Scope of Services.pdf

EXHIBIT “A”

SCOPE OF SERVICES

Statewide Natural Resources Support

Statewide Natural Resources Support SOS

I. Purpose

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Office of Environmental Management (OEM) requires environmental services from a Vendor to perform various natural resources related tasks to support environmental programs in the planning, development, and delivery of the FDOT work program. These services support FDOT compliance with Federal and State law as well as policies, processes, and procedures requiring consideration of potential effects on natural resources (e.g., threatened and endangered species, wetlands), including input from partner agencies, and interested and affected parties. These services also support the streamlining of agency coordination and project delivery, as well as provide opportunities to increase the use of new and innovative technologies. At times, these services may also be used to provide FDOT districts with species related construction support.

The services required to carry out the project approach and objectives may include, but are not limited to:

Developing, updating, implementing, and enhancing environmental programs, policies, processes, and procedures.

Technical document reviews and updates.

Conducting environmental analysis and supporting OEM endangered species consultation.

Environmental permitting support

Coordinating or hosting technical meetings and workshops

Updating, developing, and delivering training.

Supporting self-assessments or other program reviews.

Developing or supporting pilot programs and research projects.

Developing public outreach materials related to natural resources.

Needs assessments.

Review of new laws and regulations.

Implementing new and innovative technologies to streamline consultation, environmental permitting, or develop/support natural resources programs.

Expert witness services

Gopher tortoise relocations

Bat exclusions

Bald eagle nest monitoring

Other species related construction monitoring support

II. Project Approach

The Vendor may be required to assist in the performance of some or all of the tasks as identified in this Scope of Services (SOS). The Vendor shall provide professional environmental expertise, as described further in Section IX. Personnel Qualifications, required to coordinate, review, analyze, report, plan and develop transportation projects, policies and procedures, and environmental program or project tasks consistent with this SOS, as assigned by OEM.

This contract will be managed by the OEM Project Manager who will provide a specific definition of the work for each task to be performed by the Vendor, as defined in the SOS through the issuance of individual Task Work Orders (TWO). Each TWO shall identify the OEM Task Manager who will manage the task, maintaining coordination with the OEM Project Manager. Each TWO shall include product/deliverable requirements, schedule, and staffing (including personnel, job classification, percent of time devoted to the task), and estimated cost of the task, including any additional expenses. Each TWO shall be issued in writing to the Vendor prior to any work on the task being initiated. Services assigned to any subconsultants will be identified in TWOs as applicable.

The Vendor shall provide an overall Project Manager (Vendor Project Manager) who will be the primary point of contact for OEM for the scope, schedule, staffing coordination and completion of all work tasks deliverables. The Vendor Project Manager shall meet with the OEM Task or OEM Project Manager as deemed necessary. The Vendor Project Manager shall also meet and coordinate with each OEM Task Manager as described in each TWO to accomplish the required work.

The Vendor Project Manager shall provide monthly progress reports in the format required by OEM. The Vendor Project Manager should establish regular (typically monthly) meetings with the OEM Project Manager to review the progress report, discuss challenges, and other contractual needs or issues that may arise. The monthly progress report documents the delivery of products or services. The acceptance of these products or services shall be the basis for evaluation and processing of payment.

Only Vendor staff or subconsultant staff specifically identified in a TWO or those specifically agreed to by the OEM Project Manager shall charge time to that TWO. The Vendor must request approval from the OEM Project Manager for any modifications or additions of staff prior to the initiation of any work by that individual. If at any time, the OEM Task Manager or OEM Project Manager determines that the expertise of assigned staff is inadequate to competently complete the assignment, the Vendor Project Manager will be notified and will identify and assign an appropriate replacement staff resource to ensure adequate staff timely completion of work. If applicable, new job classifications may be added to the Contract via contract amendment. The Vendor shall submit a copy of the resume and payroll register before new staff can be added.

