Amendment 6 - All Scopes LMIR BPA.pdf

LMIR BPA – Summary of Scopes Amendment 006

Land Management Integrated Resources Blanket Purchase Agreement

LMIR BPA

Summary of Scopes

December 16, 2025

IMPORTANT NOTES

The LMIR BPA is for nationwide use by ANY federal contracting office under the jurisdiction of the United States Federal Government.

Please reach out to sm.fs.lmirbpa@usda.gov if you have any questions!

This comprehensive document is replacing the Project Description found on pages 12-14 of the original solicitation (12363N23Q4023Solicitation.pdf), pages 14-16 of the amended solicitation (12363N23Q4023Solicitation-Final_Class Deviation Amendment.pdf), as well as the following attachments in the SAM.gov posting:

1. ProjectManagementScope.pdf

2. Cultural ResourceScope.pdf

3. ProfessionalServicesScope.pdf

3. LandSurveyScope.pdf

3. WildlifeSurveysScope.pdf

3. BotanicalSurveysScope.pdf 4.CommunicationsTribalLiaisonScope.pdf

5. Tech-DataScope.pdf

6. ArchitectEngScope.pdf

7. NEPA-SCOPE.pdf 8.NaturalResourcesRestorationScope.pdf

Any and all Scopes may be combined in order to cover the tasks of a Call Order.

This BPA is for Service contracts, only, and does NOT cover anything that would be required in a Construction and Architectural & Engineering (A-E) of FAR Part 36, or Timber Sale contract.

Many scopes listed below contain information specific to an agency, i.e., Forest Service, BLM or NPS. The scope descriptions are meant to be general in nature, and each call order will vary and provide more specificity depending on the agency and program requesting the requirements listed in the Call Order.

Public law, regulations, manuals, and handbooks referenced are subject to change. Any new legislation or changes to existing documentation are incorporated into the BPA by this reference.

Manuals, etc. of any specific Region or Agency that are referenced are examples and not the only source of information that may be utilized for Call Orders. Additionally, the call orders may include specific Agency/Regional requirements or job descriptions to meet any work categories.

Descriptions of scopes are not all inclusive – some state this, while others do not, but there may be additional work items requested not explicitly stated. The intent of the scope descriptions is to provide some examples of potential specifications that may be associated with a particular scope of work. Variations or closely related tasks not specifically described here may appear on a Call Order.

mailto:sm.fs.lmirbpa@usda.gov https://sam.gov/opp/5316859bdde0442cb06c5539eca23067/view#attachments-links

AMENDMENT 6 SCOPE UPDATES

Scopes Removed:

• Architect/Engineering o While it was intended for preliminary planning phases only, it has been removed due to confusion about its limitations and the potential to interfere with the Brooks Act.

• Hazardous Materials o Too many local requirements and unknowns to remain feasible.

Scopes Adjusted or Limited to stay in accordance with Service Contract requirements:

• Geology and/or Minerals Services o Removed potential for requiring a Certified Engineering Geologist

• Land Mapping Services o Clarifying the types of surveys and that it is not applicable for anything that may be subject to the Brooks Act and A&E Contracting procedures

• Logging And Road Analysis o Clarifying that it is not applicable for anything that may be subject to the Brooks Act and A&E Contracting procedures.

• Logging And Transportation o Clarifying that it is not applicable for anything that may be subject to the Brooks Act and A&E Contracting procedures.

Scopes Added or Expanded:

• Aerial And Satellite Imaging & Assessment Services

• Expanded to include satellite images.

• Field-Based Project Management, Logistics, Safety & Security Services

• Fuels Reduction Treatments

• Updating Fuels Treatments to include disposal of slash and biomass using portable air curtain incinerators.

• Marine Transportation Services

• Nursery Services – General Seedling Nursery Work

• Sediment / Erosion Control and Dust Abatement

• Expanding to include more details about dust abatement and material stabilization.

• Slash Shredding / Disposal / Hauling / Mechanized Burning (Natural Resource Restoration

Scope)

• Expanding Slash Shredding / Hauling to include disposal of slash and biomass using portable air curtain incinerators.

Table of Contents

IMPORTANT NOTES

AMENDMENT 6 SCOPE UPDATES

Aerial and Satellite Imaging & Assessment Services

Aerial Seeding/Mulching/Application (Natural Resource Restoration Scope)

Air Quality and Smoke Management (Professional Services Scope and NEPA Scope)

Anthropologist/Ethnographer (Cultural Resources Scope)

Bioengineering/Storm Water Treatments (Natural Resource Restoration Scope)

Botanical Services (Botanical Surveys, NEPA, and Professional Services Scopes)

Climate Support Services (NEPA Scope)

Communications and Community Engagement Specialist Services (Communications/Tribal Liaison Scope)

Data Collection and Analysis (NEPA Scope)

Data Steward Services (Technical Data Support Scope)

Designation and Cruising (Professional Services Scope)

Ecological Restoration (Natural Resource Restoration Scope)

Economist (NEPA Scope)

Environmental Compliance Coordination (NEPA Scope)

Environmental Justice Analysis (NEPA Scope)

