SATOC_PWS_Chumbley-Cottonwood_Maint_Final April 29.pdf

Performance Work Statement for the

Maintenance at Chumbley and Cottonwood Island Wildlife Mitigation Sites (2026-2031) Projects in Cowlitz County, Washington

1. General Statement

The US Army Corps of Engineers – Portland District (USACE) is soliciting for services to maintain existing riparian plantings at the Chumbley and Cottonwood Island wildlife mitigation sites in Cowlitz County, WA (Attachments 1 and 5). This is a non-personal services requirement. The contractor shall perform these services in accordance with the terms of the contract and as defined in this Performance Work Statement (PWS).

This is a Single Award Task Order (SATOC) contract with a five-year ordering period of 01 June 2026 through 31 May 2031.

Tasks 1, 6, 7 and 12 are independent of acreage. Tasks 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10 and 11 are acreage dependent.

For 2026, USACE has already identified the acreage requirements for the Chumbley and Cottonwood Island sites as described in the 2026 Task Order PWS. The offeror shall provide pricing per the description.

In subsequent years (2027 to 2031), USACE shall determine acreage of maintenance needed, in 1-acre increments, not to exceed 72 acres for Chumbley Site and 91 acres for Cottonwood Island. For the acreage-dependent tasks listed above, the offeror shall limit the acreage in their bid to the level of effort required per acre. The offeror shall also provide pricing for tasks that are independent of acreage. Production rate assumptions USACE used for each task can be found in their respective sections below.

The approved environmental work window for Cottonwood Island is from 15 June to 31 October.

The Contractor is not allowed to begin work before 15 June for the protection of a heron rookery.

2. Definitions

Terms are defined throughout this PWS as follows:

Acceptable Quality Level (AQL): Acceptable Quality Level equals the performance standards listed in sections 6 through 17. The contractor must re-perform all unsatisfactory work.

Contracting Officer (KO): The Government employee who is authorized to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): The Government employee who has been authorized in writing as the Contracting Officer’s Representative, acting within the limits of their authority.

Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR): A written record of unsatisfactory performance by the contractor as observed by the COR.

3. The Government Will Furnish

USACE will not furnish any Equipment for this contract. Written requests for information pertinent to site maintenance and monitoring activities can be requested from the COR by email.

4. The Contractor Shall Furnish

a. All personnel labor, equipment, tools, materials, vehicles, supervision, and other items and services (including water, electricity, and sanitary facilities) necessary to perform the work as defined in this PWS, including mobilizations and demobilizations from the site. Approved equipment access to the sites is shown in Attachments 2 and 6.

b. A photocopy of Applicator License, identifying years of experience and name of the lead applicator. At a minimum, the license shall be for commercial application with aquatic endorsement. The Contractor shall provide this information with their proposal.

c. UTV operator and UTV with capacity for Contractor operator and Government passenger side by side in the front seat for inspections by the COR.

d. Transportation to Cottonwood Island. If using boat transportation, must comply with USACE Safety and Health Requirements Manual EM-385-1-1.if using boat transportation, proof of Boat Operator’s license(s), including name of operator(s) must be kept up-to-date with the COR.

5. Performance Standards and Requirements (Also see Summary in Paragraph 18)

The performance standards apply to the entire site areas at Chumbley and Cottonwood Island, as shown in Attachments 2 and 7, respectively.

Plantings of native species occurred at Chumbley site in 2009 (original plantings) and in 2018 (additional plantings to replace original plantings that had failed). Maintenance is required to control invasive vegetation around the native plantings, along the site boundary, and along ditches. Invasive vegetation is defined as all Class A, Class B, and Class C plants listed in Attachment 11. The species of plantings and their approximate locations are shown in Attachments 3 and 4. The Contractor shall be able to distinguish onsite between planted species (Attachments 3 and 4) and invasive species classes (Attachment 11).

Plantings of native species occurred at the Cottonwood Island site in 2011 (original plantings) and in 2018 (additional plantings to replace original plantings that had failed). Maintenance is required to control invasive vegetation (see Attachment 11) around the 2011 and 2018 mitigation plantings, throughout the entire site including along the site boundary, and along ditches. The species of plantings are listed in Attachments 8 and 9. Some of the plantings are marked with flags on metal stakes or plant protectors. The Contractor shall be able to distinguish onsite between planted species (Attachments 8 and 9) and invasive species classes (Attachment 11).

Conditions vary throughout the sites, and not all areas require manual removal of invasive vegetation, mowing/weed whacking, herbicide application, and/or re-seeding. However, the performance standards shall apply to the entire site areas (approximately 71 acres with 42,500 plantings at Chumbley including the utility easement area and approximately 90 acres with 54,000 plantings at Cottonwood Island Fields 1 through 6). Monitoring results showing approximate coverage of invasive vegetation at the Chumbley site in 2013 are shown in Attachment 22 for reference only; the performance standards will apply to any invasive vegetation within the site, regardless of whether it is shown in Attachment 22. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to complete services at all locations where required to meet performance standards. The tasks that follow detail the performance requirements of this project.

