SOW NEPA EA for Install Security Fence MS State 2021.docx

United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service

STATEMENT OF WORK

Conduct Environmental Assessment

USDA ARS

Mississippi State, MS

Environmental Assessment

1.0 CONTRACT PROJECT:

0. Project Title:

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Assessment for Install Security Fencing

0. Project Location:

USDA ARS

150 Twelve Lane (Google Maps is best for determining GPS location) Mississippi State, MS 39762

2.0 PROJECT CONTACT PERSONS:

0. CONTRACTING OFFICER (CO):

0. LOCATION ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (AO):

0. LOCATION POINT OF CONTACT: (LPOC)

Greg Porter USDA-ARS MS State Facilities P.O. Box 5367, 150 Twelve Lane Mississippi State, MS 39762 Phone: (662) 341-1791 (Cell) Greg.Porter@USDA.gov

0. ENGINEERING PROJECT MANAGER (EPM)

Kevin Magee, P.E., Engineering Project Manager USDA, ARS SEA Facilities Engineering P.O. Box 38, 141 Experiment Station Road Stoneville, MS 38776 Office: (662) 686-5289 Cell: (662) 336-0712 Kevin.Magee@usda.gov

3.0 SCOPE OF SERVICES:

The Contractor shall provide all professional services necessary for the accomplishment of the contract project and such required services shall be in accordance with requirements as described herein.

1. The Contractor shall provide services for the following tasks marked by an “X”:

[X] Conduct and prepare a written Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Install Security Fence project. Services to be performed by the contractor under this contract shall conform to all applicable requirements and criteria including but not limited to those indicated in the following handbooks and publications, and their latest issues and changes to date:

1. National Environmental Policy Act, 40 CFR 1500-1508

2. USDA NEPA regulations at 7 CFR 1b, and ARS NEPA regulations at 7 CFR 520

3. ARS P&P 242.1, Chapter 1.3

4. All applicable national and local codes and regulations.

4.0 PROJECT REQUIREMENTS:

4.1 NEPA Environmental Assessment

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Southeast Area, (SEA), requires assessment services for the Install Security Fence project at the Mississippi State Location.

The Contractor will coordinate with Federal, State and Local authorities knowledgeable about possible historical or archaeological resources to determine the exact number, nature, and extent of any resources that could be impacted by the project’s development. The EA should describe any specific conditions to be included in the FONSI to comply with any historic and tribal preservation ordinances and any actions to be taken should any archaeological artifacts be discovered.

Environmental Assessment The Contractor will be responsible for preparing the EA. If at any point in the process, the Contractor determines that it may be prudent to instead move directly to an EIS due to anticipated significant environmental impacts, they will coordinate a teleconference/meeting with USDA to discuss this and obtain USDA concurrence.

At a minimum, the EA must consider two alternatives, the “Proposed Action” alternative and the “No Action” alternative.

Proposed Action Alternative Install Security Fence

No Action Alternative This alternative describes the property and all actions USDA and the third party will take should the proposed project not occur.

NEPA Considerations At a minimum, the EA shall consider the following NEPA factors. Will the proposed project:

• Cause or contribute to soil erosion?

• Affect soil surface stability?

• Degrade water quality?

• Decrease aquifer yield or affect water rights?

• Affect aquatic life?

• Cause or contribute to flow variation in a stream or spring?

• Degrade the aesthetic properties and/or potential uses of either ground or surface waters?

• Affect chemical quality of ground or surface waters (pH, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, dissolved solids, pesticides, etc.)?

• Affect physical quality of ground or surface waters (suspended solids, turbidity, color, oil, temperature, etc.)?

• Cause odors or release odoriferous substances?

• Release toxic substances to the air in quantities that could affect human health or environmental quality?

• Release particulate matter to the air?

• Change local meteorological conditions or air movement patterns?

• Release substances for which there is a National Ambient Air Quality Standard (i.e., sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, lead, particulate matter, etc.)?

• Affect undisturbed natural areas or a wild and scenic river?

• Affect a known or potential cultural, historical or archeological site, district, or area? (A consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer is required.)

• Affect game animals or fish or their taking?

• Affect rare, threatened, or endangered species, or a critical habitat?

• Affect species balance, especially among predators?

• Involve special hazards, such as radioactivity or electromagnetic radiation?

• Affect a wetland, flood plain, or the coastal zone?

• Affect local or regional systems related to: Transportation?

Water supply? Power and heating?

Solid waste management? Sewer or storm drainage?

• Affect local land use through effects on: Flood plains or wetlands?

Location land use? Aesthetics?

Access to minerals?

• Affect socioeconomic aspects of an area including: Population?

