xA04-IDIQ_SOW.pdf

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

CRAB ORCHARD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

Statement of Work/Need

Road and Associated Infrastructure IDIQ Contract

December 2021

Introduction

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Complex (CONWR) is seeking an indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract for the maintenance and rehabilitation of roads and associated infrastructure on and around CONWR. This IDIQ contract will include the furnishing of all plant, labor, equipment, transportation, supplies, and material to perform the requested maintenance and rehabilitation activities as specified in delivery orders issued against this contract. The quantities of the services specified in the bid schedule are estimates only and are not purchased by this contract. Delivery or performance shall be made only as authorized by orders issued by the Contracting Officer or Representative. The Government may issue orders requiring delivery to multiple destinations or performance at multiple locations.

CONWR comprises approximately 60,000 acres of habitat in Southern Illinois, including hardwood forest, agricultural land, industrial sites, grazing units, brushland, wetlands, and lakes.

CONWR supports a robust industrial, agricultural, recreational, and wildlife conservation mission as directed by our Congressional mandate. Our Refuge roadways and associated infrastructure are key in carrying out that mandate.

Minimum and Maximum

This IDIQ contract is proposed for one (1) base year with up to four (4) option years. The option years are not guaranteed and may be exercised at the sole discretion of the Government. The minimum guaranteed award to the IDIQ contract awardee is $20,000 for the base year, and

$10,000 for each option year. The maximum cumulative award over the life of the contract is

$1,500,000. During the contract period, the Government shall place individual task orders totaling a minimum of $750, but not in excess of $100,000 for any individual task order.

1. GENERAL

1.1. SCOPE OF WORK: This is an indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract for furnishing all plant, labor, equipment, transportation, supplies and material to perform rehabilitation of recreation areas and facility maintenance as specified in delivery orders issued against this contract. The quantities of the services specified in the bid schedule are estimates only and are not purchased by this contract. Delivery or performance shall be made only as authorized by orders issued by the Contracting Officer or

Representative. The Government may issue orders requiring delivery to multiple destinations or performance at multiple locations.

1.2. DEFINITIONS: As used throughout this description/specification, the following terms shall have the meaning set forth below:

1.2.1. CONTRACTOR - the term Contractor refers to the prime Contractor and all contractor employees and personnel. The prime Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring all subcontractors comply with the provisions of this contract.

1.2.2. CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE - a foreman or superintendent, assigned to represent the interests of the Contractor with regards to all matters involving the contract.

1.2.3. CONTRACTING OFFICER (CO) - the term “Contracting Officer” means the person executing this contract on behalf of the Government, and any other Service employee who is properly designated by the Contracting Officer; and the term includes, except as otherwise provided in this contract, the authorized representative of a Contracting Officer acting within the limits of their authority.

1.2.4. QUALITY CONTROL - the term “Quality Control” refers to action taken by the

Contractor and/or their personnel to document, inspect, and control performance of services to ensure they meet the specifications and requirements of this contract.

1.2.5. QUALITY ASSURANCE - the term “Quality Assurance” refers to action taken by the Government to ensure the Contractor's quality control system is functioning and effective, and the Contractor is providing services which are in accordance with this contract.

1.2.6. CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR) - the term

“Contracting Officer’s Representative” means the individual authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer to perform specific technical or administrative contract functions.

1.2.7. FULLY CLOTHED - The term “fully clothed” shall be construed as, at a minimum, contractor and employees must wear short sleeved shirts without abusive language and/or pictures, safety shoes, hard hats, and long pants without holes.

1.3. CONTRACT AREAS. The work areas for this IDIQ contract include heavily used recreation areas, industrial areas, and closed areas at the Crab Orchard National Wildlife

Refuge Complex stations, located in Williamson, Jackson, Union, Pulaski, Johnson, and

Alexander Counties in Illinois. General location maps are available at the Crab Orchard

NWR Visitor Center, 6987 Headquarters Road, Marion, IL 62959. The majority of work will be completed at Crab Orchard NWR, with limited work at Cypress Creek NWR.

Additional work may be completed for the Crab Orchard Superfund Project, located on the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. A map showing the location of Crab

Orchard NWR is included as Attachment A.

1.4. UTILITIES. Water and electricity required in the performance of this contract shall be provided by the Contractor. Water and electricity may be obtained and utilized by the

Contractor from Government sources within the recreation areas at no cost to the

Contractor or from other sources approved by the Contracting Officer. If water or electricity is obtained from sources other than the Government, all arrangements and payments, if any, shall be the responsibility of the Contractor. The absence of a

Government water or electric source will not relieve the Contractor of obligation to provide services as scheduled for any facility or area. Raw lake water shall not be used.

1.4.1. UTILITY LOCATING. The Contractor shall be responsible for locating all public underground utilities prior to commencing work. The Government will locate all

Government owned underground utilities at the request of the Contractor. The absence of Government located or mismarked utilities, will not relieve the

Contractor of obligation to provide services as scheduled for any facility or area.

1.5. SAFETY. All equipment used and work performed shall be in accordance with safety requirements set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Any unsafe work and/or actions will be stopped immediately. All equipment or materials found not to be in conformity with the OSHA requirements, shall be removed from

Government property immediately.

