S03 2023 Veg IDIQ Statement of Work draft 11_18_22_FINAL_draft.pdf

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STATEMENT OF WORK

VEGETATIVE PLANTINGS WITHIN COASTAL LOUISIANA

The purpose of this contract is to acquire professional/technical services from one or more organizations to implement vegetative plantings conducted by NRCS through programs supporting Louisiana coastal wetland restoration activities.

1. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES. The contractor shall provide all materials, equipment, tools, supplies, labor, expertise and required credentials (licenses, permits and certifications) necessary to propagate, furnish, transport, and install coastal vegetative, seeds, plants and ancillary materials as specified in individual task orders within coastal Louisiana (Louisiana Coastal Zone Map, State of LA 2007). In all instances, the work shall be performed in a manner to avoid or minimize impacts and damages to the environment.

1.1 COASTAL VEGETATIVE PLANTINGS. The work shall consist of excavating, propagating and/or furnishing, transporting, and installing coastal wetland plants, seeds, and ancillary materials at various locations throughout coastal Louisiana. In most instances, the contractor will be provided specific plans and specifications to include plant species, plant sizes or seeds, plant or seed numbers, general or specific planting locations, and other details.

In all cases, the contractor will be required to submit to the Contracting Officer (CO) a fully detailed work plan describing the technical and management approach for propagating, furnishing, transporting, and installing coastal vegetative plants, seeds, and ancillary materials. The work plan must be approved by the CO prior to initiation of work.

1.1.1 PLANTS. All plants or seeds shall be obtained by or from a state licensed and/or permitted nursery grower. Plants and seeds shall be true to name (genus, species, and if specified, variety, cultivar or ecotype) and true to all specifications as stated in the task order.

1.1.1.1. Task orders may specify an ecotype / cultivar that has been released by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Golden Meadow Plant Materials Center (PMC) or the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center (AgCenter). In such instances, plants shall be produced vegetatively from first generation foundation material or as accessional generations from foundation material released by the PMC or AgCenter. Plants produced from seed, cell and tissue culture lines, DNA fragments and pollen, or other methods of biotechnology are not acceptable. Foundation material as it relates to this contract is defined as 1) vegetative germplasm released and maintained by the PMC or AgCenter; 2) foundation material provided directly to the

2 | P a g e nursery from the PMC or AgCenter; and/or 3) vegetative propagules subsequently produced as direct accessional generations from the original foundation material provided to the nursery.

1.1.1.2. Herbaceous and woody plant species that may be required by this contract include but are not necessarily limited to:

Spartina alterniflora ‘Vermilion’ (also commonly known as ‘Vermilion’ smooth cordgrass), or an ecotype/cultivar of Spartina alterniflora released by the LSU AgCenter

Spartina cynosuroides (also commonly known as big cordgrass or hog cane)

Schoenoplectus californicus Bayou Lafourche Germplasm, or a Louisiana coastal ecotype of Schoenoplectus californicus (also commonly known as Bayou Lafourche Germplasm California bulrush or California bulrush, respectively)

Spartina patens ‘Gulf Coast’ (also commonly known as ‘Gulf Coast’ marshhay cordgrass)

Pasapalum vaginatum Brazoria germplasm (also commonly known as Brazoria germplasm seashore paspalum)

Panicum amarum var. amarum Fourchon germplasm (also commonly known as Fourchon germplasm bitter panicum)

Juncus roemerianus (a Louisiana coastal ecotype of Juncus roemerianus; also commonly known as black needlerush)

Phragmites Communis (a Louisiana coastal ecotype of Phragmites Communis; also commonly known as roseau cane)

Zizaniopsis miliaceae (a Louisiana coastal ecotype of Zizaniopsis miliaceae; also commonly known as giant cutgrass)

Avicennia germinans Pelican germplasm (also commonly known as Pelican germplasm black mangrove

Quercus virginiana (a Louisiana coastal ecotype of Quercus virginiana;

also commonly known as live oak)

Taxodium distichum (a Louisiana coastal ecotype of Taxodium distichum;

also commonly known as baldcypress)

Morus rubra (a Louisiana coastal ecotype of Morus rubra; also commonly known as red mulberry)

Morella cerifera (a Louisiana coastal ecotype of Morella cerifera; also commonly known as wax myrtle)

Celtis laevigata (a Louisiana coastal ecotype of Celtis laevigata; also commonly known as sugarberry)

Callicarpa americana (a Louisiana coastal ecotype of Callicarpa americana; also commonly known as French mulberry)

Lycium barbarum (a Louisiana coastal ecotype of Lycium barbarum; also commonly known as matrimony vine).

