1121005 - BPA RFP Mottet Botany Surveys.pdf

Issue Date:

BPA No. Project Name Mottet Botany Surveys

BPA call No. Issuing and Billing Office:

Umatilla National Forest 72510 Coyote Rd.

Pendleton, OR 97801

Contractor:

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

Amount

Umatilla National Forest, Walla Walla RD

BOTANICAL SURVEY

1 Botanical surveys for target vascular and invasive species within units

10,000 acres

2 Invasive species surveys along road within units or bordering units or ¼ mile from units

70 miles

Remarks: See Attachments for additional terms and conditions. The Period of Performance for this Task Order is from the Date of Award through September 30, 2026.

Total Price:

Contractor: (Name and Signature)

Requested By: (Name and Signature)

COR:

Ordered By: (Name and Signature)

Contracting Officer

Project Title Botanical Surveys – Umatilla National Forest – Walla Walla Ranger District – Mottet Project Area

General Information

1.0 Background and Purpose

The objective of this Performance Work Statement (PWS) is to conduct botanical surveys to determine the presence or absence of target species, document and map locations and populations of target species, and provide an ecological description for the areas surveyed including any special habitats encountered.

Botanical surveys for this contract will include target vascular and invasive botanical species. See Attachment C-1 (Target Vascular TESP Botanical Species List 2021), Attachment C-2 (Target Oregon Biodiversity Information Center [ORBIC] Vascular Species List 2023), and Attachment D (Invasive Botanical Species List 2023) for complete species lists. Surveys for all vascular Target TESP and ORBIC species are required in all survey units. Invasive species surveys are required in all survey units and along roads bordering units and within ¼ mile of unit boundaries. Surveys shall be conducted within proposed vegetation management units and along adjacent roads on the Walla Walla Ranger District, Umatilla National Forest, during the period from May 1, 2024 – September 30, 2026. All survey products shall be completed and submitted by September 30, 2026. Surveys and documentation shall follow established written protocols, as specified in Section 3.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks.

The project area is located about fifty (50) miles southeast of Walla Walla, Washington, via Oregon Route 204, on the Walla Walla Ranger District of the Umatilla National Forest. The general survey area is outlined in the vicinity map (Attachment A). Detailed unit maps will be provided upon award. Unit boundaries are not marked on the ground and shall be surveyed by approximating the boundary location from maps and photos provided by the Forest Service.

The Mottet planning area is located within four sub-watersheds (Hydrologic Unit Code, HUC 12): Jarboe Creek, Little Lookingglass Creek, Upper Lookingglass Creek, and Lower Lookingglass Creek. Within the planning area, known sites for Regional Forester’s Sensitive botanical species include western moonwort (Botrychium hesperium), mountain moonwort (Botrychium montanum), peculiar moonwort (Botrychium paradoxum), stalked moonwort (Botrychium pedunculosum), and Blue Mountain penstemon (Penstemon pennellianus).

The elevation ranges from 3,000 to 5,600 feet. The units are mostly forested. Most of the forest is mixed moist upland conifer (grand fir, subalpine fir, and spruce dominated). Habitats include wet meadows, perennial streams, and lithosols, among others.

Units may contain rough and steep terrain and thickets of dense vegetation. Surveyors must be physically fit. Hunters, forest product harvesters and other forest users may be present in the work area during the period of the contract. Roads are generally gravel or natural surface and many are only suitable for high-clearance vehicles.

2.0 Definitions

Contiguous Habitat – an area of suitable habitat with adequate substrates without barriers to growth, reproduction, or dispersal of the species (wording extracted from 2003 Survey Protocols for Category A & C Survey and Manage lichens).

Complete Survey Method – For smaller areas (e.g., less than one hectare or 2.47 acres) conduct a complete survey. These surveys are defined as a 100 percent visual exam of the project area (wording extracted from 1998 Survey Protocol for Survey and Manage Strategy 2 Vascular Plants, version 2.0).

GPS – Global Positioning System – a network of orbiting satellites that use geometry to triangulate the position of the users ground position on the earth’s surface.

Intuitive Controlled Survey Method – For large areas (greater than one hectare or 2.47 acres), an intuitive controlled survey should be used. This method includes a complete survey in habitats with the highest potential for locating target species. The surveyor traverses through the project area enough to see a representative cross section of all major habitats and topographic features, looking for the target species while enroute between different areas. Most of the project area will have been surveyed. When a surveyor arrives at an area of high potential habitat, a complete survey for the target species should be made (wording extracted from 1998 Survey Protocol for Survey and Manage Strategy 2 Vascular Plants, version 2.0). Example major habitats and topographic features within the planning area include slopes, draws, benches, ridges, riparian or wet areas, rock outcrops, meadows, and lithosols.

Invasive Plant Species – A species that does not naturally occur in a specific area and whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.

Invasive Plant Infestations – for the purpose of this contract, a specified subset of weeds taken from the 2022 Oregon Noxious Weed Policy and Classification, as well as other species recognized by the Umatilla National Forest as a threat to federal land. The Government’s interest is to know the extent of these occurrences along roads adjacent to units, and within units, in order to prevent spread to un-infested areas. Refer to Attachment D (Invasive Botanical Species List), Attachment G (Invasive Inventory Field Form), Attachment H (Invasive Plant Infestations Spreadsheet) and Attachment I (Guidelines for Documenting Invasive Plant Infestations 2021) for specific processes and requirements relating to surveying and documenting invasive plant infestations.

