RFP_W912PL19R0064.pdf

RFP No. W912PL19R0064

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District

Norco Bluffs Toe Protection and Alcoa Dike Mitigation Services

Santa Ana River Watershed, Orange and Riverside County, CA

Request for Proposal

100% Small Business Set-Aside Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA)

Service Solicitation and Specifications

June 2019

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD 1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED ORDER

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

RATING PAGE OF PAGES

2. CONTRACT NUMBER 3. SOLICITATION NUMBER 4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION 5. DATE ISSUED 6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NUMBER

CODE7. ISSUED BY 8. ADDRESS OFFER TO (If other than item 7)

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder".

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and copies for furnishings the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in item 8, or if hand carried, in the depository located in until local time

CAUTION - LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L, Provision No. 52.214-7 or 52.215-1. All offers are subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

10. FOR

INFORMATION

CALL:

A. NAME B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS)

AREA CODE NUMBER EXTENSION

C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

(X) SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(S) (X) SEC. PAGE(S)DESCRIPTION

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER

STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

CONTRACT CLAUSESSOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT

PACKAGING AND MARKING

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the set opposite each item, delivered at the designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

(See Section I, Clause No. 52.232-8)

14. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the SOLICITATION for offerors and related documents numbered and dated):

10 CALENDAR DAYS (%) 20 CALENDAR DAYS (%) 30 CALENDAR DAYS (%) CALENDAR DAYS(%)

DATEAMENDMENT NO.AMENDMENT NO. DATE

15A. NAME AND

ADDRESS

OF OFFEROR

CODE FACILITY 16. NAME AND THE TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN

OFFER(Type or print)

15B. TELEPHONE NUMBER

AREA CODE NUMBER EXTENSION

15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS IS

DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE - ENTER SUCH

ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

17. SIGNATURE 18. OFFER DATE

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS NUMBERED 20. AMOUNT 21. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL OPEN COMPETITION:

10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) ( )41 U.S.C. 3304(a)

24. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 7)

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

IMPORTANT - Award will be made on this Form, or on Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition is unusable

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

(4 copies unless otherwise specified)

25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

28. AWARD DATE

CODE

ITEM

STANDARD FORM 33 (REV. 6/2014)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.214 (c)

SEALED BID (IFB)

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

(Hour) (Date)

PART I - THE SCHEDULE PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

W912PL

CONTRACTING DIVISION

915 WILSHIRE BLVD, LOS ANGLES, CA 90017

W912PL19R0064

See Section H 2:00PM

Ryan Rivas Ryan.E.Rivas@usace.army.mil

7/17/2019

213 452 3310

6/17/2019

Norco Bluffs Toe Protection and Alcoa Dike Mitigation Services Santa Ana River Watershed, Orange and Riverside County, CA

SECTION B PRICE SCHEDULE

CLINS Quantity Units TOTALS

CLIN 0001 - Literature Review, Plan of Action and Safety Plan

CLIN 0002 - Coordination & Public Outreach

CLIN 0003 - Habitat Restoration and Management

CLIN 0003 AA - Riparian Area Non-Native removal, supplemental planting and irrigation, species monitoring, avian/vegetation surveys and follow-up treatments

CLIN 0003 AB - CSS Area Non-native removal, planting, irrigation, species monitoring, avian/vegetation surveys and follow-up treatments

CLIN 0003 AC - Cowbird Trapping subtotal

CLIN 0004 - GIS Database

CLIN 0005 - California Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands and Riparian Areas (CRAM Surveys)

CLIN 0006 - Reporting

CLIN 0007 - Mileage

TOTAL

W912PL19R0064

Norco Bluffs Toe Protection and Alcoa Dike Mitigation Services W912PL19R0064

SECTION C - 1

SECTION C - SCOPE OF WORK

1. LOCATION

2. ITEM

3. AUTHORIZATIONS

4. QUALIFICATIONS

5. CONTRACT SUMMARY

6. DESCRIPTION OF WORK AND SERVICES

7. PERIOD OF SERVICE

8. REVIEWS AND SUBMITTALS

9. PAYMENT FOR WORK AND SERVICES

10. MATERIALS TO BE PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT

11. PROJECT MANAGEMENT

12. VISITS TO THE STUDY AREA, PRIVATE SOURCES, AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

13. DEVIATION FROM THE SCOPE OF WORK

14. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

15. CONTRACTOR MANPOWER REPORTING

16. SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

17. PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT

SECTION C - 2

SECTION C - SCOPE OF WORK

Santa Ana River Mainstem Flood Control Project

Alcoa Dike, Norco Bluffs (Reaches 3-5) and other Project Features Mitigation, Habitat Restoration and Species Management

Period of Service Ending: Approximately five (5) years from written notification of contract award.

1. LOCATION: Santa Ana River Watershed, Orange and Riverside County, CA

2. ITEM: Mitigation for Alcoa Dike and other Santa Ana River Mainstem Project construction impacts through non-native vegetation removal, habitat restoration, cowbird trapping, monitoring and surveys.

