Sol_140P5425Q0032_Attach__0001-SOWs.pdf

EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK

Statement of Work (SOW):

Cyclic Vista Clearing Along Main Park Roads

PMIS: 329290A

DATED:

June 2024

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Interior Region 2: South Atlantic/Gulf

Major Acquisition Buying Office

329290A STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Vista Clearing Along Main Park Roads

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW) FORMAT

1 Background 2 Objectives 3 Place of Performance 4 Period of Performance 5 General Scope 6 Tasks 7 Approved Tools and Equipment 8 Deliverables 9 Safety 10 Travel 11 Quality Assurance Requirement 12 Project Personnel Appendix 1: Work Locations and Proposed Quantities Appendix 2: Maps

1.0 BACKGROUND

Vegetation and tree overgrowth, including poisonous and/or invasive plants and hazardous trees, is encroaching the roadway and obscuring scenic vistas along the Main Park Road (Route 010).

In Shark Valley, heavy brush and vegetation blocks the view into the park from the entrance gate, limits parking availability, and creates confusion and congestion where staff park their vehicles.

The South Florida climate and year-long growing season cause plants and trees to grow rapidly.

High winds from frequent tropical weather activity weaken trees and limbs. Unmaintained, a closed-in artificial appearance and limited sight visibility increases. The project area has sweeping vistas into sawgrass prairie, tree islands, hardwood hammock, and dwarf red mangrove forest.

This project will selectively clear vegetation along the road right-of-way from the edge of the maintained shoulder ten (10) to twelve (12) feet down slope to the toe of the roadbed.

Approximately 12.26 miles of the 38-mile Main Park Road (Park Entrance to Flamingo) and

0.35 miles of the Shark Valley Access Road will be cleared to maintain scenic vistas, increase sight distances, and prevent establishment of tress and vegetation in the road lens. Invasive Brazilian Pepper will be removed.

The National Park Service (NPS) is requesting to contract these duties out to a non-NPS contractor who would be responsible for completing these tasks.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

The NPS seeks to hire a contractor to provide supervision, labor, materials, and equipment for vegetation clearing of vistas, as described herein.

3.0 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Everglades National Park is located west of urban and developed Miami-Dade County, with Park Headquarters located at 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, Florida, 33034. The work will take place over many sites within the National Park boundary. A pre-award site visit is strongly recommended.

Site addresses are available in Appendix 1: Work Locations and Appendix 2: Maps.

4.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

All tasks and deliverables are 90 days from date of award and must begin no later than 30 days from contract award. Days listed herein refer to calendar days.

The primary and approved work schedule is Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:00 AM and 3:30 PM, Eastern Standard Time (EST). Any days or hours outside the primary work schedule must be scheduled in advance and approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) in advance. If there are any schedule delays due to lead time of materials, the COR should be notified immediately.

5.0 GENERAL SCOPE

The contractor shall deliver the following service and provide a cost breakdown to include materials/equipment, labor, administrative, mobilization, and other fees. In accordance with the terms and conditions herein, the prime contractor or his sub-contractors shall perform the work of this contract for the NPS.

The contractor shall:

5.1 Have an on-site superintendent/foreman present at all times while work is being performed; there will always be an English-speaking person in a position of authority at the job site.

5.2 Furnish all labor, materials, equipment, and supplies needed to perform vegetation clearing, hazardous and invasive tree removal, and tree trimming as specified in this contract. Contractor services will remove and legally dispose of offsite vegetation and tree limbs. Tree trimming and hazardous tree removal work will be performed by an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist.

5.3 Employ ISA Certified Arborist for project planning, design, and implementation.

5.4 Possess proven experience and expertise working with vegetation management, professional landscaping, and horticulture. The contractor will utilize standard arboriculture, horticulture, and landscaping practices.

5.5 Identify poisonous plants and trees; donning personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to Poisonwood and Poison Ivy.

5.6 Verify the quantity of materials needed to complete the task identified.

5.7 Provide a worksite and environment that is safe for employees, park visitors, and NPS staff. If necessary, the work area will be cordoned off and secured. Perform all work Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM EST. No work will be performed on weekends or federal holidays without prior approval from the COR.