ISSSSP – The Interagency Special Status/Sensitive Species Program (ISSSSP) is a collaboration between Region 6 (R6) Forest Service and Oregon/Washington Bureau of Land Management to manage special status species (see https://www.fs.usda.gov/r6/issssp/).

Occurrence(s) – for the purpose of this contract, an occurrence is defined as an individual, or group of individuals of a Sensitive Botanical Species, in close proximity to each other, or a group of individuals that occur scattered throughout what appears to be contiguous habitat (See Contiguous Habitat, above).

For more information on how to delineate the boundaries of Sensitive Botanical Species occurrences refer to Section 3.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks.

Rare Plant Association(s) – Plant associations ranked as Critically Imperiled (S1), Imperiled (S2), or Vulnerable (S3) by State Natural Heritage Programs. Rankings can be found on the NatureServe Explorer website, https://explorer.natureserve.org/. Search results may be filtered by Ecosystems, State(s), Rankings, and Associations.

Sensitive Botanical Species – A subset of the Regional Forester’s Sensitive Species List consisting of botanical species either documented or suspected of occurring on the Umatilla National Forest. These species are rarely encountered on the Forest and will require documentation and monumentation when found. A list of documented and suspected Sensitive Botanical Species for the Umatilla National Forest is provided in Attachment C-1.

Survey Area – The entire area surveyed for Target Species, even if no Target Species were detected.

State Natural Heritage List Botanical Species – A subset of Oregon Biodiversity Information Center (ORBIC) species lists either documented or suspected of occurring on the Umatilla National Forest.

These species will require documentation, and monumentation if found.

Target Species – A summary term comprising both Sensitive and State Natural Heritage List Botanical Species that are required to be surveyed under this contract.

TESP – an acronym for Threatened, Endangered and Sensitive Plants

Threatened, endangered and proposed Plant Species (TES) – On the Umatilla National Forest, there are two federally threatened botanical species documented to occur: Pinus albicaulis (USFWS published rule on 12/2/2020 proposing to list as federally threatened, https://www.fws.gov/species-publication-action/endangered-and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-threatened-species-20) and Silene spaldingii (https://www.fws.gov/species-publication-action/etwp-final-rule-list-silene-spaldingii-spaldings-catchfly-threatened).

Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) – a mapping coordinate grid system based upon one of many different mapping projections. This contract requires that spatial location data be recorded utilizing a GPS that is set to use the projected coordinate system UTM, North American Datum (NAD) 1983, Zone 11 North. The data is displayed in meters Easting (X coordinate) and Northing (Y coordinate). The contractor will be advised if this UTM projection changes and will be required to use the new projection.

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

A. Target Species

1. Surveys for Sensitive and State Natural Heritage List (Target) Botanical Species

a. Sensitive and State Natural Heritage List Botanical (Target) Species: The Contractor shall complete field surveys for target species across all units within the project area.

Survey methods shall follow these general guidelines: For large areas (one hectare [2.47 acres] or more), use the ‘intuitive’ survey approach: this survey method requires that the surveyor(s) be knowledgeable enough about the species and their habitat to distinguish areas of likely habitat on the ground. All major habitats and topographic features within a unit are to be investigated to determine suitability for target species, and in order to build complete species lists. Any suitable habitat that is found requires a complete survey. The survey intensity shall be thorough enough to have a reasonable assurance of detecting target species in atypical habitat as well. For small areas (less than one hectare [2.47 acres]) the contractor shall use the ‘complete service method’ as defined above in Section 2.0 Definitions. See Attachment F-1 (R6 TES Plant Element Occurrence Protocol and Field Guide).

2. Delineating the Boundaries of Target Species Occurrences/Sites

Species may occur in various patterns of distribution within the survey areas. Delineating the area of an occurrence/site can be a relatively simple task, such as when dealing with a single individual, or clustered group of individuals. In contrast, delineating the boundaries of an occurrence/site is more difficult when individuals and groups are widely distributed, yet appear to be contiguous, or marginally contiguous. The question then arises: Is this a single occurrence/site, or multiple occurrences/sites? For the purpose of this contract, an occurrence/site is defined as follows:

An array of individuals and/or groups of individuals occurring within a single area of contiguous habitat, where no individuals is more than 300 ft (100 meters) away from another individual(s).

Based on the judgment of the surveyor, and/or circumstances arising during the process of surveying, occurrences/sites may be delineated at closer proximities from one to another. The objective for the Government is to know where the target species are on the ground so we can provide for their protection within the context of buffering occurrences and habitat within vegetation management units. If in doubt, discuss the situation with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

3. Documenting Target Species Occurrences/Sites

If a Target Species is found, the Contractor shall complete:

a. A R6 TES Plant Element Occurrence Field Form (Attachment F) for each occurrence/site.

The contractor shall assign a unique SiteID to each new occurrence. The SiteID shall be created using the following format: 061406_USDA PLANTS database species code_date_collector initials_sequential number (the sequential number is unique for a particular species, on a particular day, by a single surveyor). For example, if Thomas Jefferson located a Tetraphis geniculata occurrence on June 3, 2011, the SiteID would be:

061406_TEGE_6_3_11_TJ_1. If Thomas Jefferson were to find an additional Tetraphis geniculata on the same day, the occurrence would be labeled 061406_TEGE_6_3_11_TJ_2.

