting as shown on the Restoration Plan.

2.5.1 Plants shall be planted the same day they are delivered to the site. Plants shall not become water stressed prior to planting. Plants shall retain their stem and leaf rigidity at all times, indicating adequate moisture is being received. Plants shall be watered with water within the salinity ranges in which they were grown. The Contractor must take the necessary precautions to ensure that plant materials receive adequate water during all phases of the Contract prior to actual planting.

Transplants must stay moist during mobilization and while on site prior to planting. Rootballs shall be moist at the time of planting. Plants appearing discolored, shriveled, dehydrated, or otherwise stressed shall be rejected.

2.5.2 The Government and/or its Resident Project Representative reserve the right to reject any plant material not meeting minimum specifications.

2.6 Measurement and Payment: Payment for this item will be made at the Contract unit price per each for Bid Item 2, “Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum var. amarum) – Two-Inch Container” which price and payments shall constitute compensation for furnishing all overhead, profit, labor, materials, equipment for installation, and any other cost incidental to performing all Work as specified herein. No payment shall be made for plants that are rejected or damaged due to fault or negligence by the Contractor.

TS-3. Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata)

3.1 Description: Acceptable Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata) plants for the purpose of this Contract are nursery grown plants produced vegetatively or from seed collected from source materials originating from the Gulf coast of Florida. For this project, Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata) shall be grown in two (2) inch containers. If cutting or seed materials from within the project area are not readily available in quantities needed to complete the project, then the Contractor may utilize other sources with the approval of the Government.

3.1.1 Plants produced from cuttings or seeds collected from the project area are preferred. Plants produced from cell and tissue culture lines, DNA fragments and pollen, or other methods of biotechnology are not acceptable.

3.2 Work Plan. The work plan developed by the Contractor shall adhere to the following guidelines with regards to Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata):

3.2.1 Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata) shall be planted in all designated plots as outlined in the Restoration Plan.

3.2.2 Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata) shall be planted 18 inches on center (see Appendix A) and adjacent to only Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum var. amarum) and/or

Gulf Bluestem (Schizachyrium maritimum). Row spacing may vary between 18 inches and 1 meter, as specified in the Restoration Plan.

3.2.3 The number of plants needed will be adjusted following finalization of the work plan and will be subject to onsite adjustments at the time of installation.

3.3 Plant Size: Each two (2) inch container of Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata) shall have a minimum two (2) inch rootball . Plants shall have a minimum stem/leaf height/length of ten (10) inches from the stem-root interface to the leaf tip.

3.4 Fertilization: Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata) plugs shall not be fertilized at the time of planting.

3.5 Plant Installation: All containerized plants shall be planted in a dug hole. The plant shall be removed from the container immediately prior to planting and placed into the hole.

When the container is removed, the roots and medium shall be held intact in the same shape and size as the container and shall remain intact throughout the planting installation. Plants shall not be removed from the container prior to transport to the site.

The depth of the planting hole shall be fixed so that the top surface of the plant rootball is at least six (6) inches below the sand surface. The planting hole shall be tightly closed around the plant, covering the production substrate entirely, and plants must remain erect after planting as shown on the Restoration Plan.

3.5.1 Plants shall be planted the same day they are delivered to the site. Plants shall not become water stressed prior to planting. Plants shall retain their stem and leaf rigidity at all times, indicating adequate moisture is being received. Plants shall be watered with water within the salinity ranges in which they were grown. The Contractor must take the necessary precautions to ensure that plant materials receive adequate water during all phases of the Contract prior to actual planting.

Transplants must stay moist during mobilization and while on site prior to planting. Rootballs shall be moist at the time of planting. Plants appearing discolored, shriveled, dehydrated, or otherwise stressed shall be rejected.

3.5.2 The Government and/or its Resident Project Representative reserve the right to reject any plant material not meeting minimum specifications.

3.6 Measurement and payment: Payment for this item will be made at the Contract unit price per each for Bid Item 3, “Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata) – Two-Inch Container” which price and payments shall constitute compensation for furnishing all overhead, profit, labor, materials, equipment for installation, and any other cost incidental to performing all Work as specified herein. No payment shall be made for plants that are rejected or damaged due to fault or negligence by the Contractor.

TS-4. Beach Elder (Iva imbricata)

4.1 Description: Acceptable Beach Elder (Iva imbricata) plants for the purpose of this Contract are nursery grown plants produced vegetatively or from seed collected from source materials originating from the Gulf coast of Florida. For this project, Beach Elder (Iva imbricata) shall be grown in four (4) inch containers. If cutting or seed materials from within the project area are not readily available in quantities needed to complete the project, then the Contractor may utilize other sources with the approval of the Government.