5.8 Notify the COR of any schedule changes or delays.

5.9 Not install or display company signs on government property. Eating and smoking will be performed in areas designated by the COR. Contractor employees shall always wear appropriate clothing and will refrain from the use of profanity within the earshot of visitors and employees. Contracted employees will obey all posted speed limits.

5.10 Notify COR of scheduled site visits to ensure access to secured areas; and

5.11 Prior to submitting a quote for the project, the Contractor shall be knowledgeable of the site and required tasks and hazards.

6.0 TASKS

Under this contract the contractor shall complete the following tasks and requirements:

6.1 Confine the staging of materials, equipment, and vehicles, and all other operations in connection with this contract to areas designated by the COR. The contractor shall return all equipment and supplies to this agreed upon area daily throughout the workday and at the close of business.

6.1.1 The staging area is to be maintained free of trash, rubbish, derelict equipment, or other items deemed by the Park to be a potential hazard or eyesore. The contractor is responsible for the security of any project vehicles, equipment, and materials kept in the Park for the duration of the project.

6.2 Trim vegetation along the road right-of-way from the edge of the maintained shoulder eight ten (10) to twelve (12) feet down slope to the toe of the roadbed and beyond the limits of the mowed and maintained road right-of-way.

6.3 Trim or remove hazardous trees and poisonous plants/trees. Remove Brazilian Pepper.

6.4 Vegetation will be trimmed horizontally to within six (6) to twelve (12) inches of the existing grade.

6.5 All debris must be kept in an area(s) designated by the COR and must be disposed of in the Contractor’s trash disposal and not add any debris into the Park’s disposal.

6.6 Trimmings which are not mulched to fine cuttings will be removed by hand and chipped and hauled away. Remove all tree and plant debris trimmed and legally dispose of off-site.

6.7 Only vegetation identified by highlighted areas in the maps provided in Appendix 1:

Work Locations and Proposed Quantities and Appendix 2: Maps, shall be removed or trimmed. Any additional vegetation removed shall be paid by the contractor at no additional expense to the Government.

6.8 Stakes with yellow flagging and directional arrows must be installed to identify the limits of trimming operations.

6.9 Maintain a “rolling” traffic control zone during all trimming operations to prevent debris from being thrown into the travel lane of passing vehicles. One lane of travel will be maintained on the opposite side of the road from the cutting equipment. If debris from cutting is thrown into the roadway, flaggers will alert the equipment operator to disengage the cutting head to let traffic through and can hold traffic for reasonable periods of time.

6.10 Properly dispose of offsite all equipment material and waste generated by the work of this contract unless otherwise directed by the COR; and

6.11 Clean up worksite daily and rectify any damage caused by the application or the workmanship. It is suggested that before the commencement of work, the contractor together with the COR walk the project and make a list of all existing damage. Each party should keep a dated copy.

7.0 APPROVED TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

7.1 Light to medium-duty pick-up trucks

7.2 40-yard dumpster

7.3 Track-mounted hydraulic axe

7.4 Chainsaws

7.5 Hand Tools; Loppers

7.6 Shovels

8.0 DELIVERABLES

Before Notice to Proceed (NTP)

8.1 Provide a written narrative summary of how the contractor will execute the project within a timeline. The document will be referred to as the Vista Clearing Along Main Park Roads Schedule.

8.1.1 The plan shall address how the Contractor will ensure that all landscape features identified by the National Park Service for protection are not harmed, remain undisturbed, and are avoided by field equipment.

8.2 After award of the contract and prior to work starting, the contractor will participate in an on-site meeting to review the scope of the project, including where the work shall be conducted, the timing of the work, where the staging areas will be, tasks to be completed, and to identify landscape features, for example, structures or native vegetation, which shall be avoided and protected. The planning meeting will include site visits to view project locations. Project objectives, logistics, methods, equipment, staffing, scheduling, and regulations/guidance for working within the park will be discussed. The planning meeting should be attended by essential personnel from the contracting team.

8.3 The project area contains threatened and endangered plant species which must be marked and protected during vegetation clearing work. Park staff will assist the contractor in identifying individual plant species to be marked and protected by the contractor (flagging tape, barriers, or other methods). Park staff will also advise contractors which plants to avoid while performing (i.e., Poisonwood and Poison Ivy).

