SOW Tree Removal.docx

Statement of Work

Tree Removal and Pruning

Plant Science Facility 3127 Ligon Street Raleigh, North Carolina

Asset ID: 664500B011

Prepared by: Kurt Geisler 04/26/2024

Table of Contents

Background The USDA-ARS Plant Science Facility in Raleigh NC is located at 3127 Ligon Street, on NC State University Campus. The maintenance shop located at the West boundary of the property has been damaged by falling tree limbs; several large trees are leaning over the Maintenance Shop, Walk-in Freezer, and West Parking Area and require removal. Other trees require pruning of branches to reduce risk of structural and property damage. It is estimated that 8 trees require complete removal with up to 4 requiring selective branch removal. Access to affected trees is limited; 6 of the 8 trees marked for removal are blocked by structures.

Statement of Work: Provide all personnel, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, inspection services and quality control necessary to remove and prune trees threatening the maintenance shop and evaluate the health of the remaining trees as specified in this document.

Project Objective: The objective is to remove the immediate threat of property damage sustained from falling trees/branches in the vicinity of the Walk-in Freezer, Maintenance Shop, and West Parking Area and to provide a report detailing overall health of remaining trees West of the maintenance shop and recommendations for any future arborist services necessary to achieve a balance between safety of property/personnel and preservation of natural areas. It is estimated that 8 trees require complete removal with up to 4 requiring branch removal. The majority of trees impacted are maple, sweetgum, and poplar.

Scope of Work:

Furnish all personnel, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, inspection services and quality control necessary to perform tree removal, pruning, and inspections as described in this document and in accordance with State and Local building authorities.

Contractor Requirements:

· Certified Arborist must always be present directing work during tree pruning and cutting activities.

· Contractor shall Obtain all building and trade permits necessary, to include any drawings, plans, permit and inspection fees, utility location, site surveys, and any other items necessary for compliance with State, Local, and Federal building authorities.

· Possess appropriate trade license(s) for work being performed.

· Cut and remove 8 marked trees. Stumps shall be ground to 4” below ground level or removed completely unless grinding or removal is prohibitive to health of neighboring trees.

· Prune branches from trees not marked for removal which have branches overhanging the Walk-In Freezer, Maintenance shop, and West Parking area or branches that risk damaging these areas if they were to fall.

· If Certified Arborist determines it would be beneficial to health of natural area, removed material may be ground on site and distributed evenly throughout work area as mulch not to exceed 3” depth, otherwise all trees removed and branches pruned shall be removed from property by contractor.

· Provide a Tree Risk Assessment of remaining trees within the marked area (see Pictures). Assessment shall include location, species, overall condition/health, risk of failure, and recommendations for future action consistent with Project Objective.

· Conduct a pre-work conference at least 10 days prior to tree removal or branch pruning; the purpose of this conference is to discuss and plan for site access, removal of personnel and vehicles from areas impacted by work.

Site Visit: Bidders are strongly encouraged to visit the site and be escorted by a government representative to confirm locations, dimensions, and conditions of the project before a bid is submitted. The site visit shall be for the purpose of observing firsthand any conditions relevant to the completion of this project. No consideration will be given to claims based on lack of knowledge of existing conditions, except where Contract Documents make definite provisions for adjustment in cost or extension due to existing conditions not readily foreseeable.

A site visit has been scheduled for Wednesday August 28th, 2024 at 10:00 AM EST. Please submit the names of the personnel requesting to attend with the name of the company that they represent to lynn.hults@usda.gov by Tuesday August 27th, 2024 by 2:00 PM CST.

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

Utilization of Bio-Based Products: The contractor shall utilize products and material based from bio- based materials as applicable, (e.g. bio-based greases; bio-based hydraulic fluids, bio-based absorbents), to the maximum extent possible without jeopardizing the intended end use of detracting from the overall quality delivered to the end user. All supplies and materials shall be of a type and quality that conforms to the applicable Federal Specifications and Standards. All supplies and materials to be used in the performance of the work described herein are subject to the approval of the Contracting Officer Representative (COR). Products can be found at: www.biopreferred.gov

Safety: The contractor will submit a Site Safety Specific Plan/Accident Prevention Plan in industry recognizable format to the Contracting Officer within 14 days of contract award. Contractor shall furnish a Site-Specific Safety Plan (SSSP) and the Government shall review the SSSP prior to the start any construction activities. SSSP shall be in typically accepted industry format.

Damage to Property:

Any damage to the Government buildings, utilities, etc. caused as the result of the contractor’s activities shall be repaired or replaced to the satisfaction of the Government.

Inspection and Acceptance:

A government representative shall inspect and approve the work performed on this project. The Contractor shall schedule inspection a minimum of 10 days in advance, in writing, to the Contracting Officer.

Project Schedule:

The completion of this project shall not exceed 45 days from the date of award. A request for time extension must be submitted to the Contracting Officers Representative in writing. Each request must include specific and detailed reasons in support of the schedule alteration.

Work Hours:

Contractor work hours shall be Monday through Friday, eight (8) A.M. to five (5) P.M. with the exception of Government holidays. Any changes to the work schedule shall be submitted to Contacting Officer for written approval prior to schedule change.

Project Contacts

Contract Specialist Lynn Hults, lynn.hults@usda.gov 912-464-9723 USDA, ARS, Southeast Area Administrative Office Acquisitions, Personal Property & Fleet Management

Pictures and Site Information

Picture 1 – Overview of USDA ARS Plant Science Facility and Grounds, general area impacted by work marked.

W. Parking Area Maint. Shop Walk in Freezer

Picture 2 – Google Earth Image with relevant structures/areas identified.

Picture of Work Area, facing Northeast. Trees 5,6,7 cannot be seen clearly.

Google Streetview image of work site. Note: this image taken approx. December 2017 prior to maintenance shop relocation. The maintenance shop is currently located in foreground. Trees marked for removal are indicated here.

Note: Circumference and Height figures are ESTIMATED values. A site visit is strongly recommended. Contractor is responsible for taking their own measurements as necessary.

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