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1.1.1.3. The required plant forms or sizes may include seeds rhizome material, cuttings, bare-root plugs, seedlings, saplings or potted or containerized material of various sizes.

1.1.1.4. When required, appropriate measures of protection, salt and/or sun hardening and site adaptation shall be provided according to the requirements of the individual task order to prepare contract plants for successful transplanting into the project site.

1.1.1.5. The CO, Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or other representative may inspect project plants at the place of growth or seeds at the place of collection or storage. Inspection of plants at the place of growth will not impair the right to reject plants at any time during the execution of the task order. Inspection of seeds at the place of collection or storage will not impair the right to reject seeds at any time during the execution of the task order.

1.1.1.6. All plants or seeds shall be packed for delivery to ensure adequate protection against climatic, seasonal, mechanical, or other injury during transit, loading, unloading, holding, staging and planting.

1.1.1.7. All plants shall be produced and transported in accordance with all applicable federal regulations and state statutes. All seeds shall be collected, stored, and transported in accordance with all applicable federal regulations and state statutes.

1.1.2 ANCILLARY ITEMS.

1.1.2.1 When required, plant containers shall be as specified and may be round, square, or tubular-shaped individual containers, or molded tube trays. Containers must be constructed of rigid plastics. Paper, polystyrene (Styrofoam), peats, or other biodegradable materials are not acceptable.

1.1.2.2 Potting medium must be completely free of any foreign objects such as glass, shell, stones, pottery, or other debris not generally considered standard potting media. Standard potting media are various concentrations of silt, sand, and/or clay separates with or without the addition of organic matter. In all cases, potting medium must be of sufficient soil cohesiveness and plasticity such that the roots and medium of the rootball remain intact upon removal from the container and shall remain intact throughout the planting operations, or until loosening of the outer roots of tightly-rooted plants is necessary immediately prior to placing the plant into the ground.

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1.1.2.3 When required, each plant or seed shall be fertilized at the time of planting with one slow-release, fertilizer tablet or packet suitable for aquatic environments. Unless otherwise specified, individual tablet or packet weight shall be between 10 grams minimum and 25 grams maximum, and shall contain a minimum of 10% nitrogen to a maximum of 20% nitrogen, minimum of 10% phosphorus to a maximum of 30% phosphorus, and minimum of 10% potassium to a maximum of 20% potassium. The contractor shall submit documentation of the fertilizer parameters to the COR prior to the start of planting for each individual task order.

1.1.2.4 When required, the contractor shall install anchors fabricated from one-quarter-inch (1/4”) diameter reinforcing rod (also known as “pencil rod”) or No. 3 (3/8” diameter) reinforcing rod. Dimensions and configuration of anchor rods shall conform to the task order plans, but typically a hook and stem shall be shaped from rods that are a minimum of thirty-two inches (32”) in length.

1.1.2.5 Herbivore excluder devices may be required to protect project plantings on a case-by-case basis. Final device selection will be made from pre-manufactured photo- or bio-degradable protection or contractor fabricated devices or netting and will be based on site-and project-specific conditions.

1.1.3 PLANTING SITE DESCRIPTION. Planting sites may include shorelines

(bayou, channel, lake, bay, and Gulf); fragmented marsh; mudflats;

shallow open water; newly created marsh and sand platforms; ridges;

and/or barrier island beaches and dunes. Soil / substrate conditions may range from fairly firm and easily trafficable to very soft or fluid and very difficult to traverse.

1.1.3.1 LOCATION. Planting locations may range from relatively close proximity to public roads and docks to very remote and distant from public roads and docks.

1.1.3.2 PLANTING SCHEDULE. Project plantings may be a component of, and therefore dependent on, a larger restoration project being implemented by NRCS. In such cases, scheduling of plant propagation, seed collection, and/or planting activities may require specific coordination and may be conditional to the schedule for other construction work. In addition, scheduling of activities may be conditional to site-specific climatic conditions or wildlife concerns, and schedule revisions may be necessary. Hold and care for plants or seeds may be required if project delays occur.

1.1.3.3 ACCESSABILITY. The planting locations and access to the

5 | P a g e planting locations lie within a dynamic coastal environment subject at any time to significant temporary or permanent changes in environmental conditions. The contractor is advised that tide levels will vary due to weather and daily tides. Historical water level data can be obtained from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S.