Equipment Management

Facilities Maintenance (Amendment 4)

Field-Based Project Management, Logistics, Safety & Security Services (Amendment 6)

Fish Biology & Fisheries Related Services (Professional Services Scope and NEPA Scope)

Forestry Related Services (Professional Services Scope and NEPA Scope)

Fuels Reduction Treatments (Professional Services Scope and Amendment 4)

Geology and/or Minerals Services (Professional Services Scope and NEPA Scope)

GIS Services / GIS Specialist (Professional Services Scope, NEPA Scope and Cultural Resources Scope)

Graphic Design

Hand Planting / Plant Salvage / Plant Protection (Natural Resource Restoration Scope)

Heritage / Archaeology Services (NEPA Scope and Cultural Resources Scope)

Historian/Archivist (Amendment 4)

Hydrological Services (NEPA Scope)

Hydro-Seeding / Mulching / Fertilizing (Natural Resource Restoration Scope)

Inspection Services

Invasive Plant Control (Professional Services Scope and NEPA Scope)

Land Mapping Services (Land Surveys Scope)

Lands And Special Uses (Professional Services Scope and NEPA Scope)

Landscape Analysis and Watershed Assessments (Professional Services Scope and NEPA Scope)

Landscape Architecture Services (Professional Services Scope and NEPA Scope)

Landscaping/Lawn Maintenance (Natural Resource Restoration Scope & Amendment 4)

Logging And Road Analysis (Professional Services Scope and NEPA Scope)

Logging And Transportation (Professional Services Scope and NEPA Scope)

Marine Transportation Services (Amendment 6)

Mechanical / Hand Seeding (Natural Resource Restoration Scope)

Mechanical / Hydraulic Planting / Plant Protection (Natural Resource Restoration Scope)

Native Grass and Forb Seed and Straw Production (Natural Resource Restoration Scope)

Natural Resource Studies (Professional Services Scope and NEPA Scope)

NEPA - National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA Scope)

Nursery Services – General Seedling Nursery Work (Amendment 6)

Pack and Saddle Stock Mobilization and Assistance (Amendment 6)

Paleontological Services (Professional Services Scope)

Paralegal Services (Professional Services Scope)

Pest Control Services (Amendment 4)

Pesticide Risk and Effects Analysis (Professional Services Scope)

Plant Material Collection / Inventory / Mapping (Natural Resource Restoration Scope)

Plant Propagation (Natural Resource Restoration Scope)

Professional Tree Services

Project Management (Project Management Scope)

Rangeland Management (Professional Services Scope and NEPA Scope)

Records Management (Professional Services Scope)

Recreation (Professional Services Scope and NEPA Scope)

Road Decommissioning / Obliteration / Soil De-Compaction (Natural Resource Restoration Scope and Amendment 4)

Scenery / Visual Resource Management, Impact Assessment, Mitigation Realm (Professional Services Scope and NEPA Scope)

Sediment / Erosion Control and Dust Abatement (Natural Resource Restoration Scope)

Slash Shredding / Disposal / Hauling / Mechanized Burning (Natural Resource Restoration Scope)

Socio-Economic Studies (Professional Services Scope and NEPA Scope)

Soil Science Services (NEPA Scope)

Stocking Surveys (Professional Services Scope and Natural Resource Restoration Scope)

Stream / Riparian / Wetland Restoration / Channel Realignment (Natural Resource Restoration Scope)

Subleader To Project Manager

Technology Specialist

Travel Management (Professional Services Scope and NEPA Scope)

Tree Climbing and Cone/Seed Collection (Natural Resource Restoration Scope)

Tree Cooler Maintenance and Servicing (Natural Resource Restoration Scope)

Tree Planting (Natural Resource Restoration Scope)

Tribal Liaison (Communications/Tribal Liaison Scope)

Vegetation Management (Natural Resource Restoration & NEPA Scopes, Amendment 4)

Wildlife Biology Services (Wildlife Surveys Scope, NEPA Scope and Professional Services Scope)

Aerial and Satellite Imaging & Assessment Services Aerial and Satellite Imaging & Assessment Services may be used to provide imagery (including but not limited to remote sensing and LiDAR) and navigation data, suitable for imaging, mapping, measuring, and monitoring. Products may include, for example, photogrammetric point clouds, digital surface models, LiDAR point clouds, orthophotos, maps, navigation data, and various topographic and spectral products and derivatives for a variety of objectives. The objective is to support all aerial platforms and sensors, and related processing, analyses, and derivatives used to measure, monitor, and map terrain, vegetation, and natural and manmade features.

The contractor may be asked to provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform aerial or satellite survey and imagery or remote sensing, Agencies may require aerial or satellite imagery services for direct digital acquisition of various resolutions, e.g., 5 to 200 cm resolution, various sensor arrangements, e.g., single or multi-band LiDAR, 3, 4, 7, or hyperspectral stereo imagery coverage for regions of interest to federal entities.

Four-band spectral Imagery/remote sensing acquisition may be accomplished using a digital sensor that collects four-band multi-spectral natural color (RGB) and color infrared (CIR) simultaneously.