If contractors come into contact with or observe any listed species of wildlife, this should be reported to Biological Sciences Branch Chief or designee, informed through the COR.

8.4 Provide a safety plan as identified in section 9; and

8.5 Provide proof of insurance and ISA Arborist Certification.

Invoices and Payments

8.6 The contractor shall supply a complete invoice to the COR in a timely manner for payment. Payment shall be made through the government electronic payment system and may take up to 30 days.

Adjustments for Inadequate Performance

8.7 Routine inspection shall be performed to minimize work improperly performed. Such inspections are designed only to assure that the NPS pays only for those services, which have been specified, and adequately competed by the contractor; and

8.8 In the event the contractor fails to successfully perform the required work, the NPS has the right to withhold partial payment.

9.0 SAFETY

9.1 Before onsite work begins the contractor must submit a site/project specific written safety and accident prevention program containing the following:

9.1.1 Name of responsible supervisor to carry out the program.

9.1.2 Site-specific information including emergency response contact information and emergency response protocols.

9.1.3 Provide and submit a safety plan outlining your safety program specific to this site.

9.1.4 Outline each phase of work, the hazards associated with each major phase, and the methods proposed to ensure property protection and safety of the public, NPS personnel, and contractor’s employees.

9.1.5 Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) to be used:

9.1.5.1 Copies of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be provided to the COR

9.1.5.2 Proper storage of hazmat

9.1.6 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

9.2 The contractor shall provide a safe workspace for all employees while on the NPS site.

9.3 The contractor shall follow all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal, State, and local safety and health requirements.

9.4 The contractor shall report all accidents to the Contracting Officer or Contract Specialist assigned to the contract immediately and assist the Contracting personnel and other officials as requested in the investigation of the accident. Accidents that occur outside of the allowed maintenance area, and cause damage to natural resources or museum collections shall be reported.

9.5 The contractor shall provide a level of public safety commensurate with exposure at a NPS worksite.

9.6 The contractor shall comply in rectifying all unsafe or unhealthful conditions called to their attention by the Contracting Officer; and

9.7 The contractor shall allow for informal and formal, announced, and unannounced safety inspections by the COR, NPS Construction Inspector, and/or appropriate Safety Officer at the worksite.

10.0 TRAVEL

The contractor shall be responsible for all travel related expenses for this project, including mobilization of equipment, tools, materials, manpower, lodging, meals, and per diem.

11.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE REQUIREMENT

11.1 The government will periodically evaluate the contractor’s performance in accordance with this statement of work.

11.2 The contractor shall develop and maintain a quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with commonly accepted commercial practices. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. At a minimum, the contractor shall develop quality control procedures addressing the critical areas identified in this statement of work.

11.3 Additional requirements:

11.3.1 Any damages, including natural and cultural resources impacts, by the contractor will be corrected and repaired where reasonable at no additional cost to the government.

12.0 PROJECT PERSONNEL

12.1 Contract Officer or Contract Specialist:

12.1.1 To be determined at the time of award.

12.2 Park Point of Contact and COR:

12.2.1 To be released at the time of award.

Appendix 1: Work Locations and Proposed Quantities

All sites include start and end coordinate points along with the measured distance in feet and miles. All Northbound (Flamingo to Pine Island) sites are labeled alphabetically, with the route delineated in blue. All Southbound (Pine Island to Flamingo) sites are labeled by numbers, with the route delineated in yellow.

Route 010 Main Mark Road - Northbound Heading northbound out of Flamingo towards Park Headquarters, east (right) side of the Main Park Road:

Clearing Site A Start (latitude, longitude): 25.223217°, -80.838192° End (latitude, longitude): 25.227517°, -80.831182° Distance between points ≈ 4,003 Linear Feet (LF) or 0.76 miles

Clearing Site B Start: 25.229768°, -80.827437° End: 25.232824°, -80.822431° Distance between points ≈ 1,998 LF or 0.38 miles

Clearing Site C Start: 25.243014°, -80.805717° End: 25.245800°, -80.801276° Distance between points ≈ 1,785 LF or 0.34 miles

Clearing Site D Start: 25.261107°, -80.798351° End: 25.270425°, -80.798349° Distance between points ≈ 3,384 LF or 0.64 miles