6. Task 1 – Mobilization and Demobilization to Chumbley Site

This task includes mobilization and demobilization of contractor equipment, such as a side-by-side, ATV, tractor and associated attachments, 4 string trimmers, a water trailer and a portable toilet, in addition to personnel labor necessary for preparation to include subcontractors, transport, and maintenance of equipment essential for the Chumbley tasks listed below.

7. Task 2 – Manual removal of invasive vegetation at Chumbley Site

This task includes manual removal of yellow flag iris, poison hemlock and Himalayan blackberry.

Manual removal of yellow flag iris – Where found in the site, yellow flag iris must be removed manually prior to mowing and weed-whacking in the affected areas. Methods shall include hand removal, small excavator or similar to remove all seed pods, tubers, rhizomes, and underground root systems. Organic materials shall be separated from the soil, bagged, removed from the site and disposed of in accordance with State requirements. The Contractor shall use the clean soil to regrade the excavated areas.

Manual removal of poison hemlock – Where found in the site, poison hemlock must be removed manually prior to mowing and weed-whacking in the affected areas. Manually cut and bag the plant, remove it from the site and dispose of it in accordance with State requirements. Use proper protective measures in accordance with best management practices. Depending on the growth condition of the poison hemlock plants, the Contractor may apply herbicide early in the growing season in addition to manual removal methods, subject to COR approval.

Manual removal of Himalayan blackberry – Manual removal of Himalayan blackberry as needed when individual plants or small to moderate patches of Himalayan blackberry are found in healthy native vegetation. Hand cut aboveground stems with loppers, pruning shears, or machetes. Follow up herbicide treatment should occur as described in Task 4. If cutting occurs before seeds are produced, dead cane fragments may be piled and left as cover for wildlife.

Manual removal of tansy ragwort – Where found in the site, tansy ragwort must be removed manually prior to mowing and weed-whacking in the affected areas. Manually cut and bag the plant, remove it from the site and dispose of it in accordance with State requirements. Use proper protective measures in accordance with best management practices.

8. Task 3 – Mowing and Weed Whacking at Chumbley Site

The purpose is to strictly limit mowing and weed whacking of reed canary grass to only along the site boundary and for purposes of providing access throughout the site and cut down other invasive vegetation within the site, to prevent it from inhibiting native plant growth. Mowing or weed whacking the riparian plantings is prohibited. Extreme care shall be taken at all times to ensure the plantings are not mowed, run over, or backed into by the mowing equipment. Mowing and weed whacking shall not disturb new shoots, branches, and trunks of the mitigation plantings. Mowing and weed whacking height shall be no less than 2-inches and not more than 6-inches above ground. This requirement does not apply to invasive vegetation within 6 inches of each planting to prevent damage to the planting.

This task shall also include removal of any plant protectors remaining on site that were not removed in previous years. Plant protectors were installed around the stems of the 2018 plantings. They are 18-24 inches in height, colored blue for visibility, and were fastened by 8-inch plastic cable ties and 6” by 1” steel ground staples. In 2023 and 2024, efforts were made to remove and dispose of the protectors. Any remaining plant protectors found during mowing/ weed whacking must be removed and disposed. The entire plant protector (including portion buried underground) shall be removed to prevent plantings from being girdled. The Contractor is responsible for proper disposal of plant protectors, bamboo stakes, and associated fasteners offsite.

9. Task 4 – Herbicide Application at Chumbley Site

Purpose is to kill invasive vegetation (Himalayan blackberry, and plants listed in Attachment 11, excluding reed canary grass) along the site boundary, ditches, and 2018 planting areas to prevent it from inhibiting native plant growth. The vegetation monitoring (Task 6) must occur prior to herbicide application. Timing of all spray operations is critical, as wind and rain can reduce effectiveness of the herbicide and potentially allow drift of spray onto the plantings which could severely damage or kill the plantings. Contractor shall follow manufacturer’s recommendations for application, use on or near wetlands and standing water, and timing of spray. Herbicide application must be performed after the mowed vegetation has collapsed and any new sprouts have emerged and had several weeks of regrowth. Contractor personnel shall be licensed to apply herbicides. At a minimum, license shall be for commercial application with aquatic endorsement.

Broadcast Herbicide Application – Broadcast spraying equipment may be used between planting rows and on the outside of outer planting rows and utility easement area. Broadcast spray shall not be applied closer than 3 feet to each planting row. Approved herbicides to be used on site are glyphosate and triclopyr.

Backpack Herbicide Application around plants – Backpack spray equipment shall be used to apply herbicide within/along the planting rows, within a 3-foot radius around each plant. Backpack spraying radius may be reduced within the area between planting rows if contractor can guarantee broadcast spray can be applied without affecting the plantings.

10. Task 5 – Re-seeding at Chumbley Site

Purpose is to fill areas where invasive vegetation has been killed so that the native grass seed will establish a groundcover to reduce invasive vegetation in the future.

