104L3726Q0109__-_RFQ_Package.pdf

MCFO FUELS CULTURAL RESOURCE INVENTORY, BUREAU OF LAND

MANAGEMENT, MILES CITY FIELD OFFICE, CUSTER COUNTY, MONTANA

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR 12.202(b)(1), as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement and attachments constitute the only solicitation; quotes are being requested, and a written solicitation will not be issued. Consider this solicitation

(140L3726Q0109) as a Request for Quotes (RFQ). This solicitation documents incorporate provisions and clauses in effect through Federal acquisition Circular 2019-03. This solicitation is full and open competition with no set aside. NAICS 541620 – Environmental Consulting

Services. The small business size standard is $19.0 million. Product Service Code R408 –

Support- Professional: Program Management/Support. The resulting purchase order will be a firm-fixed price purchase order.

(SEE ATTACHMENT 140L3726Q0109 – RFQ PACKAGE FOR COMPLETE STATEMENT

OF WORK, MAPS, WAGE DETERMINATIONS, AND CLAUSES / PROVISIONS.)

Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Miles City Field Office, Custer County, Montana has a requirement to perform a Class III Cultural Resource Inventory covering 11 areas for an estimated 14,913 acres. The areas are Mill Iron, Bradshaw, Upper Ten Mile, Buffalo

Creek, Coal Bank, White Bird, Fiddler Ridge, Prairie Creek, Castle Rock, HorseThief 2026, and

2026 Acton-RX. They are generally located in Carter, Custer, Musselshell, Prairie, Powder

River, Rosebud, Stillwater, and Yellowstone Counties, Montana.

In accordance with the procedures in FAR Part 12, RFQ 140L3726Q0109 is available for viewing through electronic commerce via Bureau of Land Management's website at https://sam.gov.

Quotes are due Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 3:00 p.m. MST. Contractors submit quotes by email to audrey_whetham@ios.doi.gov

Note: Any contractor to submit an acceptable quote or awarded a government contract must be registered and active in the System for Award Management (SAM). Contractors must register at www.sam.gov.

• Contractors must submit their Unique Entity ID (UEI) and CAGE code with their quote.

UEI ______________________

CAGE ____________________

For further information about this requirement, offerors should contact Audrey Whetham at audrey_whetham@ios.doi.gov.

http://www.sam.gov/

Table 1. 2026 Mill Iron Project Area and Acres.

Township Range Section QQ/Lots Acres Price Per

Acre Total Price

1N 60E 34 SW 160

1N 61E 18 SESW, NESE 80

1N 61E 19 NWNE, NENW, SENW 120

Total:360

Table 2. Bradshaw-Snow Creek Area and Acres.

Township Range Section QQ/Lots Acres Price Per

Acre Total Price

9N 51E 22 ALL 640

9N 51E 27 ALL 640

9N 51E 34 ALL 640

9N 52E 29 ALL 640

9N 52E 30 ALL 640

9N 52E 31 ALL 640

9N 52E 32 ALL 640

8N 52E 10 SWNE, SENW, SW, NWSE, SWSE 280

Total: 4760

Table 3. Upper Ten-Mile project area and inventory acres.

Township Range Section QQ/Lots Acres Price Per

Acre Total Price

10N 52E 8 ALL 640

10N 52E 20 ALL 640

Total: 1280

Table 4. Buffalo Creek-Powder River Area and Acres.

Township Range Section QQ/Lots Acres Price Per

Acre Total Price

9S 48E 9 SWNE, SESW, NESE, NWSE, SESE 200

9S 48E 10 NWSW, SWSW, SESW, SWSE,

SESE

9S 48E 11 SWSW, SESW 80

9S 48E 14 NWNE, SWNE, NW, SW, NWSE,

SWSE, SESE

9S 48E 15 NENE, NWNE, SWNE, NWSE,

SWSE, SESE

9S 48E 17 NENE, SWNE, SENE, SESW, SE, 320

9S 48E 20 NE, NW 320

9S 48E 21 NWNE, SWNE, SENE, NW, SW, SE 600

9S 48E 22 SW, SE 320

9S 48E 23 NE, NENW, NWNW, NESW,

SWSW, SESW, NESE, NWSE,

SWSE

9S 48E 24 NWNE, SWNE, NENW, NWNW,

SENW, NESW, SESW, NWSE,

SWSE, SESE

9S 48E 25 NWNE, SWNE, SENE, SWNW,

SENW, NWSW, NWSE, NESE

9S 48E 26 NE 160

9S 48E 27 NWNW 40

9S 48E 28 NENE, NWNE 80

Total: 4040

Table 5. Coal Bank Project Area and Acres.

Acre Total Price

T5S R41E 24 S2SE 2.65

T5S R41E 25 NE, E2NW, NESW, SWSW, SESW 138.53

T5S R41E 36 NENE, S2NE, N2NW, SENW 56.47

T5S R42E 28 NWSW, S2SW, SWSE 19.54

T5S R42E 29 NWNW, S2NW, NESW, N2SE 35.60

T5S R42E 30 S2NE, S2NW 71.53

T5S R42E 31 W2NE, SENE, N2NW, SWSW,

N2SE

72.66

T5S R42E 32 S2NW, NESW, N2SE, SESE 27.80

T5S R42E 33 W2NE, W2NW, SW 41.08

T6S R42E 2 Lots 3, 4; S2NW, N2SW, SESW, SWSE

33.10

T6S R42E 3 Lot 1; NWSE 42.47 T6S R42E 4 Lot 4; SWNW, N2SW, SESW, NWSE 63.05 T6S R42E 5 Lots 1-3; SENE, SENW, N2SW, SESW, SWSE

113.79

T6S R42E 6 Lot 2, S2NE, SENW, N2SE, SESE 66.64

T6S R42E 8 NWNE 1

T6S R42E 9 NE, NENW, NWSE 36.46

T6S R42E 10 S2NE, E2NW, NWNW, N2SE; 29.24

T6S R42E 11 Lots 9, 10, 12 15.11

T6S R42E 12 NWNW 6.40

Total:873

Table 6. White Bird Project Area and Acres.