1.5.1. OSHA PROVISIONS. In order to provide safety controls for protection to life and health of employees and other persons, for prevention of damage to property, materials, supplies, and equipment, and for avoidance of work interruptions in the performance of this contract, the Contractor shall comply with all pertinent provisions of OSHA and shall also take or cause to be taken such additional measures necessary for that purpose. Compliance with the provisions of this clause by employees and subcontractors will be the responsibility of the Contractor.

1.5.2. NON-COMPLIANCE. The Contracting Officer shall notify the Contractor of any noncompliance with the provisions of this clause and any corrective action required.

The Contractor shall, after receipt of such notice, immediately take corrective action. Such notice, when delivered to the Contractor or their representative at the site of the work, shall be deemed sufficient to take immediate action. If Contractor fails or refuses to comply promptly, the Contracting Officer may issue an order stopping all or part of the work until satisfactory corrective action has been taken.

No part of the time lost due to any such stop orders shall be made the subject of claim for extension of time or for excess costs or damages by the Contractor.

1.5.3. ACCIDENT REPORTING. An accident constitutes an incident or act involving the Contractor which may or may not have caused obvious damage to persons or property. All accidents shall be reported to the Contracting Officer within 24 hours of the occurrence. All serious accidents (those resulting in death or injury requiring medical attention) shall be reported immediately.

1.5.4. OFF-ROAD USE. The Contractor shall not drive off the paved or gravel access roads onto the grass at any time without prior approval of the Contracting Officer.

1.5.5. UNATTENDED VEHICLES. No vehicles shall be left unattended for any extended periods of time at any recreation area or elsewhere on Refuge property without prior approval of the Contracting Officer.

1.5.6. VEHICLE OPERATION. Vehicles shall be operated in accordance with posted regulations and traffic control signs. The Quality Assurance Inspector shall closely monitor speed of traffic in the contract area.

1.6. OMISSIONS. This contract may duplicate or not cover all specified activities, steps, and/or procedures required to accomplish contract work. In case of omission, the normal industry standards, practices, specifications and/or guides shall prevail. In no instance shall an omission be a reason to perform inferior work, produce a less than acceptable product or service, or refuse to perform an intended activity.

1.7. OTHER CONTRACTS. The Contractor's attention is called to the fact that other

Contractors and Refuge employees may be in the area for the purpose of performing duties. The Contractor will cooperate fully with all Contractors and Refuge employees in the area and shall not impede the work of others in any way.

1.8. DAMAGES. The Contractor is responsible for taking any action necessary to protect all supplies and property, including material and supplies issued by the Government to accomplish a job, against damage, theft, or loss. The Government assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to any material, supplies, or property after it is received by, or in the possession of the Contractor. Any Government property lost or stolen due to negligence of the Contractor shall be replaced by the Contractor at no cost to the

Government.

1.8.1. REASONABLE CARE. The Contractor shall use reasonable care to avoid damaging buildings, equipment, and vegetation on Government property. The

Contractor shall replace or repair the damage at no expense to the Government within a time frame approved by the Contracting Officer. If the Contractor fails or refuses to make such repairs or replacement, within the time frame, the Contractor shall be liable for the cost to make the repair or replacement, which will be deducted from the contract payment.

2. PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

2.1. MINIMUM WORKFORCE REQUIREMENTS. The Contractor shall provide an adequate number of fully qualified personnel to perform the specified work, properly and efficiently within the time limits specified. All Contractor employees reporting to the work site must be fully clothed as defined in Section 1.2.7. If the Contractor is unable to accomplish work in accordance with the requirements of this contract within the times specified, they shall immediately obtain additional personnel as necessary to fulfill the requirements of this contract.

2.2. EMPLOYEE CONDUCT. The majority of work will be performed in the presence of the public and Refuge industrial and agricultural partners; thus the conduct of all employees is critical and will be closely monitored. The Contractor shall be responsible for insuring that their employees strictly comply with all Federal and State laws. Any illegal or criminal activity may result in the removal of Contractor employee(s) from the

Refuge.

2.2.1. ALCOHOL/CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES. No alcoholic beverages and/or drugs shall be consumed by the Contractor or employees while working on this

2.3. REMOVAL OF CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE. The Contracting Officer may require the Contractor to immediately remove from the work site any employee of the

Contractor or subcontractor, who, in the opinion of the Contracting Officer, is incompetent, who endangers persons or property, or whose physical or mental condition is such that it would impair the employee's ability to safely or satisfactorily perform his or her work. Notification to the Contractor shall be verbal or telephonic, and shall be confirmed in writing as soon as possible. No such removal, however, will reduce the

Contractor's obligation to perform all work required under this contract, and immediate replacement will be made as required. This requirement shall not be made the basis of any claim for compensation or damages against the United States or any of its officers or agents.

2.4. SUPERVISION. The Contractor shall establish a defined chain of command including

Contractor Representatives, Quality Control Inspectors, and crew leaders. In most cases this can be the same individual. This individual must be knowledgeable of all aspects of the contract and the task order specifications. For the purpose of this contract, it is intended that the Contractor Representative and Quality Control inspectors shall have responsibility to ensure compliance and coordination with contract specifications and have full capacity to act on the Contractors behalf in matters of the contract. The

Contractor Representatives and/or Quality Control personnel shall be required to have a copy of the contract and task orders in their possession at all times for reference concerning questions of Contractor responsibility.

