Landscaping Project

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW) Project: LANDSCAPING SERVICES AT THE U.S. DAIRY FORAGE RESEARCH CENTER 1.0 PROJECT OVERVIEW This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the requirements for professional landscaping services to enhance a designated area behind the main building of the USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, 1925 LINDEN DR. MADISON WI 53706. The primary objective is to refurbish the existing landscape into a functional, beautiful, and welcoming garden space that embodies the Center’s focus on "Feeding People and Pollinators". The contract aims to procure all necessary labor, materials, equipment, and supervision to achieve a completed garden that meets design specifications, improves aesthetics, manages water flow, and ensures accessibility. 2.0 BACKGROUND The U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center requires professional landscaping services to enhance a designated area behind its main building. 3.0 SCOPE OF WORK The Contractor shall furnish all resources required to perform the work described in this SOW. The overall scope includes, but is not limited to: site preparation, debris removal, installation of soil and mulch, installation of hardscaping elements such as edging and stone walls, planting of native species, and implementation of erosion and water drainage solutions. All work shall be performed in a professional manner and to industry standards. 3.1 General Requirements The Contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, tools, equipment, and materials necessary to complete the work. The Contractor shall keep the site clean and orderly on a daily basis, removing all trash and debris generated by its operations. All removed debris from site preparation shall be legally and properly disposed of off-site by the Contractor. The Contractor is responsible for the protection of existing government property, including buildings, utilities, and surrounding landscape not included in the scope of work. Any damage shall be repaired at the Contractor's expense. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local safety regulations, including OSHA standards. Personnel shall be identifiable (e.g., uniforms, company vehicles) and conduct themselves professionally. All work shall be coordinated with the designated Government Point of Contact (POC). 3.2 Description of Services: The Contractor shall perform the following specific tasks for the initial project transformation: 3.2.1 Site Preparation and Debris Removal: Clear the designated project area of all unwanted landscape debris, including but not limited to, weeds, overgrown vegetation, rocks, and other miscellaneous materials. Legally and properly dispose of all removed debris off-site. Prepare planting beds, including tilling, soil amendment (as necessary, e.g., compost, organic matter), and grading to ensure proper drainage and optimal conditions for new plant installation. Repair existing lawn as needed after installation is completed (e.g., grass seed and mulch mats to prevent erosion and aid in seedling establishment). 3.2.2 Crushed Limestone Garden Pad Installation: The Contractor shall construct crushed limestone garden pads in the locations specified in the project plan (Attachment A). This includes: Area Preparation: Clear and remove all existing plant materials, turf, and organic matter from the designated pad locations. Excavation: Excavate the cleared areas to a depth of approximately nine (9) inches below the final desired grade. Base Course Installation: Provide and install a base course consisting of six (6) inches of 3/4-inch clear limestone gravel. Base Compaction: Thoroughly compact the gravel base course using a mechanical plate compactor to ensure a stable and level foundation. Top Course Installation: Provide and install a top course consisting of three (3) inches of 3/8-inch limestone chips over the compacted base. Final Compaction: Compact the final surface of limestone chips with a mechanical plate compactor to create a firm, smooth, and uniform surface suitable for accessibility. 3.2.3 Wood Mulch Installation: Provide and install double-shredded hardwood mulch in all designated plant beds (Attachment A) to a depth of 3 inches. 3.2.4 Decorative Boulder Installation: Provide and strategically place decorative boulders in locations as specified in the project plan (Attachment A) to serve as aesthetic accents. 3.2.5 Edging Installation: Provide and install professional-grade 6 inch steel landscape edging to define garden beds, walkways, and mulched areas as detailed in the project plan (Attachment A). Edging should be installed in a manner that would not impede wheelchair access or create a trip hazard in walkway areas. 3.2.6 Native Plant and Nursery Stock Installation: Procure, transport, and install native plants as detailed in Attachment A site plan provided by the Government POC. All plants shall be healthy, disease-free, appropriately sized, and suitable for the local climate. Installation shall include proper planting techniques, initial watering, and mulching (if specified) to promote establishment. Provide and install all native plants and nursery stock according to the species, sizes, and quantities listed in Attachment A. 3.2.7 Dry Stack Wall Installation: Construct a dry stack retaining wall at the location and to the dimensions specified in the project plan (Attachment A). Ensure the wall is structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing. 3.2.8 Drainage Swale Installation: Grade and finish a drainage swale designed to effectively direct surface water flow towards the designated site drain. Prevent water pooling and erosion through proper swale construction. Ensure the location and specifications of the swale are consistent with the project plan (Attachment A). 3.2.9 Plant Warranty: Provide a one (1) year warranty on all newly installed plants. Any plant that dies within this one-year period shall be replace…