Sourcing – Seed shall be Washington state-certified native grass seed mix of the latest season’s crop and shall be delivered in original sealed packages bearing the producer’s guaranteed analysis for percentages of mixtures, purity, germination, weed seed content, and inert material. Seed shall be labeled in conformance with U. S. Department of Agriculture rules and regulations under the Federal Seed Act and applicable state seed laws. Seed that has become wet, moldy, or otherwise damaged will not be acceptable. The seed shall be locally purchased approved native riparian seed mix (i.e. mix of blue wild rye-30%, meadow barley-30%, California brome-20%, red fescue-20%). The seed mix shall have been tested with 18 months of planting date.

Mix – Seed mixes, qualities, standards, seeding rates, and other information will be included with each seed mix. The kind and variety of each seed in the mixture by weight. Total percentage, by weight, of crop seed. Total percentage, by weight, of weed seed. Total percentage, by weight, of inert matter. “No Noxious” weed statement. Percent of Pure Live Seed (PLS) for each kind of seed. Name and address of seed labeler or seller. Net weight of contents.

Delivery – Seed protection from drying out and from contamination during delivery, on-site storage and handling.

Prepare Soil for Application – Clear dead invasive plant matter prior to seeding so the seed mix will land on soil and not on top of the dead thatch. Prior to seeding, lightly plow to shallow plow depth 1-2 inches, taking great precaution to avoid damaging existing plantings. Dead thatch can be left on site.

Seed Application – Do not plant seeds when ground is muddy or air temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Seed shall be applied uniformly in accordance with the producer’s recommendations for rates, etc. at all locations where invasive vegetation would otherwise reestablish in the future. Sow the seeds by approved sowing equipment (broadcast or drop seeding; mechanical spreaders). It is acceptable to seed behind the disc in the same pass as long as seed coverage meets contract requirements. A minimum of 300 lbs. of seed mix shall be placed on the site, excluding areas with an established canopy of trees, and areas of seasonally standing water (at least 6 inches deep). Seed shall be applied to areas of invasive vegetation that have been mowed and sprayed for the season, but not in areas under established canopies where the seeds won't germinate.

11. Task 6 – Riparian Mitigation Site Vegetation and Wildlife Assessments at Chumbley Site

The purpose is to assess riparian planting (tree and shrub) survival/counts, species composition and vegetation structure/percent coverage. Vegetation monitoring should occur in May through June and before annual maintenance begins. Vegetation and wildlife assessments cannot be performed by the same person at the same time. Vegetation monitoring methods shall follow the Chumbley Wildlife Mitigation Site Vegetation Monitoring Plan (SWCA 2021; Attachment 14). Vegetation monitoring shall be conducted at the monitoring plots established in 2021 (Attachment 15). Wildlife monitoring methods shall follow the Chumbley and Cottonwood Wildlife Mitigation Site Wildlife Usage Monitoring Plan (SWCA 2022, Attachment 21). Submit any proposed changes to the established vegetation and wildlife monitoring plan for COR review and approval prior to start of work, if needed.

This task includes:

a. Locating 30 established monitoring plot locations along six transects and photograph point locations using GPS coordinates provided in Attachments 15 and 16

b. At each plot, take two, 180-degree panoramic photos showing the entire area. The first panorama will be taken to the north (in an arc from west to east), and the second panorama will be taken to the south (in an arc from east to west)

c. Measuring and documenting stem density by species within a 15-foot radius of the plot center and calculating stem count per acre (desired plantings)

d. Compare actual stem density to original planting stem density (including re-plantings) to estimate % tree and shrub planting survival

e. Measuring invasive species % cover

f. Measuring native/desirable species % cover

g. Documenting presence/absence of seed and/or fruit production on shrub species

h. Documenting wildlife species and activities observed and heard during morning site surveys; surveys should cover all major habitat types and provide adequate representative aerial coverage of the site

i. Submitting a report with results of vegetation and wildlife assessments for COR review

j. Complete a walk-through survey and ocular estimation backed up with GPS boundaries to generate a map showing the types of invasive vegetation and the general location and size of the affected area on a map, where applicable (see Attachment 22 as an example)

12. Task 7 – Mobilization and Demobilization to Cottonwood Island

This task includes mobilization and demobilization of contractor equipment to the island sites.

Historically this was accomplished by using a tug and barge. Equipment needed for Cottonwood Island may include but not limited to a side-by-side, ATV, tractor and associated attachments, Prime Contractor boat, 4 string trimmers, a water trailer and a portable toilet, in addition to Prime Contractor personnel labor and subcontractor labor necessary for preparation, transport, and maintenance of equipment essential for the Cottonwood Island tasks listed below.

13. Task 8 – Manual removal of invasive vegetation at Cottonwood Island Site

This task includes manual removal of yellow flag iris, tansy ragwort and Himalayan blackberry.

Manual removal of yellow flag iris – Where found in the site, yellow flag iris must be removed manually prior to mowing and weed-whacking in the affected areas. Methods shall include hand removal, small excavator or similar to remove all seed pods, tubers, rhizomes, and underground root systems. Organic materials shall be separated from the soil, bagged, removed from the site and disposed of in accordance with State requirements. The Contractor shall use the clean soil to regrade the excavated areas.