3. INSPECTIONS

3.1. CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL. The Contractor is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate quality control system to satisfactorily inspect and ensure that all work performed by the Contractor's organization is in full compliance with this

3.2. GOVERNMENT QUALITY ASSURANCE. The Government will monitor and inspect the Contractor's operation to ensure that Quality Control is in place and is working, and that the Contractor's performance meets all contract specifications.

3.3. RE-PERFORMANCE AND RE-INSPECTION. The Government shall require the

Contractor to re-perform any work found to be deficient by the Quality Assurance inspector. Should it become necessary for the Government Quality Assurance inspector to perform re-inspections of defective work that was required to be re-done, there will be a re-inspection charge.

3.4. PERFORMANCE EVALUATION MEETINGS. The Contractor, their Contractor

Representative, and/or Quality Control inspectors shall meet with the Contracting

Officer or their representatives as often as determined necessary by the Contracting

Officer in order to discuss performance. Mutual effort will be made to resolve any and all problems identified.

4. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS, AND SUPPLIES

4.1. GENERAL - Unless otherwise stated, the Contractor shall furnish and maintain all sufficient equipment, materials and supplies suitable to satisfactorily perform the requirements of this contract.

4.1.1. EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE. All equipment shall be maintained in safe operating condition complying with all requirements of OSHA and in accordance with Section 1.5, SAFETY. A regular schedule of preventive maintenance shall be followed on all equipment.

4.1.2. ADDITIONAL NEEDS. If the Contractor is unable to accomplish work in accordance with the requirements of this contract within the times specified, they shall immediately obtain additional equipment, materials, and supplies necessary to fulfill the requirements of this contract.

4.1.3. DAILY REMOVAL. All Contractor's equipment, materials, and supplies shall be removed from Government property at the end of each working day unless otherwise approved by the Contracting Officer.

4.2. APPROVAL OF EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES. Prior to commencing work, the Contractor shall attend a post-award conference at the CONWR Headquarters, and submit to the Contracting Officer a written statement identifying the grade, type, quantity, mixture, and manner of application of all materials to be used during the contract period; and provide a list of all equipment, materials and supplies available to perform the services listed in this contract. All equipment, materials, supplies, and operating procedures must be approved by the Contracting Officer prior to the commencement of work, or prior to implementing any changes.

4.2.1. SDS. The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining “Hazardous Materials

Safety Data Sheets” from the manufacturers for all supplies of a chemical nature used in the operation of this contract. All SDS sheets must be submitted to the

Contracting Officer for approval prior to beginning any services required by this

4.2.2. INSPECTION OF EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES. The

Contracting Officer may inspect all equipment, materials, and supplies at any time when on Government property. Any equipment or supplies found deficient shall be removed from service immediately until such time as deficiencies have been corrected and approved for use by the Contracting Officer. No such removal will reduce the Contractor's obligation to perform all work required within this contract.

This requirement shall not be made the basis of any claim for compensation or damages against the United States or any of its officers or agents.

4.3. CREW SUPPLIES. The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining each crew with sufficient supplies for performing required services.

4.4. MANUFACTURER'S DIRECTIONS. The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that employees follow all manufacturer’s directions for use of all materials and supplies.

4.5. STORAGE. All supplies and equipment stored on Government property shall be kept in a neat and orderly fashion. The Government, including any of its agents or officers, is not responsible for any Contractor equipment, materials, or supplies while stored, placed, or used on Government property.

4.6. ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION. The Contractor shall provide mobile cellular telephone number for each work crew, any time work is in progress. This will allow for communications between the Contractor Representative and/or Quality Control

Inspector and Government personnel during times when services under this contract are being performed.

5. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS, AND SUPPLIES

5.1. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY - The Government will supply equipment, supplies, and material only if specified in the delivery order written against this contract.

All supplies, equipment, and materials shall be stored at the Headquarters Building or

Maintenance Shop. The Contractor will be responsible for the protection against loss, theft, or damage of any Government supplied property. The Contractor shall sign a property receipt upon taking possession of any Government furnished property.

5.1.1. KEYS. The Government will provide any required keys. Keys will not be reproduced by the Contractor. The Contractor shall supply, and update as needed, a list of employees who have keys and which keys they have been issued. If any key(s) are lost and/or not returned, a deduction fee for the actual replacement costs will be made from the Contractors invoice. This includes a deduction for the cost of re-keying all affected doors and/or replacing all affected padlocks.

6. SCHEDULING, BILLING, AND RECORDS

6.1. WORKDAY. Services scheduled to be performed may not commence before 0700. All services must be completed by 1630 on all workdays. No work shall be allowed on weekends or holidays. The Contracting Officer must approve any variation from this schedule in advance.

