1126796 - BPA RFP Mottet Botany Surveys 2.pdf

Issue Date:

BPA No. Project Name Mottet Botany Surveys Sale 2 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

4,700 acres

2 Invasive species surveys along roads within units, or bordering units or 1/4 mile from units

50 miles

Remarks: See Attachments for additional terms and conditions. The Period of Performance for this Task Order is from 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 Sale 2

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 Date of Award – 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)

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)

Performance Requirement

Performance Standard

Performance Measurement/Methods of Surveillance

Penalties and Incentives

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. CLAUSES

PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

52.212-1 Instruction to Offerors - Commercial Products and Commercial Services (SEP 2023) 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)

52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (May 2024)

The Offeror shall complete only paragraph (b) of this provision if the Offeror has completed the annual representations and certification electronically in the System for Award Management (SAM) accessed through https://www.sam.gov. If the Offeror has not completed the annual representations and certifications electronically, the Offeror shall complete only paragraphs (c) through (v) of this provision.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

Covered telecommunications equipment or services has the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) concern means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States and who are economically disadvantaged in accordance with 13 CFR part 127, and the concern is certified by SBA or an approved third-party certifier in accordance with 13 CFR 127.300. It automatically qualifies as a women-owned small business https://www.sam.gov/ https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.204-25#FAR_52_204_25 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/part-127 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/part-127 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/section-127.300 eligible under the WOSB Program.

Forced or indentured child labor means all work or service—

(1) Exacted from any person under the age of 18 under the menace of any penalty for its nonperformance and for which the worker does not offer himself voluntarily; or

(2) Performed by any person under the age of 18 pursuant to a contract the enforcement of which can be accomplished by process or penalties.

Highest-level owner means the entity that owns or controls an immediate owner of the offeror, or that owns or controls one or more entities that control an immediate owner of the offeror. No entity owns or exercises control of the highest level owner.

Immediate owner means an entity, other than the offeror, that has direct control of the offeror.

Indicators of control include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: ownership or interlocking management, identity of interests among family members, shared facilities and equipment, and the common use of employees.

Inverted domestic corporation, means a foreign incorporated entity that meets the definition of an inverted domestic corporation under 6 U.S.C. 395(b), applied in accordance with the rules and definitions of 6 U.S.C. 395(c).

Manufactured end product means any end product in product and service codes (PSCs) 1000- 9999, except—

(1) PSC 5510, Lumber and Related Basic Wood Materials;

(2) Product or Service Group (PSG) 87, Agricultural Supplies;

(3) PSG 88, Live Animals;

(4) PSG 89, Subsistence;

(5) PSC 9410, Crude Grades of Plant Materials;

(6) PSC 9430, Miscellaneous Crude Animal Products, Inedible;

(7) PSC 9440, Miscellaneous Crude Agricultural and Forestry Products;

(8) PSC 9610, Ores;

(9) PSC 9620, Minerals, Natural and Synthetic; and

(10) PSC 9630, Additive Metal Materials.

Place of manufacture means the place where an end product is assembled out of components, or otherwise made or processed from raw materials into the finished product that is to be provided to the Government. If a product is disassembled and reassembled, the place of reassembly is not the place of manufacture.

Predecessor means an entity that is replaced by a successor and includes any predecessors of the predecessor.

Reasonable inquiry has the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title6-section395&num=0&edition=prelim http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title6-section395&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.204-25#FAR_52_204_25

Restricted business operations means business operations in Sudan that include power production activities, mineral extraction activities, oil-related activities, or the production of military equipment, as those terms are defined in the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-174). Restricted business operations do not include business operations that the person (as that term is defined in Section 2 of the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007) conducting the business can demonstrate—

(1) Are conducted under contract directly and exclusively with the regional government of southern Sudan;

(2) Are conducted pursuant to specific authorization from the Office of Foreign Assets Control in the Department of the Treasury, or are expressly exempted under Federal law from the requirement to be conducted under such authorization;

(3) Consist of providing goods or services to marginalized populations of Sudan;