3. AUTHORIZATIONS:

a) National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

b) Clean Water Act, as amended

c) Endangered Species Act 1976, as amended.

4. QUALIFICATIONS: To ensure that the Contractor has the experience and expertise necessary to perform the work and services outlined in this SOW, each bidder shall review the technical requirements included in Attachment 1 and shall include the required information in the proposal submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District (Government or Corps or USACE). The contractor shall also demonstrate at least five years’ work experience in habitat restoration performed within the Santa Ana River Watershed or similar environments in Southern California.

The Contractor’s professional employees shall have demonstrated expertise in their appropriate field of work and ethics of the profession. The Contractor shall provide or obtain professional and qualified personnel capable of performing the services required, including working in and around special status species and their habitat, including species listed under the Endangered Species Act, such as Least Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus), Santa Ana Sucker (Catostomus santaanae), and California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica). Invasive species removal and weeding shall be performed by individuals familiar with Southern California native species and non-native and weed species, and able to distinguish weed seedlings and juveniles from the native seeded and planted species. Work shall be performed by individuals with expertise in Southern California riparian and upland ecosystems.

The Contractor shall furnish all necessary labor, facilities, equipment, and materials to perform the work described under this Scope of Work (SOW). The Contractor’s representative shall be available to meet with Government personnel at milestones and as requested by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall perform the services in accordance with this SOW and general provisions. Any modification in equipment and methodology from those outlined in this contract shall be approved by the Contracting Officer. In order to adhere to the project schedule, all requests for modification in works and services shall be forwarded to the Contracting Officer in writing at the earliest date to

SECTION C - 3

ensure a timely review. The Contractor shall comply with all pertinent provisions of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Safety and Health Requirements Manual EM-385-1-1, dated October 1984.

5. CONTRACT SUMMARY:

Mitigation for impacts to riparian and other floodplain habitat caused by construction of the Santa Ana River Mainstem flood control project (SARM), including the Alcoa Dike and other features will involve: Removal of non-native vegetation species, habitat restoration, ESA-listed species monitoring, surveys and cowbird trapping. Mitigation sites within Prado Basin have been identified and selected for full or partial restoration: a 23 acre riparian area in Temescal Creek (Riparian Parcel 1, Figure 1); a 285 acre riparian area along the mainstem of the Santa Ana River (Riparian Parcel 2, Figure 2); and 19.24 acres within three upland sites near the designated Alcoa Dike borrow area (Coastal Sage Scrub (CSS) Parcels 1, 2, and 3;

Figure 3). These five parcels are currently infested with non-native, invasive vegetation.

There are two riparian habitat restoration parcels and three CSS habitat restoration parcels (collectively, the Habitat Restoration Areas). Riparian Parcel 1 is located between Auburndale and Lincoln Avenue within Temescal Creek outside of the construction limits. This 23-acre parcel is estimated to contain 19-acres of non-native, invasive vegetation. Riparian Parcel 2 is located in Prado Basin, downstream of existing, previously establish mitigation parcels. This 285-acre parcel is estimated to contain 65% or 185-acres of non-native invasive vegetation (primarily arundo).

Removing this vegetation would allow native riparian habitat to establish in its place, with both parcels providing a total of 204-acres of mitigation.

The CSS Parcels 1-3 total 19.24 acres and are located in close proximity to the Alcoa Dike project borrow site. These 3 parcels are currently dominated by non-native vegetation and will require supplemental planting as well as non-native vegetation removal for conversion to CSS habitat.

Restoration of a minimum of 13 acres to CSS habitat within these areas is required.

6. DESCRIPTION OF WORK AND SERVICES:

a. Literature Review: The Contractor shall review environmental and permitting documents associated with the SARM Project to ensure familiarity with the Corps’ mitigation requirements.

Restoration activities are required in order to comply with the Corps of Engineers’ mitigation responsibilities. These requirements are outlined in documents including the 2001 Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for Prado Basin and Vicinity, the December 2001 Biological Opinion (BO) and 2012 BO Amendment, the 2015 BO Amendment, the 2018 Alcoa SEA and BO Amendment, and additional documentation to be provided by the Corps. All work must be done consistent with existing Corps project environmental and permitting documents.

b. Plan of Action: The Contractor shall provide a written proposal of the work effort planned under this SOW, including specific locations of restoration target areas within the two (2) riparian and three (3) CSS parcels (areas where invasive removals and herbicide treatments would be conducted), and cowbird trapping bird survey and treatment locations, protocols and methodologies. This proposal, the Plan of Action, shall be amended or updated annually, or as needed, and if new treatment areas are recommended.

c. Safety Plan: The Contractor shall comply with the Corps’ Safety Manual requirements, including development and implementation of an Accident Prevention Plan (APP). The APP shall be