Manual removal of tansy ragwort – Where found in the site, tansy ragwort must be removed manually prior to mowing and weed-whacking in the affected areas. Manually cut and bag the plant, remove it from the site and dispose of it in accordance with State requirements. Use proper protective measures in accordance with best management practices.

Manual removal of Himalayan blackberry – Manual removal of Himalayan blackberry as needed when individual plants or small to moderate patches of Himalayan blackberry are found interspersed with healthy native vegetation. Hand cut aboveground stems with loppers, pruning shears, or machetes. Follow up herbicide treatment should occur as described in Task 10 If cutting occurs before seeds are produced, dead cane fragments may be piled and left for cover for wildlife.

14. Task 9 – Mowing and Weed Whacking at Cottonwood Island Site

The purpose is to cut down invasive vegetation (where present within the site) to prevent it from inhibiting native plant growth and proliferating further within the site. Utilize multiple methods to reduce the large invasive plant communities as shown in Attachment 23. In addition, mow between planting rows and at least a 5 ft buffer to the established native vegetation line and/or constructed wetland on the outside of outer planting rows in each field.

Rows of existing plantings are generally 10 feet apart. Mowing or weed whacking the riparian plantings is prohibited. Extreme care shall be taken to ensure the plantings are not mowed, run over, or backed into by the mowing equipment. Mowing and weed whacking shall not disturb new shoots, branches, and trunks of the mitigation plantings. However, branches, stems, and downed trees along the site periphery may be cut back to facilitate site access.

Mowing and weed whacking height shall be no less than 2-inches and not more than 6-inches above ground. This requirement does not apply to invasive vegetation, which shall be manually removed if within 6 inches of each planting to prevent damage to the planting. No mowing shall occur in emergent wetland areas (obvious areas of wetland vegetation and inundation). Invasive vegetation in emergent wetland areas shall be weed whacked (or manually removed) only to minimize compaction of wetland soils.

This task shall also include removal of any plant protectors remaining on site that were not removed in 2022 and are no longer needed for plant survival. Plant protectors are 18-24 inches in height, colored blue for visibility, and fastened by 8-inch plastic cable ties and 6” by 1” steel ground staples. Plant protectors have been placed and anchored securely; the base is approximately 2 inches below compacted soil surface. Two bamboo stakes have been used to secure the protector in place, one on each side of the plant. The entire plant protector (including portion buried underground) shall be removed to prevent girdling of established plantings. The Contractor is responsible for proper disposal of plant protectors, bamboo stakes, and associated fasteners offsite.

15. Task 10 – Herbicide Application at Cottonwood Island Site

The purpose is to kill invasive vegetation (where present within the site, particularly Himalayan blackberry, reed canary grass, common St. John’s-wort, Fuller’s teasel, Canda thistle, and Scotch broom to prevent it from inhibiting native plant growth and proliferating within the site. See attachment 11 for a full list of invasive vegetation. Timing of all spray operations is critical, as wind and rain can reduce effectiveness of the herbicide and potentially allow drift of spray onto the plantings which could severely damage or kill the plantings. Contractor shall follow manufacturer’s recommendations for application, use on or near wetlands and standing water, and timing of spray. USACE is assuming an increase in level of effort for herbicide application at Cottonwood Island site compared to previous years.

Herbicide application must be performed after the mowed vegetation has collapsed and any new sprouts have emerged and had several weeks of regrowth. Contractor personnel shall be licensed to apply herbicides. At a minimum, license shall be for commercial application with aquatic endorsement.

Broadcast Herbicide Application – Broadcast spraying equipment may be used between planting rows and on the outside of outer planting rows and utility easement area. Broadcast spray shall not be applied closer than 3 feet to each planting row.

Backpack Herbicide Application around plants – Backpack spray equipment shall be used to apply herbicide within/along the planting rows, within a 3-foot radius around each plant. Backpack spraying radius may be reduced within the area between planting rows if contractor can guarantee broadcast spray can be applied without affecting the plantings.

16. Task 11 – Re-seeding at Cottonwood Island Site

Purpose is to fill areas where invasive vegetation has been killed so that the native grass seed will establish a groundcover to reduce invasive vegetation in the future.

Sourcing – Seed shall be Washington state-certified native grass seed mix of the latest season’s crop and shall be delivered in original sealed packages bearing the producer’s guaranteed analysis for percentages of mixtures, purity, germination, weed seed content, and inert material. Seed shall be labeled in conformance with U. S. Department of Agriculture rules and regulations under the Federal Seed Act and applicable state seed laws. Seed that has become wet, moldy, or otherwise damaged will not be acceptable. The seed shall be locally purchased approved native riparian seed mix (i.e. mix of blue wild rye-30%, meadow barley-30%, California brome-20%, red fescue-20%). Seed mix applied to the sandy areas in the southern portion of the site (Attachment 10) should be suitable for sandy substrate including a composition of equal parts of meadow barley, western yarrow (Achillea millefolium), bigleaf lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus), Large-Headed Sedge (Carex macrocephala) and Roemer’s Fescue (Festuca idahoensis romerii). The seed mix shall have been tested with 18 months of planting date.

