Swinomish Eelgrass Survey Service

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for a non-personnel services contract to conduct an eelgrass survey in and around the Swinomish Federal Navigation Channel near La Conner, Washington. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) requires an assessment of eelgrass (Zostera marina) extent and abundance to understand potential impacts from upcoming Advance Maintenance Dredging (AMD) and a major maintenance project on the south entrance jetties.

• Eelgrass Survey: Conduct a survey to document and delineate the extent (areal coverage) and quantify the abundance (density of meadows) of Zostera marina eelgrass within specified study areas.

• Data Reporting: Provide high-quality spatial and tabular data suitable for impact assessment, regulatory review, and mitigation planning. Prepare a comprehensive data report detailing survey methods, data, and findings.

• Study Areas: The survey will cover 50 ft adjacent to the federal channel and the McGlinn Island Jetty Access Lane area.

• Data Accuracy: Positioning accuracy of within 1 foot for underwater devices and sample locations. Water depths and mudline elevations accurate to within 1 foot (corrected to MLLW).

• Precision Standards: Eelgrass detection precision within 75-80%, with ±20-25% accuracy at a 95% confidence level for percent cover between 1-10%.

• Deliverables: Approved Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP), daily progress reports, and a final Eelgrass Survey Report.

• Period of Performance (PoP): Nine (9) months (270 days) from contract award.

• Field Survey Window: July 1 to August 30 (when eelgrass is at peak biomass).

• Place of Performance: In and around the Swinomish Channel, Skagit County, Washington, and at the Contractor's offices.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Personnel: Key personnel include Contract Manager, Project Manager, Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO), and Quality Control Manager. Pre-screening via E-Verify is required.

• Quality Control: Contractor must develop and maintain a Quality Control Plan (QCP).

• Health and Safety: A site-specific Health and Safety Plan, in accordance with EM 385-1-1, is required.

• Data Rights: The Government has unlimited rights to all materials produced under the contract.

• Subcontracting: Requires written notification and authorization from the Contracting Officer (KO).

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the evaluation criteria for a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for Eelgrass Surveys in Coastal/Marine Environments. It details how the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will assess vendor proposals.

Technical Factors (Volume 1 Technical Submission):

• Experience: Vendors must demonstrate experience with projects of similar scope, magnitude, and complexity. This includes:
  • Performing eelgrass surveys in coastal/marine environments on the West Coast using specified methods (video, biosonics, hydroacoustic, visual).
  • Developing Sampling and Analysis Plans compliant with USACE guidelines.
  • Collecting, processing, and mapping quality-assured datasets, including presence/absence, density, and % cover of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), and producing GIS maps.
  • Compiling field data into scientifically sound reports.
• Past Performance: Vendors must provide information on up to three (3) relevant contracts performed within the last ten (10) years for Federal agencies, state/local governments, or commercial customers. A Contractor Performance Assessment Report (CPAR) or Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) is required.

Price (Volume 2 Price Submission):

• A quote sheet covering all tasks, deliverables, and personnel.

• Evaluation will include reasonableness of rates, consideration of discounts, and total price.

• Experience Evaluation: Acceptable/Unacceptable. Must demonstrate experience in all four specific areas listed above.

• Past Performance Evaluation: Acceptable/Unacceptable. Based on the vendor's performance record.

• Price Evaluation: Compliance with RFQ requirements, reasonableness of rates, and total price.

• Basis of Award: Award will be made on a competitive basis to the technically acceptable offeror with the lowest price. Offerors are encouraged to submit their best quote initially, as discussions may not be held.

• Vendors must submit detailed project listings for experience and past performance.

• Specific attachments (Attachment 2 for quote sheet, Attachment 3 for PPQ) are referenced.

• The USACE may review additional sources for past performance evaluation, including CPARS and FAPIIS.