SOW_Veg_Removal_PA.docx

VICKSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK

VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI

VEGETATION REMOVAL

TO PROTECT PENNSYLVANIA MONUMENT

PMIS#:210046A

June 4, 2024

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

SOUTHEAST REGION

VEGETATION REMOVAL TO PROTECT PA MONUMENT pg 1 of 16

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW):

GENERAL SCOPE OF WORK:

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, fuel, transportation, tools, supplies, supervision, and management necessary to implement removal/mulching of woody vegetation from select areas around the Pennsylvania Monument within the Vicksburg National Military Park.

The normal work hours for the project shall be from Monday – Friday, 6:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Work shall not be permitted on Federal holidays or weekends unless the contractor has prior approval from the park. Weekend approval will not be granted until NPS has observed the contractor’s performance during normal business hours Monday through Friday.

Contractor must submit equipment list stating what equipment will be used on site prior to award for CO and COR to approve equipment against mitigation requirements for historic sites and the tour road within project boundaries. Large equipment, rubber tracked or wheeled, with tree handling and/or mulching capabilities will be required for park asset protection and visitor access/safety.

EXAMINATION OF SITE

Before submitting a bid for the work under this contract, each bidder shall read this contract carefully to make sure he/she understands fully all the requirements necessary for satisfactory completion of the contract. Absolutely no allowances shall be made for not following this contract. They shall examine the work sites and satisfy himself/herself as to the existing conditions under which he/she shall be pledged to operate and that may in any way affect the work required herein. No allowance shall be made subsequently in this connection on behalf of the contractor for any error or negligence on his/her part. For an appointment to inspect the sites contact the Vicksburg National Military Park, 3201 Clay St., Vicksburg, MS 39183 Ph. (601) 636-0583 or Project Manager at (601) 618-4544.

A. Description of the Project Area. The contractor shall provide vegetation mulching/removal around the Pennsylvania Monument. Where applicable all woody vegetation and vines within 25’ of the existing wood line shall be sprayed, allowed three weeks to take up herbicides, and mulched to ground level. See enclosed map for vegetation to be removed. All debris shall be mulched to ground level where possible. Any trees under 24” diameter will be removed/mulched within the 25’ and trees overhanging the monument or have the potential to damage the monument, walkway, or plaza will be mulched/removed. Stumps should be ground to 1-2 inches below the surface. Any trees over 24” diameter should be left in place, multi trunk trees to be considered by average trunk size and all dead trees regardless of size will be mulched/felled where possible. Coordinate with COR to address oversized tree removal where applicable. More specific details about the site is provided below. No debris shall be removed from the sites unless coordinated with the COR.

B. NOTE: The 25’ clearing width will not always be possible due to the terrain around the monument. Contractor will do as much as possible at each site.

C. NOTE: No Tree removal shall happen between March 15 and August 31 in any operations year due to compliance regulations related to endangered species and migratory birds. Vegetation spraying and treatment will be allowed during this time.

D. NOTE: All areas of clearing should be measured and recorded to properly document the area, date, crew members, working hours, chemicals used, and equipment used. This information should be provided to the Park at the conclusion of work at each site.

E. NOTE: Wheeled or rubber tracked equipment will be required for areas access from the paved tour road that will be traveled by heavy equipment, if wheeled vehicle has wide floatation type tires it may be allowed off pavement or may require wooden pallets for crossing terrain of historical significance. The main concern is that there is limited ground disturbance anywhere vehicles travel due to the nature of the site and underlying historical archeology. Steel tracked vehicles will be allowed off the roadway. Large portions of the work will be performed from the roadway or directly adjacent.

F. NOTE: All signage and monuments shall be protected from falling debris or machinery. Contractor will be penalized for the cost of damage to signage or monuments if aesthetic or functional harm is caused.