Mix – Seed mixes, qualities, standards, seeding rates, and other information will be included with each seed mix. The kind and variety of each seed in the mixture by weight. Total percentage, by weight, of crop seed. Total percentage, by weight, of weed seed. Total percentage, by weight, of inert matter. “No Noxious” weed statement. Percent of Pure Live Seed (PLS) for each kind of seed. Name and address of seed labeler or seller. Net weight of contents.

Delivery – Seed protection from drying out and from contamination during delivery, on-site storage and handling.

Prepare Soil for Application – Clear dead invasive plant matter prior to seeding so the seed mix will land on soil and not on top of the dead thatch. Prior to seeding, lightly plow to shallow plow depth 1-2 inches, taking great precaution to avoid damaging existing plantings. Dead thatch can be left on site.

Seed Application – Do not plant seeds when ground is muddy or air temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Seed shall be applied uniformly in accordance with the producer’s recommendations for rates, etc. at all locations where invasive vegetation would otherwise reestablish in the future. Sow the seeds by approved sowing equipment (broadcast or drop seeding; mechanical spreaders). It is acceptable to seed behind the disc in the same pass as long as seed coverage meets contract requirements. A minimum of 300 lbs. of seed mix shall be placed on the site, excluding areas with an established canopy of trees, and areas of seasonally standing water (at least 6 inches deep). Seed shall be applied to areas of invasive vegetation that have been mowed and sprayed for the season, but not in areas under established canopies where the seeds won't germinate.

17. Task 12 – Riparian and Wetland Mitigation Site Vegetation and Wildlife Assessments at Cottonwood Island Site

The purpose is to assess riparian and wetland planting (tree and shrub) survival/counts, species composition and vegetation structure/percent coverage. Vegetation monitoring shall occur on or after 15 June and before annual maintenance begins. Vegetation monitoring methods shall follow the Cottonwood Island Wildlife Mitigation Site Vegetation Monitoring

Plan (SWCA 2021; Attachment 17). Riparian vegetation monitoring shall be conducted at the monitoring plots established in 2021 (Attachment 18). Vegetation and wildlife assessments cannot be performed by the same person at the same time. Wildlife monitoring methods shall follow the Chumbley and Cottonwood Wildlife Mitigation Site Wildlife Usage Monitoring Plan (SWCA 2022, Attachment 21). Submit any proposed changes to the established vegetation and wildlife monitoring plans for COR review and approval prior to start of work, if needed.

This task includes:

a. Locating 30 established riparian monitoring plot locations and eight reference photograph wetland monitoring points using GPS coordinates provided in Attachments 18, 19, and 20

b. At each plot, two, 180-degree panoramic photos showing the entire area will be taken.

The first panorama will be taken to the north (in an arc from west to east), and the second panorama will be taken to the south (in an arc from east to west)

c. Measuring and documenting stem density within a 15-foot radius of the plot center and calculating stem count per acre (desired plantings)

d. Comparing actual stem density to original planting stem density (including re-plantings) to estimate % tree and shrub planting survival

e. Measuring invasive species % cover in riparian and wetland areas

f. Measuring native/desirable species % cover in riparian and wetland areas

g. Documenting presence/absence of seed and/or fruit production on shrub species

h. Documenting wildlife species and activities observed and heard during morning site surveys; surveys should cover all major habitat types and provide adequate representative aerial coverage of the site

i. Submitting a report with results of vegetation and wildlife assessments for COR review

j. Complete a walk-through survey and ocular estimation backed up with GPS boundaries to generate a map of the general locations/areas where survival appears to be an issue (<80% tree and shrub planting survival) and

k. In areas where tree and shrub planting survival is <80%, the contractor is required to provide new and additional recommendations of shrub and tree species that are more likely to survive in the areas

l. Complete a walk-through survey and ocular estimation backed up with GPS boundaries to generate a map showing the types of invasive vegetation and the general location and size of the affected area on a map, where applicable (see Attachment 22 as an example)

18. Performance Requirements Summary (PRS)

The PRS is intended to ensure that the Government receives the services for which it contracted. The Government will only pay for services received. The Performance Requirement Summary (PRS) determines if the contractor meets the performance standards of the contract, as well as provides guidelines for how and when surveillance will be performed. It ensures timeliness, effectiveness, and that the contractor is delivering the results specified in the contract. Government contract quality assurance will be performed at such times and/or places as may be necessary to determine the services conform to contract requirements.

The contractor service requirements are summarized into performance objectives that relate directly to mission essential items. The performance threshold briefly describes the minimum acceptable quality levels (AQL) of service required for each requirement. These thresholds are critical to mission success.

Performance Requirements Summary Table Below are the criteria against which the performance will be evaluated. Work shall be considered not to have been performed when any one of the following conditions exists in accordance to the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

Required Services (Tasks)

Performance Standards Acceptable Quality Levels

Method of Surveillance

Remedy

Mobilization and Demobilization

[PWS Section 6 & 12]

Contractor successfully transports all necessary equipment (ATVs, tractors, trimmers, water trailers, boats/barges) and personnel to both Chumbley and Cottonwood Island sites.

100% compliance.