III. Services to be Provided

The Vendor may be required to assist in the performance of some or all of the following tasks:

A. Developing, updating, implementing, and enhancing environmental programs, policies, processes, and procedures such as:

a. Natural Resources Evaluation guidance.

b. Updates to the PD&E Manual.

c. Develop, update, or enhance endangered species programmatic approaches.

d. Develop plans to implement new endangered species programmatic approaches.

e. Develop new report outlines, quality control checklists, handbooks, tutorials, or guidance.

f. Develop construction guidelines and specifications updates (e.g., drafting special provisions, reviewing modified special provisions) B. Technical document reviews such as Natural Resources Evaluations prepared by others.

C. Conducting environmental analysis and supporting OEM endangered species consultations

a. Analysis to support OEM or District led programmatic approaches to streamline listed species consultations (e.g., review of upcoming projects in the FDOT work program, cost benefit analysis)

b. Drafting Biological Assessments D. GIS Mapping and Database Management

a. Developing new or updating existing GIS data layers (e.g., statewide wildlife crossings)

b. Developing new or updating existing SharePoint (or similar) databases supporting OEM data collection/management.

c. Supporting OEM with outreach to and data collection from FDOT Districts or other partners for regularly scheduled or as needed updates to the data layers or databases

d. Developing or supporting ArcGIS On-line tools or story maps which may include using Survey 123 or other similar data entry applications, data management, and data delivery to FDOT.

E. Environmental permitting support

a. Coordination with permitting agencies (e.g., attending monthly meetings)

b. Collecting and tabulating data (e.g., FDOT permitting priorities)

c. Review or the coordination of suitable mitigation options and permit conditions.

F. Coordinating or hosting technical meetings and workshops

a. Providing assistance in organizing, coordinating moderating or record keeping for technical meetings (e.g., Environmental Permit Coordinator Monthly

Meetings, Quarterly Protected Species Meetings) or workshops related to programs and activities contained within these task descriptions.

G. Updating, developing, and delivering training

a. In-person training

b. Live webinars

c. Recorded Computer Based Trainings (CBTs)

H. Supporting self-assessments or other program reviews.

a. Using the SWEPT tools to review projects per OEM developed criteria

b. Annual reporting for programmatic approaches

I. Developing or supporting pilot programs and research projects.

a. Identification of study ideas or problem statements associated with environmental issues

b. Develop pilot program proposals and/or review approaches developed by others

c. Monitoring/Data Collection for pilot projects/studies including performing field and laboratory work to carry out study

d. Provide analysis, evaluation, and results

e. Develop reports, presentations, or talking points to report conclusions to share with other interested/affected parties (e.g., partner agencies, FDOT Districts)

f. Support OEM in the review of university related research projects (e.g., proposals and draft reports documenting results)

g. Participating on study panels, either State or National level

J. Developing public outreach materials related to natural resources.

a. Developing, publishing and distributing newsletters, brochures, presentation materials,

b. Developing on-line content such as webpage updates, social media posts

c. Developing postcards, flat sheets, or other paper media highlighting FDOT programs or messaging

d. Developing video content for posting on OEM website or on-line streaming sites, including outlines, scripts, videography

e. Other publications in support of environmental programs and activities.

K. Needs assessments.

a. Statewide or regional species mitigation needs

L. Review of new or updated laws, regulations, or procedures.

a. Providing assistance in reviewing and commenting on procedures and manuals by other FDOT offices that affect environmental management programs and processes.

b. Providing assistance in coordination, review and commenting on, proposed rules and procedures, guidelines and initiatives by other state and federal agencies or organizations that affect FDOT’s environmental management process and programs, and developing and/or conducting related implementation strategies.

M. Implementing new and innovative technologies to streamline consultation, environmental permitting, or develop/support natural resources programs.

a. Developing methods to integrate more efficient field data collection (e.g., through use of unmanned aircraft system) and analysis using artificial intelligence or machine learning into species/wetlands field reviews, research, monitoring, or other similar areas to streamline consultation, environmental permitting, and project delivery or to support FDOT recovery objectives for endangered species as identified in programmatic approaches with partner agencies.

N. Expert witness services

a. Providing expert witness services for natural resources topics for legal proceedings FDOT is involved in. This may include but is not limited to preparation for litigation/court proceedings, answering interrogatory documents and participation in court proceedings on behalf of FDOT.

O. Gopher Tortoise Relocation

a. Providing gopher tortoise relocation services for FDOT projects as outlined in

Attachment A.

