Description
Description: Applicants will be responsible for assisting NRCS by providing specialized assistance to implement ACEP-WRE restoration plans and vegetative management, while at the same time improving and protecting wetland habitat for environmental benefits. Performance may include any part or all operations necessary to perform vegetative and hydrologic restoration or vegetative management in a timely and effective manner. Work shall include any or all of the following wetland restoration and enhancement activities: securing permits, implementing management, construction, vegetative planting and maintenance. All services shall be provided in accordance with NRCS construction plans and applicable NRCS policy and criteria that can be found at the following websites: NRCS Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG): http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/technical/fotg/; and NRCS National Engineering Handbook, and National Engineering Manual References: http://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/. Once on the Directives website, from the left-hand side, select “Handbooks” or “Manuals” and expand Title 210 – Engineering. Awardees will perform all work in close coordination with the local NRCS Soil Conservation Technician, Civil Engineering Technician, Farm Bill Biologist, District Conservationist, and/or Area Engineer. NRCS will complete the engineering, survey, design, drawings, specifications, quality assurance plans, and seeding plans which will provide the basis for the government estimate. NRCS will forward the conservation plan, schedule, and design specifications to the awardee(s) and request the submission of a cost proposal and breakdown. NRCS and awardee will collaborate on restoration plans and implementation procedures. NRCS will negotiate with the awardee(s) if the proposed costs are not deemed fair and reasonable considering the government estimate. Once a project is received, the awardee will complete the assigned project during the performance period identified in project documentation. NRCS intends for the final project funding to be determined on a site-by-site basis. Typical wetland engineering practices and biological practices for ACEP-WRE projects may include but are not limited to the following Conservation Practice Standards: Critical Area Planting (342), Dike (356), Fence (382), Structure for Water Control (587), Subsurface Drainage (606), Underground Outlet (620), Wetland Wildlife Management (644), Wetland Restoration (657), Wetland Enhancement (658), Brush Management (314), Herbaceous Weed Control (315), Conservation Cover (327), Prescribed Burning (338), Firebreaks (394), Tree and Shrub Site Preparation (490), Tree/Shrub Establishment (612), Upland Wildlife Habitat Management (645), Early Successional Habitat Development and Management (647), and Forest Stand Improvement (666) and others as deemed necessary and applicable by the Wisconsin NRCS. All practice standards must be met and are described in the NRCS electronic FOTG, which can be found at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/technical/fotg/. NRCS expects the awardee to implement restoration activities, provide the inspection and quality control and the as-built documentation for implementation of each ACEP-WRE restoration project awarded. NRCS staff and the awardee will collaborate as needed on the restoration planning and installation. NRCS requires that the selected partner provide the expertise to provide technical assistance on wetland restoration planning and management. The awardee will provide to the NRCS a status report at least monthly of work in progress and any other documentation as may be required by the NRCS standards and specifications.