G. NOTE: Cut trees shall be cut as close to the ground as possible without disturbing the soil. Stumps shall be ground to 1-2 inches below the ground. If mulching operations are not possible due to terrain, felled woody debris may be removed from the park in consultation with the COR. Alternatively, trees can be cut into sections and piled, resulting in a low profile with no branches or stems standing at a height more than 12-18 inches and providing a 25-foot buffer from mowing zones/lines. Cut vegetation shall be cleared on foot with hand tools (saws, pruners, chainsaws, brush cutters)

Pennsylvania Monument (Grant’s Avenue) –.15 mi All trees (<24”) and wood vegetation within 25 feet from the edge of existing wood line shall be removed where possible. Branches of remaining trees shall be pruned back so that no branches lower than 20’ high are extending over the monument, path, and plaza. Tree stumps shall be treated immediately with herbicide to prevent regrowth. No debris shall be removed from site. All debris shall be mulched and left lying.

SUBMITTALS AND REQUIREMENTS:

· Herbicide:

NPS REQUIRES PRE-APPROVAL OF HERBICIDE BEFORE PURCHASE. DO NOT ACQUIRE OR DELIVER Herbicides until the NPS has informed the contractor to proceed with acquisition of the approved herbicides. Use form CM-16 and the IPM Pesticide Purchase Log to submit the approved products being acquired by the Contractor. The returned CM-16 will be documentation for the contractor to proceed with acquisition of the material.

In addition, contractor must report herbicide type, amount of herbicide used, and acreage covered to NPS at end of project but must make readily available for inspection to avoid a stop work notice. The contractor shall utilize the IPM Pesticide Applicator Use Log provided by the NPS for this documentation via the CM-16 form submission. The contractor shall follow all safety guidelines on herbicide labels, including recommended use of personal protective equipment.

· Cleanup/Completion.

Before delivery to park and before and after completion of each designated project area, contractors' equipment and clothing should be brushed or washed free of any vegetative materials (seeds, foliage, etc.) before moving to the next area or removing equipment from the park. The Contractor shall ensure this is done to prevent the spread of non-native plant species throughout the park. The contractor will also be required to clean up any debris that may land on the roadway as quickly as possible to allow proper flow of traffic through the park.

· E. Safety.

Appropriate OSHA and NPS Safety Regulations and Policies shall be adhered to including wearing personal protective equipment, making available first aid equipment, and posting pertinent safety information. Dial 911 in case of emergency. Unsafe operations shall be halted until corrective action is taken by Contracting Officer (CO), Contracting Officer Representative (COR), Facility Manager, Resource Manager, or Park’s Safety Officer. This halt shall be at no additional expense to the government.

· Traffic Control Traffic is generally one-way; follow traffic patterns. Vehicles and equipment should not impede the normal flow of visitation through the park. Work with park staff to determine proper parking/staging locations for each work area.

· Project Specific Safety Plan Submit an acceptable documented project specific safety plan (SSP) prior to a notice to proceed (resume). Include a cool down period of 15 minutes after shutting off equipment before refueling. Flagger personnel must be used for communication with operators and heavy machinery while operations are ongoing. Pedestrian use is heavy within the park and all operations should be halted when pedestrians are within 100’ of any machinery that would throw or fell any vegetation resulting in harm to any pedestrians, this is for protection of the contractor, park and pedestrians to limit liability risk for all parties.

· Safety Officer Submit in writing designated company safety officer/coordinator that will be on site for the duration of the project with the responsibility and authority for ensuring safe work practices are being carried out per the approved SSP.

· Fuel Transportation Contractor shall only utilize a Department of Transportation (DOT) metal container for transporting fuel in/out of the park. Plastic gas cans are prohibited.

· Equipment List Submit an equipment/tool list of all powered equipment to be used on site to include, make, model, condition, quantities, and include in the equipment list a gas funnel, gas can, electrical or fuel power tools, hoses, fire extinguisher, etc. All equipment must be in good working condition and must be inspected by the NPS before putting into use during a pre-inspection. All equipment shall have all safety guards and devices affixed and must remain in place while being utilized on the job site.