P. Bat exclusions

a. Providing bat exclusion installation and monitoring services in accordance with applicable laws, project specific agency coordination, and OEM Bats in Transportation Structures Guidance on Bat Exclusion Practices

Q. Bald eagle nest monitoring

a. Providing bald eagle nest monitoring in accordance with the most recent USFWS guidelines and/or project specific requirements

b. Providing videography monitoring when applicable

R. Other species related construction monitoring support

a. Providing staff educated in the biological sciences having experience with Florida wildlife and capable of understanding applicable monitoring requirements, identifying and documenting behaviors or potential disturbances, and communicating with FDOT construction inspectors or project administrators.

IV. Deliverables

While specific deliverables will be defined in individual TWOs, the following are the types of deliverables to be anticipated over the course of this Contract:

A. Draft and final documents (e.g., guidance documents, chapter updates, reports, checklists, handbooks, maps, database tables, GIS data layers, story maps)

B. Draft and final review comments on technical documents C. Draft and final programmatic approaches, biological assessments, needs assessments, research reports (including supporting field or laboratory results and data) D. Responses to OEM comments on any draft documents E. Meeting agendas and minutes F. Draft and final power point slides, or other meeting and presentation materials G. Draft and final training materials, scripts, run of show, attendance H. Draft and final public outreach materials in appropriate formats to suite the needs of the final medium (e.g., printed/hard copy, social media, website, videos to post on-line streaming sites)

I. Documentation of approaches to develop artificial intelligence or machine learning processes or procedures such that they can be duplicated by others

J. Monitoring reports K. Gopher Tortoise Survey Results L. After Action Reports for gopher tortoise relocation M. Modified FWC gopher tortoise relocation permits N. Receipts for FWC or recipient site invoices O. Bat Exclusion plans and monitoring reports

V. Responsibility of the Vendor

The Vendor shall ensure that all FDOT policies, procedures, standards, and other information applicable to the services are understood and followed by the appropriate Vendor staff, including sub-consultants.

Coordination and deliverable submittal may occur through a variety of mechanisms, including but not limited to: e-mail, telephone conversations, formal written correspondence, report circulation, Efficient Transportation Decision Making (ETDM) tools, Statewide Environmental Project Tracker (SWEPT), use of various and often multiple information resources such as Florida Geographic Data Library (FGDL), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or other database repositories held by other entities.

The Vendor shall provide quality control and quality assurance reviews of all deliverables, including those developed by subconsultants. The Vendor shall provide documentation of these quality reviews upon request.

The Vendor shall ensure that all deliverables, including source materials produced as part of the Contract, are delivered upon request to the OEM Task Manager or OEM Project Manager, or upon completion of all work for the applicable TWO, whichever comes first.

If the procedural regulations referenced herein are revised or superseded before the services by the Vendor are rendered, compliance with the most up-to-date version and/or amendments will be required.

VI. Governing Regulations, Standards and Guidelines For Work

In addition to all laws, regulations, standards and guidelines mentioned throughout, all work will conform to the following.

A. Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Manual B. Efficient Transportation Decision Making (ETDM) Manual

C. 23 CFR 771

D. 42 U.S.C. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) E. 16 U.S.C. 15-31-1544 Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended F. 33 U.S.C. 1344 Section 404, Clean Water Act G. 33 U.S.C. 403 Section 10, Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 H. Federal Register 50 CFR Parts 13 and 22 I. F.S. Chapter 373, Water Resources J. F.S. Chapter 339, Transportation Finance and Planning K. F.S. 379, Fish and Wildlife Conservation L. F.A.C. Chapter 68A Freshwater Fish and Wildlife M. FWC Gopher Tortoise Permitting Guidelines N. FWC Gopher Tortoise Management Plan O. USFWS Bald eagle monitoring guidelines P. OEM Bats in Transportation Structures Guidance on Bat Exclusion Practices Q. FDOT Design Manual (FDM)

VII. Computer Programs

The Vendor will be authorized to use the following computer programs as necessary to complete assigned tasks. Additional programs required to complete tasks not listed here may also be authorized as necessary.

