Statement_of_Work_KPNWR_Tree_Mulching.pdf

Statement of Work (SOW)

Keālia Pond NWR

Tree Mulching Project

Contents

• Objectives

• Scope

• Site Visit

• Tasks

• Government-Furnished Property

• Security

• Place of performance

• Period of performance

• Maps and Photos

Objectives Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge is soliciting a contract to masticate approximately 4.6 acres of mostly woody vegetation. The chipped material will be spread evenly across the surface of the project area to facilitate outplanting native vegetation. This SOW outlines the tasks and requirements for submitting a contract to complete this work. This contract will include 4 option years for mulching trees elsewhere on the Refuge, dependent on annual funding allocations.

Scope The work will be performed at Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) on the Island of Maui, State of Hawaii (Figure 1). The Refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), was established to protect habitat for two endangered Hawaiian waterbirds, migratory birds, and other wildlife. The site is surrounded by fallow agricultural lands that are highly susceptible to wildfire. To protect important habitat and essential infrastructure from unpredictable wildfires, the Refuge seeks to remove invasive kiawe (Prosopis pallida) and other fire-prone vegetation from key areas.

The first priority project area is located along the north boundary fence line (Figure 2) where we would like to widen the fuels break between the Refuge and neighboring lands. Kiawe trees are hanging over the 7-ft ungulate-proof fence and are likely to damage or breach the fence if they fall. Project Area #1 is approximately 4200 ft x 20 ft or 1.93 acres. The vegetation is dominated by kiawe, but also includes African tulip tree (Spathodea campanulata), Indian fleabane (Pluchea indica), castor bean (Ricinus communis), and cane grass (Cenchrus purpureus) (see attached photos). The largest trees reach over 40 feet tall and 1.5 feet diameter. The density and size of the vegetation varies across the project area (see photos below).

Generic SOW Template

The second priority area for FY23 (Figure 2) is in the interior of the Refuge located along power lines and near other important infrastructure. Large trees will eventually endanger the power lines, which could present safety and wildfire risks. The vegetation is dominated by kiawe and Indian fleabane.

Additional project areas have been identified for optional contract years (Figure 3). At least 62.4 acres have been identified for tree removal (Table 1). Funding will be obligated for the option years if/when any becomes available to the Refuge. Funding is dependent upon federal agency annual allocations and may vary from year to year.

Table 1. Acreage of project areas for 5-year plan FY Acres

2023 14.4 2024 13.7 2025 9.8 2026 13.7 2027 10.8

TOTAL 62.4

All vegetation must be masticated onsite with the chipped material spread evenly across the cleared area. Finished material should be rough-cut, coarse bark nuggets (2-4 inches). The depth of the chipped material should not exceed more than 4 inches. Material may not be removed from the site. Pulling trees and stumps out of the ground is not permitted. No grubbing and grading with bulldozers will be allowed. Recommended equipment includes an excavator with masticating attachment. If a contractor is inclined to use chain saws, the felled trees must be fed into a chipper and the chipped materials spread evenly across the project area.

Because the project will take place on a national wildlife refuge with protected wildlife and habitat, work must proceed with the appropriate caution and will be overseen by resource monitors provided by the Government.

Equipment Minimal Requirements:

• The tree work will require the use of heavy equipment. The scope of work cannot be accomplished using only hand-crews with chainsaws.

• The contractor should be prepared to masticate large trees (40' high and 18" diameter).

• Recommended equipment includes a 240 HP or larger excavator with masticating attachment.

• The excavator should be able to reach a minimum height of 33’.

• A fork attachment will also be needed in some cases to pull apart trees.

• All equipment and vehicles must be mechanically sound, with no hydraulic, fuel, or oil leaks. Equipment with leaks will not be allowed on the work site.

• All equipment must be thoroughly cleaned to avoid introducing any invasive seeds or insects to the site.

Contractor Requirements:

The contractor must:

• Present documentation or a certificate of work experience showing land clearing and masticating experience of similar size and scope.

• Provide a list of approved equipment of appropriate size and efficiency, including age and size of equipment.

• Avoid disturbance to endangered species and sensitive habitats.

• Use spray water to control dust

• Be prepared to follow the attached Wildfire Prevention Plan to prevent and respond to wildfires

Contractor shall provide the following:

• A detailed work plan and schedule for how they will complete the work and how they will specifically meet the project tasks.

• A mitigation plan that explains what the Contractor will do to fix damaged fences, clean spills, or repair landscape.

• All workers, adequate crew supervision, and serviceable equipment to satisfactorily accomplish treatment of all acres identified in the Project Area Description.

• Equipment operators that are skilled in machine operation on the particular equipment performed under comparable working conditions.

• Transportation for all workers, supplies, materials, and equipment to and from the Refuge.

• All supplies, materials, fuel, oil, tools, personal protective equipment needed to ensure safe operations.

• Daily reports to the Refuge Manager, including issues encountered, acreage cleared, and any wildlife observed in the project area.

Special Considerations/Resource Protection:

• The Refuge includes sensitive wetlands that provide habitat to endangered Hawaiian waterbirds and other protected wildlife. The Refuge Manager will provide a thorough briefing to the contractors before commencing work including how to recognize and avoid disturbing wildlife (see Task 1 below).

• The Contracting Officer may authorize the refuge manager to suspend and/or stop work if weather conditions will result in excessive damage to terrain or if protected wildlife are present. Normally, a written stop work order and return to work order is issued; however, if necessary, the contracting officer may email or verbally issue either.