Clearing Site E Start: 25.291904°, -80.798325° End: 25.312758°, -80.798264° Distance between points ≈ 12,431 LF or 2.35 miles

Clearing Site F Start: 25.313693°, -80.798280° End: 25.319517°, -80.798283° Distance between points ≈ 2,114 LF or 0.40 miles

Clearing Site G Start: 25.320354°, -80.798249° End: 25.339893°, -80.812608° Distance between points ≈ 10,412 LF or 1.97 miles

Clearing Site H Start: 25.394884°, -80.798457° End: 25.400221°, -80.792880° Distance between points ≈ 2,675 LF or 0.51 miles

Route 010 Main Mark Road - Southbound Heading southbound out of Park Headquarters towards Flamingo, west (right) side of the Main Park Road:

Clearing Site 8 Start: 25.414146°, -80.629602° End: 25.414773°, -80.630811° Distance between points ≈ 459 feet or 0.10 miles

Clearing Site 7 Start: 25.437126°, -80.703291° End: 25.437240°, -80.707883° Distance between points ≈ 1,518 feet or 0.29 miles

Clearing Site 6 Start: 25.433507°, -80.730360° End: 25.432942°, -80.743067° Distance between points ≈ 4,208 feet or 0.80 miles

Clearing Site 5 Start: 25.367386°, -80.818439° End: 25.352493°, -80.821002° Distance between points ≈ 5,571 feet or 1.10 miles

Clearing Site 4 Start: 25.338654°, -80.818579° End: 25.325029°, -80.831687° Distance between points ≈ 7,408 feet or 1.40 miles

Clearing Site 3 Start: 25.339974°, -80.812977° End: 25.330269°, -80.800323°

Distance between points ≈ 5,559 feet or 1.10 miles

Clearing Site 2 Start: 25.250410°, -80.798637° End: 25.248963°, -80.799079° Distance between points ≈ 547 feet or 0.10 miles

Clearing Site 1 Start: 25.138979°, -80.934282° End: 25.138980°, -80.934614° Distance between points ≈ 110 feet or 0.02 miles

Shark Valley Main Entrance Clearing Site South of Tamiami Trail, east to west along ‘parking’ area just outside the Main Entrance Road:

Start: 25.760837°, -80.766403° End: 25.760855°, -80.760861° Distance between points ≈ 1,825 Linear Feet (LF) or 0.35 miles between points

Appendix 2: Maps

EVER_329290A_KMZ

https://doimspp-my.sharepoint.com/:u:/g/personal/nfratto_nps_gov/EbfDOV8gfrFKmix4VfquZ8IBetsRkWoxczMZ0TV27AJnYg?e=bvgwfa

Route 010 Main Mark Road – Northbound Clearing Site A

Clearing Site B

Clearing Site C

Clearing Site D

Clearing Site E

Clearing Site F

Clearing Site G

Clearing Site H

Route 010 Main Mark Road - Southbound Clearing Site 8

Clearing Site 7

Clearing Site 6

Clearing Site 5

Clearing Site 4

Clearing Site 3

Clearing Site 2

Clearing Site 1

Shark Valley Main Entrance

EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK

Statement of Work (SOW):

Cyclic Vegetation Management – Shark Valley Tower

PMIS: 312135A

DATED:

December 2024

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Interior Region 2: South Atlantic/Gulf

Major Acquisition Buying Office

312135A STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW): Cyclic Vegetation Management – Shark Valley Tower

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW) FORMAT

1 Background 2 Objectives 3 Place of Performance 4 Period of Performance 5 General Scope 6 Tasks 7 Approved Tools and Equipment 8 Deliverables 9 Safety 10 Travel 11 Quality Assurance Requirement 12 Project Personnel Appendix 1: Work Locations and Proposed Quantities Appendix 2: Maps

1.0 BACKGROUND

The Shark Valley Tower was constructed in 1964 as part of the National Park Service Mission 66 Program. A historic Structures Report was completed in 2012 and prescribes Preservation as the recommended treatment. The structure retains most of its original integrity and is in good condition structurally. The encroachment of vegetation over the years has significantly diminished the view of the structure and large trees and vines are threatening the supporting concrete column footings and concrete construction joints. Removing large trees will protect the structure and allow access for pressure washing efforts and concrete repairs. The vegetation removal will be selective to remove damaging trees and to achieve a cultural landscape similar to what existed in the 1960’s.