All required equipment and facilities (portable toilets) present and fully functional prior to starting work.

Direct Observation by COR.

Delay of work start;

contractor bears cost of any schedule slips due to missing equipment.

Manual Removal of Invasive Vegetation

[PWS Section 7 & 13]

Complete manual removal of yellow flag iris, poison hemlock, Himalayan blackberry, and tansy ragwort. Organic materials separated, bagged, and disposed of off-site per State requirements. Clean soil used to regrade excavated areas.

95% eradication of targeted manual removal species in identified areas.

100% compliance with off-site disposal and proper PPE/safety measures.

Visual Inspection of sites and review of disposal manifests/ receipts.

If target invasives discovered by COR during inspection, Contractor performs manual removal and regrading at no additional cost to the Government.

Mowing and Weed Whacking

[PWS Section 8 & 14]

Mow/weed-whack invasive vegetation to a height of 2 to 6 inches. Zero damage to 2018 mitigation plantings.

Completely remove and properly dispose of any remaining blue plant protectors, cable ties, and bamboo stakes observed during mowing/ whacking.

0% damage to existing mitigation plantings. 100% of discovered blue plant protectors/stakes removed and disposed of.

100% Visual Inspection of planting rows and site boundaries by

COR.

If missed areas are discovered by COR, Contractor mows/ weed-whacks missed areas at no additional cost to the Government. Contractor must replace in-kind any damaged/destroyed mitigation plantings at no additional cost to the Government.

Herbicide Application [PWS Section 9 & 15]

Apply approved herbicides (glyphosate/triclopyr) via broadcast (>3 ft from plantings) and backpack (≤3 ft from plantings) by licensed personnel (aquatic endorsement). Applied only after mowed vegetation collapses and regrows.

0% drift or damage to native mitigation plantings.

Applicators must maintain 100% active/valid licenses.

Review of Applicator Licenses;

Visual inspection of target mortality and non-target health.

Stop work for unlicensed personnel.

Contractor must replace any mitigation plantings killed by herbicide overspray at no additional cost to the Government.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

Required Services (Tasks)

Performance Standards Acceptable Quality Levels

Method of Surveillance

Remedy

Native Re-seeding [PWS Section 10 & 16]

Prepare soil (shallow disk 1-2 inches without damaging plantings). Uniformly apply locally purchased, WA state-certified native grass seed mix at a minimum of 300 lbs per site.

Do not plant >90°F or in mud.

100% compliance with seed mix specifications (pure live seed, no noxious weeds) and application temperature/ soil conditions.

Review of seed tags/labels prior to application;

Direct observation of application process.

Rejection of unapproved seed. Re-seeding required at contractor expense if applied improperly or under prohibited weather conditions.

Riparian Mitigation Site Vegetation and Wildlife Assessments at Chumbley Site

[PWS Section 11]

Conduct surveys per Attachments 14, 15, & 21 using established plots/transects.

Measure stem density, calculate % survival, measure invasive/native cover, and document wildlife. Provide mapping and recommendations for areas with <80% survival.

100% of plots and photo points documented. Reports and maps accurately reflect site conditions and are submitted within established deadlines.

COR review of submitted reports, panoramic photos, GPS data, and maps.

Reports returned for correction/ revision at contractor's expense until acceptable.

Payment withheld until final reports approved.

Riparian and Wetland Mitigation Site Vegetation and Wildlife Assessments at Cottonwood Island Site

[PWS Section 17]

Conduct surveys per Attachments 17, 18, & 21 using established plots/transects.

Measure stem density, calculate % survival, measure invasive/native cover, and document wildlife. Provide mapping and recommendations for areas with <80% survival.

100% of plots and photo points documented. Reports and maps accurately reflect site conditions and are submitted within established deadlines.

COR review of submitted reports, panoramic photos, GPS data, and maps.

Reports returned for correction/ revision at contractor's expense until acceptable.

Payment withheld until final reports approved.

19. Surveillance

100% inspections by the COR will serve as the surveillance methods. If the COR discovers deficiencies and/or receives complaints, the COR will pass them on to the Contractor's Quality Control Inspector (QCI) for correction.

20. Contractor Work Plans

The contractor shall submit work plans with maps showing areas the Contractor proposes for work under each task at least 2 work days, excluding weekends, prior to beginning work.

Work plans shall contain the contractor’s strategy/approach and detailed descriptions of how the work will be performed, including explanations of how performance requirements will be met. The type of herbicide(s) and native seed mix proposed shall also be listed in the work plans. The work plan for each task must be accepted by the COR prior to start of that task.

21. Initial Demonstration of Performance of Task

Immediately following the Contractor’s preparatory meeting for each task, the Contractor shall demonstrate the performance of each task for the COR prior to start of work on that task to ensure mutual understanding of the performance standards required by the contract.

22. Quality Control

The contractor, not the government, is responsible for quality control actions necessary to meet the quality standards set forth by the contract. The contractor shall develop and submit his Quality Control Plan (QCP) for approval by the designated COR prior to initiation of the work tasks. The Government reserves the right under the Contract Terms and Conditions-- Commercial Items (FAR 52.212-4) to inspect and test the services called for by the contract, to the extent practicable at all times and places during the term of the contract. Non-conforming services shall be rejected. Submit a copy of the Contractor Quality Control Manager’s completed Construction Quality Management for Contractors course certificate prior to start of work.