The following are potential deliverables which may also be part of the requirements, such as a time window which represents 2 hours from solar noon, or specified lidar pulse density. and “leaf-on”, “leaf-off”, “cloud-free”, “haze-free”, or “snow-free” conditions:

• Schedule (data acquisition, data processing, data delivery).

• Proposed acquisition windows

• Proposed time window for optimal sun exposure (imagery)

• Proposed ground sample distance (GSD) of raw imagery and final deliverables

• Ground conditions (leaf-on”, “leaf-off”, “cloud-free”, “haze-free”, “snow-free”, “no standing water”, etc.”)

• Project personnel with contact information of the project and field operation manager(s) upon notice to proceed

• Proposed flight design in ESRI ArcGIS Pro readable vector file format, e.g. ESRI File

Geodatabase or shapefile

• Proposed baseline lengths for aerial collection

• Calibration testing methodology(s)

• Sensor model and specifications (single sensor may be required for consistency)

• Sensor calibration reports

• Survey ground control acquisition parameters and processing protocols

• Aerial photography/remote sensing collection parameters (flying height, Scan FOV full angle, pulse rate, scanner frequency, front-lap percentage, side-lap percentage, point density etc.)

• Acquisition progress reports

• Final airplane trajectories and time stamps associated with remote sensing data

• Raw stereo imagery organized in a sensible manner and described in a metadata file

• Digital stereo orthophotos

• DTM used or orthophoto processing

• Digital photogrammetric point clouds (.laz) or surface models (.tif or .img)

• Lidar point clouds with intensity and possibly spectral information in laz format (currently, laz 1.4 R14)

• Data delivery tiles as vector files in ESRI ArcGIS Pro readable vector file format

• Metadata with projection information, post-processing software, and software parameters used

• Level of compliance with requirements for flying windows (e.g., 10AM – 2PM between

May 1 and August 30)

• Data delivery on external hard drive(s) that will be retained by the federal requisitioner, including interim deliveries

• FGDC compliant metadata

Description of internal verification quality control processes:

• Data validation

• Pre-processing and accuracy check

• Field calibration and verification protocols (if applicable)

• Processing quality control

• Product delivery quality control

Aerial Seeding/Mulching/Application (Natural Resource Restoration Scope) Aerial Seeding/Mulching Application/Project Material(s) transport. Services may include, but are not limited to:

• Helicopters, drones, and/or fixed wing aircraft for the application of dry seed

• Dry fertilizer

• Hydro-seed/mulch/fertilizer

• Grass straw and wood product mulches, compost, etc.

• Applying approved herbicides for help in controlling an assortment of introduced and/or invasive plant species.

Aerial vegetation spraying via helicopter or other aircraft for the requesting agency as defined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS). Anticipated projects might involve Ferry (helicopter) of restoration materials, equipment, and supplies into remote or inaccessible project sites or aiding post fire restoration work, such as Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) efforts to provide soil stabilization. All appropriate Forest Service aircraft requirements will apply and would be addressed in the specific Call.

Air Quality and Smoke Management (Professional Services Scope and NEPA Scope) Professional Services

Contractor shall be knowledgeable of federal, state, and local county air regulations pertaining mainly to open burning. This performance standard includes fluency of understanding and interpretation of Section 118 requirements of the Clean Air Act and State Implementation Plans (SIP); which include a Smoke Management Plan. Determination of potential impacts from the proposed use of prescribed fire on designated non-attainment and smoke sensitive areas must be a part of any analysis related to this work item.

The contractor shall be knowledgeable in combustion processes and emission factors associated with prescribed fire for the various vegetative and fuels found within the project area. If prescribed fire use is proposed within a SIP non- attainment area, the Contractor shall be capable of performing conformity rules determination of the impacts of the burning through modeling.

Primary emission sources to be analyzed are: Particulate Matter (PM2.5) from prescribed burning activities and fugitive dust generated from road construction, recreation use, and commercial hauling activities as well as volatile organic compound emissions resulting from oil and gas exploration and production activities.

The Contractor will determine total emissions produced by the proposed activity for each alternative displayed by the analysis. Modelling downwind impacts may be necessary if there is concern over avoiding impact of smoke to sensitive populated areas.

The Government will supply guidelines for preparing Air Quality Analysis for the project areas upon request.

NEPA

The contractor must be knowledgeable of federal, state, county, and local air regulations pertaining mainly to open burning. This includes a clear understanding of the Section 118 requirements of the Clean Air Act and State Implementation Plans (SIPs), which include Smoke Management Plans. Determination of potential impacts from the proposed use of prescribed fire on designated non-attainment and smoke sensitive areas must be a part of the analysis.

The contractor must be knowledgeable in the combustion process and emission factors associated with prescribed fire for the various vegetation and fuels found within the project area. If prescribed fire use is proposed within a SIP non-attainment area, the contractor must be capable of performing a conformity rules determination of the impacts of the burning through modeling.

The contractor must be knowledgeable of the direct and indirect impacts of air pollutants to the soil, water and vegetation of forests and rangelands.