For Project Screening/NRE submittals: ETDM/EST

For submitting comments: ERC

For Environmental Document Review or Self Assessments: SWEPT

Should the Vendor need or desire to use any other FDOT computer programs, permission must be obtained through coordination with OEM and in compliance with any applicable FDOT policies.

VIII. Responsibilities of FDOT

FDOT will provide an OEM Project Manager who will be responsible for coordination with the

Vendor pertaining to contractual matters, invoicing and reporting. FDOT may also designate an OEM Task Manager for each Task Work Order who will be responsible for working with the Vendor Project Manager to define the specific work to be performed and the schedule for completion of each task, the Vendor staffing to be provided, and the cost. The OEM

Project Manager will be responsible for approval of any additional staffing provided by the

Vendor. The OEM Project Manager or OEM Task Manager (as appropriate) will give approval of final products and services.

IX. Personnel Qualifications

The Vendor shall assign only competent technical personnel qualified by the necessary experience and education to perform assigned work. All subconsultants must be technically qualified to perform all work assigned to them. Additional subconsultants with specialized areas of expertise may be required to complete specific Task Work Order assignments. Any new subconsultant must be added to the Contract via contract amendment (in coordination with the Procurement Office) prior to any issuance of work on a Task Work Order.

The Vendor’s team shall consist of specialists in protected species coordination and consultation, environmental permitting, environmental mitigation, research design, GIS-based data management, Project Development and Environment (PD&E) studies, construction support (species monitoring), website and social media content developers, and unmanned aircraft system pilots. In addition, the Vendor shall provide the required gopher tortoise team members outlined in Attachment A.

Tasks assigned in each topical area may include data collection, sampling, analysis, programming, reporting, or summarizing, developing technical memoranda, policies, public involvement, interagency and intradepartmental coordination, species monitoring and relocation. Implemented technology (e.g., SharePoint sites, Power BI tools) and published GIS data (e.g., ArcGIS Story Maps, layers uploaded to FGDL) must meet FDOT and/or other applicable requirements. Data collection and sampling must meet industry and/or applicable agency standards. Monitoring and species relocations must meet applicable agency requirements.

X. Vendor Not Employee or Agent

The Vendor and its employees, agents, representatives, or subconsultants/ subcontractors are not employees of FDOT and are not entitled to the benefits of State of Florida employees.

Except to the extent expressly authorized herein, the Vendor and its employees, agents, representatives, or subconsultants/subcontractors are not agents of FDOT or the State for any purpose or authority such as to bind or represent the interests thereof and shall not represent that it is an agent or that it is acting on the behalf of FDOT or the State. FDOT shall not be bound by any unauthorized acts or conduct of Vendor.

XI. Ownership of Works and Inventions

FDOT shall have full ownership of any works of authorship, inventions, improvements, ideas, data, processes, computer software programs, and discoveries (hereafter called intellectual property) conceived, created, or furnished under this Contract, with no rights of ownership by the Vendor or any subconsultants/subcontractors. The Vendor and subconsultants/subcontractors shall fully and promptly disclose to FDOT all intellectual property conceived, created, or furnished under this Contract. The Vendor or subconsultant/subcontractor hereby assigns to FDOT the sole and exclusive right, title, and interest in and to all intellectual property conceived, created, or furnished under this Contract without further consideration. This Contract shall operate as an irrevocable assignment by the Vendor and subconsultants/subcontractors to FDOT of the copyright in any intellectual property created, published, or furnished to FDOT under this Contract, including all rights thereunder in perpetuity. The Vendor and subconsultants/subcontractors shall not patent any intellectual property conceived, created, or furnished under this Contract. The Vendor and subconsultants/subcontractors agree to execute and deliver all necessary documents requested by FDOT to affect the assignment of intellectual property to FDOT or the registration or confirmation of FDOT’s rights in or to intellectual property under the terms of this Contract. The Vendor agrees to include this provision in all its subcontracts under this

Contract.

XII. Required Contract Documentation

The Vendor shall maintain an electronic copy of all quality assurance reviews and final deliverables on file to document the successful completion of the assigned tasks. These documents must be maintained for a minimum of two years after contract completion.