6.2. ORDER AND COORDINATION OF WORK. During the course of the contract, the

Contractor will ensure that no visitor is allowed to be in the actual work area. The

Contractor should be aware that the access roads to the recreation areas, industrial areas, and agricultural areas will remain open while work is being performed. If in the performance of work at a particular site, it is necessary to block or partially block an access road, it is the responsibility of the Contractor to provide the necessary workforce and traffic control equipment. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to barricade any work site where a hazard to the visitor may exist. Road closures must be discussed with the Contracting Officer prior to implementation.

6.3. BILLING PROCEDURES. The Contractor shall submit all invoices for payment via the

Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). The Contractor shall provide invoices for equipment, materials, and supplies per the contract line items in the task order. No additional payments will be made for incidental supplies, materials, and equipment furnished by the Contractor. The invoice shall include the line item number, item description, unit of measurement, unit price and total amount. The invoice shall also include the contract number, contract name, and the task order number. The Contractor shall provide with the invoice, daily reports, payroll documentation, certified weight and load certificates, and if requested, documentation showing the catalog sheets for materials or products furnished.

6.4. APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS. The Contractor shall perform all work in accordance with applicable publications. They include but are not limited to:

6.4.1. MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDATIONS including equipment manuals and material, material/chemical SDS, and operating/maintenance manuals used by the Contractor.

6.4.2. INDUSTRIAL STANDARDS AND CODES (LATEST EDITIONS) including

American National Standards Institute, OSHA Safety Standards, Illinois Department of Transportation “Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction and

Amendments”, American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

7. WORK ITEMS/DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS OF SITE IMPROVEMENTS

AND APPURTENANCES

7.1. SCOPE. The work covered by this section consists of furnishing all plant, labor, materials and equipment, and performing all operations in connection with the rehabilitation of facilities, properties and resources specified herein. No additional payment will be made for backfilling, seeding and mulching any areas disturbed during these operations.

7.2. LOCATION. Work under this contract may be at any location within the Refuge boundary.

8. EQUIPMENT OPERATION

8.1. SCOPE. The equipment described within this section shall be used for performing operations in accordance with the specifications contained herein and associated task orders. Equipment within this section shall be utilized independently of the requirements within Section 7, WORK ITEMS / DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS OF SITE

IMPROVEMENTS AND APPURTENANCES.

8.2. EQUIPMENT PRICES. The prices for equipment shall include equipment & equipment operator; the Contractor shall provide all services and other personnel or equipment as necessary for operation of the equipment at the worksite, fuel, lubricants, and repairs.

The equipment furnished shall be of standard make and the capacities indicated herein.

Personnel furnished as operators for this equipment shall be thoroughly qualified in the use of equipment in order that maximum capacity may be obtained. All equipment and labor furnished by the Contractor shall be subject to the approval of the Contracting

Officer.

8.3. MOBILIZATION AND DE-MOBILIZATION. The Contractor shall deliver the necessary equipment, in operating condition, with operator to the worksite of each delivery order and begin work as required by each delivery order. All mobilization & de-mobilization shall be inclusive to the unit price for each piece of equipment and shall not constitute additional compensation by the Government.

8.4. OPERATING WORKING TIME. The equipment shall be available for operation

Monday through Friday, and only on weekends with the consent of the Contracting

Officer, weather and other conditions permitting. No work will be performed when soil and/or weather conditions, in the opinion of the Contracting Officer, or representative at the site, will not permit efficient and economical operations.

8.4.1. SUSPENSION OF OPERATIONS. Should soil and/or weather conditions develop during the life of the delivery order, which will, in the opinion of the field representative of the Contracting Officer, make further work impracticable or undesirable, the Contractor will be ordered to suspend operations until such time as the working conditions improve and become suitable for further work to proceed.

The Contractor shall be required to recommence work within 48 hours of written notification by the Contracting Officer. No adjustment in contract price will be made to the Contractor, resulting from any suspension of work up to and including thirty (30) consecutive days, however the delivery order work period will be extended for each working day that operations are suspended.

8.5. MAINTENANCE OF EQUIPMENT. The Contractor shall make repairs and perform maintenance to insure the condition of the working equipment shall be kept in safe working condition when in use. The Contractor shall keep small repair parts and replacements shall be made with a minimum of lost time and in a manner satisfactory to the Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall furnish all fuel, grease, and other operating supplies as required for the proper operation of the equipment. Costs for the foregoing shall be included in the contract unit prices and no separate payment therefore will be made.

8.6. REPLACEMENT OF EQUIPMENT. The Contractor, to the satisfaction of the

Contracting Officer, shall promptly replace any equipment which, in the opinion of the

Contracting Officer, proves to be deficient in quality as the work progresses. If the

Contractor does not promptly replace such deficient equipment, the Contracting Officer reserves the right to terminate the use of such equipment.

8.7. ALTERNATIVE EQUIPMENT. The Contractor may propose for use an alternative type of equipment not included in the specifications. The suitability of the alternative equipment must be demonstrated to the Contracting Officer by a field test conducted by and at the expense of the Contractor. Procedures for testing will be provided by the

Contracting Officer. Each proposed alternative type of equipment must be capable of performing equal to or greater in all capacities to that equipment specified herein.