If Tom found a Corydalis aquae-gelidae on that same day, the occurrence would be labeled

061406_COAQ_6_3_11_TJ_1.

b. A map of the survey unit showing the location and extent of the occurrence/site, clearly labeled with the SiteID, species, and Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) locations (NAD 83), in meters. Note that individuals or groups of the target species located within large or spatially complex occurrences need to be mapped, monumented, and located in UTM coordinates to the extent that the boundaries of the occurrence can be re-located in the field.

In this case, maps shall be clearly labeled with the SiteID, unit number, and UTM coordinates of individuals/groups found within the occurrence/site to facilitate re-location. UTM data shall be collected in NAD 83, Zone 11, in meters, and with accuracy of 50 feet (16 meters) or less. If necessary, the contractor may attach an extra sheet to the R6 TES Plant Element Occurrence Field Form with additional sets of UTM coordinates associated with these multiple individuals or groups of individuals.

c. Collect and record geospatial data on Target Species in a summary (includes all units)

ArcGIS shapefile, documenting occurrences/sites as polygons. Each polygon should be attributed with a minimum of: (1) Site ID; (2) scientific name; and (3) unit number.

4. Monumenting Target Species Occurrences/Sites

All Target Species occurrences/sites located in the field shall be monumented as follows:

a. For each occurrence/site, blue-and-white polka dot flagging shall be hung on a tree or shrub as close as possible to the occurrence/site, and labeled with the Site ID. In addition, the outside boundaries of each site shall be hung with flagging at 20-30 ft., to facilitate the relocation of the occurrence/site. In all cases, flagging shall be hung with long streamers to increase visibility (~3 ft. long). If there are no trees or shrubs adjacent to the occurrence/site, pin flags shall be used to monument the site as follows: when the pattern of plant distribution is discretely patchy, utilize pin flags of appropriate height to delineate the (approximate) center of the patch/occurrence. GPS that flag. Write the species code and date with a permanent marker on each pin flagged used. When the pattern of plant distribution is generally widely scattered individuals (not growing in apparent patches or clusters), utilize pin flags to mark select individuals or small clusters that most represent the setting of the overall occurrence. GPS those flag locations. Key the location of these pin flags to the sketch map and aerial photo attached to the occurrence form. If a distribution pattern is encountered that does not easily fit into one of these scenarios, or the occurrence overall (all patches/sites) is larger than 5 acres, or near a high use / high visibility recreation site, contact the Inspector or COR and propose a flagging strategy based on your professional judgment. The intent is to provide the minimal amount of flagging or pin flags that will function to mark the site on the ground (as a complement to the mapping and GPS work) so that the Inspector or COR know they are at the right piece of ground during site visits. The contractor and COR/Inspector may also conduct a joint site visit to develop a manner of delineating the site on the ground to make it easy to relocate on subsequent visits.

5. Vouchering Vascular Plants

A voucher specimen shall be collected at each occurrence/site (1 per species per unit) providing there are more than thirty (30) individual plants present. Each collection shall include enough material for two (2) sheets of vouchers. The specimen shall be submitted to the COR within eight calendar days of discovery, accompanied by a completed R6 TES Plant Element Occurrence Field Form (Attachment F) and digital photos labeled with the SiteID. The Contractor shall take several images to bracket the exposure and check the focus in the field, to create the best image possible for later judgement by a species expert. Photos of each occurrence/site should include details of diagnostic characteristics, as well as of the habitat. If the population size does not allow for collection, the COR shall be provided with a completed R6 TES Plant Element Occurrence Field Form (Attachment F) and digital photos within eight (8) calendar days of discovery. The vouchering requirement may be waived after at least one (1) population is confirmed by the COR when multiple populations of the same species are found.

B. Landscape and Habitat Information, including Special Habitats

For each unit, the Contractor shall provide a written description of the stand, including:

1. Dominant overstory species, shrub, and herbaceous species, as well as dominant aspect and topography. If there are multiple canopy cohorts, the Contractor shall note approximate ages, and describe.

2. A list of the three (3) most common species of trees, three (3) most common species of shrubs, and three (3) most common understory herbs, with an estimate of stand level percent cover.

3. List the Plant Associations most common in the unit. Document all Plant Associations ranked as Critically Imperiled (S1), Imperiled (S2), or Vulnerable (S3), in Oregon and please provide the following:

a. Collect and record geospatial data on Rare Plant Associations in a summary

(includes all units) ArcGIS shapefile, documenting rare plant associations as polygons. Each polygon should be attributed with (1) a unique identifier that is cross-referenced to map (see B. 3.b.); (2) unit number; and (3) plant association name.

b. A summary map per unit, showing rare plant associations within the unit, labeled with unique identifiers linking polygons to shapefile (B. 3.a.).

4. A description of old-growth legacy features within the stand, including large down woody debris, large stumps, snags, or remnant trees.

5. A description of unusual features or discoveries, not necessarily botanical (i.e., archaeological artifacts, hunter’s hut, trash piles, etc.).