Township Range Section QQ/Lots Acres Price Per

Acre Total Price

3S 19E 23 SWNE, NESW, NWSE 120

Total: 120

Table 7. Fiddler Ridge Area and Inventory acres.

Township Range Section QQ/Lots Acres Price Per

Acre Total Price

6S 17E 15 NWNE, NENW, SWNW, SENW 160

Total: 160

Table 8. Prairie Creek Area and Acres.

Township Range Section QQ/Lots Acres Price Per

Acre Total Price

5S 16E 7 NENW 40

Total: 40

Table 9. Castle Rock Creek Project Area and Acres.

Township Range Section QQ/Lots Acres Price Per

Acre Total Price

1S 20E 22 NWNW, NENW 80

Total: 80

Table 10. Horse Thief 2026 Project Area and Acres.

Township Range Section QQ/Lots Acres Price Per

Acre Total Price

8N 25E 5 Lot 7, 8; SW, SE; 480 8N 25E 6 Lots 5-11, NESW, SESW, SE 600

Total: 1080

Table 11. 2026Acton-RX Project Area and Acres.

Acre Total Price

3N 25E 9 NE, NW, NESW, NWSW 400

Total: 400

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MCFO FUELS CULTURAL RESOURCE INVENTORY, BUREAU OF LAND

MANAGEMENT, MILES CITY FIELD OFFICE, CUSTER COUNTY, MONTANA

Class III cultural resources inventory and report preparation for the FY2026 Eastern Montana-

Dakotas District (EMDD) fuels reduction and prescribed fire projects in 11 units within the

Miles City (MCFO) and Billings Field Office’s (BiFO). The eleven areas total 14,913 acres are named Mill Iron, Bradshaw, Upper Ten Mile, Buffalo Creek, Coal Bank, White Bird, Fiddler Ridge, Prairie Creek, Castle Rock, HorseThief 2026, and 2026 Acton-RX. They are generally located in Carter, Custer, Musselshell, Prairie, Powder River, Rosebud, Stillwater, and Yellowstone Counties, Montana. Each requires cultural resources inventory in accordance with Sections 106 (54 U.S.C. § 306108) and 110 (54 U.S.C. § 306102(b)(3)) of the National

Historic Preservation Act (NHPA, 54 U.S.C. § 300101 et seq.); the BLM Manual 8110, Identifying and Evaluating Cultural Resources (BLM rev. 2004); and the BLM

Montana/Dakotas Cultural Resources Handbook H-8110-1, Guidelines for Identifying

Cultural Resources (BLM 2003). Further this scope of work meets the directives of Executive

Order 14308 Section 4(d), and Executive Order 11593 (ALL).

I. General Background.

A. Authority. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is mandated to manage lands under its jurisdiction for public use. Managing public lands entails implementing a variety of land disturbing activities. These actions are considered undertakings (36 CFR § 800.16[y]) as the actions entail use of federal lands, money, and/or authorizations. For all proposed undertakings partially or fully under its jurisdiction, Section 106 of the NHPA requires the

BLM to consider the potential impacts to historic properties prior to authorizing implementation.

B. Class III cultural resources inventory is an intensive field survey. A Class III cultural resources inventory entails professionally conducted pedestrian inventory of the entire project area and providing detailed documentation of cultural resources within that area.

Class III cultural resources inventory is a systematic inspection of the land surface carried out by walking a series of close-interval parallel transects until the area has been thoroughly examined. Artificial exposure of the subsurface (via auger or shovel testing) is sometimes a necessary part of a Class III cultural resources inventory and should be included in identification efforts if vegetation density reduces ground/surface visibility below 30 percent; soils conditions are conductive to aggradation; or are stable. Contact the COR-

Archeologist for details on how to proceed. Class III cultural resources inventories are generally appropriate for project-specific cultural resources identification and evaluation efforts (BLM 2004).

II. Specific Background.

A. Project Area Setting. The BLM Field Offices (MCFO-BIFO) are located in southeastern and southcentral Montana. The MCFO administers approximately 2,751,530 acres of surface estate (Map 1) and an additional approximately 11,437,479 acres of federal mineral estate. The BiFO administers approximately 434,154 surface estate acres (Map 2).and approximately 889,479 acres of mineral estate.

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B. The proposed project areas within the MCFO are located in Carter, Custer, Prairie, Powder

River and Rosebud Counties. Sites within the MCFO generally occur at a rate of 1 site per

93 acres of inventory across all site types (Aaberg et al. 2006)..

a. Within the proposed project units there are 31 known cultural sites recorded within the locations of the identified inventory units.

b. The MCFO anticipates approximately 11,313 acres of cultural resources inventory completed in fiscal year (FY) 2026 pursuant to this contract. Thus, there is reasonable expectation that there is potential for up to 121 sites to be encountered or recorded in association with the lands identified in this Scope-of-Work. None of the units or the surrounding area indicate a potential for high site density.