Housing supply or demand? Employment?

Commercial activities? Industrial activities?

Cultural patterns? Environmental justice?

• Cause or contribute to unacceptable noise level?

• Affect public health or safety?

• Involve incomplete or unavailable information related to reasonably foreseeable significant environmental effects.

• Affect the human environment in a manner that is likely to be controversial?

• Cause climate change?

• Cause impacts from energy usage or alternative energy?

Public Comment Period Once the NEPA documentation has been accepted by USDA, but prior to final approval, the public shall be afforded a comment period. The Contractor will prepare a notice for review and publication by USDA in notices for local newspaper(s). Copies for review shall be made available to the public at the local public library(ies) for a 30-day comment period.

The Contractor shall then develop preliminary responses to the public comments for USDA review and approval, making changes to the NEPA documentation if required.

Finding of No Significant Impact Concurrent with the first submittal of the revised EA, the Contractor shall prepare and submit a draft FONSI for consideration by USDA. The FONSI should incorporate the information obtained during the analysis into a summary and document USDA’s rationale for the decision. The document must clearly identify mitigation measures, if any, and address how mitigation will be conducted, enforced and measured.

Signature Upon final USDA approval, the ARS Area Director will sign the FONSI. The Contractor will also prepare and publish notices for local newspaper(s) with copies of the final documents (i.e., EA, FONSI and responses to public comments) made available to the public at the local public library(ies) for 30 days.

APPENDIX A

CONSTRUCTION STATEMENT OF WORK FOR INSTALL SECURITY FENCE

United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service

Install Security Fencing

USDA ARS

Mississippi State, MS

Prepared by:

J. Kevin Magee, P.E.

April, 28 2021

Construction

1.0 CONTRACT PROJECT:

0. Project Title:

Install Security Fencing

0. Project Location:

USDA ARS

150 Twelve Lane (Google Maps is best for determining GPS location) Mississippi State, MS 39762

2.0 PROJECT CONTACT PERSONS:

0. CONTRACTING OFFICER (CO):

0. LOCATION ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (AO):

0. LOCATION POINT OF CONTACT: (LPOC)

Greg Porter USDA-ARS MS State Facilities P.O. Box 5367, 150 Twelve Lane Mississippi State, MS 39762 Phone: (662) 341-1791 (Cell) Greg.Porter@USDA.gov

0. ENGINEERING PROJECT MANAGER (EPM)

Kevin Magee, P.E., Engineering Project Manager USDA, ARS SEA Facilities Engineering P.O. Box 38, 141 Experiment Station Road Stoneville, MS 38776 Office: (662) 686-5289 Cell: (662) 336-0712 Kevin.Magee@usda.gov

3.0 SCOPE OF SERVICES:

The Contractor shall provide all professional services necessary for the accomplishment of the contract project and such required services shall be in accordance with requirements as described herein.

1. The Contractor shall provide services for the following tasks marked by an “X”:

[X] Provide a detailed cost proposal and a technical proposal to complete the project as per project requirements.

[X] Provide and install all material to complete the project as per project requirements.

4.0 PROJECT REQUIREMENTS:

This project includes the following:

1. Demolishing the existing 5’ chain link fence (approximately 880 linear feet) on the north property line of the USDA ARS, MS State compound where it borders Mississippi Department of Transportation Right of Way for Hwy 12 East.

2. Supply and install approximately 2,150 linear feet of 7’ tall steel picket fence of a style conforming to details in Section 4.1.1, Figure 1 and located along marked property lines approximately as shown in Figure 2.

3. Supply and install a 25’ motorized cantilevered slide gate at the main entrance of a style consistent with the details in Section 4.1.1, Figure 1 and located approximately as shown in Figure 2. This gate shall include a pedestal for security card/fob read-in and read-out. A Knox Box shall be installed at the entrance.

4. Supply and install a 12’ wide lockable double leaf swing gate on the eastern USDA property line at the side entrance to MSU parking lot consistent with the details in Section 4.1.1, Figure 1 and located approximately as shown in Figure 2.

5. Supply and install a 12’ wide lockable double leaf swing gate near the southeast property corner of a style conforming to details in Section 4.1.1, Figure 1 and located approximately as shown in Figure 2.

6. Supply and install approximately 275 linear feet of 6’ tall, galvanized chain link security fence topped with 3 strand barbed wire to match existing fence. This fencing is located approximately as shown in Figure 2.

7. Install a 36’ wide motorized cantilevered slide gate at the entrance to the Poultry Research facility of at type consistent with the existing chain link fencing and located approximately as shown in Figure 2. This gate shall include a pedestal for security card/fob read-in and read-out. A Knox Box shall be installed at the entrance.