6. A summary of special habitats found within the unit. Special habitats include, but are not limited to, rocky outcrops, wetlands, springs, seeps, meadows, unmapped or incorrectly mapped streams, aspen or cottonwood stands, mountain mahogany stands, lithosols and legacy features of particular value or note. For each special habitat, the Contractor shall provide the following:

a. Collect and record geospatial data on special habitats in a summary (includes all units) ArcGIS shapefile, documenting special habitats as polygons. Each polygon shall be attributed with (1) a unique identifier that is cross-referenced to photo and map (see B. 6.b. and B. 6.c., below); (2) unit number; and (3) description of habitat.

b. Photo of habitat, labeled with unique identifier linking special habitat to map (see B. 6.c.) and shapefile (see B. 6.a).

c. A summary map per unit, showing special habitats within each unit, labeled with unique identifiers linking polygons to photo (B. 6.b.) and shapefile (B. 6.a.).

Note: Refer to section E below for more details on documentation conventions.

C. Invasive Species

1. The Contractor shall complete field surveys of specified invasive plants (Attachment D) within all units, and along roads directly adjacent to units and within 0.25 miles of unit boundaries.

2. The Contractor shall document findings in accordance with the Guidelines for Documenting

Invasive Plant Infestations (Attachment I), in the following formats:

a. Document infestations on the R6 Invasive Plants Inventory Field Form (Attachment G).

b. Collect and record geospatial data, in a summary ArcGIS shapefile (i.e., includes all units), documenting infestations as polygons. Each polygon should be attributed with unique Site ID (as described on the R6 Invasive Plant Inventory Field Form), unit, percent cover, and full scientific name.

c. Transcribe data from R6 Invasive Plants Inventory Field Form to Invasive Plant Infestation Summary Spreadsheet in (Attachment H).

D. Complete Botanical Species Lists

The Contractor shall compile, in Excel spreadsheet format, a comprehensive summary of vascular botanical species found in each unit of the project area. This list is meant to summarize all vascular species detected and reported in unit-specific complete species lists (including Target Species and Invasive Botanical Species). This summary spreadsheet shall include all species encountered, with full scientific name, USDA Plants code; unit number; presence absence indicator (sortable), and Site ID codes in cases where Target Species were located within units.

E. Unit Level Summary Reports

The Contractor shall provide a final written report for each surveyed unit. The written report shall include on a title page or header:

a. Unit number

b. Date(s) surveys occurred

c. Surveyor names

To ensure important survey information is noted in the field and documented in the final report the layout of the report shall adhere to the sequence of paragraphs requested below (d-h). Number the paragraphs as described (1,2,3,4,5) to clearly delineate the information. If there were no elements to describe related to Paragraphs 3, 4 or 5, then give that information, such as “No old growth features were found.”

d. Paragraph 1: A summary of any Sensitive or State Natural Heritage List species occurrences/sites located within the unit.

e. Paragraph 2:

a. Dominant overstory species, shrub, and herbaceous species, as well as dominant aspect and topography. If there are multiple canopy cohorts, note approximate ages, and describe.

b. A list of the three most common species of trees, three most common species of shrubs, and three most common understory herbs, with an estimate of stand level percent cover.

c. List the Plant Associations most common in the unit, and any Rare Plant Associations found in the unit.

f. Paragraph 3: A summary of special habitats found within the unit.

g. Paragraph 4: A summary of old-growth legacy features within the stand, including large down woody debris, large stumps, snags, or remnant trees. When legacy features of particular value or note are located within a unit, collect data as for a special habitat (as described in Section B).

h. Paragraph 5: A description of unusual features or discoveries, not necessarily botanical (i.e., archaeological artifacts, hunter’s hut, trash piles, etc.).

In addition, the following maps and lists shall be included in each unit report:

i. A map showing the survey route taken, labeled clearly, with the unit number.

j. A complete unit-specific botanical species list. To be considered complete, species lists must:

1. Contain 70% or more of the vascular species detected by inspector/unit.

F. Project Level Summary Products

a. A complete list, in Excel spreadsheet format, of all botanical species encountered in the survey units, as described in Section 3.0 D.

b. Geospatial data on Target Species in a summary ArcGIS shapefile (i.e., includes all units), as described in Section 3 A, subsection 3 (c).

c. Geospatial data on Rare Plant Associations in a summary ArcGIS shapefile (i.e., includes all units), as described in Section 3 B, subsection 3 (a).

d. Geospatial data on special habitats in a summary ArcGIS shapefile (i.e., includes all units), as described in Section 3 B, subsection 6 (a).

e. Geospatial data on Invasive Plant Infestations, in a summary ArcGIS shapefile (i.e., includes all units), as described in Section 3 C, subsection 2 (b).

f. A completed Invasive Plant Infestation Summary Spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel

(Attachment H), with data transcribed from Invasive Plants Infestation Forms.

g. A comprehensive summary spreadsheet, organized by unit (rows), and including a column for rare species detections, special habitats, and invasives (each summarized in a single cell of the spreadsheet).

h. Geospatial data of all survey tracks.

4.0 Deliverable / Schedule

The products of this contract will be as referenced in Section 3.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks above:

Key Deliverables Item No. Deliverable Objective Due 1 Unit Survey Reports as described in Section 3.0 B and E

Describing the unit that was surveyed and findings

Within 30 days of unit survey completion

2 Invasive Inventory Field Forms as described in Section

3.0 C

Describing invasive species encountered Within 30 days of unit or road survey completion

3 Natural Resource Manager (NRM)TESP Element Occurrence Forms and voucher specimens (required forms, data and photos) as described in Section 3.0 A

Documenting Target species found Within 8 calendar days of discovery

4 Project Level Summary Products as described in Section

3.0 F

Includes a complete list of all vascular botanical species encountered, geospatial information for target species, rare plant associations, special habitats, invasive plant infestations, survey tracks, and summary spreadsheets for invasive species, rare species, and special habitats

Within 30 calendar days after all work completed for each year, due Sept. 1st for surveys conducted in 2024 and 2025, and Sept. 30th, 2026 for all remaining surveys

5 Communication with

COR

Planned survey schedule Due at the start of the contract as well as before surveys begin and end

NOTE: all required documentation shall be submitted in electronic format.