C. The proposed project areas within the BiFO are located in Musselshell, Stillwater and

Yellowstone Counties. Sites within the Billings Field Office generally occur at a rate of 1 site per 316 acres across all site types.

a. Within the proposed project unit there are no known cultural sites recorded within the locations of the identified inventory units.

b. The BiFO anticipates approximately 1,600 acres of cultural resources inventory in

FY 2026 pursuant to this contract. There is potential for up to 5 sites to be encountered or recorded in association with the lands identified in this Scope-of-

Work. None of the units or the surrounding area indicate a potential for high site density.

D. Generally, ten to fifteen percent of sites have the potential to be eligible or listed in the

National Register.

III. Objectives.

A. General Bureau of Land Management Objective. To meet its obligations under Sections

106 and 110 of the NHPA.

B. Field Office Objective. To reduce hazardous fuels buildup and improve wildlife habitat in the MCFO.

C. Specific Study Objectives. To professionally identify, evaluate, and report the findings of the inventory based primarily on surface indications, cultural resources located on lands identified. In general, site evaluations shall be conducted using existing guidance from the

BLM, the SHPO, the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) criteria (36 CFR 60.4), and the National Park Service National Register Bulletins. Impacts and effects to cultural resources should be considered in relationship to vegetation mastication, vehicle & equipment traffic, and prescribed burning.

IV. Statement of Work.

A. Project-Specific Cultural Resources Inventory Strategy. The Contractor shall perform complete Class III cultural resources inventory at all identified units for fuels treatments and reduction projects. There are 11 project units identified.

1. Each individual unit requires a separate inventory report, details in Section M.1.

2. Maps specific to each project area are found in Appendix A.

3. Tabular locational data for each inventory area is described in Appendix B.

B. Individual Unit Descriptions.

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1. Unit 1 – Mill Iron, MCFO: Project area consists of three BLM Managed blocks

(Map 1, Appendix A & Table 1, Appendix B). Class III cultural resources inventory is proposed for all identified BLM managed lands covering 360 acres in

Carter County. There are no previously recorded archaeological sites are within the project unit.

2. Unit 2 – Bradshaw-Snow Creek, MCFO: Project area consists of BLM-administered surface lands in Custer County covering 4,760 acres (Map 2, Appendix A & Table 2, Appendix B). There are 22 previously recorded archaeological sites within the identified locations of the project unit.

3. Unit 3 – Upper Ten-Mile, MCFO: Project area consists of mastication units on

BLM-administered surface lands in Prairie and Wibaux Counties (Map 3, Appendix A & Table 3, Appendix B). The project area encompasses 1280 acres.

There are no previously recorded archaeological sites within the unit.

4. Unit 4 – Buffalo Creek, MCFO. Project area (Map 4, Appendix A & Table 4, Appendix B) encompasses 4,040 acres. There are 5 previously recorded archaeological sites are within project area. The area is also within an interest area of the Deaver 1988 Ethnographic Overview; which may have an interest from tribal partners during consultation.

5. Unit 5 Coal Bank Prescribed – MCFO. The project area consists of 873 total acres.

There are pre-identified BLM burn access and perimeter lines with 7 sample inventory block locations within the identified unit (BLM and State Managed lands). The inventory is displayed on Map 5, Appendix A & Table 5. Only the perimeter, access, and sample blocks are required to be inventoried. There are 4 previously recorded sites within the perimeter, they require rerecording. There are also four locations within the perimeter that are identified as having ethnographic significance to tribes pertaining to Appendix D of the Deaver 1988 ethnographic assessment. Two of the known sites are suspected to be associated with the ethnographic information. Contractor may reuse GIS data provided for this unit only in reporting; especially showing transects within provided data.

6. Unit 6 – White Bird Unit - BiFO. Project area is situated on BLM-administered surface lands (Map 6, Appendix A & Table 6, Appendix B) 120 acres. There are no previously recorded archaeological sites are within project unit.

7. Unit 7 Fiddler Ridge Unit - BiFO. Project area on BLM-administered surface lands

(Map 7, Appendix A & Table 7, Appendix B) 160 acres. There are no previously recorded archaeological sites are within project unit.

8. Unit 8 Prairie Creek Unit - BiFO. Project area on BLM-administered surface lands

(Map 8, Appendix A & Table 8, Appendix B) encompasses 40 acres. No previously recorded archaeological sites are within project unit.

9. Unit 9 Castle Rock – BiFO. Project area on BLM-administered surface lands (Map

9, Appendix A & Table 9, Appendix B) encompasses 80 acres. No previously recorded archaeological sites are within project unit.

10. Unit 10 Horse Thief 2026 – BiFO. The project area consists of 1080 acres. There are no previously recorded sites within the identified locations.

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11. Unit 11 2026 Acton-RX– BiFO. The project area consists of 400 total acres. There are no previously recorded sites within the identified locations.

C. Key Personnel Qualifications.

1. Personnel qualifications shall be consistent with the BLM Manual 8150, Permitting

Uses of Cultural Resources (BLM 2004). The Contractor must have a BLM

Montana Cultural Resources permit that will be valid for the duration of the Period of Performance. The Contractor may submit a copy of the valid permit in place of individual personnel qualifications as part of their bid on the Contract.

2. The Contractor must be the Principal Investigator and Field Director listed on the permit.

D. Cultural Resources Records Review and Fieldwork.

1. The Contractor shall conduct a file and literature search at the SHPO in Helena, Montana, and shall contact EMDD Archeologist CJ Truesdale for additional cultural resources records information. The purpose of this file search is to ensure that the Contractor is familiar with all previous work conducted in the vicinity of the project areas as well as the types and frequencies of cultural resources that may be encountered during fieldwork. This information shall be discussed in the cultural resources inventory report.