SECTION C - 4

provided to the Corps’ Safety Office for approval. The Contractor shall ensure the presence of an OSHA-certified safety manager or their designated representative on-site at all times when heavy equipment is operating. The Contractor shall provide and maintain adequate fencing and signage around the perimeter of active work areas and haul routes to prevent unauthorized access and ensure public safety. Signage shall include but is not limited to informational signs in at least one (1) location in or near each restoration area that is frequented by the public (for instance, staging area, primary access point, trailheads, etc.). Informational signs shall include the project purpose and objectives, locations/boundary information, key species and habitat descriptions, restoration schedule, and points of contact. Informational signs that are not construction related, especially signs near each restoration area that is frequented by the public, shall be aluminum or a comparable material to last the length of the project.

d. Coordination, Public Outreach, Homeless Encampment Issues and Rights of Entry: The Contractor shall coordinate with USACE Park Rangers regarding possible homeless encampments as early as possible, preferably three (3) months before initiating restoration activities. USACE Park Rangers will assist the Contractor with initial coordination with local authorities. In anticipation of potential closures of recreation trails (both permitted and unpermitted), and/or elimination of homeless encampments within work areas, the Contractor shall be prepared to coordinate with local governments, police departments, homeless advocates, landowners and trail users prior to and throughout the restoration process. The purpose of this coordination will be to identify and disclose unavoidable impacts; identify or establish detours or alternate recreation trails around the restoration areas (to be staked or flagged and signs posted by the Contractor); provide time for homeless encampments to be removed from work areas prior to initiating vegetation removal; and promote community support. In so doing, the Contractor shall be available to participate in up to four (4) public meetings throughout the duration of the contract, and additional meetings as needed with City officials, police and homeless advocates. The Contractor shall develop PowerPoint presentations, maps and other material required for meetings. The first meeting shall be held prior to finalizing the Plan of Action to allow time to adjust boundaries, if needed, based on public input. The presentations shall include maps and updated invasive species removal information, and habitat restoration progress; methods; trail closures;

schedules; and other pertinent information. The Contractor shall coordinate required trail closures in advance with local government officials and the public, and shall work with the Corps, City of Corona, and the public to evaluate potential alternative trails around and through the work area. As work continues, the Contractor shall develop and install maps and signage at strategic locations to identify trail closures and detour routes, as well as informational signs that explain the purpose and goals of the restoration project.

i) The Contractor shall coordinate with the private/public landowners, local equestrian groups, local Cities, Riverside County Parks Department, and (if necessary) other affected entities regarding rights of entry requirements and potential impacts to existing trails uses and private properties. The Contractor shall be prepared to provide temporary trail detours and signage if necessary (if directed by the Corps).

ii) The Contractor shall obtain necessary rights of entry, temporary easements or other permissions from each affected landowner to access, stage equipment, install and maintain cowbird traps, remove invasive plants, establish native habitat and perform other activities included in this SOW. The Contractor shall ascertain requirements, fill out any necessary applications and pay associated fees.

iii) The Contractor shall coordinate with USACE Park Rangers, the Corona Fire Department and the Corona Police Department to address homeless encampments within the area prior to entering the project area.

SECTION C - 5

e. Habitat Restoration and Management: The Contractor shall perform the following activities within the Santa Ana River Watershed for a period of five (5) years after contract award, to compensate for anticipated temporary and permanent impacts to riparian and upland habitat within the flood control project footprints:

i) Non-Native Removal and Follow-Up Treatments:

Riparian Habitat Restoration Areas: The Contractor shall remove a minimum of 204-acres of arundo and other non-native invasive vegetation (i.e., tamarisk, eucalyptus, castor bean, pepperweed, palms, tree tobacco, etc.) in the first year and provide four (4) years of follow-up treatments (for the purpose of restoring riparian and other native riverine habitat) within the designated locations: approximately 19-acres of non-native, invasive vegetation shall be removed from Riparian Parcel 1 and the remainder from Riparian Parcel 2. Restoration shall proceed from the upstream-most limits of the site to downstream, to avoid leaving large swaths of invasive non-natives that could wash into and re-infest restored areas.

One hundred percent (100%) of non-native vegetation growing within Riparian Parcel 1 and Riparian Parcel 2 shall be removed and/or treated with EPA-approved herbicide (specified for aquatic use) each year following protocols established and approved in the Plan of Action.

This task includes: maintaining regulatory permits to perform exotic plant control;

securing written permission from private or public landowners as necessary to access project sites; developing and coordinating work schedules for crews; coordinating as necessary with public/private entities and media; monitoring of non-native biomass removal by a qualified biologist; avoiding impacts to native habitats and nesting birds;

and providing appropriate management and oversight of work crews. The required result is complete eradication (throughout the 5-year contract period) of non-native, invasive vegetation species within these areas (including but not limited to arundo, tamarisk, eucalyptus, castor bean, pepperweed and tree tobacco).