5.0 Government Furnished

The Government will furnish to the Contractor the following materials, supplies, property, or services:

• 1:15,840 or larger scale map for each area to be surveyed, one set of copies and electronic .jpg files

• Ranger District maps, 1 per surveyor

• Plant Association guides, one (1) set for sharing among surveyors

• Geospatial data showing botany survey units and roads within the project area (Attachment L)

• Blue-and-white polka dot flagging and pin flags, for monumenting Target Species occurrences/sites

6.0 Travel

Work areas may be reached by Forest Service roads, motorized trails, or by walking on closed roads, trails, and cross country. Walking distances to reach units will vary within the project areas. Most units are generally within one mile of an open road. Most units not adjacent to open roads can be reached by hiking on closed roads. Walking distances will be considered incidental to the work and no additional payment will be made. Some Forest Service roads are maintained for use by high-clearance vehicles (i.e., not suitable for passenger cars), but may not be passable during periods of inclement weather, and do not always provide motorists with alerts to potential hazards (see Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) link below). Vehicles shall not operate off system roads without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer. No vehicle shall by-pass any officially blocked road (barriers, locked gates, posted signs, rock/log/dirt, etc.) without approval of the Contracting Officer. Spur roads are not maintained, and many are frequently blocked by earth barriers. The Forest Access and Travel Management plan provides guidance on seasonal road closures. These generally take effect during the late summer and fall hunting seasons. Temporary road closures may come into effect in the event of a large wildfire incident. The Forest GIS (mapping) system records road use status and permanent closures. Detailed maps with road numbers will be provided as attachments.

The Contractor shall visit the Umatilla National Forest Maps and Publications website for information on downloadable maps: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/umatilla/maps-pubs. The Current Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) may be helpful in providing an overview of the roads for this area and can be downloaded from: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/maps-pubs/?cid=stelprdb5414334.

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

One supervisor, conversant in the English language, shall be designated in writing by the Contractor.

The written designation shall indicate the limits of the supervisor's authority.

(a) The Contractor shall assign to this contract the following key personnel: all personnel listed in the contractor’s technical proposal under key personnel.

(b) During the first ninety (90) days of performance, the Contractor shall make no substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death, or termination of employment. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer within 15 calendar days after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required by paragraph (c) below. After the initial 90-day period, the Contractor shall submit the information required by paragraph (c) to the Contracting Officer at least 15 days prior to making any permanent substitutions.

(c) The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the Contracting Officer. Proposed substitutes should have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor within 15 calendar days after receipt of all required information of the decision on substitutions. The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.

8.0 Security Requirements

N/A

9.0 Data Rights

Except as otherwise specifically provided for in this contract, the Contractor shall not use for purposes other than the performance of this contract, nor shall the Contractor release, reproduce, distribute, or publish any data first produced in the performance of this contract, nor authorize others to do so, without written permission of the CO. Any requests for survey information from outside entities should be forwarded to the COR.

10.0 Section 508 - Electronic and Information Technology Standards N/A

11.0 Performance Requirement Measures

Performance Requirement

Performance Standard

Performance Measurement/Methods of Surveillance

Penalties and Incentives

Adhere to all survey protocols See Section 3.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks

The procedures and documentation of the survey protocols are completed as described.

COR/GTM will inspect 100% of survey and site forms to ensure compliance to protocols.

COR inspection of the survey procedures may be ongoing while survey is in progress.

See Sections 12.0 (Inspection of Services);

13.0 (Rework) and 15.0 (Payment)

Documentation forms and maps See Section 3.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks

All forms (survey form, population site forms) and maps are filled out completely and legibly according to contract specifications and survey protocols. Able to relocate site from map. There is a linking identifier to all maps and voucher specimens. All forms are turned in on the agreed upon schedule. Forms and maps must be legible and copy-able.

COR/GTM will inspect 100% of survey and site forms to ensure compliance to protocols.

See Sections 12.0 (Inspection of Services);

13.0 (Rework) and 15.0 (Payment)

Monument Field Sites for each target species population See Section 3.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks

Able to relocate sites. Flagging and tags according to specifications.

COR/GTM will inspect 70% of target species populations to determine that contract specifications are followed.

See Sections 12.0 (Inspection of Services);

13.0 (Rework) and 15.0 (Payment)

Voucher Specimens See Section 3.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks

Entire specimen is collected.

Field tag is completed and legible and has a linking identifier to survey and sighting forms and maps. All identifying features are described. If applicable, specimen is dried.

Photo(s) are provided. All vouchers are turned in on the agreed upon schedule.

COR/GTM will inspect 100% of voucher specimens for quality of preparation and timeliness of submission.

See Sections 12.0 (Inspection of Services);

13.0 (Rework) and 15.0 (Payment)

Performance Requirement

Performance Standard

Performance Measurement/Methods of Surveillance

Penalties and Incentives

Field Procedures See Section 3.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks

Survey maps or GPS tracks show that each unit area was surveyed so that a representative cross section (at least 80%) of all major topographic features and special habitat features were surveyed.