Geological Survey. The contractor may also obtain water level data from the Coastal Reference Monitoring System (CRMS) website at http://lacoast.gov/crms2/home.aspx. The contractor is responsible for taking the appropriate measures to ensure that tidal fluctuations do not interfere with access to and maneuverability at the planting sites. Task orders shall not be modified to increase the performance time or monetary value as a result of these conditions or changes which may occur during performance. No excavation shall be allowed to increase flotation or draft depths for access to the sites.

FIELD EQUIPMENT USE AND LIMITS. At some sites, including but not limited to fragmented marsh, mudflats, shallow open water, and newly created marsh platforms, airboats and/or small outboards may be needed to perform the work. Established trails and access canals shall be utilized whenever possible. Marshbuggy use shall not be allowed.

1.1.3.4 GENERAL WORK LIMITS. The contractor’s movement at the planting sites shall be limited to the planting areas and access routes stated in the plans, specifications, and/or work plan. The contractor shall not place or stage any plant material, equipment, etc., including the parking of boats, on any emergent marsh or land. Existing emergent marsh vegetation shall not be damaged or destroyed in the process of installing contract plants. Any damage to existing marsh shall be restored to pre-existing conditions as approved by the COR.

1.1.3.5 SITE LAYOUT. The NRCS will stake any coordinate locations shown on the plans. Staking by the NRCS will be on a one-time basis. If any stakes or marks are destroyed by the contractor, these will have to be replaced by the contractor at his or her own expense. Prior to planting, the contractor shall be responsible for any additional staking required to meet the plant location requirements as shown on the plans and as concurred in by the COR. Planting locations, configurations, and the method for locating correct plant position shall be indicated in the work plan and approved by the CO and COR prior to planting. Any staking or layout performed by the contractor shall utilize a GPS unit with an accuracy of +/- 3 meter for horizontal positioning. The type and accuracy of GPS equipment to be used shall be submitted in the work plan. If needed, the NRCS will establish one or two water level gauges within or near the planting site. If additional gauges are needed, it shall be the contractor’s responsibility to establish these as needed. All materials used for http://lacoast.gov/crms2/home.aspx

6 | P a g e staking by the contractor shall be removed upon completion of the work prior to final inspection.

1.1.3.6 All containers, sacks, or other trash and debris resulting from the planting operation shall be collected on a daily basis, removed from the job site, and recycled or disposed of according to all applicable regulatory requirements.

1.1.3.7 The Contractor shall provide to the COR the number of contract plants in place in the designated planting areas at the end of each planting day.

1.1.3.8 Prior to final inspection, all missing and damaged plants or seeds shall be replaced. At the time of final inspection, the required number of contract plants or seeds shall be in place and meet contract plans and specifications.

1.1.4 OTHER REQUIREMENTS

1.1.4.1 The contractor shall include the State of Louisiana and other landowners identified by the CO as additional insured parties, on any and all pertinent liability insurance policies maintained by the contractor during the execution of the task order. A copy of the insurance policy shall be provided to the Contracting Officer (CO) prior to the Notice to Proceed being given.

1.1.4.2 The contractor shall be familiar with and adhere to any and all

Federal, state or local safety regulations pertaining to vehicle and boat operations, particularly operation of vessels on navigable waterways subject to U.S. Coast Guard jurisdiction. This includes obtaining required licenses and certifications for operation of such equipment.

1.1.4.3 The contractor is made aware that occasional access by landowners, lessees and oilfield and utility company employees throughout the work area may be required. The contractor shall provide for such passage in a reasonably adequate and satisfactory manner on such occasions.

1.2 OTHER TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AS REQUIRED:

1.2.1 In some instances, the contractor will be tasked with developing planting concepts and submitting recommendations to the Contracting Officer (CO). All submittals shall include as a minimum a technical description of the approach recommended by the contractor (plant species, sizes, numbers), a summary of pertinent ecological data considered and

7 | P a g e assumptions made, and typical drawing(s) as required to spatially illustrate the proposed planting scheme and layout for a particular site.

1.2.2 In some instances, the contractor will be tasked with developing planting concepts and submitting a technical and cost proposal to the Contracting Officer (CO). All submittals shall include as a minimum a technical description of the approach recommended by the contractor (plant species, sizes, numbers), a summary of pertinent ecological data considered and assumptions made, typical drawing(s) as required to spatially illustrate the proposed planting scheme and layout for a particular site, and a cost proposal. The NRCS may or may not award a separate Task Order to the contractor to perform the work or a portion or variation thereof, described in the initial proposal.

1.2.3 The contractor may be required to collect and have soil samples analyzed for specific basic parameters such as nutrient content, pH, salinity, textural character or organic matter content.

1.2.4 The contractor may be required to collect plant material for testing and analysis.