Prior to vegetation removal and/or treatment, the Contractor shall document and photograph existing vegetation (native and non-native) within the target areas. The areas shall be re-photographed after treatment has occurred, and annually throughout the contract period. The photographs shall be taken from the same geographic location at the same bearing to create a side by side comparison of photographs over the course of the treatments. Enough photograph stations and shots at various bearings shall be taken so as to document all treated areas.

The Contractor shall select the most appropriate and effective techniques for non-native vegetation removal in each target area, and shall strive to minimize damage to surrounding native vegetation. Aquatically approved herbicide applications, if used, shall be in compliance with all applicable State and Federal standards and criteria. The Contractor shall thoroughly research previous arundo and other non-native control efforts throughout the Santa Ana River watershed to determine the most effective methodology. Prior to initiating work, the Contractor shall document and provide the proposed methodology in a Plan of Action to the Corps of Engineers’ contracting officer for review and approval (see also paragraph 7(b)).

SECTION C - 6

Coastal Sage Scrub Habitat Restoration Areas: The Contractor shall also remove non-native vegetation and plant or establish a minimum of 13-acres of CSS habitat within the three identified parcels that total 19.24 acres of upland area. The Contractor shall monitor and evaluate the success of habitat restoration efforts on an annual basis, and perform continued treatment and management of these areas annually throughout the period of performance, with the goal of re-establishing native vegetation. One hundred percent (100%) of exotic invasive vegetation growing within the target areas shall be removed and, or treated with herbicide approved for aquatic use each year following protocols established and approved in the Plan of Action.

ii) Additional Habitat Restoration and Success Criteria:

If native vegetation does not begin to re-establish within the riparian restoration sites by the end of the third contract year, the Contractor shall supplement the recovery effort with native vegetation planting as necessary to ensure a minimum of 30% absolute ground coverage of native habitat within each parcel by the end of the contract period.

Plants shall be watered and maintained for a minimum of six (6) months after installation. The Contractor is responsible for water source/irrigation, including obtaining approvals and paying to use municipal water if necessary and providing/installing/maintaining irrigation lines. The Contractor shall submit a planting palette and maintenance plan to the Corps for approval. If authorized by the Corps and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (through the Corps), the Contractor may utilize cuttings from adjacent habitat instead of (or in addition to) locally sourced plants obtained from a nursery.

The Contractor shall ensure that all riparian work areas meet the following success criteria through a combination of non-native removal, herbicide application and/or plant establishment: 1) a minimum of 30 percent absolute ground cover of native plant species; 2) less than 10 percent absolute ground cover of exotic plant species (including 0 percent arundo); 3) the absolute ground cover of native species must be represented by, at least, five dominant or co-dominant plant species; 4) the recruitment of native plant seedlings must be documented to occur within the replanted areas; 5) a positive trend in the diversity and absolute ground cover of native plant species must be observed based on appropriate statistical analyses that account for natural, year to year variations; and 6) the structure and composition of the revegetated area is statistically similar (i.e., not significantly different) to habitat occupied by vireos in the vicinity. In addition, habitat must sustain itself for 2 consecutive years without supplemental water.

The Contractor shall provide a non-native removal and native revegetation plan as part of the Plan of Action (6.b) for the CSS Habitat areas. This plan will identify success criteria that includes species to be planted, species diversity, container planting survival rates, and total cover percentages to be reached annually. The total cover by the end of year 5 shall be based upon 70% native vegetation cover and less than 5% of non-native vegetation and contain no invasive exotic species. The plan shall also address adaptive management options for erosion control, replanting of failed areas with plantings of appropriate species, re-seeding, fertilization, increasing weed control efforts, irrigation, and timelines for corrective action. In addition, habitat must sustain itself for 2 consecutive years without supplemental water.

SECTION C - 7

iii) Cowbird Trapping: The Contractor shall implement a cowbird trapping program throughout and near both riparian habitat restoration areas during each nesting season throughout the contract period, for the purpose of promoting and enhancing nesting success for native songbirds. This program shall consist of a minimum of fifteen (15) traps per season to be placed and maintained within strategic locations (to be determined by the Contractor and specified in the Plan of Action, subject to review by the Corps) in the Santa Ana River watershed, including areas within or immediately adjacent to each non-native removal work area. The traps shall be installed at the beginning of each nesting season throughout the period of performance, to improve the potential for successful songbird nesting during the restoration effort. Trapping efforts shall comply with protocol established by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and, or California Department of Fish and Wildlife concerning the placement and maintenance of traps, and shall comply with their reporting requirements. The Contractor shall have a California Department of Fish and Wildlife Letter Permit.