XIII. Performance Measures

The following performance measures shall apply to this contract:

A. Deliverables shall be provided no later than the date specified in the TWO unless approval to change a deliverable date is received from the OEM Project Manager prior to the actual deliverable date passing.

B. Deliverables and services should meet industry and agency standards.

C. All coordination efforts with FDOT consultants, contractors, employees, other agents, agency staff, the public or others shall be conducted with the utmost professionalism and with FDOT interests in mind.

IX. Required Equipment and Materials

The equipment and materials required (this does not imply ownership of said equipment) shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

A. Two backhoes with flat plates.

B. Trenching equipment to install silt fence or other exclusionary fence.

C. Equipment to clear and grub for exclusionary fence installation.

D. Equipment for hand shovels excavations.

E. Equipment for measuring and marking relocated tortoises.

F. Exclusionary fencing (typically silt fence).

G. Burrow scope

H. At least three vehicles, with at least one being four-wheel drive, appropriate for the field.

K. GPS units with appropriate accuracy to complete field work and data collection

L. GIS software compatible with the GPS units and current industry standards

M. CADD software (most current version used by the FDOT).

N. Other minor incidentals required for field work including but not limited to flagging tape, pin flags, survey stakes, digital cameras

O. Other hardware/software required to complete office work including computers, internet access and e-mail.

P. Cell phones.

Q. Exclusionary netting and incidental supplies for bat exclusions.

R. Cameras and videography equipment (both for species monitoring and developing public outreach materials)

S. At least one small unmanned aircraft system (as defined in 14 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter F, Part 107) with a professional/commercial grade camera appropriate for environmental surveys and the appliable software to review and analyze collected imagery

X. Attachments

Attachment “A” Gopher Tortoise Relocation Services for the Statewide Natural Resources

Support Contract

Attachment “A”

Gopher Tortoise Relocation Services for the

Statewide Natural Resources Support Contract

Exhibit B - Statewide Natural Resources Support SOS

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) desires services related to gopher tortoise relocation on an as-needed basis as part of the Statewide Natural Resources Support Contract.

These services shall include, but are not limited to, coordination with all necessary agencies, engineers, recipient site owners and organizations; field work, facilitation FWC mitigation contributions or recipient site fees; capture and relocation of gopher tortoises; transportation, delivery, marking and releasing of gopher tortoises from FDOT donor sites to the permitted gopher tortoise recipient site(s) and any required reporting; “exclusionary fence” and/or enclosure(s) for soft release installation, monitoring, maintenance and removal.

I. Personnel Qualifications

The Vendor shall provide at least two staff with at least six years of experience each who have knowledge of gopher tortoise survey, permitting and relocation and should be familiar with the FWC guidelines regarding these activities. These two staff shall be licensed as Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agents (AA) having current, valid permits allowing each staff member to perform all of the following activities as defined by the FWC:

a. Gopher tortoise surveys

b. Gopher tortoise capture using bucket trapping or live trapping or hand shovel excavation

c. transport, marking, and release of gopher tortoises

The Vendor shall provide copies of the valid FWC Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent permits at contract execution.

The Vendor shall provide at least two additional staff qualified to act as Assistants to Authorized Agents and who shall be registered with the FWC.

The Vendor will have equipment available for visual scoping of gopher tortoise burrows.

The Vendor shall provide at least two backhoe operators that can excavate gopher tortoise burrows, in a manner consistent with FWC guidelines, and at the direction of the AA permitted to perform the activity. The Vendor shall supply highly skilled operators to minimize to the greatest extent practicable the potential risk to the Vendor of having any incidences (i.e., harming or accidental death of a tortoise) during relocation efforts.

II. Services to be Provided

The Vendor shall provide all labor, materials, equipment, tools, transportation, and incidentals required to perform any of the following work elements, if and when required by FDOT.

A. Coordination

1. Acting as the AA for FDOT, the Vendor shall provide the primary coordination with the FWC as necessary to accomplish the tasks as outlined herein. This activity shall not be limited to the FWC and may include other organizations, engineers, land surveyors, agencies and local governments when the Vendor is approved to do so.