• Excessive soil disturbance is not allowed. The Contractor should conduct operations to minimize compaction or rutting.

• The Contractor should avoid damage to boundary fencing, power lines, roads, and other infrastructure.

• The Contractor shall close and lock all gates when accessing the Project Areas to avoid allowing ingress of pigs and deer.

• The Contractor will be required to sign for a key at the beginning of the project, which will be returned when the work is completed.

• Contractor-owned heavy equipment, vehicles, and materials may be stored at the project area, but the Contractor will be responsible for any theft or damage.

• A site visit is highly encouraged, but not mandatory, prior to submitting a quotation. This can be arranged by contacting the Refuge Manager/COR.

SITE VISIT

Before a Contractor submits a quote, they are highly encouraged, but not required, to conduct a site visit. This can be arranged by contacting the Refuge Manager. Site visits will start at the Keālia Pond NWR Visitor Center at Milepost 6 Maui Veterans Highway, Kihei, Hawai’i and occur between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm Monday through Friday (except federal holidays) and are expected to take approximately 45 minutes. Contractors should be prepared to follow State of Hawaii and Maui County COVID-19 guidance, if any are in place at the time of the visit (https://hawaiicovid19.com/guidance-for-everyone/).

Point of Contact or Site Visit and Questions

Bret Wolfe, Refuge Manager Phone: 808-763-9641 https://hawaiicovid19.com/guidance-for-everyone/

Email: bret_wolfe@fws.gov

TASKS

Table 2. Project Milestones/Completion dates for FY23 project areas Task Number

Work Milestones

Projected Completion Date

1 Conduct site visit and briefing with Refuge Manager At least 2 weeks before the start of work

2 Complete equipment inspection with Refuge Manager Same as above 3 Mobilize equipment to Project Area No more than two weeks before the project starts 4 Conduct mastication work Between Sept. 15 and

May 31, 2023 5 Complete post-work inspection of Project Area with

Refuge Manager Within 7 days of completing project

Task 1 – Conduct Site Visit The Refuge Manager will walk the Contractor through the Project Area pointing out sensitive habitats, gates, stream crossings, the boundary fence, and other areas of concern. He will also show how to recognize the endangered waterbirds and other protected wildlife.

Task 2 – Complete Equipment Inspection The Refuge Manager will travel to where the Contractor stores the heavy equipment and vehicles to be used. If the equipment is being transported from off-island, it must be inspected before being transported to the Refuge. Equipment will be inspected for general cleanliness and should be free of mud, trash, seeds, and plant material. There should also be no engine or hydraulic oil or fuel leaks.

Task 3 – Conduct Mastication Work The Contractor must wait until the Refuge Manager gives the okay before transporting equipment and supplies to the site or commencing operations. The Contractor will navigate the 4200 ft long Project Area #1 and masticate the target trees as described above. It is the Contractors decision about where to begin and how to proceed across the Project Area, but a general plan and schedule should be provided to the Refuge Manager before beginning.

Project Area #2 can be accessed from several directions, but if there is heavy precipitation or high water levels access may be limited until the area dries out.

Task 4 – Conduct Post-work Inspection The Refuge Manager will walk through the Project Area with the Contractor to confirm that the work has been completed.

Specific inspection points will include:

• Masticated material has been spread evenly across the surface at depth of approximately 4 inches.

• No trash or discarded materials are present.

• Contractors have not damaged boundary fences or gates.

• Any fuel or oil leaks have been excavated and contaminated soil removed.

• Contractors have not left any significant rutting or other damage to the soil surface.

Government-Furnished Property, Material, Equipment, or Information (GFP, GFM, GFE, or

GFI)

The Government will not provide any materials, equipment, or facilities. The Government will provide access to well water to fill the contractor’s water truck for dust control. The Contractor will need to provide a trash pump and draft and transfer hoses.

Security The Project Areas are accessed through locked gates. Keys or lock combinations will be provided to the Contractor. The Contractors is responsible for ensuring that the gates are closed after entry and exit to avoid allowing pigs and deer to enter the Refuge. The Contractor is responsible for the security of any equipment or tools left on the job site. The Government will not be responsible for any theft or damage to Contractor’s equipment or tools.

Place of Performance Keālia Pond NWR is located on the Island of Maui at Milepost 6 Maui Veterans Hwy, Kihei, HI 96753

Period of Performance The Base Year period of performance will be between September 15, 2022 and September 14, 2023. To protect endangered species, work cannot be performed during certain periods.

Endangered species regulations prohibit disturbance of trees taller than 15 feet during the Hawaiian hoary bat’s breeding season from June 1 – September 15. Additionally, Project Area #2 is adjacent to endangered waterbird nesting areas, which cannot be disturbed from April 1 – August 31. Areas with trees less than 15 feet tall and not adjacent to the wetlands can be worked year-round.

Start Date End Date Estimated acres to clear Base Year 9/15/2022 9/14/2023 14.4 Option Year 1 9/15/2023 9/14/2024 13.7 Option Year 2 9/15/2024 9/14/2025 9.8 Option Year 3 9/15/2025 9/14/2026 13.7 Option Year 4 9/15/2026 9/14/2027 10.8

Figure 1. Location of the Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge on the Island of Maui, Hawai’i.

Figure 2. Location of Project Area at Keālia Pond NWR (1.92 acres)

Figure 3. Five-year plan for tree removal at Kealia Pond NWR.

Project Area #1 Photos

The photos below characterize Project Area #1 and type of trees to be masticated.

Project Area #2 Photos