2. The Contractor shall notify Eastern Montana-Dakotas District Archeologist, CJ

Truesdale via email at least seven (7) days prior to the planned date to begin fieldwork. The BLM will provide a written confirmation via email. The crew chief(s) shall be in possession of copies of the contract and BLM confirmation email at all times during fieldwork. All fieldwork shall be completed within the date range identified in the Period of Performance. Qualified crew chiefs shall be present at all times during fieldwork.

E. Recordation of Archeological Sites.

1. Archaeological sites shall be defined according to the criteria provided in the BLM

Handbook H-8110-1, which specifies that the minimum criterion for defining an archaeological site consists of the remnants of past human activity that:

a. Contain at least five artifacts in an area with a diameter of 50 feet, approximately 14 meters-squared;

b. Contain at least one archaeological feature in spatial association with at least one artifact; or

c. Consist of a traditional cultural property (TCP) as defined by National

Register Bulletin No. 38. TCPs may include locations with no physical cultural resources that are considered significant due to association with the ongoing traditions of a group, ethnic community, or Native American tribe.

2. Locations containing fewer than five artifacts and lacking archaeological features shall be recorded as isolated finds. Isolated finds shall be documented on accepted

BLM or SHPO isolated find forms.

3. The Contractor shall update all previously recorded archaeological sites within the project area, all updated and new archaeological sites shall use accepted BLM or

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SHPO site record or update forms and shall comply with BLM and SHPO guidelines regarding how such forms should be completed. For previously recorded archaeological site locations visited where no cultural resources were encountered;

or no significant changes in site conditions from last full recording or recent-less than 5 years as a guideline, a BLM site monitoring-condition assessment form shall be completed.

4. When Historic Period architectural buildings, structures, remnants, roads, or related items are encountered, the archaeological site record form shall detail the results of the land title and mineral patent examination, General Land Office (GLO) records and maps, and any pertinent records available from other sources.

F. Excavating and Testing Archaeological Sites. Formal archaeological site excavation shall not be conducted pursuant to this contract. Excavation and testing shall not be conducted on surface lands that are not administered by the Montana-Dakotas BLM.

1. Limited shovel or hand soil auger probes should be performed if warranted to support a determination of eligibility for listing in the National Register of Historic

Places (NRHP). Probes may only be conducted if all the following conditions are met:

a. The contractor must provide to the administrating archaeologist identified locations of probe placement and demonstrate in writing that limited testing would aid in establishing the potential for a subsurface archaeological component(s), conditions, or determine the extent of the archaeological site boundary.

b. Any shovel or auger testing shall avoid negatively impacting site integrity.

c. Shovel and auger probes shall be limited in quantity within individual archaeological site boundaries and shall not disturb any features or other potentially significant elements of the archaeological site.

d. All probes, their proposed locations, and intended strategy and must be reviewed and approved by the administrating archaeologist with written permission to proceed prior to placing probes.

e. Each probe must collect the following minimum information: relevant cultural finding(s), GPS location, soil characteristics (texture, structure, level-horizon changes, Munsell color (optional), level-horizon depth(s) &

Final probe depth, and before & after photographs.

G. Recommendations of Eligibility. The Contractor is required to evaluate for and make supported recommendations of eligibility for listing in the NRHP for all archaeological sites (new or existing) encountered during fieldwork. Eligibility recommendations shall provide detailed justifications as regards why an archaeological site does or does not merit listing in the NRHP and must be sufficient to allow the EMDD archaeologist to make a determination of eligibility. The Contractor is not delegated the authority to make determinations of eligibility. Cultural resources recorded as isolated finds are not eligible for listing in the NRHP.

Eligibility recommendations must be either “eligible” or “not eligible” unless previously approved by the EMDD archaeologist. Some circumstances may warrant a

6 | P a g e recommendation of “undetermined-unevaluated” for listing in the NRHP. Under such circumstances, the BLM may allow the Contractor to recommend the site “undetermined” for listing in the NRHP; however, the Contractor must first obtain agreement from the

EMDD archaeologist that such a recommendation is warranted and must also include in the inventory report and archaeological site record form a discussion of the appropriate treatment needs that would allow the EMDD to make a determination of eligibility in the future.

H. Assessment of Impacts to Cultural Resources and Treatment Recommendations. For each archaeological site encountered, the Contractor shall discuss how specific types of implementation activities might affect cultural resources within the site boundary. For archaeological sites recommended undetermined or eligible for listing in the NRHP, the

Contractor shall also recommend treatment options that would prevent impacts to cultural resources, including avoidance buffers and specific minimization or mitigation strategies

(ex. hand tools only, no chemical ignition within site boundaries, archaeological monitoring during or after implementation, etc.) as applicable.

I. GPS and GIS. The Contractor shall use handheld GPS units while completing fieldwork.

GPS units with sub-meter accuracy are required for documenting all features and testing units.

1. The Contractor shall furnish all GPS units; all locational data shall be recorded in

Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) units (Zone 12 or 13) and shall refer to the

1983 North American Datum (NAD83).

2. Inventory areas and archaeological site boundaries shall be recorded as polygons.

All unique and/or diagnostic artifacts shall be recorded as points, to include tools, pottery, historical artifacts with makers marks or known date ranges (ex. solarized glass, soldered cans), and other appropriate artifacts. All collected artifact locations shall be recorded as points. Isolates shall be recorded as points. All GIS data must be contractor generated original content.

J. The Government Shall:

1. Perform onsite spot-checks during fieldwork and after submission of table summarizing the results of the inventory and site shapefiles to the COR.

