It's a shame that you have to scramble now to get it done right, but at least the construction isn't finished yet. You probably have some time left to take a step back, do a little more research on what's the correct way to build it. Even if it takes a trip or 2 back to the NRCS, it'll be worth it in the long run not to have to touch the dam/overflow pipe/spillway again after everything is seeded and growing.

I agree with Bill on the 4:1 marginal, 5:1 better. You can seed the "ditch" if you decide to go that route with a seed mixture that is for water retention basins or areas that get flooded occasionally. That way you won't have to cut it, just minor annual maintenance to keep the brush/small trees from growing there.

On the spillway, I'd make sure that you put down some erosion mats to help keep erosion down to a minimum while the plant seeds that you spread out get established. Once erosion starts, it's a PITA to fix. Make sure the contractor triple checks that it's packed down and level. You don't want the water to concentrate on exiting the pond at one point on the spillway - that point will be the most susceptible to erosion.

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