iv) Species Monitoring: The Contractor shall supply a biologist to monitor all exotic removal and treatment areas to assess potential impacts to sensitive species. If these species are present, the Contractor shall supply a biologist to monitor work activities to ensure that there are no impacts to the species or to the habitat that supports them. This task will include: Conducting appropriate presence or absence surveys for the species of concern in each work area; conducting protocol-level focused surveys specifically for the coastal California gnatcatcher, least Bell’s vireo and southwestern willow flycatcher; documenting territories and nesting locations within the work areas;

coordinating with field staff to ensure that the species are not impacted during non-native vegetation removal and/or herbicide treatments; checking active nests for brood parasitism by the brown-headed cowbird; providing GPS locations of nests and territories to support the GIS database; and documenting relevant information in the final report. The Contractor shall obtain any necessary permits from USFWS and CDFW prior to conducting protocol surveys for species of concern, and shall coordinate survey efforts with SAWA and OCWD to avoid overlap.

v) Bird Surveys: The Contractor shall conduct winter (non-breeding season) bird and breeding bird surveys to document avian abundance and diversity in each work area throughout the contract period of performance. The breeding season is assumed to extend from 15 February (for gnatcatcher) or 1 March (for least Bell’s vireo) through 15 August. Proposed locations of winter survey sites shall be documented in the Plan of Action. Breeding bird surveys shall be done at locations where gnatcatcher or least Bell’s vireo are likely to occur, based on habitat type. This task will include: Site selection based on criteria defined above; initial site visits to develop appropriate survey methodology; a minimum of eight (8) surveys in morning hours and a minimum of two (2) surveys in the afternoon at each location during both the winter and breeding seasons; creating maps of survey sites and plotting bird sightings on the map; and compiling data for the final report.

f. GIS Database: The Contractor shall obtain the most recent aerial photos available and prepare comprehensive data layers/maps showing locations and densities of invasive and native plant species and locations/territories of ESA-listed bird species within all work areas. The Contractor shall update and maintain a file geodatabase throughout the contract period, incorporating results and

SECTION C - 8

locations of the treatment program outlined above, as well as information from the species monitoring and bird surveys that are also required under this SOW. The Contractor shall use NAD 1983 datum, Zones V and VI (NAD 1983_State Plane_California_V_FIPS_0406 Feet and NAD 1983_State Plane_California_VI_FIPS_0406 Feet, as appropriate). Metadata shall follow guidelines recommended by the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) (see http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.2/index.cfm?TopicName=Metadata_standards_and_the_ArcGI S_metadata_format). GIS maps and data shall accompany each annual report, and shall be made available separately upon request. At the completion of the contract a final, organized file geodatabase(s) shall be provided to the Corps that contains all GIS data related to the work that was completed, including but not limited to the locations and densities of non-native, invasive and native plant species/communities and locations/territories of ESA-listed bird species, work area boundaries, treatment boundaries, and aerial imagery used during the mapping efforts.

g. California Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands and Riparian Areas (CRAM Surveys):

Following standard methods accepted by regulatory agencies, the Contractor shall utilize CRAM to assess on-site conditions in the riparian work area(s) on an annual basis for the 5-year contract period.

A baseline assessment will be completed in the first year (prior to any biomass removal or treatment activities) and will be used to compare to post-removal results in an effort to document project success.

The Contractor shall assign two biologists to this effort who have been trained and certified as CRAM practitioners according to the California Wetlands Monitoring Workgroup guidelines. The Contractor shall document proposed methodologies, survey locations, schedules and other pertinent factors in the Plan of Action.

h. Reporting: The Contractor shall provide a report (the Annual Report) within three (3) months of the end of each calendar year describing the previous year’s proposed and implemented restoration methodologies, management strategies, surveys, locations, and results. The report shall include maps, photographs, figures and tables that identify and describe the specific locations of the treatment areas, the type and amount of native and non-native habitats that existed prior to treatment, and the changes that occurred as a result of restoration efforts. Photo-documentation shall be conducted throughout the process to assist in demonstrating the effectiveness of the restoration efforts.

More specifically, the report shall include the following information:

(1) Executive summary.

(2) Introduction including purpose, site location, environmental setting, timeline of restoration and survey efforts, team personnel and roles, and summary of previous year’s activities.

(3) Locations, acreages, types, status, and results of restoration and monitoring activities.

(4) Techniques and protocol for removal of invasive species.

(5) Qualitative and quantitative methodology (including CRAM).

(6) Qualitative and quantitative results (including CRAM and statistical analysis).

(7) Comparison to project goals and measures of success.

(8) Future activities/recommendations.

(9) References, figures, photos, CRAM data sheets and scores, comprehensive plant list, wildlife observations, etc.

(10) A full report on the cowbird trapping program, including the number and locations of traps, the number of cowbirds captured, and an analysis of results.