2. Coordination includes, but is not limited to, any interaction among the Vendor’s staff, sub-contractors or the recipient site owners/liaisons to get the information needed for permit application transfer to the Vendor’s AA and coordination of field work, excavation activities and exclusionary fence installation.

3. Construction support coordination may require that the Vendor report directly to the Construction Project Administrator or their designated staff for brief periods of time, but in such cases, the Vendor shall be responsible for keeping the OEM Project Manager (or District environmental representative) informed of their activities at all times.

4. Coordination with FDOT regarding establishing work authorizations and scheduling will also be required. The Vendor shall work with FDOT to develop project specific schedules for relocation and construction support activities. The Vendor shall provide guidance to FDOT regarding relocation timelines, taking into consideration FDOT project letting and construction schedules, possible advanced utility relocation, permitting durations and relocation timeframes. The Vendor shall be responsible for ensuring that the field work is conducted within the appropriate time frames. Field work done outside of the FWC guidelines will not be compensated. The Vendor shall also take into consideration the time frame for the various capture methods that could impact schedule, such as right of way constraints that may limit backhoe operations and the restrictions of capture and relocation during cold weather that may not allow rapid relocation. Work on recipient sites may also require up front coordination for exclusionary fence installation for soft release of tortoises.

B. AA Permit Transfer

1. The Vendor will modify the issued relocation permits to reflect the Vendor’s AA as the one to carry out the permitted activities. This shall be completed as quickly as possible within the FWC on-line permitting system to avoid delays to relocation efforts.

C. Capture and Relocation of Gopher Tortoises

1. The Vendor shall capture and relocate gopher tortoises and commensal species, in accordance with the FWC guidelines and per the specific project permit conditions, to the designated recipient site(s). Capture methods may include bucket trapping, hand excavation or backhoe excavation. The AA shall provide instructions to the backhoe operators regarding the proper methods of excavation. There may be instances where the Vendor will have to work with FDOT contractors and their backhoe operators for relocation activities. These instances will be coordinated by either the OEM Project Manager or District environmental staff with the appropriate Construction and contractor staff and the AA.

2. The Vendor shall alert FDOT to the anticipated type of capture methods and discuss the approach and timing of the effort with FDOT. The Vendor shall be aware of FDOT right of way constraints and shall not conduct any capture, by any means, on property not owned by FDOT unless there are express permissions in place and approved by FDOT. The Vendor shall be aware that there may be existing utilities within the right of way and shall be responsible for coordinating with FDOT regarding those facilities (especially for FDOT owned underground facilities) as well as notifying the Sunshine 811 network to have the underground utilities within the project corridor located within the appropriate timeframe prior to any excavation activity.

3. The Vendor may be asked to initiate or assist with obtaining permission to conduct capture activities on property not owned by FDOT. In these situations, FDOT will work closely with the Vendor to ensure that the proper procedures are followed to obtain such permissions.

4. Should representatives from FWC request access to the donor site or recipient site(s) FDOT should be notified immediately such that a representative can be present if desired. Should representatives from FWC inspect the donor site or recipient site(s) unannounced, the Vendor shall notify FDOT within four hours and relay the intent of the visit.

5. The Vendor will be responsible for any delays to the FDOT construction contractor that may result from untimely capture and relocation of gopher tortoises.

D. Transportation, Delivery, Marking and Releasing of Gopher Tortoises and Required Reporting

1. The Vendor shall transport, deliver, mark and release gopher tortoises captured from FDOT donor sites to the recipient site(s) in accordance with the FWC guidelines and per the specific project permit conditions. The Vendor shall submit the required reporting information to the FWC regarding the capture and relocation of the gopher tortoises and any commensal species.

E. Exclusionary Fence/Enclosure for Soft Release Installation, Monitoring, Maintenance and Removal

1. The Vendor shall provide exclusionary fence (generally silt fence) installation, maintenance and removal for FDOT donor sites. This exclusionary fence shall be installed to discourage additional, off-site gopher tortoise from entering the project limits.

a. The Vendor shall be responsible for identifying the locations where the exclusionary fence will be installed.

b. The Vendor shall be responsible for monthly inspections of the exclusionary fence and conducting any necessary maintenance/replacement of the fence until such time as the construction contractor receives notice to proceed and takes control of the project site. If requested by FDOT, the Vendor shall remove the exclusionary fence.