Document Progress of Work

The Contractor quality control manager and/or each contractor employee shall be equipped with a GPS tracking device while inspecting and/or performing work (such as a cell phone) that can document progress of work to ensure that the entire site footprint has been inspected and work completed where required to meet performance standards. Submit screen shot(s) of GPS track(s) with daily QC reports (see Attachment 13 for example).

Daily and Summary QC Reports

The contractor shall provide daily operations reports with treatment maps showing daily and cumulative progress of work (using data from the GPS tracking) and submit these reports to the COR weekly. Daily reports should include notation of any wildlife observed while working.

The contractor shall provide summary reports of each task within one week of completion of each task. The summary reports shall include maps showing what areas received treatment within the overall site, including specifics about action(s) taken and timing.

Unacceptable Performance

When performance is determined unacceptable, as defined in the Performance Requirements Summary, the COR will inform the Contractor’s onsite representative that performance is unacceptable and provide written documentation, reference CDR Attachment

12. Disputes in surveillance should be referred to the Contracting Officer.

Correction of Non-Performance of Work by Re-Performance

The COR will notify the Contracting Officer of less than acceptable performance. If any of the services do not conform to contract requirements, the Government may require the Contractor to perform the services again in conformity with contract requirements, at no increase in contract amount. The Contractor shall employ an adequate quantity of personnel to ensure that any area found to be not in compliance and therefore not acceptable, shall be made acceptable by the performance or re-performance of the work, where such re-performance is possible, within five business days after noncompliance has been observed by or reported to and verified by the COR.

Correction of Non-Performance of Work

The Contractor shall be responsible and held accountable for excessive damages to mitigation plantings. When the defect(s) in services cannot be corrected by re-performance, the Government may:

a. Require the Contractor to take necessary action to ensure future performance conforms to contract requirements.

b. Reduce the contract price to reflect the reduced value of the services performed.

c. If the Contractor fails to promptly re-perform the services, or to take the necessary action to ensure future performance in conformity with contract requirements, the Government may:

i. By contract or otherwise, perform the services and charge to the Contractor any cost incurred by the Government that is directly related to the performance of such service;

ii. Issue Cure Notice;

iii. Terminate the contract for Government convenience; and / or

iv. Terminate the contract for Cause.

23. Damages Caused by the Contractor

Contractor shall be held accountable and liable to the Government for any damages to government facilities, fixtures, furnishings, equipment, plantings, or grounds caused by the Contractors or their employees.

24. Interference with Government Operations

The Government may undertake or award other contracts for additional work and the Contractor shall fully cooperate with such other contractors and Government employees. The Contractor shall not commit or permit any act which shall interfere with the performance of work by any other contractor or by Government employees.

25. Safety and Security

Safety

a. The contractor shall conform to all safety standards of the most recent edition of USACE Safety and Health Requirements Manual EM-385-1-1 (2014), which can be found online at (http://www.publications.usace.army.mil/Portals/76/Publications/EngineerManuals/EM_385- 1-1.pdf). A Job Safety Analysis, also known as Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA), shall be prepared in accordance with EM-385-1-1 and submitted as part of the Accident Prevention Plan for approval by the designated COR prior to initiation of the work tasks. The Job Safety Analysis shall be updated and resubmitted to the designated COR as warranted. Submit a copy of the Site Safety Health Officer’s completed OSHA 30 hour Construction Training course certificate prior to start of work.

b. Tools shall be equipped with manufacturer's recommended safety protective devices to ensure worker safety at all times. Tools shall be inspected daily by the Contractor and maintained in good working condition. All workers shall be properly trained in safe practices.

c. In the event that an accident or injury occurs to Contractor personnel, the Contractor shall notify the COR in a timely manner. The Contractor shall make a written report of each separate case of an injury or accident. The report shall include, but not be limited to; location, nature of the injury or accident, authorities notified, and the action taken along with any other pertinent information. The report shall be accompanied by sketches, graphs/drawings, and photographs as needed and forwarded to the COR within 24 hours.

Project Security

Project security is the responsibility of the Contractor. The Government will not accept responsibility for stolen or damaged equipment and materials. All equipment and materials shall be adequately secured by the Contractor to prevent theft or vandalism.