(4) Consist of providing goods or services to an internationally recognized peacekeeping force or humanitarian organization;

(5) Consist of providing goods or services that are used only to promote health or education; or

(6) Have been voluntarily suspended."Sensitive technology"—

Sensitive technology—

(1) Means hardware, software, telecommunications equipment, or any other technology that is to be used specifically—

(i) To restrict the free flow of unbiased information in Iran; or

(ii) To disrupt, monitor, or otherwise restrict speech of the people of Iran; and

(2) Does not include information or informational materials the export of which the President does not have the authority to regulate or prohibit pursuant to section 203(b)(3)of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(3)).

Service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) concern means a small business concern—

(1)

(i) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans; and

(ii) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of a service-disabled veteran with permanent and severe disability, the spouse or permanent caregiver of such veteran; or

(2) A small business concern eligible under the SDVOSB Program in accordance with 13 CFR part 128 (see subpart 19.14).

(3) Service-disabled veteran, as used in this definition, means a veteran as defined in 38 U.S.C.

101(2), with a disability that is service connected, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(16), and who is registered in the Beneficiary Identification and Records Locator Subsystem, or successor system https://www.acquisition.gov/far/subpart-19.14#FAR_Subpart_19_14 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title38-section101&num=0&edition=prelim http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title38-section101&num=0&edition=prelim http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title38-section101&num=0&edition=prelim that is maintained by the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Benefits Administration, as a service-disabled veteran.

Service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) concern eligible under the SDVOSB Program means an SDVOSB concern that—

(1) Effective January 1, 2024, is designated in the System for Award Management (SAM) as certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA) in accordance with 13 CFR 128.300; or

(2) Has represented that it is an SDVOSB concern in SAM and submitted a complete application for certification to SBA on or before December 31, 2023.

Service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) Program means a program that authorizes contracting officers to limit competition, including award on a sole-source basis, to SDVOSB concerns eligible under the SDVOSB Program.

Small business concern—

(1) Means a concern, including its affiliates, that is independently owned and operated, not dominant in its field of operation, and qualified as a small business under the criteria in 13 CFR part 121 and size standards in this solicitation.

(2) Affiliates, as used in this definition, means business concerns, one of whom directly or indirectly controls or has the power to control the others, or a third party or parties control or have the power to control the others. In determining whether affiliation exists, consideration is given to all appropriate factors including common ownership, common management, and contractual relationships. SBA determines affiliation based on the factors set forth at 13 CFR 121.103.

Small disadvantaged business concern, consistent with 13 CFR 124.1001, means a small business concern under the size standard applicable to the acquisition, that—

(1) Is at least 51 percent unconditionally and directly owned (as defined at 13 CFR 124.105) by—

(i) One or more socially disadvantaged (as defined at13 CFR 124.103) and economically disadvantaged (as defined at 13 CFR 124.104) individuals who are citizens of the United States;

and

(ii) Each individual claiming economic disadvantage has a net worth not exceeding the threshold at 13 CFR 124.104(c)(2) after taking into account the applicable exclusions set forth at 13 CFR124.104(c)(2); and

(2) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled (as defined at 13.CFR 124.106) by individuals, who meet the criteria in paragraphs (1)(i) and (ii) of this definition.

Subsidiary means an entity in which more than 50 percent of the entity is owned—

(1) Directly by a parent corporation; or

(2) Through another subsidiary of a parent corporation

Successor means an entity that has replaced a predecessor by acquiring the assets and carrying out the affairs of the predecessor under a new name (often through acquisition or merger). The https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/part-121 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/part-121 term "successor" does not include new offices/divisions of the same company or a company that only changes its name. The extent of the responsibility of the successor for the liabilities of the predecessor may vary, depending on State law and specific circumstances.

Veteran-owned small business concern means a small business concern—

(1) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned and controlled by one or more veterans (as defined at 38 U.S.C. 101(2)) or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more veterans; and

(2) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more veterans.

Women-owned business concern means a concern which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women; or in the case of any publicly…