COR/GTM will inspect 20% of survey units and target species site locations to determine that contract specifications are followed and performance standards met.

See Sections 12.0 (Inspection of Services);

13.0 (Rework) and 15.0 (Payment)

Final Report See Section 3.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks

Contractor provides (1) hard copy and (1) electronic copy of a Final Report.

COR/GTM will inspect the annual and/or final survey report for quality of preparation and completeness of information.

See Sections 12.0 (Inspection of Services);

13.0 (Rework) and 15.0 (Payment)

12. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE:

12.1 FAR 52.246-4 INSPECTION OF SERVICES--FIXED-PRICE (AUG 1996)

(a) Definition. “Services,” as used in this clause, includes services performed, workmanship, and material furnished or utilized in the performance of services.

(b) The Contractor shall provide and maintain an inspection system acceptable to the Government covering the services under this contract. Complete records of all inspection work performed by the Contractor shall be maintained and made available to the Government during contract performance and for as long afterwards as the contract requires.

(c) The Government has the right to inspect and test all services called for by the contract, to the extent practicable at all times and places during the term of the contract. The Government shall perform inspections and tests in a manner that will not unduly delay the work.

(d) If the Government performs inspections or tests on the premises of the Contractor or a subcontractor, the Contractor shall furnish, and shall require subcontractors to furnish, at no increase in contract price, all reasonable facilities and assistance for the safe and convenient performance of these duties.

(e) If any of the services do not conform with contract requirements, the Government may require the Contractor to perform the services again in conformity with contract requirements, at no increase in contract amount. When the defects in services cannot be corrected by reperformance, the Government may—

(1) Require the Contractor to take necessary action to ensure that future performance conforms to contract requirements; and

(2) Reduce the contract price to reflect the reduced value of the services performed.

(f) If the Contractor fails to promptly perform the services again or to take the necessary action to ensure future performance in conformity with contract requirements, the Government may—

(1) By contract or otherwise, perform the services and charge to the Contractor any cost incurred by the Government that is directly related to the performance of such service; or

(2) Terminate the contract for default.

12.2 CONTRACTOR INSPECTION PROCEDURES

(A) General Instructions

1) The Contractor shall conduct inspections of treatment units and record the results using procedures described herein. Inspections shall be maintained concurrent with contract work.

Completed inspection forms shall be made available to the Government within 24 hours of completion of each treatment unit and will remain part of the permanent contract file.

2) By submission of inspection forms to the Government, the Contractor is considered to be certifying that the unit is satisfactorily completed and that the inspection forms reflect the work accomplished.

3) The Contractor shall submit legible inspection forms. Illegible and incomplete forms shall be returned to the Contractor for correction and re-submission.

4) In the event the Contractor falsifies inspection results, as determined by the Contracting

Officer, the Government may declare the Contractor to be in default of the contract.

Additionally, the Government may refer such falsifications to the US Attorney’s Office for possible prosecution pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1001 (Falsification of Government Documents) or 18 U.S.C. 287 (Fraud).

12.3 GOVERNMENT INSPECTION PROCEDURES – COMPLIANCE INSPECTION:

(A) The COR, or a designated inspector, will conduct compliance inspections while work is in progress, usually daily at first, to assure that work is proceeding satisfactorily. Compliance inspections will be accomplished by 100 percent visual inspection of each treatment unit and will be based on adherence to the required specifications / cutting prescriptions.

(B) The Contractor shall notify the COR when units are completed prior to his moving out of the general area. Compliance inspections will be conducted within three (3) business days of completion of treatment units and the Contractor notified of any part of the unit(s) requiring additional work or rework.

(Work will be accepted on the basis of visual inspection for compliance with specifications on areas reported as completed by the Contractor.

13. COMMENCEMENT PROSECUTION, AND COMPLETION OF WORK (FAR

52.211-10) (APR 1984)

The Contractor shall be required to (a) commence work under this contract within 7 calendar days after the date the Contractor receives the notice to proceed, (b) prosecute the work diligently, and (c) complete the entire work ready for use not later than 30 September 2026. The time stated for completion shall include final cleanup of the premises. Work is estimated to begin 01 May 2024.

14. CLAUSES

PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards (AUG 2018)

PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY FULL TEXT

52.212-2 Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (NOV 2021)

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

1. Technical Capability

2. Relevant Past Work Record and Performance (Botanical Survey Projects)

3. Capacity to Perform Work

4. Price

Technical Capability, Relevant Past Work Record and Performance (Botanical Survey Projects), and Capacity to Perform Work is equal when compared to price. Offerors must provide a Progress Work Schedule that completes the work within specified timeframe in accordance with the Statement of Work.

(b) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(End of provision)

15. EVALUATION CRITERIA:

Technical Capability, Relevant Past Work Record and Performance (Botanical Survey Projects), and Capacity to Perform Work is equal when compared to price. The order of importance corresponds with each criteria’s preceding order of appearance.

1) Technical Capability is viewed as a measure of contractor’s relevant experience and past performance. Offeror will supply the names, resumes, educational background, field experience and familiarity with the work items for all personnel who would be working on this contract.

a. Educational training – List college degrees and pertinent classes/training and certifications.

b. Experience in performing similar work (i.e., years and/or months)

c. Experience with vascular plant, lichen, and bryophyte surveys in Eastern Oregon and Washington

d. Skills and experience at using dichotomous botanical keys, aerial photo and map interpretation, GPS mapping, and Word and Excel programs.