This project will address vegetation management needs around the Shark Valley tower, with approximately 14,000 square feet (SF) of vegetation cleared. All vegetation underneath and near the tower will be removed. Vegetation will be trimmed back three (3) to five (5) feet of the sides of the ramp, inside and outside the perimeter to stop encroachment of vegetation from further damaging the historic structure. Trees will be trimmed and selected trees will be removed inside the perimeter of the ramp area to reduce the elevation of the trees to provide views of the cultural and natural landscape.

The National Park Service (NPS) is requesting to contract these duties out to a non-NPS contractor who would be responsible for completing these tasks.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

The NPS seeks to hire a contractor to provide supervision, labor, materials, and equipment for vegetation clearing, as described herein.

3.0 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The work will take place at the Shark Valley Tower, located within Everglades National Park, at 36000 Shark Valley Loop Road, Miami, Florida 33194. Park Headquarters is located at 40001

State Road 9336, Homestead, Florida, 33034. A pre-award site visit is strongly recommended.

See Appendix 1: Work Locations and Appendix 2: Maps.

4.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

All tasks and deliverables are 30 days from date of award and must begin no later than 30 days from contract award. Days listed herein refer to calendar days.

The primary and approved work schedule is Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Eastern Standard Time (EST). Contractors must arrive prior to tram hours to begin work so as to not disrupt the visitor experience. Equipment, tools, and materials must be delivered to the staging area at the start of the day to avoid driving back and forth along the tram loop.

Departure times of tram tours are as follows:

• May 1 through December 20 o First tram leaves the Visitor Center: 9:30 AM o Last tram leaves the Visitor Center: 4:00 PM

• December 21 through April 30 o Fist tram leaves the Visitor Center: 9:00 AM o Last tram leaves the Visitor Center: 4:00 PM

The Park is very busy during this season

Note: Traffic is heavy from October through May.

Note: Tram tours last approximately two (2) hours.

No work will be performed on weekends or federal holidays without prior approval from the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Any days or hours outside the primary work schedule must be scheduled in advance and approved by the COR in advance. If there are any schedule delays due to lead time of materials, the COR should be notified immediately.

5.0 GENERAL SCOPE

The contractor shall deliver the following service and provide a cost breakdown to include materials/equipment, labor, administrative, mobilization, and other fees. In accordance with the terms and conditions herein, the prime contractor or his sub-contractors shall perform the work of this contract for the NPS.

The contractor shall:

5.1 Have an on-site superintendent/foreman present at all times while work is being performed; there will always be an English-speaking person in a position of authority at the job site.

5.2 Furnish all labor, materials, equipment, and supplies needed to perform vegetation clearing, hazardous and invasive tree removal, and tree trimming as specified in this contract. Contractor services will remove and legally dispose of offsite vegetation and tree limbs. Tree trimming and hazardous tree removal work will be performed by an

International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist.

5.3 Employ ISA Certified Arborist for project planning, design, and implementation.

5.4 Possess proven experience and expertise working with vegetation management, professional landscaping, and horticulture. The contractor will utilize standard arboriculture, horticulture, and landscaping practices.

5.5 Identify poisonous plants and trees; donning personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to Poisonwood and Poison Ivy.

5.6 Verify the quantity of materials needed to complete the task identified.

5.7 Provide a worksite and environment that is safe for employees, park visitors, and NPS staff. If necessary, the work area will be cordoned off and secured.

5.8 Notify the COR of any schedule changes or delays.

5.9 Not install or display company signs on government property. Eating and smoking will be performed in areas designated by the COR. Contractor employees shall always wear appropriate clothing and will refrain from the use of profanity within the earshot of visitors and employees. Contracted employees will obey all posted speed limits.

5.10 Notify COR of scheduled site visits to ensure access to secured areas; and

5.11 Prior to submitting a quote for the project, the Contractor shall be knowledgeable of the site and required tasks and hazards.

6.0 TASKS

Under this contract the contractor shall complete the following tasks and requirements:

6.1 Confine the staging of materials, equipment, and vehicles, and all other operations in connection with this contract to the area designated by this contract (see Appendix 1:

Work Locations and Proposed Quantities and Appendix 2: Maps). The contractor shall return all equipment and supplies to this agreed upon area daily throughout the workday and at the close of business.