(11) Results of species monitoring and bird surveys, including nesting locations, number of pairs and nesting success of federally-listed species.

http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.2/index.cfm?TopicName=Metadata_standards_and_the_ArcGIS_metadata_format http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.2/index.cfm?TopicName=Metadata_standards_and_the_ArcGIS_metadata_format

SECTION C - 9

7. PERIOD OF SERVICE: The Contractor shall perform work and services in the time allowed as follows (note: progress or partial payments may be made upon receipt of invoices for work completed to date, pending Corps approval of products received or work conducted). The “% complete” is an estimate of the percentage of all contract work requirements that would be fulfilled by completion of a task and all previously listed/completed tasks. For instance, upon completion of task 7(e), below (species monitoring, bird surveys and CRAM), assuming tasks 7(a) through (d) have also been completed, it is estimated that 50% of scope requirements will have been fulfilled.

The “% progress payment” for each task is the estimated percentage of the contract that is fulfilled and can be billed for any particular task. For instance, completion and acceptance of the Final Plan of Action and Safety Plan is estimated to fulfill 2% of the overall contract requirements and associated budget. Successful completion of five years of cowbird trapping as documented in the final Annual Report is estimated to fulfill 8% of the overall contract requirements and associated budget. The cumulative total of all “% progress payments” equals 100%.

a. “On-Board” Review

The Contractor shall prepare for and participate in a site visit with the Corps, Los Angeles District office within seven (7) calendar days from the date of written notification of contract award. This meeting is intended to discuss the Scope of Work requirements, the Contractor’s plan and timing for the implementation of this Scope of Work, and schedule for field work. The Contractor shall be available for additional meetings as necessary at the project site or at the Corps’ Prado Field Office throughout the period of service to discuss progress, resolve issues, or prepare for public meetings.

b. Plan of Action and Safety Plan (2% complete, 2% progress payment): The initial Plan of Action and Safety Plan shall be submitted within forty-five (45) calendar days from the date of written notification of contract award (and/or contract option award).

Updates shall be provided annually, or as needed throughout the course of the contract.

The Contractor shall submit a Plan of Action that describes the proposed location and existing condition of the treatment areas; the proposed methodologies for non-native vegetation removal and/or herbicide treatment; plans for habitat restoration (i.e., planting/seeding) and species monitoring/surveys; and the proposed number and location of cowbird traps. The Plan of Action shall include maps, figures and tables as appropriate.

The Contractor shall submit one (1) electronic copy of the draft Plan of Action (with legible text, tables, and graphics). Text shall be provided in Word format for editing purposes. A review period of ten (10) working days is required by the Contracting Officer. The Corps will also provide a copy of the Plan of Action to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other resource agencies for review. Upon receipt of comments from the Corps, which may include comments from other agencies, the Contractor shall immediately make the required corrections and resubmit one (1) electronic copy (pdf) of the final report. After submittal of the corrected material, the Contractor shall be on call to make any further corrections until the work and services are accomplished under this SOW. If requested, the Contractor shall provide written responses to any comments provided and also a track changes revised version, in addition to a clean corrected version.

The Contractor shall comply with all the safety manual requirements at all times during this contract. The Contractor shall submit one (1) electronic copy of the approved APP.

SECTION C - 10

The Contractor shall accommodate any and all visits to the site by the Corps’ Safety Office and, or Construction Representatives, and shall immediately make required corrections necessary for safety compliance. The Contractor shall respond by e-mail to any comments or findings by the Corps’ Safety Office, describing the actions taken to resolve compliance issues. The Contractor shall modify/update the APP as necessary, if site conditions or procedures change. A review period of up to five (5) days is required by the Corps’ Contracting Officer Representative and Safety Officer for each submittal of a revised APP. Upon receipt of comments, the Contractor shall immediately make the required corrections and resubmit the corrected material. After submittal of the corrected material, the Contractor shall be on call to make any further corrections until the work and services are accomplished under this SOW. If requested, the Contractor shall provide written responses to any comments provided and also a track changes revised version, in addition to a clean corrected version.

c. Cowbird Trapping Program (set and monitor traps) (10% complete, 8% total progress payment, partial payments made on completion of each season’s trapping and receipt of Annual Report): Establish initial traps no later than April 1, 2019. Provide report on each year’s trapping effort as part of the annual report for restoration and survey activities (see paragraph 6(h)(10)).

d. Obtain Rights of Entry, Perform Coordination and Public Outreach, and Initiate Non-

Native Vegetation Removal and Treatment within Habitat Restoration Areas (40% complete, 30% total progress payment after completion of initial biomass removal/treatment efforts): Complete initial spraying and, or biomass removal efforts within one hundred twenty (120) calendar days from the date of written notification of contract award (and/or contract option award). The Contractor shall provide verification of receipt of rights of entry from affected landowners prior to staging equipment, placing cowbird traps or implementing restoration efforts.

