Nez Perce-Clearwater NFs - Two Mile Meadow Restoration Phase II
Description of Work. The Two-Mile Meadow Restoration Project is being performed on the Palouse Ranger District of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests in collaboration with the Latah Soil and Water Conservation District (Latah SWCD). The project, in Latah County, Idaho in Sections 13 and 24 of Township 40 North, Range 01 West, is located along the East Fork Potlatch River approximately 3 miles due east of Helmer, Idaho. Two-Mile Meadow is located directly east of Forest Road 3227, off Forks Road (Forest Road 3332).
Through Two-Mile Meadow, the East Fork Potlatch River has been diverted out of its historic channel, as a result of past logging and railroad operations and associated extirpation of beavers, negatively impacting the existing floodplain and riparian environment. The purpose of this project is to restore meadow hydrology to a state that supports healthy native meadow and riparian conditions, including restoring the stream to its historic channel and elevations. The project is designed to slow water and enhance groundwater recharge, prevent the introduction of sediment into East Fork Potlatch River from excessive streambank and bed erosion, and promote natural native vegetation and riparian and wetland areas.
In general, the construction contract requires development of temporary access routes; removal of railroad berms; earthwork operations for construction of a channel diversion structure, ditch plugs, constructed channel segments, and fill areas; point bar and streambank treatments; sod harvest, replant, and storage; construction of habitat structures; addition of floodplain logs and slash; installation of fence; construction of livestock ramps; and coordination with the Forest Service Contracting Officer (Government) or their representative for dewatering and fish salvage, revegetation, and adherence to various site controls.
Project specifications and drawings underwent re-design in May 2019 following flooding that occurred in the Spring of 2019. Due to the re-design, the size/cost estimate of the project decreased and the performance window was pushed back.
Contract performance shall occur between July 15 and October 15, 2019. Operating equipment in-stream shall occur between July 15 and September 15, 2019. Operation of equipment in the active channel is prohibited outside of this period. Wet weather in October may cause heavy equipment activities to be suspended if damage to the sensitive meadow environment occurs; contractors should plan for substantial completion of excavation/heavy equipment activities prior to the onset of fall rains.
The Government's construction estimate is between $100,000 and $250,000. A formal site tour will be held; details are provided within the solicitation. Bid bonds are required if the total offer value exceeds $250,000. Technical proposals are also required. See Sections L and M for details.
Pre-Bid Tour was held on 6/19/19. Site Visit notes have been posted. A solicitation amendment posted 6/25/19 to broaden material specification for the required tarps, clarify the material specifications for rock armoring and allow for import of boulders from the margins of road 3227. The solicitation was amended for a second time to correct an error within the Special Provisions - Bid Item 2: Provide Water. No more than 250 gallons per minute at any time may be removed from the East Fork Potlatch River. The deadline for receipt of offers was not extended. Formal acknowledgement of each amendment is required.
Karen Ruklic, Contracting Officer, Phone 208-983-5144, Fax 208-983-4098, Email kruklic@fs.fed.us