The contractor may be tasked to analyze primary emissions and emission sources, including Particulate Matter (PM2.5) from prescribed burning activities and fugitive dust from road construction, recreation use, and commercial hauling activities, as well as volatile organic compound emissions resulting from oil and gas exploration and production activities.

The contractor may be tasked to determine total emissions produced by the proposed activity for each alternative displayed by the analysis. Modelling downwind impacts may be necessary if there is concern over avoiding impact of smoke to sensitive populated areas.

The Government will supply guidelines for the Contractor to prepare Air Quality Analysis for the project areas.

Anthropologist/Ethnographer (Cultural Resources Scope) Ethnographic Studies

Work may include:

• Conducting interviews with Native American elders and tribal members, or other ethnic groups who may have information specific to a project area. Interviews may require field visits to particular areas of interest within a project area or geographic landscape.

• Development of reports that include oral histories, ethnographic interviews, how the landscape is regarded by tribal members or other peoples, and management recommendations based on the informant’s perspective.

Professional Services that may be required:

• Anthropologist/Ethnographer

• Archaeologist/Historian

• GIS Specialist

Anthropology/Ethnography personnel may be required to meet the following minimum professional qualifications standards, but will be specified at the call level:

Ethnographer/Cultural Anthropologist

The minimum professional qualifications in ethnography or cultural anthropology are a graduate degree in anthropology with a specialization in applied cultural anthropology, or a closely related field like folklore, plus

1. A minimum of two (2) years of full-time professional experience (including at least six months of field work supervised by a professional Cultural Anthropologist) applying the theories, methods; and practices of Cultural Anthropology that enables professional judgments to be made about the identification, evaluation, documentation, registration, or treatment of historic, precontact, or traditional cultural properties; and

2. Products and activities that demonstrate the successful application of acquired proficiencies in the discipline to the practice of historic preservation.

Example of essential competencies can be found at:

https://www.nps.gov/ethnography/training/competencies_all.pdf

Bioengineering/Storm Water Treatments (Natural Resource Restoration Scope) Projects may involve slope/soil stabilization utilizing (live stakes and fascines, live crib-walls, vegetated geo-textiles, vegetated gabion walls, vegetated riprap, vegetated rock walls, retaining walls, "stinger" plantings, etc.), stream bank restoration/stabilization/enhancement, storm water treatments including: mechanical filtration systems, bioretention, bio-filtration swales, vegetated buffer strips, sodding, settling basins, wet detention ponds, storm water wetlands, and ecology embankments for example.

Botanical Services (Botanical Surveys, NEPA, and Professional Services Scopes) Botanical Surveys

The purpose of this BPA is to provide a pool of contractors available to accomplish 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 of the areas surveyed. Work can be on lands managed by federal agencies anywhere in the United States. Botanical surveys may include vascular plants (including rare and invasive plants), non-vascular plants (bryophytes [mosses and liverworts] and lichens), and/or fungi, for an assortment of projects in diverse ecological settings over a broad geographic area.

The products of this BPA include, but are not limited to:

1. Conduct botanical surveys according to protocol(s) for target botanical species.

https://www.nps.gov/ethnography/training/competencies_all.pdf

2. Document and map target species when located by surveys, using GPS and field forms. Fill out appropriate forms legibly so they are able to be printed or copied.

3. Document and map areas surveyed on appropriate forms, whether or not target species were found.

Forms must be filled out legibly and able to be printed or copied.

4. Provide habitat information for target species populations and areas surveyed.

5. Provide maps delineating survey routes and populations of target plant species, or GPS Tracks of survey routes with locations of target plant species.

6. Appropriately collected and annotated voucher specimens of target plant species.

7. Monumenting of verified or potential target species.

8. Provide photos of each target species showing the entire plant as well as photos showing diagnostic characteristics (see each species protocol for additional requirements), and the habitat it occurs in.

9. Written report summarizing areas surveyed and target species located/mapped. If surveys span more than one season, then annual reports will be provided. If one-season surveys, then a final report will be provided. Reports include associated species, habitat descriptions, and habitat threats/disturbances.

10. Provide GIS mapping files and include a complete list of target species per unit and their location coordinates in an excel spreadsheet. Each BPA call will specify which mapping coordinates are to be used (e.g., UTM in Datum NAD 1983, Zones 10 North or 11 North, or latitude and longitude in decimal degrees).

CONTRACTOR OBLIGATIONS (Actual Specifications will be specified in Individual Call Orders)

The contractor shall furnish everything necessary to perform the contract including, but not limited to, all labor, equipment, supervision, materials/supplies (except those materials designated as Government furnished) and incidentals necessary to perform vascular and nonvascular plant surveys in accordance with the enclosed specifications, terms and conditions. All federal and state rules and regulations will be followed as well as appropriate federal agency jurisdictional guidelines unique to each agency.

The Contractor shall be liable for all loss or damage of such Government-furnished property until completion and final acceptance of work required under this contract.

The Contractor shall provide field personnel who have experience and knowledge of the following:

a. Are proficient in the identification of target species which pertain to the type of survey being conducted.

b. Experience in proper collection techniques for voucher specimens.

c. Experience in field techniques including aerial photo, map interpretation, and floristic field observation skills. This includes the identification of vascular plant species and plant communities for the geographical area of interest (to be able to make a list of associated species).

d. Ability to document location, ecological condition, habitat, and survey routes for areas occupied by target species.