Access and General Protection/Security Policy and Procedures

All contractor and all associated sub-contractor employees shall comply with applicable installation, facility and area commander installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures (provided by government representative). The Contractor is responsible for compliance with these security requirements. Questions regarding security matters shall be addressed to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR). The contractor shall provide all information required for background checks to meet installation/facility access requirements to be accomplished by installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services or Security Office. Contractor workforce must comply with all personal identity verification requirements (FAR clause 52.204-9, Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel) as directed by DOD, HQDA and/or local policy. Contract personnel are critical to the overall security and safety of USACE installations, facilities and activities, and security awareness training contributes to those efforts. The DoD and Army security training requirements specified below, if applicable, are performance requirements; all applicable contract personnel shall complete initial training within 30 days of contract award or the date new contract personnel begin performance on the contract. Within five business days from completion of training, the Contractor shall provide written documentation (e.g. email or memorandum) to the Government representative. The documentation shall include the names of contract personnel trained and which training they completed; the Contractor shall maintain training records as part of their contract files and be prepared to provide copies of training certificates to the Government representative. Contractor personnel and vehicles are subject to search when entering federal installations. Additionally, the contract personnel shall comply with Force Protection Condition (FPCON) measures, Random Antiterrorism Measures (commonly referred to as “RAMs”), and Health Protection Condition (HPCON) measures. The Contractor is responsible for meeting performance requirements during elevated FPCON and/or HPCON levels in accordance with applicable USACE Portland plans and procedures – this includes identifying mission essential and non-mission essential personnel. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes clause of this contract, should the FPCON or HPCON levels at any individual facility or installation change, the Government may implement security changes that affect contract personnel. The

Contractor shall ensure all contract personal are aware of their security responsibilities, including any site-specific requirements identified in local policies or procedures.

Pre-screen candidates using E-Verify Program

Contractor shall comply with the requirements set forth in FAR clause 52.222-54 Employment Verification and FAR Subpart 22.18 in using the E-Verify Program (http://www.e-verify.gov) website to meet the established employment eligibility requirements. Contractors are encouraged to cooperate with Federal and State agencies responsible for enforcing labor requirements to include eligibility for employment under United States immigration laws in accordance with FAR 22.102-1(i). Contractor must ensure that the Candidate has two valid forms of Government issued identification prior to enrollment to ensure the correct information is entered into the E-Verify system. An initial list of verified/eligible Candidates shall be provided to the COR no later than 3 business days after the initial contract award.

26. Environmental Protection

Environmental Protection Plan

Contractor shall submit Environmental Protection Plan for approval by the designated COR prior to initiation of the work tasks. The Environmental Protection Plan identifies plans, procedures and personnel to minimize, manage, control and avoid damage to the environment, including a site-specific spill prevention and response plan.

Equipment Cleaning

The Contractor shall clean all construction equipment prior to bringing it onto the project site.

The Contractor shall ensure that the equipment is free from soil residuals, egg deposits from plant pests, noxious weeds, and plant seeds.

Protection of Land Resources

The areas on which the work is to be performed under this contract, and the land resources adjacent thereto, shall be preserved in their present condition.

Protection of Water Resources

Lakes, ditches, rivers, canals, ponds, waterways, inundated wetlands, or reservoirs shall not be polluted with fuels, oil, bitumen, calcium chloride, insecticides, herbicides, or other similar materials harmful to fish, shellfish, wildlife, or materials which may be detrimental to outdoor recreation.

Herbicide Application

a. The application of any chemical shall follow EPA-approved manufacturer directions and dosages. Approved herbicides are the following:

i. Glyphosate

ii. Triclopyr

b. The Glyphosate mixture shall include surfactant to increase effectiveness.

c. The herbicide mixture shall include indicator dye to enable visual inspection of application coverage.

d. Only personnel certified, licensed, and authorized in the use, handling, and application of approved chemicals may administer herbicide to treatment areas.

e. Chemicals shall be securely stored off-site and BMPs shall be followed in the transport and use of chemicals to prevent accidental spillage.

f. Application shall target only treatment areas and occur in a manner to prevent leaching or runoff into waterways or critical habitat for ESA listed species.

g. The chemicals selected for application shall have no detrimental impacts on the planted trees and shrubs, and function to control pre-emergent vegetation from sprouting in recently mowed sections. All application of herbicides shall comply with state and Federal laws regulating the use and dispersal of selected chemicals, including their use on and adjacent to open waters and wetland areas. In addition, all approved chemicals and doses are safe for non-target plants and wildlife.

Removal of Equipment and Other Materials

Upon completion of work, the contractor shall remove from the site of work all equipment, unused materials, and any waste materials and rubbish resulting from the operation performed herein.

27. General

Site Conditions

The site can be extremely wet. Equipment for spraying and mowing will be equipped properly for operation on wet ground to preclude rutting and mass soil disturbance.

Project Coordination

Coordination of project activities is critical to the successful completion of the required services.

Every effort shall be made to resolve critical issues in a timely manner before they become problems. The Contractor shall notify the COR at least 2 work days, excluding weekends, prior to start of work under each task and within 7 days of completion of work of each task.

Project Schedule

The contractor shall submit a proposed schedule meeting the deliverable schedule identified in this PWS that includes at a minimum for each task:

a. Submission of Work Plan for approval by the COR

b. Preparatory meeting and initial demonstration of performance

c. Anticipated start and end dates for work under each task

d. COR inspection of completed work

Media/Publicity

The contractor shall immediately refer all media and public inquiries or access requests to the worksite to the COR and USACE Public Affairs Office if warranted -- without further comment. The Government may request or require the contractor to provide access to the worksite to those groups approved by the Government. Any VIP/media access to the work site will require a Government and contractor representative for escort.

Contract…