K. The Contractor Shall:

1. Conduct Class III cultural resources inventory throughout the entirety of each inventory unit. The selected inventory units within project area interiors shall be subjected to intensive block inventory. All inventory coverage shall be conducted by pedestrians walking in parallel transects. Transect interval spacing shall not exceed 30 meters. Modifying inventory transect intervals may be done if topography or ground surface conditions require (ex. dense grasses and sod) obscure visibility to the extent that narrower transects or testing is needed. Such modification must be described and justified in the text of the inventory report.

Inventory shall not exceed 100 acres per person per day.

2. Place a physical site datum, such as rebar or PVC. A digital site datum (GPS point) may be used in place of a physical datum provided the location is recorded on a

GPS unit with sub-meter accuracy with a 2-sigma confidence interval of at least 95 percent, is supported by a minimum of ten individually collected points, and

7 | P a g e describes any GPS correction. Regardless of the emplacement method, the datum location shall be provided in UTMs in the archaeological site record form.

3. The cultural resources inventories are intended to be non-collection inventories.

Exceptions to this would include unique diagnostic artifacts and samples suitable for chronometric dating (for example, projectile points that are from the

Paleoindian to Early Archaic time periods, obsidian, prehistoric pottery). Other artifacts that may garner additional interest or study, or at risk for destruction, loss or unauthorized collection should also be collected. Guidance as regards the propriety of collection applies only to surface lands administered by the BLM.

Collection is not authorized on lands that are not administered by the BLM.

4. Record all cultural resources on BLM or MT SHPO forms for archaeological site records, archaeological site monitoring records, and/or isolates. BLM forms and instructions can be found in the H-8110-1 or may be obtained upon request from the BLM Archaeologist. All archaeological site boundaries shall be thoroughly documented, regardless of whether the site extends beyond the project area. All features must have individual GPS points/polygons and photographs.

a. If the recordation strategy for an archaeological site does not entail recordation of 100 percent of the identified artifacts on a site, a detailed justification shall be provided that describes why the strategy was appropriate, any sampling methodology implemented, and how the artifacts recorded relate to the artifact types and density on the site overall. Any artifact sample recording effort must be approved prior by the EMDD Archaeologist.

5. Rerecord and/or update all previously recorded archaeological sites within of the project area. Describe any changes in site condition and causes observed during the current visit as compared to previous recording events; provide updated eligibility recommendations.

6. Provide at least two 3-inch by 5-inch unmodified digital photographs of each archaeological site. Standing structures shall be photographed on all sides to illustrate architectural features. Photograph labels shall include a photograph number, brief description, and orientation. Photograph locations shall be reported in UTMs and may be reported in tabular format rather than by caption. A photographic record shall be maintained.

7. Identify on United States Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute quadrangle topographic map(s) upon which each archaeological site is located. Prepare site location maps at a scale of 1:24,000 that show the site boundary, project area, and inventory area overlaying the 7.5-minute quadrangle topographic map. Each site location map shall include a title with the project and site identifier, north arrow, scale bar, reference scale, and legend. The site boundary shall be clearly labeled.

Only one site boundary shall be shown on the site location map. All maps shall be full-page maps on 8.5” x 11” standard copier paper.

8. Prepare site sketch maps for all archaeological sites. Maps shall display assemblage elements including features and artifacts, topographic contour lines, distinctive natural or human-made features, intrusive elements, and locations of any

8 | P a g e collections. Where appropriate, artifact concentrations may be displayed as polygon features rather than plotting each artifact point individually. All prehistoric artifacts and features shall be recorded using the International System of Units

(centimeters, meters, etc.). All Historic Period artifacts and features shall be recorded using the United States customary system (inches, feet, etc.). Where GPS accuracy allows, assemblages may be recorded using GPS data. Where GPS accuracy does not allow, assemblages shall be mapped using a compass and taping and/or pacing.

9. Develop detailed recommendations for avoidance and/or protection for archaeological sites containing elements that would be altered or damaged by project implementation activities, such as wooden structures, and rock art as applicable.

10. The Contractor shall obtain Smithsonian numbers from the SHPO for all archaeological sites encountered that do not have a previously assigned

Smithsonian number. Draft archaeological site record forms shall be submitted as part of the draft inventory report. Smithsonian numbers shall be included on the draft archaeological site record forms. The contractor is responsible for addressing

SHPO comments on site forms. Isolated finds shall not have Smithsonian numbers assigned and shall instead use unique identifiers assigned by the Contractor.

11. The Contractor shall generate and provide the BLM with GIS data for all inventory, archaeological site, and isolate find locations. GIS data shall meet the data requirements for the EMDD and the SHPO consistent with Section I.

L. Collections (if Applicable).

1. Collections are not authorized on any lands not administered by the BLM, for exemptions see Section IV.K.3 above. Contact the COR or archeologist with questions or for guidance. Any collections shall be properly labeled, catalogued using BLM catalog cards, and processed in accordance with Billings Curation

Center packaging standards. The BLM will provide forms and packaging requirements to the Contractor if needed.

2. Cultural resources on surface lands administered by the BLM are property of the

United States Government. The curation facility for any collections associated with this contract is the Billings Curation Center. The Contractor shall submit all collections directly to the Billings Curation Center. Accession numbers and dates of transfer of custody shall be included in the relevant final archaeological site record form(s) and the final inventory report(s) to the extent possible. The

Contractor is responsible for securing all collections until custody is transferred to the Billings Curation Center. The COR or archaeologist will receive a receipt directly from the Billings Curation Center.

3. If collections are made, the Contractor is responsible for producing an additional hard and digital copy of the relevant inventory report(s), which shall be submitted to the Billings Curation Center along with all collections.

4. The BLM will bear the cost of curation fees but will not cover fees potentially associated, such as the costs of printing the additional report, vehicle fuel, or drive time.