The Contractor shall submit draft PowerPoint presentations, maps and other materials to the Corps in advance of each focus group or public meeting. Electronic submittals are preferred. The Contractor shall also prepare and submit updated trail closure maps to the Corps and local jurisdictions no later than five (5) days prior to any new trail impact. If the impact was unforeseen (if the trail had not been mapped and was not visible prior to biomass removal), the Contractor shall immediately notify the Corps and local jurisdictions within the same day that the impact first occurred. A review period of up to five (5) days is required by the Contracting Officer Representative for each submittal of maps or presentation materials. Upon receipt of comments, the Contractor shall immediately make the required corrections and resubmit the corrected material. After submittal of the corrected material, the Contractor shall be on call to make any further corrections until the work and services are accomplished under this SOW.

The Contractor shall coordinate with USACE Park Rangers regarding possible homeless encampments as early as possible, preferably three (3) months before initiating restoration activities. USACE Park Rangers will assist Contractor with initial coordination with Corona Police and Fire Departments.

No formal submittals are required during initial or ongoing non-native vegetation removal, treatment and habitat restoration efforts, other than the Plan of Action and Annual

SECTION C - 11

Reports. However, the Contractor shall immediately inform the Corps of any problems or issues encountered that are likely to affect personnel safety, sensitive species protection efforts, or near-term or long-term success of restoration efforts. An accounting and identification of active work areas and tasks shall also accompany every invoice.

e. Conduct species monitoring, bird surveys and CRAM surveys (50% complete, 10% total progress payment, partial payments made on completion of each season’s surveys): Initiate winter bird surveys and/or make preparations for 2019 breeding bird and CRAM surveys (hire monitors, etc.) within sixty (60) calendar days from the date of written notification of contract award.

No formal submittals are required other than the Plan of Action and Annual Reports, although results of listed species surveys shall be submitted as required to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and may be input into the CNDDB. A progress payment may be requested after the Contractor submits written documentation that monitors have been retained for the purposes of conducting the required surveys. Additional progress payments may be requested as individual surveys are completed. Final payment shall be made upon submittal and acceptance of the final report, which shall fully document the results of the program.

f. Monitor and Maintain Habitat Restoration Areas throughout the period of service (90% complete, 40% total progress payment, partial payments made on completion of each month’s maintenance activities): Throughout the contract period.

g. GIS Database Updates (95% complete, 5% progress payment): Submit with each annual report. The Final Report shall fully document the results of the program.

h. Annual Reports (100% complete, 5% total progress payment, partial payments made on receipt of each annual report): The first report is due within twelve (12) months of contract award; each annual report thereafter is due by February of each year following restoration and survey activities, with the last contract report due by February 2024.

The Contractor shall submit reports electronically in both Word and pdf, with legible text, tables, and graphics. Upon request, the Contractor shall also provide up to three

(3) printed copies and one (1) camera-ready copy, suitable for reproduction. A review period of fifteen (15) days is required by the Contracting Officer for each annual report. Upon receipt of comments, the Contractor shall immediately make the required corrections and resubmit a complete pdf and, upon request, up to three (3) printed copies and one (1) camera-ready copy of each annual report. After submittal of the corrected material, the Contractor shall be on call to make any further corrections until the work and services are accomplished under this SOW. If requested, the Contractor shall provide written responses to any comments provided and also a track changes revised version, in addition to a clean corrected version.

8. REVIEWS AND SUBMITTALS: The Contractor shall prepare the material in accordance with criteria listed herein or otherwise furnished and are hereby made part of this Scope of Work.

All submittals are due as stated under Period of Service. When submitted, the reports (including any maps, plates, and/or tables) shall be complete and shall be of publishable quality.

SECTION C - 12

Mapping shall be submitted in PDF and spreadsheets in MS excel. GIS data may be submitted on a CD or via an FTP site. Text shall be complete, clear, concise, grammatically correct, and otherwise comprehensible for reading by persons not professionally trained in the technical subject(s) discussed.

1. Each copy shall contain all maps, drawings, and appendices as needed (except for the limitations based on distribution of confidential information),

2. Text shall be typed, single-spaced, on 8-1/2" x 11" paper,

3. Maps, drawings and figures shall be prepared on 8-1/2" x 11" or 11" x 17" paper with at least a 1" binding margin on the left side,

4. All maps shall include, at a minimum, a location inset, scale, north arrow and a pertinent legend.

5. All GIS data shall comply with the CADD/GIS Technology Center Spatial Data Standards

(SDS). Each separable element will be stored in the GIS as an individual theme. The themes/feature classes shall be compatible with the ArcGIS v10.0 or newer format and should be delivered in a File Geodatabase. Each feature class should have defined projection/coordinate system information attached. A metadata file describing the geographic data file(s) content and format shall be provided. The metadata shall include a technical POC.

Electronic submittals shall be addressed to Naeem.a.Siddiqui@usace.army.mil.

9. PAYMENT FOR WORK AND SERVICES: The Government will award a Firm Fixed price delivery order. The agreed-upon price shall constitute full compensation by the Government to the Contractor for the work and services performed under this Delivery Order. Payments shall be made in accordance with the payment clause under the basic contract and Period of Service of this Delivery Order. The Contractor shall invoice only for completed work and services.