Specifically, but not necessarily all inclusive, the Contractor shall furnish:

a. Compass with azimuth and the appropriate declination setting for the geographic area.

b. Clinometer

c. Hand Lens (minimum magnification 10X).

d. GPS receiver unit, recreational grade (e.g., Garmin E-Trex at a minimum) that will be used to map each site for each target species. The GPS unit must be capable of allowing the user to select the correct coordinate system (UTM and datum or LAT/LONG) as specified in the BPA call. Mapping accuracy shall be 30 meters or better.

e. Protective covering for original aerial photos (large “Ziploc” freezer bags).

f. As specified in the BPA call, wide-lined permanent markers for marking flagging and fine-lined permanent marking pens for marking topographical maps and/or aerial photos.

g. Appropriate technical references (i.e., plant keys and monographs) to accurately identify botanical species encountered during the inventory.

h. A digital camera with a minimum resolution of 5 mega-pixels, JPEG format.

i. Compound and dissecting microscopes and chemicals required for proper identification of target species, and packets or other appropriate containers for vouchering specimens.

j. Blank CDs or USB/thumb drive, for submitting electronic forms, maps, photos, summary report, and electronic data files.

k. Contractors must have access to a computer with an internet connection, email, and Microsoft

Word and Excel programs and GIS mapping software if specified in BPA call.

REWORK (Actual Specifications will be specified in Individual Call Orders)

The Contractor will be required to rework any area or portion thereof that does not meet the terms of the contract. If the inspection reveals the need for rework, the COR will notify the Contractor immediately in writing. All reworks must be completed prior to proceeding with new areas, unless otherwise specified in the BPA call.

The following deficiencies will require rework:

a. Populations or habitats not identified;

b. Survey and/or Sighting forms not filled out completely and correctly, or do not have linking identifier to any voucher specimen and map;

c. Voucher specimen field tags not completely filled out or do not have linking identifier to any sighting form or map, or missing photos of target species and habitat.

d. Maps that do not thoroughly or accurately portray the survey route, have target species incorrectly located, are not legible, and do not have a linking identifier to any sighting forms, and voucher specimens;

e. Sites that cannot be relocated by flagging or do not have a linking identifier to any sighting forms, voucher specimens and maps

f. GIS data that is the wrong datum, not digitized correctly, unique identifier does not match data form or is missing a required attribute and;

g. Final reports that are not complete.

Unless otherwise specified in the BPA call, if work falls below minimum standards for field work (e.g., inaccurate GPS coordinates, monumenting) and documentation (e.g., maps, sighting forms, vouchers, and report), the Government will immediately notify the Contractor in writing and order improvement of the quality of future work. Reinspection after rework will be made in the same manner as the first inspection but in a different area. If the quality of future work is not raised to a satisfactory level within three consecutive workdays after receipt of notice in writing of unsatisfactory work, the Contractor’s right to proceed may be terminated and the contract considered in default. Repeated failure to perform work at an acceptable performance shall also be considered reason for contract termination and default action.

DELIVERABLES/TASKS (Actual Deliverables will be specified in Individual Call Orders)

Field Work and Documentation

• BPA calls may be issued for field work between the contract award date and when the BPA is terminated. The period of performance for BPA calls will be indicated in each BPA call.

• The Contractor shall conduct surveys following the most current, established written protocols for target species. Potential survey protocols to be used in the BPA calls are available by request from the COR.

• If there is no survey protocol for the target species, surveys would be conducted using the Intuitive Controlled Survey Method. The Contractor shall survey units by walking routes that cover a representative cross section (at least 80%) of all major topographic features (slopes, draws, benches, ridges, etc.) and special habitat features (wet areas, rock outcrops, ridges, riparian areas, etc.) of each unit. In areas of high potential habitat, a more thorough and intensive survey shall be made. Two or more entries into portions of units may be needed in order to identify the target plant or fungal species likely to occur during its flowering/fruiting period.

• All field work shall be fully documented using forms provided by the government agency.

In order to receive full payment, all required fields must be properly and legibly completed.

• Units where boundaries are not clearly identified on the ground shall be surveyed by approximating the boundary location from maps and photos provided by the Federal Agency.

For every survey unit, the Contractor shall:

1. Complete the appropriate Survey Field Form(s) (see Survey Field Form example, Attachment 2) as specified in the BPA call. Survey Field Form(s) must be completed whether or not target species were found and shall have a map attached that shows the approximate location of the survey routes traveled. All required fields on the form must be completed and legible. Forms will be filled out electronically or hardcopy, depending on what is specified in each BPA call.

2. Complete a list of all plant species encountered during the survey that are either in flower/fruit at the time of the survey or are readily identifiable vegetatively. Lists will be provided in an Excel spreadsheet or hard copy field form, depending on the BPA call specifications.