6.1.1 The staging area is to be maintained free of trash, rubbish, derelict equipment, or other items deemed by the Park to be a potential hazard or eyesore. The contractor is responsible for the security of any project vehicles, equipment, and materials kept in the Park for the duration of the project.

6.1.2 Fuel, if stored in containers on-site, must be properly permitted and have secondary containment that meet environmental and occupational safety standards.

6.2 Trees greater than 20 feet tall with a dbh of 8" or greater should be inspected for cavities or loose bark to determine if it is occupied by bats (or birds). If the cavity cannot be inspected with a peeper camera, the branch or tree should not be removed until an inspection can be conducted.

6.3 All vegetation underneath and near the tower will be trimmed or removed. Vegetation will be trimmed back three (3) to five (5) feet of the sides of the ramp, inside and outside the perimeter.

6.4 Selected trees will be removed inside the perimeter of the ramp area to reduce the elevation of the trees to provide views of the cultural and natural landscape.

6.5 Trim or remove hazardous trees and poisonous plants/trees, especially those growing along walkways or the structure.

6.6 Trim/prune vegetation in such a manner as to not cause more extensive growth of vegetation.

6.7 Vegetation removed from historic fabric including walls and building surfaces shall be completed by hand (no tools).

6.8 Plants with root structures in historic fabric shall be cut off at the base and treated with herbicide (not forcibly removed).

6.9 All debris must be kept in an area designated by the COR and must be disposed of in the

Contractor’s trash disposal and not add any debris into the Park’s disposal.

6.10 Trimmings will be removed by hand and chipped and hauled away. Remove all tree and plant debris trimmed and legally dispose of off-site.

6.11 Only vegetation identified by highlighted areas in the maps provided in Appendix 1:

Work Locations and Proposed Quantities and Appendix 2: Maps, shall be removed or trimmed. Any additional vegetation removed shall be paid by the contractor at no additional expense to the Government.

6.12 Minimize the use of wheeled or tracked equipment for vegetation clearing to reduce impacts to wetlands. Do not use wheeled or tracked equipment when standing water is present at the site to reduce impacts to wetlands.

6.13 Contractor’s vehicles and tools must be washed down prior to starting work to prevent invasive plant species from invading the wetland area.

6.14 The site area and surrounding wetlands will be kept clean of any debris and herbicide at all times. Contractors shall not disturb wetland grounds throughout the duration of the project. No activities that result in ground disturbance (operation of equipment, removal of roots) are permitted in wetland areas.

6.15 Properly dispose of offsite all equipment material and waste generated by the work of this contract unless otherwise directed by the COR; and

6.16 Clean up worksite daily and rectify any damage caused by the application or the workmanship. It is suggested that before the commencement of work, the contractor together with the COR walk the project and make a list of all existing damage. Each party should keep a dated copy.

7.0 APPROVED TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

7.1 Light to medium-duty pick-up trucks

7.2 40-yard dumpster

7.3 Chainsaws

7.4 Machetes

7.5 Hand tools; pruning/trimming tools

8.0 DELIVERABLES

Before Notice to Proceed (NTP)

8.1 Provide a written narrative summary of how the contractor will execute the project within a timeline. The document will be referred to as the Shark Valley Tower Vegetation Management Schedule.

8.1.1 The plan will address how the Contractor will ensure that all landscape features identified by the National Park Service for protection are not harmed, remain undisturbed, and are avoided by field equipment.

8.1.2 The plan will include protocols to minimize production of fine cuttings, debris, and mulch in the wetlands.

8.2 After award of the contract and prior to work starting, the contractor will participate in an on-site meeting to review the scope of the project, including where the work shall be conducted, the timing of the work, where the staging areas will be, tasks to be completed, and to identify landscape features, for example, structures or native vegetation, which shall be avoided and protected. The planning meeting will include site visits to view project locations. Project objectives, logistics, methods, equipment, staffing, scheduling, and regulations/guidance for working within the park will be discussed. The planning meeting should be attended by essential personnel from the contracting team.