8.8. MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT. Measurement for equipment operation will be computed by the Contracting Officer in hours of productive operation. In computing the number of hours of productive operation, only the time of actual operation will be considered. Standby or idle time, including lunch periods, when equipment is not operating or repair of equipment will not be paid for. Time spent, up to 15 minutes per 8-hour day, for performing routine maintenance and servicing such as refueling and greasing will be considered productive operation. Hours of productive operation shall include mobilizations and demobilizations within each contract area and to and from the contract area. Payment for all equipment operation will be made at the respective contract unit price for the applicable equipment, which price and payment shall constitute full compensation for the cost of equipment, operator (UNLESS SPECIFIED), fuel, materials, supplies, repairs and support necessary to mobilize and demobilize and number of productive hours of operation for each piece of equipment.

9. BID ITEMS

9.1. CLEARING AND GRUBBING. The work covered by this section consists of furnishing all plant, labor, equipment, and materials, and performing all operations necessary for the clearing and grubbing of the work sites, for the removal and disposal of all cleared and grubbed materials, and for the filling of all holes caused by grubbing operations, as specified herein. All holes or depressions made by grubbing shall be filled in 12-inch layers to the elevation of the adjacent ground surface with contractor-furnished borrow material, and each layer compacted to a density at least equal to that of the adjacent undisturbed material. If the grubbed area is in an area that is to be cut or filled, the finished grubbed surface shall conform to the appropriate level as determined by the Contracting Officer or his/her representative. The Contractor shall remove all debris from the work site, except trees suitable for firewood and shall be disposed of, off

Government property at no additional cost to the Government. Such disposal shall comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws. Such materials shall be removed from the site of the work before the date of completion of the work. Clearing and grubbing will be broken down into two categories; determination of the sizes will be made by the Contracting Officer or his/her representative.

9.1.1. CLEARING. Clearing, unless otherwise specified, shall consist of the complete removal above ground surface of all trees, stumps, down timber, snags, brush, vegetation, stone, and similar debris. The Contracting Officer or his/her representative will mark all trees and identify all vegetation to be removed. All woody vegetation to be removed will be marked by the Contracting Officer or his/her representative. Nothing shall be removed unless approved by the Contracting

Officer.

9.1.2. GRUBBING. Grubbing shall consist of the removal and disposal of stumps, roots larger than 2 inches in diameter, and matted roots from the areas to be cleared. This material shall be removed to a minimum depth of 12 inches below the finished grade.

9.1.3. MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT. Measurement for clearing and grubbing will be made by the square yard measured on a horizontal plane at ground level prior to excavation. Payment will be made at the contract unit price per square yard for "Clearing and Grubbing: Light or Heavy", which price and payment shall constitute full compensation for furnishing all labor, materials, equipment and supplies necessary to perform Clearing and Grubbing.

9.1.3.1. CATEGORY 0001a: LIGHT. Woody vegetation, brush and trees less than twelve inches in diameter, (Diameter at Breast Height, D.B.H).

9.1.3.2. CATEGORY 0001b: HEAVY. Trees greater than twelve inches in diameter at the diameter at breast height, (D.B.H.).

9.2. SITE GRADING. The Contractor shall grade worksites by placing, removing, or relocating material in order to meet the requirements of the delivery order. Any areas that have Site Grading work performed shall be seeded, in accordance with Section 9.3

ESTABLISHMENT OF TURF, at no additional cost to the Government. NOTE: Some bid items within this Contract have Site Grading that is inclusive to that particular bid item. Site Grading will be broken down into two categories depending on the amount of cubic yards of material to be site graded.

9.2.1. SITE GRADE WORK. The work site or areas that require grading shall be designated by stakes, wire flags, or paint placed at the work site corners by the

Contracting Officer or his/her reprsentative.

9.2.2. FILL MATERIAL. The Contractor shall furnish, deliver, place and compact suitable fill material as required. The fill shall be earth, obtained by the Contractor from Non-Government property. If borrow is obtained from a third party, written proof of permission shall be obtained and provided as requested by the Contracting

Officer. No borrow areas shall be on Government property unless otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer.

9.2.2.1. SUITABLE MATERIALS. Suitable materials shall consist of materials classified in accordance with ASTM D 2487 as lean clay (CL), fat clay (CH), silty clay (CL – ML), silt (ML), clayey sand (SC) shall be used for the fill material. Fill material shall be furnished by the Contractor from outside the

Government boundaries.

9.2.2.2. UNSUITABLE MATERIALS. Unsuitable material includes all materials that are not defined above as suitable material. In addition, unsuitable materials are materials that classify according to ASTM D 2487 as poorly graded gravel

(GP), well graded gravel (GW), silty gravel (GM), clayey gravel (GC), high plasticity silt (MH), peat (PT), high plasticity organics (OH), and low plasticity organics (OL). Unsuitable materials also include all material that contains debris, refuse, roots, organic matter, frozen material, asphalt, and contamination from hazardous, toxic, or radiological substances, stones greater than 1 inch in any dimension, and as determined by the Contracting Officer.

The Contracting Officer may require the wasting of unsuitable materials, in order that the work may proceed, at no additional cost to the Government.

9.2.2.3. PLACEMENT. Fill material shall be placed in locations as directed by the

Contracting Officer. Fill material for areas shall be placed in layers not more than 9 inches in loose depth for areas to be compacted by heavy compaction equipment and not more than 6 inches in loose depth for areas compacted by hand-operated tampers.