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M. Analysis and Report Preparation.

1. Upon completion of the Class III cultural resources inventory fieldwork for each project area, the Contractor shall prepare professional quality report(s) that addresses the general categories outlined below, as described in Appendix 4 of the

H-8110-1 Handbook. Individual reports, see section IV, should be written as follows: 1) Mill Iron unit in Carter County, 2) Bradshaw-Snow Creek unit Prairie

County, 3) Upper Ten-Mile Creek unit Prairie County, 4) Buffalo Creek unit

Powder River County, 5) Coal Bank unit Rosebud County, 6) White Bird, Fiddler

Ridge, Prairie Creek, and Castle Rock units Stillwater County, 7) Horse Thief unit

Musselshell County, and 8) 2026 Acton-RX in Yellowstone County. A total of 8 reports shall be prepared. Each report shall contain the following:

a. Title Sheet. Must include the project numbers assigned by the BLM and the Contractor as well as the signature of the Principal Investigator(s).

b. Abstract. Provide a brief abstract of the inventory and results that consists of no more than 250 words. The abstract shall outline the report contents and refer to specific highlights from the narrative.

c. Table of Contents. Table of contents must include all chapter titles and all subheadings to the archaeological site number level.

d. Introduction. Provide an overview of the project including its purpose and design features. Include a table of all tracts inventoried for this project as described by their legal land descriptions.

e. Literature Search. Provide a brief but complete discussion on the work that has previously been conducted within at least one half mile of the project area. Identify all previous cultural resources inventories in a table or appendix that includes the SHPO records search number and lists each unique identifier for reports, date, BLM report number (if available), year, proponent, and project title. Identify all previously recorded archaeological sites in a table that includes the Smithsonian number, the year of the most recent site recording event, the general age of the archaeological site, and the current NRHP-eligibility status.

f. Environmental and Cultural Setting. Provide a brief but complete overview of the environment in which the inventory tracts are located.

Also provide a brief overview of the cultural setting of the inventory areas that describes the prehistory, Historic Period, and recent past.

g. Inventory Results. Provide a summary description of each cultural resource encountered in the inventory report as well as on the appropriate forms. Indicate results from preliminary evaluation and any problems connected with recordation of the cultural resource. Include photographs of cultural properties located during the inventory. Use graphics and tables as appropriate to summarize findings.

h. Summary and Recommendations. Discuss the results of each inventory in summary form. Include the following:

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i. Identify the sites recorded, whether the sites are prehistoric or

Historic Period, and what type of site is represented.

ii. Evaluate each cultural property for its eligibility for listing in the

NRHP. The Contractor shall use an appropriate prehistoric and/or historical context in which to evaluate cultural properties and shall employ the National Register Criteria in those evaluations. The

Contractor shall clearly describe the rationale used to determine which sites are eligible, potentially eligible, and not eligible.

i. References Cited. Include a list of all sources cited in report.

j. Appendices. Appendices to the reports shall be included. Appendices shall include project area inventory maps and photographs, archaeological site record forms as applicable, archaeological site monitoring forms as applicable, isolated find forms as applicable, and any other supporting documentation deemed relevant.

k. Maps and Graphics. Provide appropriate maps, charts, tabulations, and graphics necessary to support the report narrative.

l. Preservation, Packing, and Packaging. Submitted collections shall adhere to the standards identified for the Billings Curation Center.

V. Specifications and Standards.

A. The Contractor shall adhere to the guidelines and standards for BLM cultural resources inventories, which can be found in the H-8110-1, Handbook it can be made available at the

EMDD upon request.

VI. The Contractor Shall Not:

A. Conduct or complete consultation with Native American groups.

B. Sign off on environmental documents on behalf of cultural resources or Native American religious or cultural concerns.

C. Employ the use of prompt engineering technologies (Artificial Intelligence models) to produce, write, complete, analyze, modify or summarize, any of the information, images, data, or results created or derived during the period of performance. No work generated or submitted by these means is acceptable. Documents, images, and language will be inspected at the discretion of the BLM archeologist, COR, Authorized Officer, or

Contracting Officer.

VII. Government Provided Information.

A. The BLM will provide GIS data for all inventory units for reference only. Exception is

Coal Bank See details above Sectio IV.B.5.

B. The BLM will share cultural resources data and project data located at either the Miles City or Billings Field Office’s that are relevant to the proposed projects and not available through the MT-SHPO.

VIII. Deliverables.

11 | P a g e

A. The Contractor shall prepare the cultural resources inventory report(s) and associated forms

(including site records, isolate forms, and monitoring forms, as applicable) for all projects inventoried under Section IV.A & B. of this scope of work.

B. Address for deliverables:

United State Wildland Fire Service

Eastern Montana-Dakotas District

Attn.: CJ Truesdale, Archaeologist

111 Garryowen Road

Miles City, MT 59301

C. Report(s): One (1) copy of each draft Class III cultural resources inventory report with associated maps, photographs, isolated-find forms, and other supporting documentation.

The report and forms shall be typed in single-spaced Times New Roman, 12-point font.

All text, tables, figures, and images. All pages shall be printed single-sided or double-sided on 8.5" x 11" standard copier paper. Draft submission may be substituted consistent to the requirements of section H below, where draft deliverable are acceptable digitally on a USB drive-device.

D. Forms: One (1) copy of each draft archaeological site record and archaeological site monitoring form. The forms shall be typed in single-spaced Times New Roman, 12-point font. All pages shall be printed single-sided or double-sided on 8.5" x 11" standard copier paper. Draft submission may be substituted consistent to the requirements of section H below, where draft deliverable are acceptable digitally on a USB drive-device.