· Requirements/Qualification.

At a minimum the contractor shall submit in writing the designated employees that adhere to these requirements/qualifications for the field crew leader and crew.

Crew Supervisor Requirements

· In possession of a Mississippi herbicide applicators license available for inspection at any time by the COR.

· Coordination with designated COR upon a mutually agreed upon timeframe (daily/weekly/other).

· Responsible for all control activities and safety on project sites.

· Assuring that all contract crews are knowledgeable of and remain within property and treatment boundaries.

· Assuring that copies of the safety plan, appropriate herbicide labels, SDSs or MSDSs, the scope of work and area maps are always on site and available at any time for inspection by the COR.

· Avoid damage to wildlife and to native vegetation not targeted for treatment.

· Recording the Pesticide Use Log data as described in the Herbicide section, above. This information will be supplied regularly to the COR when updated and the final log shall be submitted on form CM-16.

· Provide and ensure that employees wear protective clothing, shoes, eye protection, and any other PPE required by labels, laws, regulations, ordinances, and/or manufactures instructions for materials and equipment.

· Crew Supervisor shall not supervise more crew members than is authorized under the state applicators license.

Crew Supervisor Qualifications

· Each crew supervisor shall possess the following minimum qualifications:

· Knowledge and two (2) years of substantial experience in field identification and current control technologies of invasive pest plants common to the ecosystem being treated.

· Knowledge of indigenous plants with characteristics similar to invasive pest plants being treated.

· Awareness of the potential impacts and liabilities of misapplication of herbicide and how to avoid them.

· Working, current knowledge of resource management methods, biological processes and vegetation treatment techniques.

· Knowledge of data organization, record keeping, and global positioning system (GPS) mapping techniques.

· Knowledge, ability, and willingness to handle herbicides in the course of invasive plant control, a current state applicators licenses for Mississippi.

· Ability to work under adverse environmental conditions including; high humidity and temperatures, inclement weather, exposure to poisonous plants, venomous reptiles, biting and stinging insects, and difficult terrain such as dense thickets. Knowledge of and ability and willingness to implement the safety plan.

· A current CPR certification card.

· Knowledge of Threatened and Endangered species for Mississippi.

Crew Member Qualifications

· Crew members performing invasive plant control operations shall possess the following minimum qualifications:

· Ability to correctly identify plants, including indigenous plants similar to invasive plants being treated.

· Ability to mix, handle, and apply herbicides in accordance with label directions and crew supervisor instructions.

· Ability to handle and maintain tools, equipment, and supplies in good working order for daily operations.

· Ability to work under adverse environmental conditions including high humidity and temperatures, inclement weather, exposure to poisonous plants, venomous reptiles, biting and stinging insects, and difficult terrain such as dense thickets.

C. Submittal Form

Contractor shall use CM-16 to submit proposal of the following:

· Vehicles/equipment for use on the project, including specific location where to be used, how it will be used, and if will damaged the landscape – note: there is no guarantee the NPS will approve the request.

· Names of certified herbicide applicators with copies of state certificates/licenses

· Herbicides proposed for use, including colorant additive information. Identify product name, EPA registration number, and attach a product label and safety data sheets for each herbicide (8 1/2”x11” paper size). Aquatic safe herbicides are required for wetland areas. Contractor shall submit CA-16 at least one month before use, as pesticides use in National Parks must be reviewed and pre-approved by both the regional and Washington-level Integrated Pest Management Coordinators.

CONTRACTOR’S USE OF PREMISES:

1. Contractor shall stop at the park entrance stations (Clay Street) and identify him/herself before driving through to the work site.

2. Contractor shall exit the work site following the one-way tour road. All park rules and regulations shall be followed, including documenting use of pesticides and following the flow of traffic on the one-way tour road.