9.2.2.4. COMPACTION. Compact fill material to not less than the following percentages of maximum dry density as per ASTM D 698, Standard Proctor

Test: (1) 95% for Paved Areas; (2) 90% for Unpaved Areas.

9.2.3. REMOVAL OF MATERIAL. The Contractor shall remove all sand, river gravel, soil, crushed stone, or a combination of materials, to a suitable depth in order to meet the requirements of the Task Order. Unless specified, the Contractor shall remove waste materials from Government property and properly disposed of at no additional cost to the Government. If the material is to be relocated on Refuge lands, the Contractor shall deliver and stockpile the material at no additional cost to the

9.2.4. MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT. Measurement for Site Grading will be made by the cubic yard. Payment will be made at the contract unit price per cubic yard for "Site Grading; Light or Heavy", which price and payment shall constitute full compensation for furnishing all labor, materials, equipment and supplies necessary to perform Site Grading, which includes soil cut, removed, hauled and placed as fill, grading of the living area or work site, slopes outside living area or work site, filling depressions and the establishment of turf.

9.2.4.1. CATEGORY 0002a: LIGHT SITE GRADING. Site grading that requires

100 cubic yards or less of material.

9.2.4.2. CATEGORY 0002b: HEAVY SITE GRADING. Site grading that requires more than 100 cubic yards of material.

9.3. ESTABLISHMENT OF TURF. The work covered by this section consists of furnishing all plant, labor, equipment and materials, and performing all operations necessary for tillage, seeding, fertilizing, and mulching in accordance with the requirements of this section. NOTE: EXCEPTION TO PAYMENT. The Contractor shall establish turf, at no additional cost to the Government, when completing areas that were disturbed as a result of construction ordered under this contract. All areas disturbed due to haul roads, ruts or negligence by the Contractor shall be repaired, seeded, fertilized and mulched according to the guidelines of this contract at no cost to the Government.

9.3.1. MATERIALS- FERTILIZER. Fertilizer shall be applied after the ground surface is prepared. The fertilizer shall be a 12-12-12 mixture and applied at the rate of 200 pounds per acre. Fertilizer shall be distributed uniformly over areas to be seeded and shall be incorporated into the soil by raking or other methods approved by the

Contracting Officer.

9.3.2. MATERIALS- SEEDING. Seed shall be fresh new crop furnished in sealed standard containers and applied at the rate of 100 pounds per acre. Wet, moldy, or seed that has been otherwise damaged in transit or storage will not be acceptable.

Seed shall not be sown when conditions for planting are unfavorable as determined by the Contracting Officer. Such unfavorable conditions may consist of drought, high winds, excessive moisture, or other factors that satisfactory results are not likely to be obtained. After seeding and fertilizing, the prepared area shall be raked to cover the seed with approximately ½- inch of soil. Seed mixture shall further conform to the following:

Kind of Seed Pounds per

Acre

Min. Purity

Percent

Min.

Germination

Percent

Max. Weed

Content

Percent

Annual Rye

Grass

25 98 85 0.8

Turf Type

Tall Fescue

75 97 85 0.8

9.3.3. MATERIALS- MULCHING. Mulch shall be fresh threshed straw, from a cereal grain such as oats, wheat, or barley, free of mold, mildew, and objectionable weed seeds, and shall be applied at the rate of 7,000 pounds per acre or 1.5 pounds per square yard. Mulch shall be applied immediately after completion of seeding operations. Mulch shall be spread uniformly in a continuous blanket and shall be spread by hand or a method approved by the Contracting Officer.

9.3.4. PREPARATION OF GROUND SURFACE. Soil shall be prepared for seeding by tilling, breaking or removing clods over three inches in diameter, and smoothing the area. The surface shall be cleared of stones, roots, cable, wire, and other materials that might hinder the growth of seed.

9.3.5. DAMAGE TO SEEDING. The Contractor shall be fully responsible for any damage to the seeded areas caused by their operation. Areas that become damaged as a result of poor workmanship, failure or partial failure of the seed to germinate, or failure to meet the requirements of the specifications may be ordered to be reseeded to the specification requirements, at no additional cost to the Government.

9.3.6. MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT. Measurement for establishment of turf will be made by the acre. Payment will be made at the contract unit price per acre for

"Establishment of Turf" which price and payment shall constitute full compensation for furnishing all labor, materials, equipment and supplies and performing all operations necessary for preparation of ground surface, seeding, fertilizing and mulching of all areas to be turfed.

9.4. MOWING. Roadsides and other areas as directed shall be mowed at the direction of the

Contracting Officer.

9.4.1. GRASS MOWING. The Contractor shall mow roadsides, ditches, fields, or other areas as directed by the Contracting Officer, with a rotary mower. Some areas may have rough terrain or steep terrain, and with wet soil conditions and may contain small, woody vegetation. Mowing heights can vary between 4 inches and 10 inches in height as directed by the Contracting Officer.