4.1.1 Plants produced from cuttings or seeds collected from the project area are preferred. Plants produced from cell and tissue culture lines, DNA fragments and pollen, or other methods of biotechnology are not acceptable.

4.2 Work Plan. The workplan developed by the Contractor shall adhere to the following guidelines with regards to Beach Elder (Iva imbricata):

4.2.1 Beach Elder (Iva imbricata) shall be planted in all designated plots as outlined in the Restoration Plan.

4.2.2 Beach Elder (Iva imbricata) shall be planted 18 inches on center (see Appendix

A) and adjacent to only Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata) and/or Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum var. amarum). Row spacing may vary between 18 inches and 1 meter, as specified in the Restoration Plan.

4.2.3 The number of plants needed will be adjusted following finalization of the work plan and will be subject to onsite adjustments at the time of installation.

4.3 Plant Size: Each four (4) inch container of Iva imbricata shall have a minimum four (4) inch rootball and a minimum two (2) live and actively growing stems. Each of the two (2) required stems shall have a minimum stem height/length of six (6) inches from the stem-root interface to the stem (not leaf) tip.

4.4 Fertilization: Beach Elder (Iva imbricata) plugs shall not be fertilized at the time of planting.

4.5 Plant Installation: All containerized plants shall be planted in a dug hole. The plant shall be removed from the container immediately prior to planting and placed into the hole.

Plants shall not be removed from the container prior to transport to the site. The depth of the planting hole shall be fixed so that the top surface of the plant root ball is at least three (3) inches below the sand surface. The planting hole shall be tightly closed around the plant, covering the production substrate entirely, and plants must remain erect after planting as shown in the Restoration Plan.

4.5.1 Plants shall be planted the same day they are delivered to the site. Plants shall not become water stressed prior to planting. Plants shall retain their stem and leaf rigidity at all times, indicating adequate moisture is being received. Plants shall be watered with water within the salinity ranges in which they were grown. The Contractor must take the necessary precautions to ensure that plant materials receive adequate water during all phases of the Contract prior to actual planting.

Transplants must stay moist during mobilization and while on site prior to planting. Rootballs shall be moist at the time of planting. Plants appearing discolored, shriveled, dehydrated, or otherwise stressed shall be rejected.

4.5.2 The Government and/or its Resident Project Representative reserve the right to reject any plant material not meeting minimum specifications.

4.6 Measurement and Payment: Payment for this item will be made at the Contract unit price per each for Bid Item 2, “Beach Elder (Iva imbricata) – Four-Inch Container” which price and payments shall constitute compensation for furnishing all overhead, profit, labor, materials, equipment for installation, and any other cost incidental to performing all Work as specified herein. No payment shall be made for plants that are rejected or damaged due to fault or negligence by the Contractor.

TS-5. Wrack/Wheat Straw Installation

5.1 Description: Because of the important resource it provides (wildlife food source and habitat, sand stabilization, seed dispersal), natural wrack should not be removed from a beach for the purpose of placing around newly transplanted dune species. However, wrack is mechanically removed from some beaches and bays in the Panhandle for aesthetic reasons. Using natural wrack that would otherwise be discarded is the preferred supplement to the dune plantings, but availability is often not reliable. When natural wrack is not available, wheat straw shall be used as a substitute to enhance moisture retention, plant growth, and sand accumulation.

5.1.1 Both wrack and wheat straw shall be free of debris, trash, or other foreign objects. Wheat straw shall also be free of seeds.

5.2 Installation:

5.2.1 Wrack or wheat straw shall be spread around designated plugs of sea oats as outlined in the Restoration Plans (see Attachment 1 - PDEP - PK State Park Restoration Plan.docx, Attachment 2 – PDEP - Johnson Beach Restoration Plan.docx, Attachment 3 - PDEP - Escambia County PK Restoration Plan.docx, and Attachment 4 - PK EC JB Plot Summaries.xlsx). Please note that the western portion of Plot 2 in Attachment 2 - PDEP – Johnson Beach Restoration Plan.docx has been shifted 15 feet to the west as depicted in Appendix C. Figure 10. of this PWS to accommodate an emergency access added after publication of the Restoration Plan. This does not alter the amount of wheat straw or wrack to be applied nor application specifications.

5.2.1.1 The wrack or wheat straw shall be spread such that they form a consistent layer with no obvious gaps and that has a uniform thickness of 1-inch.

5.2.1.2 Wrack or wheat straw will only partially cover restoration plots, with some rows and species left out. Refer to the Restoration Plans for specifics.