3. Staging area(s) shall be designated at the work sites by the COR.

4. If deemed necessary, the contractor shall provide and maintain temporary toilet facilities in accordance with State Health Department and National Park Service requirements. All staging areas shall be kept neat and clean and shall be completely removed at completion of work. These requirements also apply to all subcontractors.

5. The contractor is required to use park and local county roads for transporting equipment and materials. During the period of contract work the park tour road shall remain open to visitor traffic, both vehicle and foot. If needed for safety reasons, flagmen shall be furnished by the contractor for directing traffic.

6. The contractor shall always conduct his/her operations to ensure the least inconvenience to the park visitors.

7. Extreme caution should be exercised while the contractor is inside the park. The contractor will have contact with park visitors and shall direct park visitor questions to the appropriate park staff – call the park’s primary phone number.

8. The contractor shall comply with all legal load restrictions in hauling of equipment and materials. Load restrictions on park roads are identical to state load restrictions. Information regarding rules and regulations for vehicular traffic on park roads may be obtained from the park. The park’s set speed limit of 25 mph shall always be adhered to throughout the project. A special permit issued by the state shall not relieve the contractor of liability for damage which may result from moving of equipment within the park.

9. Every caution shall be taken to prevent damage to the riparian buffer area, historic earthworks, and areas adjacent to the work sites. Should any damage result, it shall be repaired to the satisfaction of the park and at no additional expense to the government.

DISPOSAL:

1. The contractor may not leave any unwanted debris or material inside the park.

2. Provide copies to disposal tickets showing date, weight, waste site name, etc. to the COR and/or Facility Manager after each disposal.

3. Do not dispose of volatile waste or oils in storm or sanitary drains. Do not allow waste materials to be washed into streams or bodies of water. If spills occur, notify park staff immediately.

Precautions should be taken to avoid spills when refueling equipment. Use absorbent blankets/pads or containment mats to avoid fluid contact with bare ground.

ARCHEOLOGICAL FINDINGS:

Although no ground disturbance is permitted, there may be archeological remains in the work sites that were uncovered during initial clearing. Archeological findings remain the property of the Government and are not to be removed from the park area. Petroglyphs, artifacts, burial grounds or remains, artillery projectiles, structural features, ceremonial, domestic and archeological objects of like nature, historic or prehistoric, found within the project work sites, shall be removed by the Government. In the event the contractor’s employees find any of the above described objects, operations shall be immediately suspended at the discovery site, although operations can continue in other sites. Should the discovery site require archeological studies resulting in delays or additional work for the contractor, the contractor shall be granted a time extension or compensated by an equitable adjustment under the general provision of the contract.

HISTORICAL MARKERS/MONUMENTS/TRENCHES:

There are a few visible historical markers/monuments and Civil War approach trenches in the project sites. The contractor shall take every precaution possible to mitigate damage to the approach trenches, preserving their presence. The contractor shall be liable for damages to any markers/monuments. If damage does occur, contractor shall report the damage within the same workday to the COR.

WATER:

The contractor shall furnish cool, potable water for personnel in locations convenient to work site.

The park’s designated water filling location for mixing of herbicides shall be the primary maintenance compound. At all times, the contractor shall provide a black-flow prevention device attached to the hose for mixing activities.

SANITARY FACILITIES:

1. The contractor’s sanitary facilities, if needed, shall be placed in approved locations secluded from public observation and convenient to workstations; they can be relocated as work progress requires.

2. Sanitary facilities are to be completely removed at completion of work.

FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION:

1. All equipment shall be in good working condition and have proper manufacturer’s spark arresters.

2. Each vehicle shall always have a fire extinguisher on board.

HOUSEKEEPING:

The contractor shall keep project area neat, orderly, and in safe condition at all times. Trash should be kept in a container and removed at the end of each workday by the contractor.

CLOSE OUT:

At the completion of the project there shall be a final inspection by park representatives. After the inspection the park shall prepare a list of deficiencies, if any. Once the deficiencies have been corrected a letter of acceptance shall be issued.

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