9.4.2. BRUSH MOWING. A skid loader with forestry brush mower shall be furnished with the forestry brush mower deck capable of mowing brush and small trees capable of mulching or shredding standing trees up to six (6) inches in diameter, removing stumps up to six (6) inches in diameter, and capable of grinding or leveling stumps flush to grade, to allow a tractor with rotary mower to mow over.

Equipment shall meet or exceed specifications of the Erskine High Flow 72”Heavy-

Duty Brush Mower for Skid Steer Loaders.

9.4.3. MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT. Measurement for Mowing will be made by the acre measured on a horizontal plane at ground level prior to mowing. Payment will be made at the contract unit price per acre for the applicable type of Mowing, which price and payment shall constitute full compensation for furnishing all labor, materials, equipment and supplies necessary to perform Mowing.

9.4.3.1. CATEGORY 0004a: GRASS MOWING

9.4.3.2. CATEGORY 0004b: BRUSH MOWING

9.5. TREE MAINTENANCE. The work covered by this section consists of furnishing all labor, equipment and materials and performing all operations necessary for the trimming and removal of trees and the removal of stumps.

9.5.1. TREE TRIMMING. The Contractor shall remove tree limbs to a maximum height of 15 or 60 feet above grade and as directed by the Contracting Officer. Limbs shall be cut flush to the collar of the limb or trunk.

9.5.2. TREE REMOVAL WITH STUMP. The Contractor shall remove trees, including the tree stump to a minimum depth of 6 inches below grade. Trees must be dropped within (3) three working days from notification. Tress and debris may be required to be removed from Government property. Non-scheduled trees damaged by the

Contractor while performing this task shall be trimmed or removed, as directed by the Contracting Officer, at the Contractors expense.

9.5.3. TREE REMOVAL WITHOUT STUMP. The Contractor shall remove trees, leaving the stump flush with grade. Trees must be dropped within (3) three working days from notification. Tress and debris may be required to be removed from

Government property. Non-scheduled trees damaged by the Contractor while performing this task shall be trimmed or removed, as directed by the Contracting

Officer, at the Contractors expense.

9.5.4. STUMP REMOVAL. The Contractor shall be responsible for removing tree stumps as directed by the Contracting Officer. Stumps shall be removed to a minimum level of six inches below the existing grade. The Contractor shall remove chips, furnish and place topsoil, seed, fertilizer and straw, ensuring that no depressions form due to settling. Stump heights vary from at grade to 48 inches above grade.

9.5.5. REMOVAL OF DEBRIS. The Contractor shall remove debris created by tree maintenance and dispose of it off Government property, unless otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer. A wood chipper may be used to assist the Contractor in the removal process. The disposal of chipped refuse shall be off Government property unless otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer.

9.5.6. MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT. Measurement for Tree Trimming, will be made by the hour per Low and High definitions. Payment will be made at the contract unit price per hour for "Tree Trimming", which price and payment shall constitute full compensation for furnishing all labor, materials, equipment and supplies necessary to perform Tree Trimming, which includes, trees trimmed, trees removed and refuse removed by means contained herein. Measurement for Tree

Removal, will be made for each per the Light and Heavy definitions, and the With and Without definitions. Payment will be made at the contract unit price per each for "Tree Removal", which price and payment shall constitute full compensation for furnishing all labor, materials, equipment and supplies necessary to perform Tree

Removal, which includes removal of the tree stump. Measurement for Stump

Removal, will be made each per the Light and Heavy definitions. Payment will be made at the contract unit price per each for "Stump Removal", which price and payment shall constitute full compensation for furnishing all labor, materials, equipment and supplies necessary.

9.5.6.1. CATEGORY 0005a, TREE TRIMMING LOW: Tree Limbs 0 – 15 feet

9.5.6.2. CATEGORY 0005b, TREE TRIMMING HIGH: Tree Limbs 15 – 60 feet

9.5.6.3. CATEGORY 0005c, TREE REMOVAL WITH STUMP-LIGHT: Trees less than 24 inch D.B.H.

9.5.6.4. CATEGORY 0005d, TREE REMOVAL WITHOUT STUMP-LIGHT:

Trees less than 24 inch D.B.H.

9.5.6.5. CATEGORY 0005e, TREE REMOVAL WITH STUMP-HEAVY: Trees greater than 24 inch D.B.H.

9.5.6.6. CATEGORY 005f, TREE REMOVAL WITHOUT STUMP-HEAVY:

Trees greater than 24 inch D.B.H.

9.5.6.7. CATEGORY 0005g, STUMP REMOVAL-LIGHT: Stumps less than 24 inch diameter top surface.

9.5.6.8. CATEGORY 0005h, STEMP REMOVAL-HEAVY: Stumps greater than

24 inch diameter top surface.

9.6. CRUSHED STONE. The work covered by this section consists of furnishing all plant, labor, equipment and materials and performing all operations necessary for the supply and placement of crushed stone on access roads and other identified locations specified by the Contracting Officer in accordance with each delivery order. Delivery orders for crushed stone will be separated in two categories: (1) Crushed stone supply for placement by the Government; (2) crushed stone supply, placement, and compaction by the Contractor.