8. Supply and install a 12’ wide lockable double leaf swing gate at the south end of Building 12 Poultry Research Unit HQ of a type consistent with the existing fencing and located approximately as shown in Figure 2.

9. Supply and install a 6’ wide lockable single leaf swing gate in front of Building 13 of a type consistent with the existing fencing and located approximately as shown in Figure 2.

10. In addition to any warranty that may be provided by material suppliers or subcontractors, USDA will be provided an additional Warranty from the Contractor to cover labor and materials for a period of one year to be verified and in place before project closeout.

11. The contractor will provide a turn-key product to include, but not limited to, all materials as specified, the proper demolition as specified, and the installation of all material as specified. This Project is located at the USDA ARS MS State Location, 150 Twelve Lane, MS State, MS 39762.

a. The Contractor will work with site personnel to ensure project is accomplished in a timely manner.

b. The Contractor’s work shall adhere to the criteria stated within these project requirements, drawings, and specifications. All construction shall comply with applicable federal, state, and local code requirements as well as current industry standards, (i.e. EPA, ASTM, GSA, AASHTO, etc.) and health and safety codes, in effect at the time of contract award.

c. This project falls under the DAVIS BACON Wage Act.

d. Contractor must be registered in System for Award Management, (SAM), prior to submitting a bid. Registration can be obtained through: https://www.sam.gov/

4.1 Bid Schedule:

4.1.1 Item Description

Demo existing fencing - Provide all materials, labor, and equipment to remove the existing fencing along the north property line of the USDA ARS MS State Facility.

· Demolition shall be coordinated with new fence installation such that the time frame between demo and construction is minimized.

· All post holes are to be filled level with the surrounding ground.

· During the absence of fencing along the MDOT Hwy 12 Rights of Way, a 4’ high-visibility orange netting temporary construction fence shall be utilized.

· Existing motorized cantilevered slide gate at the Poultry Research Unit is to be salvaged, evaluated, and re-used if possible, in the new installation.

· All debris generated from demolition and clearing shall be disposed of offsite in a proper manner.

Steel Picket Fence Installation – Provide all materials, labor, and equipment to install new 7’ tall steel picket fencing of a style consistent with the standard shown in Figure 1.

· Steel Fencing shall be constructed as shown on the Detail Drawings on Figure 1 labeled “Typical 8’ Section”. Clear Span of pickets will be 8’ 0.5” attached to a 3” square post on each end. Each metal post is to be poured in concrete with a minimum of 18” buried. Pickets are to be 7’ 5” above grade, 1” square, spaced 4 7/8” apart, and should have a press point tip. Pickets will be attached to (4) 1.5” square horizontal metal bars, with two at the top and two at the bottom as shown in the detail. All metal is to be 14 gauge.

· The fence shall be furnished complete, with 14 gauge 3” square support posts, post caps, and hardware, all in the same color (powder coated semi-gloss black) as manufactured by the fence panel manufacturer. 14-gauge metal pickets will be 1” square and spaced every 4’-7/8” on center with press point tips as shown in Figure 1.

· The contractor will be responsible for working with Mississippi 811 to locate all utilities before any digging or installation begins.

· All USDA Property Corners are set and marked.

· The location of the new fence shall be offset minimally so that the entirety of the new fence will be within USDA property lines. Location of the fencing may be adjusted slightly within USDA property in coordination with the Location Point of Contact (LPOC) to achieve a clear line of sight so as to avoid established trees and other possible obstacles.

· Clearing will be required on the north west corner of the USDA property between the Hampton Inn and the North/South drainage ditch to accommodate the new fencing.

· All runs of fencing shall be neat, straight lines in parallel or as near to parallel to property lines as possible. All runs of fencing shall be flagged out prior to installation and shall be approved by the LPOC and/or EPM before installation begins.

· Steel fencing panels used on slopes shall be rakeable to provide a minimum biasability of 25% in order to minimize stair stepping to the extent possible.

· There are two (2) crossings of a drainage ditch that is a major drainage feature and provides storm drainage for much of the community. These crossings are roughly 15’ from top-of-bank to top-of-bank. The fence installation shall be adjusted so that the southern crossing is done at a 90-degree angle with the ditch. Every effort will be made to span both ditch crossings as much as possible such that there will little or no obstruction within the banks of the drainage ditch.

Chain Link Fence Installation – Provide all materials, labor, and equipment to install approximately 275 linear feet of new 6’ tall, galvanized chain link fencing topped with 3 strand barbed wire to match the current security fence in the vicinity of the Poultry Research Unit located on the SW quadrant of the USDA property at the location shown in Figure 2.