3. Delineate survey routes with flagging (Government-provided) or GPS tracks, depending on the BPA call specifications. If routes are to be flagged, each BPA call will specify how to hang the flagging. The following is an example of what may be required. Double strands of route flagging shall be labeled/dated and hung at the beginning and end of each route. Single strands shall be hung approximately every 100 feet along the survey line to show the survey route. When contours of the land and/or dense vegetation reduce easy visibility, flagging shall be hung at whatever intervals are needed to follow the survey lines. The survey route shall be accurately depicted on a separate topographic section map. Writing on all flagging shall be with a wide-tipped permanent black marker and note the project for which the survey is being completed, date, and surveyor’s initials. The Federal Agency for which the task order is being completed shall select the appropriate color of flagging to be used to denote the survey route. If GPS tracks are used, then the tracks shall be turned “on” to record the survey routes taken.

4. Depending on the individual BPA call, the contractor may be required to provide a typed Word-compatible summary report, whether or not target species are found.

5. When a target species is found, each population will be given a unique identifier number, documented on the appropriate form(s), and may require collection of a voucher specimen, depending on the BPA call specifications. Target plant populations shall be mapped and must be re-locatable using flagging and coordinates as specified in BPA call.

For every site, the following shall be completed by the Contractor:

1. Collect location coordinates at the site for populations of all target species and record the coordinates on the appropriate field form (e.g., see example of Element Occurrence Form, Attachment 3).

a. The type of GPS equipment and the Datum and Zone if using UTMs shall be indicated on the site form (e.g., Trimble GeoExplorer 3, NAD83 Zone 10), as well as the accuracy level if provided on the GPS unit (e.g., accurate within 10 meters).

b. Mapping accuracy shall be 30 meters or better.

c. Coordinates are to be in NAD83.

d. Depending on the BPA call, GPS the center of each target species population and/or the boundary.

e. Shapefiles with data attribute tables and coordinates of the GPS’d populations may need to be provided to the COR along with the required forms once every two weeks, depending on the BPA call specifications.

f. All GPS point locations will be submitted to the COR in a shapefile as polygons. Minimum polygon size is 0.1 acre.

2. Each BPA call will define how to flag a site so it can be relocated. Depending on the BPA call, the Contractor may be required to monument sites for voucher specimens whose taxonomic identity is not yet determined.

• The following is an example of how a site may be required to be flagged:

• Sites will be flagged so they can be relocated.

• Reference trees may need to be documented on the target species sighting form.

• For sites less than 30 feet in diameter, place 2 long flags as close to the center of the site as possible, but in a location where they can be easily seen from a distance.

o If no trees or shrubs are close to the species occurrence to attach the flags to, hang them on the closest trees or shrubs within 50 feet and indicate on the flagging the azimuth and distance to the actual species location.

• For occurrences greater than 30 feet and less than 100 feet in diameter, place 2 long flags in the approximate center of the site and clearly flag the perimeter of the polygon with single strands.

• Also hang single strands of flagging close to the actual location(s) of the target plants.

• Draw the population boundary on both the topographical map and the aerial photo.

• GPS the center of the population and map these sites as polygons.

• If the occurrence is greater than 100 feet in diameter, mark the approximate center of the population with 2 long flags and hang single strands of flagging close to the actual location(s) of the target plants.

• Map the boundary of the population on both the topographical map and the aerial photo as a polygon, but no perimeter flagging is needed.

• GPS each sub-population and show their locations on the topographical map. Indicate on the site form how any sub-populations were flagged within the polygon.

• The central flagging at each target plant site shall be labeled with the plant code, date, site number, and surveyor’s initials. Writing shall be from the knot down on the upper end of the flag, using a wide-tipped permanent black marker.

• Multiple sightings of the same species with a survey unit shall be clearly labeled in sequence, for example, “species, population 1, date, surveyor’s initials”, “species, population 2, date, surveyor’s initials”, etc.

• The single strands of flagging marking the actual location of the species’ occurrence and at least some of the perimeter flagging should be marked with the species code and site number to help distinguish it from adjacent populations.

• Plant species codes are found in the PLANTS Database at: https://plants.usda.gov/. If a PLANTS Database species code does not exist for a non-vascular or fungal species, write enough of the scientific name for the species to be properly identified on the flagging.

• The location of the sites shall be accurately marked on an aerial photo and on a topographical map as a point or polygon, as appropriate. The species code and site number shall be used. If the site is a polygon that contains multiple patches of plants, number these sub-populations and show their locations on the map. The site number on the flagging shall match that on the site forms and the maps.

• All required data fields must be completed on the appropriate site forms. Electronic or hardcopy forms shall have a map attached that shows the location of the site.

• At least one photograph of the target species itself and one of the general habitat where it is located shall be taken after hanging the identifying flagging.

o Each photograph shall be labeled with an Image ID number and the number recorded on the appropriate field form.

o Photos may be submitted electronically or hardcopy once every two weeks for the corresponding site forms.

Any data, photos, findings, survey results, etc., are the property of the Government. The Government will retain the rights to use this intellectual property as needed.

• Voucher collections, if required, will be appropriately collected and annotated according to protocols for these species. Each BPA call will describe the vouchers that need to be collected.

Depending on the individual BPA call, the Contractor may be required to submit vouchers to the Regional Inventory Coordinator Assistant.