9.6.1. CRUSHED STONE. Crushed stone shall conform to the gradation specified in the

Illinois Department of Transportation, “Standard Specifications for Road and

Construction”. The Contractor shall supply and deliver crushed stone to locations directed by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall provide the stone from an approved source. Crushed stone shall be free of debris, soil, fabric, or other undesirable material.

9.6.2. SUPPLY ONLY. Materials shall be delivered to locations as directed by the

Contracting Officer in accordance with the schedule supplied with each delivery order. The Government will assume the responsibility of placement of this item.

9.6.3. SUPPLY, PLACEMENT, AND COMPACTION. The Contractor shall supply and place crushed stone by using mechanical or manual means. The Contractor shall deliver crushed stone in trucks capable of tailgating the material and may be placed using a “slinger” truck if approved by the Contracting Officer. Crushed Stone placed in living/picnic areas, walkways, lake access, and hiking trails shall be compacted with a minimum of two passes of a hand-operated plate-type vibratory compactor that has been approved by the Contracting Officer. Compaction of access roads will be specified by the Contracting Officer in which case a self propelled roller may be used.

9.6.4. EXISTING ROADS. The Contractor shall conduct operations in such a manner that the existing Refuge access roads will not be damaged. Any Refuge access road or bridge damaged by the Contractors operation shall be maintained in a serviceable condition during the project and shall be restored to its original alignment and condition at the completion of the work to the satisfaction of the Contracting

Officer. The Contractor will be allowed to stockpile materials, or to transfer materials to lighten truck loads, however, such activities will not be allowed on

Refuge property without being approved by the Contracting Officer.

9.6.5. MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT. The crushed stone will be measured for payment by the ton (2,000 pounds). The weights to be paid for will be determined from certified weight certificates, which shall be furnished by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government. A certified weight ticket shall be defined as each truck being weighed empty, and again when loaded, and the ticket, identified by the

Contractor's name and the contract number, signed by the approved quarry representative with statement "certified correct". This procedure shall be followed for each load hauled. The Contractor shall verify the accuracy and completeness of each ticket to reflect this verification. Certification stating the scales used were tested and approved by the local authority shall be furnished by the Contractor.

Crushed Stone, will be paid for at the applicable contract unit price items per ton for each size of crushed stone under “Crushed Stone” which prices and payments shall constitute full compensation for all costs associated with the supplying and supply

& placement of crushed stone as specified in the delivery order.

9.6.5.1. CATEGORY 0006a, CA-6 SUPPLY

9.6.5.2. CATEGORY 0006b, CA-6 SUPPLY & PLACEMENT

9.6.5.3. CATEGORY 0006c, CA-1 SUPPLY

9.6.5.4. CATEGORY 0006d, CA-1 SUPPLY & PLACEMENT

9.7. ENTRANCE GATE. Work shall consist of furnishing all plant, labor, equipment, materials, transportation and supplies necessary to fabricate and install, replace or supply for installation by the Government, entrance gates in accordance with the specifications and drawings, and as directed by the Contracting Officer in accordance with the schedule supplied with each delivery order. The Government will establish all locations and elevations and measurements needed to complete the delivery order. The area shall then be seeded, fertilized, and mulched as specified in “ESTABLISHMENT OF TURF”.

9.7.1. ENTRANCE GATE- DOUBLE ARM INSTALLATION. All entrance gates shall be Contractor furnished and become the property of the Government when installed and final payment has been made. Refer to Attachment B for drawings of this item.

The area shall then be seeded, fertilized, and mulched as specified in Section 9.3, “ESTABLISHMENT OF TURF”. All excess materials and associated debris shall be removed from Government property at the completion of work at no additional cost to the Government.

9.7.2. ENTRANCE GATE- DOUBLE ARM REPLACEMENT. Entrance gates shall be removed and disposed of from Government property including all steel and concrete. New entrance gate shall be Contractor furnished and delivered to the location specified by the Contracting Officer and shall then be installed according to the instructions and specifications contained herein. New entrance gate shall become the property of the Government when final payment has been made. Refer to Attachment B for drawings of this item. The Government will establish all locations and elevations and measurements needed to complete the delivery order.

The area shall then be seeded, fertilized, and mulched as specified in Section 9.3, “ESTABLISHMENT OF TURF”. The Contractor shall dispose of all debris and associated refuse off Government property at no additional cost to the Government.

9.7.3. ENTRANCE GATE- DOUBLE ARM SUPPLY. Contractor shall supply new double arm entrance gate and shall be delivered to the location specified by the

Contracting Officer and shall then become the property of the Government when final payment has been made. Refer to Attachment B for drawings of this item. The

Government will assume all responsibility for installation of this item.

9.7.4. ENTRANCE GATE- MECHANIZATION. Contractor shall install Government-furnished mechanization equipment for an existing or new gate. Installation shall be in accordance with manufacturer directions for installation. Any required electrical connections for the mechanization equipment shall be provided by the Government, at Government expense. Any required concrete pads shall be provided by the

Contractor in accordance with Section 9.7.8, “CONCRETE”.

9.7.5. DESCRIPTION. Entrance gates shall be constructed in accordance with the attached specification and drawings. See Attachment B for drawings.

9.7.6. FABRICATION. The entrance gates shall be constructed of metal. All components will be of welded construction unless specified herein.