2) Past Work Record and Performance on Botanical Survey Projects – Specify the number of years this specific business entity has been doing this type of work. Provide a list of all botanical survey contracts completed or begun during the past 3 years. Provide projects completed more than 3 years ago if they pertain to survey work in Eastern Oregon and Washington. Include the following information for each contract:

a. Type of work and species surveyed for

b. Approximate size of these projects (contracted amounts in dollars and acres)

c. Completion date or stage of completion if still in progress

d. Client’s name, address, telephone

e. The name of the Contracting Officer’s Representative for the agency for which the work was being done.

3) Capacity to Perform Work – In addition to providing the qualifications of the personnel who will do the work, describe the ability of the Offeror to perform the work stated in this contract by including the following:

a. Electronic mapping program

b. Equipment/vehicles

c. Availability of personnel – how many employees are available to conduct surveys?

16. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

The following attachments are made a part of this solicitation and any resultant contract.

Attachments Number of Pages A Mottet Vicinity Map 1 page B-1 Mottet Topo Maps (Provided upon award) B-2 Tiger Mill Ortho Maps (Provided upon award) C-1 Target Vascular TESP Botanical Species List 2021 4 pages C-2 Target Oregon Biodiversity Information Center (ORBIC)

Vascular Species List 2023 8 pages

D Invasive Botanical Species List 2023 2 pages E Table of Unit Acres (Provided upon award) F R6 TES Plant Element Occurrence Form 5 pages F-1 R6 TES Plant Element Occurrence Protocol and Field Guide 41 pages G R6 Invasive Plant Inventory Field Form 1 page H Invasive Plant Infestation Spreadsheet (Provided upon award)

I Guidelines for Documenting Invasive Plant Infestations 1 page J Mottet Botany Surveys – Geospatial Data zip file (Provided upon award)

"REGISTER OF WAGE DETERMINATIONS UNDER | U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

THE SERVICE CONTRACT ACT | EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS ADMINISTRATION

By direction of the Secretary of Labor | WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION

| WASHINGTON D.C. 20210

| Wage Determination No.: 2015-5561 Daniel W. Simms Division of | Revision No.: 23 Director Wage Determinations| Date Of Last Revision: 12/26/2023

Note: Contracts subject to the Service Contract Act are generally required to pay at least the applicable minimum wage rate required under Executive Order 14026 or Executive Order 13658.

|If the contract is entered into on or |Executive Order 14026 generally applies to | |after January 30, 2022, or the |the contract. | |contract is renewed or extended (e.g.,|The contractor must pay all covered workers | |an option is exercised) on or after |at least $17.20 per hour (or the applicable | |January 30, 2022: |wage rate listed on this wage determination,| | |if it is higher) for all hours spent | | |performing on the contract in 2024. | |If the contract was awarded on or |Executive Order 13658 generally applies to | |between January 1, 2015 and January 29|the contract. | |2022, and the contract is not renewed |The contractor must pay all covered workers | |or extended on or after January 30, |at least $12.90 per hour (or the applicable | |2022: |wage rate listed on this wage determination,| | |if it is higher) for all hours spent | | |performing on the contract in 2024. |

The applicable Executive Order minimum wage rate will be adjusted annually.

Additional information on contractor requirements and worker protections under the Executive Orders is available at www.dol.gov/whd/govcontracts.

State: Washington Area: Washington County of Walla Walla

**Fringe Benefits Required Follow the Occupational Listing**

OCCUPATION CODE - TITLE FOOTNOTE RATE

01000 - Administrative Support And Clerical Occupations 01011 - Accounting Clerk I 17.86 01012 - Accounting Clerk II 20.06 01013 - Accounting Clerk III 22.43 01020 - Administrative Assistant 25.77 01035 - Court Reporter 21.71 01041 - Customer Service Representative I 15.06***

01042 - Customer Service Representative II 16.43*** 01043 - Customer Service Representative III 18.45 01051 - Data Entry Operator I 15.85*** 01052 - Data Entry Operator II 17.30 01060 - Dispatcher, Motor Vehicle 21.71 01070 - Document Preparation Clerk 17.30 01090 - Duplicating Machine Operator 17.30 01111 - General Clerk I 15.72*** 01112 - General Clerk II 17.16*** 01113 - General Clerk III 19.27 01120 - Housing Referral Assistant 24.21 01141 - Messenger Courier 14.10*** 01191 - Order Clerk I 15.85*** 01192 - Order Clerk II 17.30 01261 - Personnel Assistant (Employment) I 19.42 01262 - Personnel Assistant (Employment) II 21.71 01263 - Personnel Assistant (Employment) III 24.21 01270 - Production Control Clerk 26.54 01290 - Rental Clerk 17.03*** 01300 - Scheduler, Maintenance 19.42 01311 - Secretary I 19.42 01312 - Secretary II 21.71 01313 - Secretary III 24.21 01320 - Service Order Dispatcher 19.42 01410 - Supply Technician 25.77 01420 - Survey Worker 21.71 01460 - Switchboard Operator/Receptionist 17.28 01531 - Travel Clerk I 16.32*** 01532 - Travel Clerk II 17.55 01533 - Travel Clerk III 18.80 01611 - Word Processor I 17.30 01612 - Word Processor II 19.42 01613 - Word Processor III 21.71 05000 - Automotive Service Occupations 05005 - Automobile Body Repairer, Fiberglass 22.09 05010 - Automotive Electrician 20.82 05040 - Automotive Glass Installer 19.60 05070 - Automotive Worker 19.60 05110 - Mobile Equipment Servicer 17.40 05130 - Motor Equipment Metal Mechanic 22.09 05160 - Motor Equipment Metal Worker 19.60 05190 - Motor Vehicle Mechanic 22.09 05220 - Motor Vehicle Mechanic Helper 16.23*** 05250 - Motor Vehicle Upholstery Worker 18.49 05280 - Motor Vehicle Wrecker 19.60 05310 - Painter, Automotive 20.82 05340 - Radiator Repair Specialist 19.60 05370 - Tire Repairer 16.97*** 05400 - Transmission Repair Specialist 22.09 07000 - Food Preparation And Service Occupations 07010 - Baker 18.95