REPORTS (Actual Specifications will be specified in Individual Call Orders)

The contractor shall provide one (1) hard copy and one (1) electronic copy (Microsoft Word-compatible document on a CD or USB/thumb drive) of a Report for each fungi survey season or a Final Report for one-season botanical surveys. Reports must include color copies of a map of the project area, designating the survey routes and element occurrences, areas of populations of known or potential target species, list of vouchers completed, including the dates, acres surveyed, and element occurrences found, and a summary of habitats found in the different units, including information on elevation ranges, topography (including relationship to watershed), soil types, plant communities, dominant trees, shrubs, and forbs, special habitats, apparent history (e.g., burned), and observations (e.g., presence of invasive plants, OHV impacts, etc.).

In addition to the written report(s), the Contractor will also provide:

a. An Excel spreadsheet summarizing target species locations by unit with 5 columns of information:

i. Genus

ii. Species specific epithet https://plants.usda.gov/

iii. Species code (using the PLANTS database as a source for the code names; If the PLANTS database does not list the species, then a code will be entered that is the first 3 letters of the genus plus the first 3 letters of the species)

iv. Unique identifier (collector’s numbering system discussed earlier)

v. Location coordinates as specified in BPA call (x,y coordinates)

vi. An Excel spreadsheet summarizing associated species.

b. Depending on the BPA call, the Contractor may be required to present survey results in person to Agency Botanists, using a PowerPoint presentation to show photos of habitats surveyed and photos of target plants and the habitat these populations occurred in.

Presentation would be one hour or less and the Contractor would respond to questions and interact with Agency Botanists.

The specific BPA call may require additional data such as:

a. Tables and/or charts indicating target species occurrences, habitat, abundance and plant communities or plant associations.

b. If more than 10 specimens of one species are found, summarize the habitat, substrate, site types and other relevant ecological information.

Professional Services

Resource studies for botany, fish, and wildlife may include biological evaluation or biological assessment preparation consistent with the appropriate Forest Service manual and handbook direction.

Prepare a botanical report and a Biological Assessment/ Evaluation (BA/BE), consistent with Forest Service Manual 2670 (or other Agency specifics), for any threatened, endangered, proposed, candidate or sensitive plant species that are known or suspected to occur within the project area or for which potential habitat has been identified. Data collected in support of these evaluations must be in a format that allows assessments to be completed that contribute to determinations of effects under the Endangered Species Act, consistency with Forest Plan direction, and general NEPA effects disclosure. The USFS or Issuing Agency will provide a list of plants to be assessed. The USFS retains decision-making authority.

NEPA

If tasked, a Botanist must prepare a botanical report for at-risk species (threatened, endangered, proposed, candidate, sensitive, species of conservation concern, or species identified by the Forest) and invasive plant species. Plant surveys must be conducted in compliance with policy contained in Forest Service direction, including the Forest Service Manual.

If tasked, a Botanist must prepare a draft Biological Assessment/Evaluation for any threatened, endangered, proposed candidate or sensitive plant species that are known or suspected to occur within the project area, or for which potential habitat has been identified. Data collected in support of these evaluations must be in a format that allows assessments to be completed that contribute to determinations of effects under the ESA, consistency with Forest Plan direction and general NEPA effects disclosure.

The Forest Service will provide a list of plants to be assessed. The Forest Service retains approval authority and the ability to revise determinations for any Biological Assessment / Biological Evaluation written.

The contractor must be knowledgeable in the principles, practices, and concepts of botany sufficient to perform the identification, surveying and/or sampling techniques and management of plants, including terrestrial and aquatic invasive plant species. The contractor must be knowledgeable of the basic methods, techniques, and procedures necessary to conduct vegetation inventories and plant work; of vegetation communities as described in botanical literature to identify plant communities during field inventories; and professional knowledge of plant taxonomy in order to identify plants during field inventories and to confirm identification utilizing other resources. The contractor must be knowledgeable of federal, state, and county terrestrial and aquatic invasive species regulations. The contractor must be knowledgeable of the ESA.

Special permits/certifications to perform this work may be required of the contractor.

Work may include analyzing the current condition of invasive plants for the project area including risk assessments for introduction and spread of species. Work may include collecting sufficient field information to prepare appropriate mitigation measures, determining feasible treatment options, and assessing effects of the proposed action. Work may include data collection, which must be in compliance with policy contained in the Forest Service Manual and any other pertinent information provided by the Forest Service in the order.

Climate Support Services (NEPA Scope) The contractor must be knowledgeable of climate variability and science, climate data, and ecological social and economic processes and possess the skill to evaluate and assess the impact of various management practices. The work may include evaluating the effects of climate variability and change on a proposed program or project; the effect of a proposed program or project on carbon levels through greenhouse gas emissions and sequestration; and the cumulative effect of the program or project and climate change on other resources of interest.

Work may consist of assessing physical, biological, social and economic resources of an identifiable portion of plan area to determine the role of climate variability and change, to analyze the environmental impacts at the appropriate scale using the best available science (e.g., Template for Assessing Climate Change Impacts and Management Options), and to integrate climate change into the environmental analysis document.

