FBO_Performance_Work_Statement.pdf

Performance Work Statement

Topics in natural Stream Design and the use of the EPA Natural Stream Design Review Checklist (EPA 843-K-12-006) and Selected Morphological Characteristics Design/Checklist

Introduction: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Regulatory Program evaluates permit applications and issues Department of the Army (DA) permits for impacts to jurisdictional waters of the U.S. under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and/or Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act associated with the restoration of streams and wetlands.

As a result, USACE Regulatory staff (Staff) must review and evaluate permit applications for stream restoration projects. The permit applications often include detailed project design that is based on natural stream channel design principles that require an understanding of fluvial geomorphology principles, how those principles apply to existing stream conditions and restored stream conditions, regional and local stream system dynamics, project planning and the importance of taking into consideration; watershed hydraulics and hydrology, stream hydraulics and hydrology, stream type, stream biology, sediment transport, construction procedures, methods and materials that will be used during construction, etc. Staff should be able to evaluate proposed stream designs, review as-built cross sections and profiles of the restored stream to determine if the project was constructed according to the plan, develop performance standards specific to the project and based on the complexity of the project, and develop compliance and monitoring requirements sufficient to determine if the restoration project is meeting the goals and objectives identified in the permit application.

The purpose of this contract is to develop a 4 day training program and provide the appropriate materials necessary for Staff to determine if natural stream design parameters were used to design the restoration project, to develop clear and enforceable performance standards, and to develop appropriate project specific monitoring and reporting protocols. Knowledge gained should be specifically designed for appropriateness in Mid-Atlantic coastal states, Virginia in particular.

Scope of Work

1. Stream assessment knowledge to sufficiently understand and apply:

a. principles of fluvial geomorphology to assess existing stream conditions, departure from equilibrium, and the potential for restoration;

b. principles of natural stream design and morphological variables used in creating stream restoration plans (channel/floodplain dimension, meander pattern, longitudinal profile, hydraulic and sediment transport parameters, velocity, in-stream structures and vegetation plans, etc.);

c. natural stream design for restoration/creation utilizing the natural stream design hand book;

d. the natural stream design checklist when reviewing proposed stream applications;

e. techniques such as Bank Erosion Hazard Index (BEHI), Near Bank Stress (NBS) etc.;

f. variables of dimension, pattern and profile; and

g. field assessment worksheets to evaluate post construction (as-built) project conditions related to morphology, structures, sediment transport, vegetation, and habitat;

2. Stream design knowledge to include:

a. fluvial geomorphology;

b. analysis of hydrology;

c. geomorphology of stream types (including introduction/explanation of Rosgen stream types);

d. usage of geomorphology in design to include variables of bankfull dimensions (area, width, depth, and entrenchment ratio), pattern (sinuosity, meander length, belt width, radius of curvature) and profile (pool-to-pool spacing, riffle and pool lengths rifle and pool slopes, step heights);

e. streambank erosion assessment using BEHI and NBS;

f. determining and utilizing regional curves or local curves for bankfull hydraulic geometry;

g. analysis of hydraulics;

h. shear stress;

i. stream velocity;

j. sediment transport;

k. bank full discharge (10, 50 and 100-year discharge);

l. completing a site investigation at existing channel and reference channels;

m. priority levels

n. restoring incised channels in an urban and rural landscape

o. common reference reach ratios for all stream types; and

p. types of and uses for various stream structures (weirs, J-hooks, root wads, etc.)

q. the contractor must be affiliated with an institute of higher learning or similar educational institution.

3. Deliverables

a. Contractor will provide workshop instructions for 4 days for up to 35 participants identified by USACE Norfolk District, Norfolk, Virginia.

b. Contractor will provide instructional materials including presentations, handouts, data sheets, checklists and spreadsheets.

c. Contractor will supply field survey supplies for use by workshop participants during field learning experience.

d. Contractor will provide curriculum and materials list to USACE Norfolk District for approval prior to finalization.

4. Period of Performance

a. We are requesting the training be provided from Monday, April 23, 2018 (beginning at

1pm) to Friday, April 27, 2018 (ending at noon).

Citation: Harman, W., R. Starr. 2011. Natural Channel Design Review Checklist. US Fish and Wildlife Service, Chesapeake Bay Field Office, Annapolis, MD and US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, Wetlands Division. Washington, D.C. EPA 843-B-12-005