E. One (1) draft GIS database with feature classes for each project area and a feature class for archaeological sites shall be submitted. That contains all sites visited in association with the project area. The attribute table shall include, at a minimum, the Smithsonian number as assigned by the SHPO, the temporary/field archaeological site number assigned by the

Contractor, and the NRHP eligibility recommendation. The feature class for each project area shall have an attribute identifying the project area. It is the contractor’s responsibility to create these data. Resubmission of BLM provided data will not be accepted.

F. One (1) complete bound hard copy of each final Class III cultural resources inventory report with associated maps, photographs, isolated find forms, and other supporting documentation are required. One (1) hard copies of each final complete archaeological site record form and-or final archaeological site monitoring forms with Smithsonian site numbers and photographs are also required.

G. All project area and site locations must be mapped using USGS 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle maps as a base dataset. They may be produced digitally; however, all site location maps must be at a scale of 1:24,000 (hard copy maps will be checked using a land location tool), must display a reference scale at 1:24,000, must be full-page at a minimum size of 8.5” x 11” (including title bar, north arrow, scale bar, and legend). Project area maps must show all surveyed areas within the map frame, all cultural resources (including sites and isolated finds) appropriately labeled with applicable unit and site numbers. For project areas and site maps larger than may fit on one 8.5” x 11” sheet, multiple 1:24,000 maps must be included. One overview map at a scale appropriate for viewing the full project and inventory areas must also be included. Site overview maps are also required at a scale appropriate for viewing the full site boundary and inter-intra relevant spatial

12 | P a g e relationships. Additional maps for inventories and sites are strongly encouraged as needed to convey resource information such as spatial association, site density, use of imagery, or additional data sources.

H. Digital submission shall consist of two (2) USB flash drive storage devices containing one final digital copy, PDF preferred, of each final report with all associated forms. Submitted

PDF’s must be a minimum of 500dpi resolution to be acceptable. See section IV. Final

GIS data will also be submitted consistent Part E of this section. Additional information related to finished artifacts points, features as points or polygons as appropriate, artifact concentrations as polygons, and any disturbances or unique features within or affecting sites as points or polygons is acceptable. Electronic submissions must be included in the mailed or in-person delivery of the final deliverables on USB storage device. Email has size limitations; and secure links, such as FTP’s or the like, are not acceptable per DOI policy.

I. One digital copy of the photograph record for each project area.

J. One digital copy of all field notes for each project.

IX. Period of Performance.

A. The Period of Performance is 1 October 2026 to 31 December, 2027.

B. All fieldwork shall be completed no later than 1 September, 2027.

C. The brief summary of results with GIS data for each project area shall be submitted no later than 15 September, 2027.

D. Submission of either hard and-or digital copies of all draft cultural resources inventory report(s) and associated forms, documentation, and GIS shall be submitted to the BLM no later than 1 November, 2027.

E. The BLM shall review the draft cultural resources inventory reports and associated forms, documentation, GIS, conduct spot checks and provide corrections and feedback within four

(4) weeks of complete submittal.

F. All final deliverables, including reports, forms, maps, GIS, and transfer of custody of collections to the Billings Curation Center, shall be received by the BLM no later than 31

December, 2027.

X. Payment.

Payment shall be made on the following schedule:

1. Completion of Prefield Meeting, Documentation of File Search Completion, and BLM

Confirmation of Contractor Intent to Begin Fieldwork .............................................15%

2. The BLM Receives Documentation of Completion of All Fieldwork ......................20%

3. The BLM Receives a Summary Brief of Archaeological Sites in Each Project Area with

Site Numbers, Brief Descriptions, Eligibility Recommendations .............................10%

4. The BLM Notifies the Contractor that the Draft Report(s) are Accepted .................30%

5. The BLM Accepts All Final Deliverables, To Include Reports, Forms, GIS, and

Acceptance of Any Collections by the Billings Curation Center ..............................25%

XI. Evaluation Factors.

The Government will evaluate quotation in accordance with FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation - Commercial Products and Commercial Services (FRO Deviation Mar 2026)

Clauses

FAR 52.212-4 TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL

SERVICES (RFO DEVIATION MAR 2026).

FAR 52.203-19 PROHIBITION ON REQUIREING CERTAIN INTERNAL CONFIDENTIALITY

AGREEMENTS OR STATEMENTS. (Jan 2017)

FAR 52.204-19 INCORPORATION BY REFERNCE OF REPRESENTATIONS AND

CERTIFICATIONS. (DEC 2014)

---Addendum to 52.212-4---

DOI-AAAP-0028 ELECTRONIC INVOICING AND PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS-INVOICE

PROCESSING PLATFORM (IPP) (FEB 2021)

Payment requests must be submitted electronically through the U. S. Department of the Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform System (IPP).

'Payment request' means any request for contract financing payment or invoice payment by the Contractor.

To constitute a proper invoice, the payment request must comply with the requirements identified in the applicable Prompt Payment clause included in the contract, or the clause 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items included in commercial item contracts. The IPP website address is:

https://www.ipp.gov.

Under this contract, the following documents are required to be submitted as an attachment to the IPP invoice:

Contractors Invoice

The Contractor must use the IPP website to register access and use IPP for submitting requests for payment.

The Contractor Government Business Point of Contact (as listed in SAM) will receive enrollment instructions via email from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRBSTL) within 3 - 5 business days of the contract award date. Contractor assistance with enrollment can be obtained by contacting the IPP Production Helpdesk via email IPPCustomerSupport@fiscal.treasury.gov or phone (866) 973-3131.