TS-6. Work Plan

6.1 The following items shall be included in the Work Plan in addition to those required by TS-2.2, TS-3.2, and TS-4.2.

6.2 The source(s) of all plant materials (nursery name, mailing and physical address, phone number, and name of contact person);

6.3 A legible copy of all current and state nursery licenses and/or permits issued to the nursery, or nurseries;

6.4 A letter from the nursery or nurseries supplying plant materials that it has received, read, and understands the plant specifications regarding this Contract and that it will provide plant materials meeting these Specifications;

6.5 The types of equipment the Contractor proposes to use for delivering plant materials from the nursery to the delivery site and from the delivery site to the planting site and on the planting site to transport materials, personnel, etc.;

6.5.1 The Contractor shall identify a site for overnight storage of equipment outside of the dune and beach areas.

6.6 The Contractor’s proposed method of protecting plants from the nursery to the delivery site and from the delivery site to the Project Site;

6.7 The Contractor’s proposed method of salt-hardening plants and watering plants prior to planting;

6.8 The estimated Work Schedule that shows the planned schedule of dates and timelines for the major elements of work required to complete the Work described in these Specifications, including but not limited to the anticipated dates of the following:

6.8.1 The date all plant materials are on the premises of the nursery or nurseries;

6.8.2 The anticipated dates that salt-hardening shall be commenced and completed;

6.8.3 The anticipated date(s) for the site layout and staking;

6.8.4 The anticipated initiation of delivery and planting operations at the work location;

6.8.5 The estimated duration of planting operations.

6.9 Field Adjustments: If a planting plot or symbolic fencing as specified in Attachment 1 - PDEP - PK State Park Restoration Plan.docx, Attachment 2 – PDEP - Johnson Beach Restoration Plan.docx, Attachment 3 - PDEP - Escambia County PK Restoration Plan.docx, or Attachment 4 - PK EC JB Plot Summaries.xlsx cannot be planted, the Contractor may request an adjustment to the location and spacing of the planting plot or symbolic fencing from the USFWS Project Manager or the Government Designated Field Representative. Upon approval of the request the Contractor may make the necessary field adjustments for installation and shall document their changes from the original relevant restoration plan. A summary of all documented changes shall be provided to the Government within 30 days of plant installation.

6.9.1 Acceptable reasons for a field adjustment include but are not limited to:

6.9.1.1 Presence of nesting shorebirds.

6.9.1.2 Changes in dune topography.

6.9.1.3 Presence of existing plants.

6.9.1.4 Unanticipated discovery of cultural resources.

6.9.2 Field adjustments shall not result in changes to established pricing and schedule. Any changes that would result in changes to pricing shall be handled through a contract modification.

6.10 Inadvertent Discovery of Cultural Resource Procedure: The Contractor shall specify their procedures to adhere to the following requirements issued by the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources:

6.10.1 If prehistoric or historic artifacts, such as pottery or ceramics, projectile points, dugout canoes, metal implements, historic building materials, or any other physical remains that could be associated with Native American, early European, or American settlement are encountered at any time within the project site area, the permitted project shall cease all activities involving subsurface disturbance in the vicinity of the discovery. The applicant shall contact the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources, Compliance Review Section at (850)- 245-6333. Project activities shall not resume without verbal and/or written authorization. In the event that unmarked human remains are encountered during permitted activities, all work shall stop immediately and the proper authorities notified in accordance with Section 872.05, Florida Statutes.

6.10.2 Procedures must include contacting the USFWS Project Manager.

6.11 The Work Plan shall be submitted to the Government within 30 days of issuance of the NTP. The Government shall review the Work Plan and have the Contractor make any necessary revisions prior to acceptance of the plan.

TS-7. Symbolic Fencing

7.1 Materials and Assembly:

7.1.1 Acceptable materials for posts include untreated wooden construction stakes, PVC pipe, and fiberglass (e.g. Carsonite).

7.1.2 Posts shall be approximately 4 feet tall within backdune areas (landward of primary dune line) and 6 feet tall within foredune areas (seaward of the primary dune line on the tidally influenced beach).

7.1.3 Rope shall be 4mm polypropylene or Nylon rope in a bright color that is visible against bright white sand, such as red or blue.

7.2 Installation:

7.2.1 Symbolic fencing shall be placed according to maps in Attachment 1 - PDEP -

PK State Park Restoration Plan.docx, Attachment 2 – PDEP - Johnson Beach Restoration Plan.docx, Attachment 3 - PDEP - Escambia County PK Restoration Plan.docx, and Attachment 4 - PK EC JB Plot Summaries.xlsx. Please note that the western portion of Plot 2 in Attachment 2 - PDEP – Johnson Beach Restoration Plan.docx has been shifted 15 feet to the west as depicted in Appendix C. Figure 10. of this PWS to accommodate an emergency access added after publication of the Restoration Plan. This change adds 167.04 linear feet of symbolic fencing to what was published in the Restoration Plan.