10. MATERIALS TO BE PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT: The Government shall provide maps, reports, and other information determined pertinent to completion of the contract, including:

a. The Government shall make available to the Contractor relevant information from the above referenced SEIS/EIR, SEA’s and BO’s, and may provide Annual reports, and Plans of Action for previous mitigation sites from available data in its files which may contribute to the Scope of Work.

11. PROJECT MANAGEMENT:

a. The Contractor shall assign qualified professionals in pertinent fields to perform these efforts.

The Contractor shall assign a responsible and appropriately qualified Project Manager (PM) to: be knowledgeable about all work for this project and be available as the Contractor’s point of contact;

coordinate and supervise activities to provide timely and professionally sound products; and maintain a project file containing all correspondence and criteria pertinent to this project.

b. The Contractor shall ensure that adequate technical and support personnel who are competent and experienced in the work proposed are available.

c. During the progress of the work, the Contractor shall confer with the Corps biologist, Naeem mailto:Naeem.a.Siddiqui@usace.army.mil

SECTION C - 13

Siddiqui, Naeem.a.Siddiqui@usace.army.mil, phone number (213) 452-3852, who may visit the Contractor’s office at any time during the progress of work for the specific purpose of examining the progress of work to resolve any questions the Contractor may have concerning the work products.

12. VISITS TO THE STUDY AREA, PRIVATE SOURCES, AND GOVERNMENT

AGENCIES:

The contractor shall advise the Corps’ Biologist, Los Angeles District, of each proposed visit to the study area by private sources or government agencies prior to each visit. Contacts with government agencies shall be limited to research and coordination of data pertinent to the project. Progress of coordination, major issues and problems that may jeopardize project milestone dates shall also be reported promptly to the Contracting Officer.

13. DEVIATION FROM THE SCOPE OF WORK:

a. The contractor shall not incorporate into this project any instructions received (in writing or orally) directly from other government agencies, without written approval from the Contracting Officer. The Corps is responsible for the coordination of the final report with other government agencies.

b. The Contractor shall not depart from or perform beyond the Scope of Work and the criteria on which the Scope of Work is based without the written direction of the contracting Officer.

14. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

Subcontractors: The contractor shall not enter into any subcontracts without the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

Responsibility for Field Work: The contractor shall be responsible for all damages to persons and property that occurs as a result of the Contractor’s fault or negligence in connection with fieldwork, and shall save and hold the Government free from all claims and suits arising from such damages.

Certification of Computer Media: The contractor shall certify that delivery of all media for computer data to be free of known computer viruses. The contractor shall furnish the name(s) and release date(s) of the virus scanning software used to analyze the delivery media to the Government at the time of delivery. The release or revision date of the virus scanning software shall be current.

If analysis of the delivery media by the Government finds evidence of virus infection, the media shall be returned to the contractor. The contractor shall resubmit the media at no cost to the Government.

Release of Data: All data, reports, and materials furnished to the contractor, or obtained and/or prepared in relation to the execution of this Scope of Work are the property of the U.S. Government.

Neither the contractor nor his representatives shall release any sketches, field notes, photographs, maps, reports, or other material of any nature obtained or prepared under this task order without specific written approval from the Contracting Officer. All such material shall be submitted to the Government upon request or at completion of this task order.

SECTION C - 14

15. CONTRACTOR MANPOWER REPORTING:

The Contractor shall report ALL contractor labor hours (including subcontractor labor hours) required for performance of services provided under this contract for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District via a secure data collection site. The Contractor is required to completely fill in all required data fields using the following web address: http://www.ecmra.mil/

Reporting inputs will be for the labor executed during the period of performance during each Government fiscal year (FY), which runs October 1 through September 30. While inputs may be reported any time during the FY, all data shall be reported no later than October 31 of each calendar year. Contractors may direct questions to the help desk at help desk at: http://www.ecmra.mil/

16. SECURITY REQUIREMENTS:

a. AT Level I Training. All contractor employees, to include subcontractor employees, requiring access to Army installations, facilities, controlled access areas, or require network access, shall complete AT Level I awareness training within 30 calendar days after contract start date or effective date of incorporation of this requirement into the contract, whichever is applicable. Upon request, the contractor shall submit certificates of completion for each affected contractor employee and subcontractor employee, to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or to the contracting officer (if a COR is not assigned), within 5 calendar days after completion of training by all employees and subcontractor personnel. AT Level I awareness training is available at the following website:

http://jko.jten.mil/courses/atl1/launch.html; or it can be provided by the RA ATO in presentation form which will be documented via memorandum.

b. Access and General Protection/Security Policy and Procedures. All contractor and all associated sub-contractors employees shall comply with applicable installation, facility and area commander installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures (provided by government representative). The contractor shall also provide all information required for background checks to meet installation/facility access requirements to be accomplished by installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services or Security Office.