· The contractor will be responsible for working with Mississippi 811 to locate all utilities before any digging or installation begins.

· All USDA Property Corners are set and marked.

· The location of the new fence shall be as approximately as shown on Figure 2. Final location to be determined by LPOC and/or EPM.

· Trimming may be necessary of the Magnolia trees in the vicinity of the new installation. Such trimming shall be done in accordance with good arborist practices and shall be coordinated with LPOC before trimming is begun.

· Communications cabling to the pedestals at the main entrance will be a CAT 5 minimum

· Communications and electrical cabling to the existing Poultry Research gate shall be traced back from its present location and tied into to the pedestals at the new gate location.

1. Products Fencing products shall meet the requirements of the Buy American Act.

Steel picket fencing products must meet the requirements shown on the following detailed drawing:

Figure 1 Steel Picket Fence Detail

Basis of Design for Steel Picket Fence: Steel Picket Fence and Gates shall be Ameristar Fence Products (ameristarfence.com) or approved equal.

2. Installation Location:

Figure 2 Fencing Layout

4.2 Description of Work:

1. The Contractor will provide a turn-key project satisfying all Local, State, and Federal requirements.

2. The Contractor will provide all work per Section 4.1 and properly dispose of all waste material.

3. Contractor is responsible for any damage to adjacent equipment and miscellaneous objects that may become damaged during installation. The Contractor is responsible for making repairs to meet or exceed conditions prior to damage.

4. The Contractor is responsible for visiting the site prior to submitting a bid to observe existing conditions. A site visit is not required. However, no compensation will be provided for conditions that would be visible during an on-site visit for persons experienced performing this type of work.

5. All installation to be per Manufacturer’s recommendation.

6. Contractor will verify all dimensions and existing site conditions prior to beginning work.

7. Contractor shall keep work area clean on a daily basis and take measures to control debris while work is being performed.

8. Contractor is required to manage the project and consult with the Government prior to beginning all work phases. And, to work in a manner that minimizes the impact of the work on Government operations, research, and functions.

9. Contractor shall organize and schedule the work such that ingress and egress conflicts are minimized.

10. Contractor will provide weekly reports of work performed to the COR or location monitor.

11. Contractor shall remove and dispose of all construction related materials from all work areas on a daily basis, and remove these waste materials from the site on a weekly basis.

12. All work must be performed in such a manner as to not adversely affect daily operations of the facility, its workers, and the onsite facility operations.

13. Contractor shall have a designated superintendent on the job at all times when working on this project.

4.3 Government Furnished Equipment\Services

1. In addition to Mississippi 811, The Government (LPOC) will be available to assist with the identification of possible other under- ground utilities but does not guarantee location or type of said utilities.

5.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

5.1 Permits: An Encroachment Permit will be required from Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) for the demolition of their existing fence. USDA ARS Engineering Project Manager will secure the needed permit and supply the contractor with a copy. In the event that the MDOT permit language conflicts with anything in this SOW, the Permit language will supersede. Where other governing regulations and imposed codes and standards require notices, permits, licenses, inspections, tests, and similar items or actions in order to lawfully proceed with the required work, the Contractor shall obtain items and take those actions in accordance with the regulations of the governing authority. The costs of such permits, licenses, inspections, etc., are the obligation of the Contractor.

5.2 Existing Installations / Demolition: Contractor shall modify existing installations as needed to accommodate the demolition. Contractor shall coordinate modification of existing installations with Owner. All disturbances of existing systems shall be thoroughly coordinated with the Owner to prevent disturbances that might jeopardize on-going operations and research. Owner reserves the right to retain any equipment / materials removed as part of the scope of work. Contractor shall coordinate any equipment / materials to be retained with Owner prior to starting demolition operations. Contractor shall legally dispose all any materials removed that will not be retained.

5.3 Installation: It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to complete work in accordance with Federal, State, and Local Code Standards. Additional procedures and materials may be required than is indicated herein. If any item specified herein conflicts with the applicable codes and recommendations, the Contractor shall bring it to the attention of the Contracting Officer Representative for immediate resolution.

5.4 Submittals: Provide manufacturer’s descriptive literature/shop drawings for all materials to the COR for review. The descriptive literature shall be annotated/ highlighted to show its conformance with contract requirements. Submittals are required for new materials and will be stamped and/or signed by the general contractor prior to submission to the Government. Contractor is responsible for any costs incurred for equipment ordered without prior approval.

5.5 Quality Control: The work performed under this contract shall be subject to continuous audit by the COR. Quality control is the exclusive responsibility of the Contractor.