2. The Vendor shall note that there may be areas of the right of way, including pond sites that will require clearing in order to install exclusionary fence. The Vendor shall obtain permission from FDOT prior to any clearing and then shall conduct any necessary clearing (except in wetlands) for the exclusionary fence installation.

3. If the recipient site(s) requires a temporary fenced enclosure specifically for the soft release of gopher tortoises from FDOT donor sites, the Vendor shall install, maintain and remove this fencing as required by the FWC. The Vendor shall be responsible for coordinating this effort with the recipient site owner, prior to installation and capture of gopher tortoises and per any agreements between FDOT and the recipient site owner.

4. This effort shall also include any temporary penning of tortoises under any “10 or Fewer Burrow” permits. Any temporary penning installation, maintenance and removal shall be the responsibility of the Vendor and shall be done in coordination with FDOT Construction staff if applicable.

F. Construction Support

1. The Vendor shall provide support to FDOT construction staff and contractors as requested. This shall include, but is not limited to:

a. Attending meetings and field visits with construction and contractor staff to review sensitive areas.

b. Providing direction regarding exclusionary fence installation for new burrows found during construction.

c. Removal of additional tortoises that move onto project sites during construction.

2. This coordination effort will be critical to ensure that projects remain on schedule and that the contractor can continue working if possible.

3. This effort also includes support to FDOT construction staff and contractors for projects that do not require permits but will have exclusionary fence installed to protect burrows outside of the project limits.

4. The Vendor shall be cognizant of construction schedules and the timeframes under which this support needs to be provided.

a. The Vendor shall make every effort to expedite construction related needs within the regulatory requirements.

b. Once alerted to an issue, the Vendor shall make every effort to have the appropriate level staff provide an initial review of the issue and recommendations for next steps within 24 hours.

G. Facilitation of Mitigation Contribution Payments and Recipient Site Fees

1. The Vendor shall, when requested, pay the mitigation contribution required for a given FWC permit. This fee shall be paid within five business days of FDOT notification to the Vendor of the receipt of an invoice. The Vendor shall follow through with the Wildlife Foundation of Florida and the FWC to ensure a timely issuance of the receipt of payment.

Any mitigation contribution fees paid by the Vendor will be reimbursed by FDOT on the subsequent invoice submitted by the Vendor.

2. The Vendor shall, when requested, pay the required fees (i.e., per tortoise fee) to the permitted recipient site(s). This fee shall be paid within the timeframes per the acceptance letter/agreement with the recipient site owner or within five business days of FDOT notification to the Vendor, whichever is sooner. Any fees paid to any recipient site(s) will be reimbursed by FDOT on the subsequent invoice submitted by the Vendor.

All rates are home rates

Item No. Description Unit Unit Rate

1 Project Manager Hourly

2 Scientist Hourly

3 Environmental Specialist Hourly

4 Senior Environmental Specialist Hourly

5 Chief Scientist Hourly

6 GIS Specialist Hourly

7 Computer Technician Hourly

8 Graphic Designer Hourly

9 Community Outreach Specialist Hourly

10 Certified Small UAS Operator Hourly

11 Secretary/Clerical Hourly

12 Authorized Agent Hourly

13 Assistant Authorized Agent Hourly

14 Backhoe Operator Hourly

15 Backhoe with flat plates Per half day

Exclusionary Fencing (includes all labor, materials, clearing and grubbing, and equipment needed for installation and inspection)

Per Roll (100 linear feet)

17 Disposal Fee (exclusionary fencing) Each At Cost

18 Permit Fees Each At Cost

19 Recipient Site Fees Each At Cost

Bat Exclusion Materials (includes all materials required for a given project location such as netting, backer rods, tubes, adhesives) Each At Cost

21 Equipment Rental for bat exclusion installation Per half day At Cost

22 Laboratory analysis Each At Cost

23 Field supplies for research projects Each At Cost

Printed/hardcopy public outreach or training materials Each At Cost

25 Miscellaneous materials Each At Cost