If the Contractor is unable to comply with the requirement to use IPP for submitting invoices for payment, the Contractor must submit a waiver request in writing to the Contracting Officer with its proposal or quotation.

(End of Local Clause) https://www.ipp.gov/ mailto:IPPCustomerSupport@fiscal.treasury.gov

DIAR 1452.201-70 AUTHORITIES AND DELEGATIONS (SEP 2011)

(a) The Contracting Officer is the only individual authorized to enter into or terminate this contract, modify any term or condition of this contract, waive any requirement of this contract, or accept nonconforming work.

(b) The Contracting Officer will designate a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) at time of award.

The COR will be responsible for technical monitoring of the contractor's performance and deliveries. The COR will be appointed in writing, and a copy of the appointment will be furnished to the Contractor.

Changes to this delegation will be made by written changes to the existing appointment or by issuance of a new appointment.

(c) The COR is not authorized to perform, formally or informally, any of the following actions:

(1) Promise, award, agree to award, or execute any contract, contract modification, or notice of intent that changes or may change this contract;

(2) Waive or agree to modification of the delivery schedule;

(3) Make any final decision on any contract matter subject to the Disputes Clause;

(4) Terminate, for any reason, the Contractor's right to proceed;

(5) Obligate in any way, the payment of money by the Government.

(d) The Contractor shall comply with the written or oral direction of the Contracting Officer or authorized representative(s) acting within the scope and authority of the appointment memorandum. The Contractor need not proceed with direction that it considers to have been issued without proper authority. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing, with as much detail as possible, when the COR has taken an action or has issued direction (written or oral) that the Contractor considers to exceed the COR's appointment, within 3 days of the occurrence. Unless otherwise provided in this contract, the Contractor assumes all costs, risks, liabilities, and consequences of performing any work it is directed to perform that falls within any of the categories defined in paragraph (c) prior to receipt of the Contracting Officer's response issued under paragraph (e) of this clause.

(e) The Contracting Officer shall respond in writing within 30 days to any notice made under paragraph (d) of this clause. A failure of the parties to agree upon the nature of a direction, or upon the contract action to be taken with respect thereto, shall be subject to the provisions of the Disputes clause of this contract.

(f) The Contractor shall provide copies of all correspondence to the Contracting Officer and the COR.

(g) Any action(s) taken by the Contractor, in response to any direction given by any person acting on behalf of the Government or any Government official other than the Contracting Officer or the COR acting within his or her appointment, shall be at the Contractor's risk.

(End of Clause)

FAR 52.204-13 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT MAINTENANCE (RFO DEVIATION

MAR 2026).

52.242-15 STOP-WORK ORDER (AUG 1989).

52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

Federal Acquisition Regulation: https://www.acquisition.gov/far Department of the Interior Acquisition Regulation: https://www.acquisition.gov/diar

(End of clause)

52.252-6 AUTHORIZED DEVIATIONS IN CLAUSES (NOV 2020).

(a) The use in this solicitation or contract of any Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR Chapter 1) clause with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of "(DEVIATION)" after the date of the clause.

(b) The use in this solicitation or contract of any Department of the Interior Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR Chapter 14) clause with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of "(DEVIATION)" after the name of the regulation.

--- End of Addendum to 52.212-4---

FAR 52.203-17 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS (Nov 2023).

FAR 52.209-10 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH INVERTED DOMESTIC CORPORATIONS

(RFO DEVIATION MAY 2026).

52.209-6 PROTECTING THE GOVERNMENT'S INTEREST WHEN SUBCONTRACTING WITH

CONTRACTORS DEBARRED, SUSPENDED, PROPOSED FOR DEBARMENT, OR

VOLUNTARILY EXCLUDED (RFO DEVIATION MAY 2026).

FAR 52.222-3 CONVICT LABOR (RFO DEVIATION MAY 2026).

FAR 52.222-35, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR VETERANS (RFO DEVIATION MAY 2026)(38 U.S.C.

4212).

FAR 52.222-36, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES (RFO DEVIATION

MAY 2026) (29 U.S.C. 793).

FAR 52.222-37, EMPLOYMENT REPORTS ON VETERANS (RFO DEVIATION MAY 2026) (38

U.S.C. 4212). FAR 52.222-41, SERVICE CONTRACT LABOR STANDARDS (RFO DEVIATION MAY

2026) (41 U.S.C. Chapter 67).

FAR 52.222-42 STATEMENT OF EQUIVALENT RATES FOR FEDERAL HIRES (May 2014).

In compliance with the Service Contract Labor Standards statute and the regulations of the Secretary of Labor ( 29 CFR Part 4), this clause identifies the classes of service employees expected to be employed under the contract and states the wages and fringe benefits payable to each if they were employed by the contracting agency subject to the provisions of 5 U.S.C.5341 or 5 332.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far https://www.acquisition.gov/diar

This Statement is for Information Only: It is not a Wage Determination

FAR 52.222-50 COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (RFO DEVIATION MAY 2026) (22

U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627)

FAR 52.222-54, EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION (RFO DEVIATION MAY 2026).

FAR 52.222-62 PAID SICK LEAVE UNDER EXECUTIVE ORDER 13706 (RFO DEVIATION

MAY 2026).

FAR 52.222-90, ADDRESSING DEI DISCRIMINATION BY FEDERAL CONTRACTORS (RFO

DEVIATION MAY 2026).

FAR 52.225-13 RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN FOREIGN PURCHASES (Feb 2021) (E.O.’s, PROCLAMATIONS, AND STATUTES ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF FOREIGN

ASSETS CONTROL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY).

FAR 52.226-8 ENCOURAGING…