8.3 The project area contains threatened and endangered plant species which must be marked and protected during vegetation clearing work. Park staff will assist the contractor in identifying individual plant species to be marked and protected by the contractor (flagging tape, barriers, or other methods). Park staff will also advise contractors which plants to avoid while performing (i.e., Poisonwood and Poison Ivy). If contractors come into contact with or observe any listed species of wildlife, this should be reported to Biological Sciences Branch Chief or designee, informed through the COR.

8.4 Provide a safety plan as identified in section 9; and

8.5 Provide proof of insurance and ISA Arborist Certification.

Invoices and Payments

8.6 The contractor shall supply a complete invoice to the COR in a timely manner for payment. Payment shall be made through the government electronic payment system and may take up to 30 days.

Adjustments for Inadequate Performance

8.7 Routine inspection shall be performed to minimize work improperly performed. Such inspections are designed only to assure that the NPS pays only for those services, which have been specified, and adequately competed by the contractor; and

8.8 In the event the contractor fails to successfully perform the required work, the NPS has the right to withhold partial payment.

9.0 SAFETY

9.1 Before onsite work begins the contractor must submit a site/project specific written safety and accident prevention program containing the following:

9.1.1 Name of responsible supervisor to carry out the program.

9.1.2 Site-specific information including emergency response contact information and emergency response protocols.

9.1.3 Provide and submit a safety plan outlining your safety program specific to this site.

9.1.4 Outline each phase of work, the hazards associated with each major phase, and the methods proposed to ensure property protection and safety of the public, NPS personnel, and contractor’s employees.

9.1.5 Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) to be used:

9.1.5.1 Copies of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be provided to the COR

9.1.5.2 Proper storage of hazmat

9.1.6 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

9.2 The contractor shall provide a safe workspace for all employees while on the NPS site.

9.3 The contractor shall follow all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal, State, and local safety and health requirements.

9.4 The contractor shall report all accidents to the Contracting Officer or Contract Specialist assigned to the contract immediately and assist the Contracting personnel and other officials as requested in the investigation of the accident. Accidents that occur outside of the allowed maintenance area, and cause damage to natural resources or museum collections shall be reported.

9.5 The contractor shall provide a level of public safety commensurate with exposure at a NPS worksite.

9.6 The contractor shall comply in rectifying all unsafe or unhealthful conditions called to their attention by the Contracting Officer; and

9.7 The contractor shall allow for informal and formal, announced, and unannounced safety inspections by the COR, NPS Construction Inspector, and/or appropriate Safety Officer at the worksite.

10.0 TRAVEL

The contractor shall be responsible for all travel related expenses for this project, including mobilization of equipment, tools, materials, manpower, lodging, meals, and per diem.

11.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE REQUIREMENT

11.1 The government will periodically evaluate the contractor’s performance in accordance with this statement of work.

11.2 The contractor shall develop and maintain a quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with commonly accepted commercial practices. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. At a minimum, the contractor shall develop quality control procedures addressing the critical areas identified in this statement of work.

11.3 Additional requirements:

11.3.1 Any damages, including natural and cultural resources impacts, by the contractor will be corrected and repaired where reasonable at no additional cost to the government.

12.0 PROJECT PERSONNEL

12.1 Contract Officer or Contract Specialist:

12.1.1 To be determined at the time of award.

12.2 Park Point of Contact and COR:

12.2.1 To be released at the time of award.

Appendix 1: Work Locations and Proposed Quantities

Shark Valley Observation Tower 36000 Shark Valley Loop Road, Miami, Florida 33194 25.656090°, -80.766473°

Clearing Site

≈ 14,000 SF

• Trim vegetation three (3) to five (5) feet away from the perimeter of the observation tower and three (3) to five (5) feet from the ramp, inside and outside the ramp perimeter.

• Trim vegetation on the east and west sides of the walkway three (3) feet away from the guardrail.

• Trim/prune tree north of Observation platform.

• Trim/prune trees and remove hazardous trees from inside/underneath tower ramp.

Staging Area 25.657831°, -80.766388°

• Adjacent to the Water Pump House.

Appendix 2: Maps

Clearing and Staging Areas

Clear three to five feet off guard rail on both sides of walkway

Trim/prune trees and remove hazardous trees

Clear three to five feet away from structure

Staging area

Shark Valley Site and Surrounding Area