5.6 Protection of Work and Property/Safety Requirements:

1. Contractor shall furnish a Site-Specific Safety Plan (SSSP) or Accident Prevention Plan (APP) 10 days after contract award. SSSP / APP shall be approved by the Government before construction work commences. Government will supply samples if requested.

1. The Contractor shall protect the work, the site, and all existing property and structures within the limits of the construction activities or that may be affected thereby until acceptance of the work. Any damage to property shall be repaired at the Contractor’s expense, to pre-damaged condition to the satisfaction of the COR.

1. Safety and health matters, as they relate to the work, are the exclusive responsibility of the Contractor. The Contractor shall furnish, erect, and maintain barricades, warning lights, signs, guards, or take other precautions as may be required by law or local authorities of the protection and security.

1. Contractor is responsible for verifying location of any underground utility and is responsible for any damaged caused to such utilities.

5.7 Temporary Facilities:

1. Temporary utilities of electricity and water will be furnished to the Contractor by the Government.

1. Contractor is responsible for providing portable toilet facilities for contractors use. Location to place facilities will be provided during pre-construction meeting.

5.8 Materials and Equipment:

1. The material and equipment to be furnished under these contract documents shall be the standard products of manufacturers regularly engaged in the production of such materials and equipment and shall be the manufacturer’s latest standard design.

1. All materials and equipment to be incorporated in the work shall be handled and stored by the manufacturer, fabricator, supplies and Contractor before during and after shipment in a manner to prevent any injury, theft or damage of any kind to the materials and equipment. All materials and equipment furnished by the Contractor shall be subject to inspection and approval by the CO/COR.

1. Government will not furnish any labor or equipment to unload or move materials or supplies.

5.9 Cleanup: The construction site shall be kept clean and free of debris at all times. Disposal of the old equipment and /or material is required. Restore areas disturbed as nearly as possible to the original appearance and condition. Upon completion of the project, and prior to final inspection, the Contractor shall remove from the premises all unused material, trash, and debris resulting from the work to the satisfaction of the COR. Final cleanup is required, see section 4.

5.10 Warranty:

1. Submit data concerning the standard one-year warranty for workmanship as well as any warranty that may be provided by material suppliers, including the warranty periods (dates), and warranty contacts with names, addresses and telephone numbers.

5.11 Final Payment/Contract Closeout: The following documents are REQUIRED PRIOR TO FINAL PAYMENT (other documents may also be required):

1. General contractor’s minimum one (1) year warranty on work.

1. Release of liens.

1. Final Invoice

5.12 COVID-19 Job Site-Specific Safety Protective Measures

A. General Safety Policies and Rules

a. The contractor will establish a daily screening protocol for arriving staff to ensure that potentially infected staff do not enter the jobsite. If a contractor employee answers ‘yes” to any of the following questions, he/she should not be permitted access to the jobsite:

1. Have you been confirmed positive for COVID-19?

2. Are you currently experiencing, or recently experienced, any acute respiratory illness symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath?

3. Have you been in close contact with any persons who has been confirmed positive for COVID-19?

4. Have you been in close contact with any persons who have traveled and are also exhibiting respiratory illness symptoms?

b. If contractor employees leave the jobsite and return the same day, establish a cleaning and decontamination protocol prior to entry and exit of the jobsite. Post the daily screening protocol at all entrances and exits to the jobsite.

B. A social distancing protocol will be implemented and monitored to ensure the safety of all government workers, contractors, vendors and visitors to the jobsite.

C. Site deliveries will be permitted but should be properly coordinated in line with minimal contact and cleaning protocols. Delivery personnel should remain in their vehicles if at all possible.

D. All in-person meetings will be limited, and social distancing will be observed.

E. Access to running water for hand washing may not be available. Employees should be provided with alcohol-based hand sanitizers and/or wipes.

F. In lieu of a common source of drinking water, such as a cooler, employees should use individual water bottles.

G. Personal Protective Equipment and Work Practice Controls. In addition to regular PPE for workers engaged in various tasks (fall protection, hard hats, safety glasses etc.) the company will also provide:

a. Face coverings e.g. masks must be worn by all contractor employees

b. Ensure that contractor employees are trained in the use of PPE

c. Prohibit sharing of PPE H. When possible, institute a housekeeping program to reduce dust levels on the jobsite.

I. The contractor will ensure that any disinfection needed shall be conducted using one of the following:

a. Common EPA-registered household disinfectant

b. Alcohol solution with at least 60% alcohol; or

c. Diluted household bleach solutions (ensure this use is compatible with the surface to be disinfected)

6.0 PROJECT SCHEDULE: The Contract time for this project is 120 calendar days from Notice to Proceed.

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