07041 - Cook I 18.47 07042 - Cook II 21.21 07070 - Dishwasher 15.36*** 07130 - Food Service Worker 15.91*** 07210 - Meat Cutter 21.19 07260 - Waiter/Waitress 16.69*** 09000 - Furniture Maintenance And Repair Occupations 09010 - Electrostatic Spray Painter 30.61 09040 - Furniture Handler 19.71 09080 - Furniture Refinisher 30.61 09090 - Furniture Refinisher Helper 23.21 09110 - Furniture Repairer, Minor 26.92 09130 - Upholsterer 30.61 11000 - General Services And Support Occupations 11030 - Cleaner, Vehicles 16.57*** 11060 - Elevator Operator 19.13 11090 - Gardener 22.09 11122 - Housekeeping Aide 19.60 11150 - Janitor 19.60 11210 - Laborer, Grounds Maintenance 17.64 11240 - Maid or Houseman 15.33*** 11260 - Pruner 16.84*** 11270 - Tractor Operator 20.46 11330 - Trail Maintenance Worker 17.64 11360 - Window Cleaner 20.53 12000 - Health Occupations 12010 - Ambulance Driver 27.78 12011 - Breath Alcohol Technician 27.78 12012 - Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant 38.12 12015 - Certified Physical Therapist Assistant 38.12 12020 - Dental Assistant 22.43 12025 - Dental Hygienist 48.69 12030 - EKG Technician 42.10 12035 - Electroneurodiagnostic Technologist 42.10 12040 - Emergency Medical Technician 27.78 12071 - Licensed Practical Nurse I 24.84 12072 - Licensed Practical Nurse II 27.78 12073 - Licensed Practical Nurse III 30.97 12100 - Medical Assistant 19.35 12130 - Medical Laboratory Technician 24.84 12160 - Medical Record Clerk 22.07 12190 - Medical Record Technician 24.70 12195 - Medical Transcriptionist 24.84 12210 - Nuclear Medicine Technologist 61.06 12221 - Nursing Assistant I 13.29*** 12222 - Nursing Assistant II 14.94*** 12223 - Nursing Assistant III 16.30*** 12224 - Nursing Assistant IV 18.31 12235 - Optical Dispenser 25.38 12236 - Optical Technician 24.84 12250 - Pharmacy Technician 22.60

12280 - Phlebotomist 24.84 12305 - Radiologic Technologist 42.10 12311 - Registered Nurse I 34.43 12312 - Registered Nurse II 42.10 12313 - Registered Nurse II, Specialist 42.10 12314 - Registered Nurse III 50.94 12315 - Registered Nurse III, Anesthetist 50.94 12316 - Registered Nurse IV 61.06 12317 - Scheduler (Drug and Alcohol Testing) 34.43 12320 - Substance Abuse Treatment Counselor 24.81 13000 - Information And Arts Occupations 13011 - Exhibits Specialist I 21.61 13012 - Exhibits Specialist II 26.76 13013 - Exhibits Specialist III 32.74 13041 - Illustrator I 21.61 13042 - Illustrator II 26.76 13043 - Illustrator III 32.74 13047 - Librarian 29.64 13050 - Library Aide/Clerk 17.13*** 13054 - Library Information Technology Systems 26.76 Administrator 13058 - Library Technician 18.10 13061 - Media Specialist I 19.31 13062 - Media Specialist II 21.61 13063 - Media Specialist III 24.09 13071 - Photographer I 19.24 13072 - Photographer II 21.52 13073 - Photographer III 26.66 13074 - Photographer IV 32.61 13075 - Photographer V 39.46 13090 - Technical Order Library Clerk 19.69 13110 - Video Teleconference Technician 19.31 14000 - Information Technology Occupations 14041 - Computer Operator I 20.09 14042 - Computer Operator II 22.48 14043 - Computer Operator III 25.06 14044 - Computer Operator IV 27.84 14045 - Computer Operator V 30.84 14071 - Computer Programmer I (see 1) 22.85 14072 - Computer Programmer II (see 1) 14073 - Computer Programmer III (see 1) 14074 - Computer Programmer IV (see 1) 14101 - Computer Systems Analyst I (see 1) 14102 - Computer Systems Analyst II (see 1) 14103 - Computer Systems Analyst III (see 1) 14150 - Peripheral Equipment Operator 20.09 14160 - Personal Computer Support Technician 27.84 14170 - System Support Specialist 30.84 15000 -…