Planning and analysis work may include incorporating cumulative effects and climate-related vulnerabilities and uncertainties into program and project-level environmental analyses and discussions.

Evaluate and assess the environmental impact of various management practices, with consideration of climate science, climate models, and ecological processes. Determine the effect of climate change on a proposed project; the effect of a proposed project on climate change through greenhouse gas emissions and sequestration; and the cumulative effect of the project and climate change on other resources of interest.

Assess physical, biological and social resources of an identifiable portion of an ecosystem to determine the role of climate change, to analyze the environmental impacts at the appropriate scale using the best climate change information available, and to integrate climate change into the environmental analysis document.

Include incorporating climate-related vulnerabilities and uncertainties into land management and project-level environmental analyses and discussing how a range of uncertain future climate conditions might affect the expected consequences of proposed activities. For activities in Region 4, the 2018 Interagency Partnership Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation in the Intermountain Region (General Technical Report 375, available at https://adaptationpartners.org/iap/ shall be the basis for analysis and assessment.

Communications and Community Engagement Specialist Services (Communications/Tribal Liaison Scope) The contractor will work with identified core leadership to develop themes, goals and objectives to design a high-level approach. The contractor will be responsible for coaching various work groups. Group coaching will be conducted with a strong emphasis on facilitated experiential learning and professional growth. The contractor must provide a customizable approach to engagements and possess skill in design and conduct https://adaptationpartners.org/iap/ of virtual meetings. Contractor must be an agile resource able to be utilized intermittently. Additionally, the contractor will deliver facilitation and change management consulting services via methodology reflecting new research, new ideas, and changes in the workplace as well as experiences and feedback from previous sessions.

As the socio-economic, public expectations and demands and organizational focus changes, so does the need for agency market and industry representation. All these changes impact the focus and management of internal resources, both physical and emotional. The contractor will be responsible for assisting the agency in focusing on developing and marketing Values, Purpose, and Relationships in stewardship of national resources.

Examples of common Communications and Community Engagement Specialist Services:

Work under the awarded BPAs may relate to the following typical subject areas. This list is not all- inclusive:

• Develop communication plans

• Town Halls (Internal and External, in-person and virtual)

• Engagement work models

• Marketing Plans

• Strategy and visualization for Life-Work/Work Environments

• Design and delivery of Leadership forums

• Brand Initiatives

• Socialize and deploy agency programs and efforts

• Advance Agency Community Engagement

• Public Awareness

• Targeting Market Identification and Analysis

• Identifying and Implementing Strategies

• Development and execution of Agency Values promotion efforts

• Conducting Focus Groups

• Facilitation of Leadership Development activities

• Preparing/distributing/compiling and analyzing of surveys

• Facilitated meetings

• Leadership development

• Mentoring and coaching for the development and implementation of emotional intelligence-based leadership and function

• Coaching various work groups

Data Collection and Analysis (NEPA Scope) Collect (Inventory) and Analyze Data (NEPA) – which may include maximum use of existing Agency data and information available, new data collection following established Agency protocols and methods (as defined in the Forest Handbook, Manual, or local supplements), GPS data collection, mapping, GIS work and data entry to agency standards. The inventory work may be updating an existing inventory or creating a new inventory. Analysis must be conducted using rigorous, valid analytical techniques.

The following guidelines are primarily related to the gathering of resource information:

A. Maximize the use of existing National Forest information available before initiating field investigation or inventory activity. Available information will be identified as part of the Government Furnished Property.

B. The Contractor shall not release data or information gathered through a task order without written permission of the Government.

C. Public law, regulations, manuals, and handbooks referenced are subject to change.

D. The Government requires that all data collected and prepared for the basis of summary documentation is delivered to the Government at the conclusion of the study in an appropriate electronic format that allows future use by the Agency. Original hard copy information such as field data collection forms, etc. may also be required to be delivered to the Agency. In addition, the Contractor shall document any updates made to government furnished data as a result of field checking or other means of verification. As a minimum, state what the updates were, what areas were affected, and why.

Data Steward Services (Technical Data Support Scope) Includes, but not limited to:

This work includes all aspects of Software, Technical Support & Database Maintenance and support.

This Scope includes Software, Technical Support, and Database Maintenance. Maintain software to provide database architecture, inventory processing, harvest planning and sustainability, or any other relevant functionality including technical support, incorporate ongoing research informed by best available science, and ranking of the attributes. Components of these attributes the contractor will address are listed below:

1. Provide ongoing software & tech support.

2. Work with the federal databases.

3. Compile vegetation database GIS updates, recalibration of the model and upload of data.

Designation and Cruising (Professional Services Scope) This scope includes, but is not limited to:

1. A Forester or Forestry Technician shall determine and flag harvest unit boundaries following NEPA specific standards for logging feasibility, riparian habitat conservations areas, unsuitable forest lands, etc.

2. A Forester or Forestry Technician shall oversee designation of boundaries and trees for cut or leave using USFS-provided paint. Paint shall be accounted for in accordance with Forest directions. Use marking guides developed from the silvicultural prescription. Follow Regional Accountability standards for marking trees.