12444123R0009 STATEMENT OF WORK Update.docx

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION/SPECIFCATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

I. STATEMENT OF WORK: CULTURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ON THE NATIONAL FORESTS IN FLORIDA AND THE FLORIDA NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL

GENERAL

Scope of Work

1.1.1 Authority. The investigations to be conducted under this Scope of Work are initiated and influenced by a number of Federal requirements. These requirements include, but are not limited to National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended; the National Environmental Policy Act; Executive Order 11593 (Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment); the Archeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974; the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act; the Archeological Resources Protection Act; and the National Forests in Florida Heritage Preservation Plan (completed January, 2010). The investigations conducted under this Scope of Work are also influenced by the requirements of the Florida Department of Historical Resources as put forth in Module Three Guidelines for Use by Historic Preservation Professionals.

1.1.2 Purpose. There are two types of archeological survey: One survey will be conducted along specific corridors identified by linear GPS coordinates, map and/or flagged location within lands administered by the National Forests in Florida. The other type of survey will be conducted within specific stands of timber, areas proposed for vegetation treatment or other undertakings and other portions of the National Forests. Occasionally, for proposed undertakings involving National Forest in Florida partnership, funding or oversight, survey will be located on land managed by the State of Florida or privately-owned land. Underwater archeological survey, data recovery and survey requiring ground penetrating radar or terrestrial LiDAR scanning may be required for occasional task orders. Historic structure assessments, maintenance plans, documentation and NRHP nominations will occur on lands managed by or proposed to be managed by the National Forests in Florida.

1.1.3 General Requirements. The Contractor shall provide all personnel, supervision, equipment, tools, supplies, materials, transportation, facilities, and incidentals necessary to perform archaeological survey or structure-related tasks on lands administered by the National Forests in Florida. These include the Apalachicola National Forest (Apalach and Wakulla Districts as well as Chipola Forest land), former Choctawhatchee National Forest tracts (returned to Forest Service management from Eglin Air Force Base), Ocala National Forest (Lake George and Seminole Districts), Osceola National Forest, land proposed for exchange and land designated or proposed as Florida National Scenic Trail. Counties include, but are not limited to, Baker, Columbia, Franklin, Lake, Leon, Liberty, Marion, Okaloosa, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Union, Walton and Wakulla. Additionally, for survey on private land or lands managed by the State of Florida or other Federal Agencies, the Contractor shall acquire all necessary permits required to perform work identified in task orders. The Contractor shall acquire any other necessary permits required to perform work identified in task orders including “Call before You Dig” utilities safety precautions. This statement of work consists of completing the tasks/subtasks in Section C, part V according to the performance requirements of Section C, part V.

1.1.4 Description of Services. The USDA Forest Service, National Forests in Florida is in need of professional archeological services for archeological investigations and all associated tasks as defined in the Federal Regulations mentioned above survey to identify, evaluate, and mitigate archaeological sites and historic properties on national forest lands in Florida and other historic preservation services. Historic preservation services include assessing and documenting historic structures, producing historic property maintenance and management plans, developing interpretive plans and associated signage, researching and writing historic contexts for structures, documenting historic structures by creating Historic American Building Survey (HABS) drawings (or similar structural drawings, as applicable), and nominating historic properties to the NRHP, and producing and implementing curation plans. Tasks include, but are not limited to, archeological survey, archeological data recovery, geophysical (remote sensing such as ground penetrating radar, magnetometer or soil resistivity) survey and recording, artifact analysis of all recovered artifacts, collections management, site recording, prehistoric and historic synthesis, historic research, photographic documentation, architectural drawings (when applicable), report preparation, completion of applicable Florida Site File forms, global positioning system (GPS) and geographical information systems (GIS) mapping, producing survey and site maps, digital image processing, and locating and marking archeological sitessite evaluation on national forest lands in Florida, as well as state and private land involved in proposed Forest Service undertakings. Specific requirements will vary by land unit and according to individual work task orders under this contract. All activities must comply with the standards laid forth in Federal Regulations pertaining to specific tasks and all reports and site file submissions must meet the criteria as described in the State of Florida’s Module Three Guidelines for Use by Historic Preservation Professionals.

1.2. Personnel

1.2.1 Contract Manager. The contractor shall provide a contract manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate(s) who shall act for the contractor when the manager is absent shall be designated in writing to the contracting officer.

1.2.1.1 Authority. The contract manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operations of this contract.

1.2.1.2. Availability. The contract manager or alternate shall be available during normal duty hours within three hours to meet on the national forest with government personnel designated by the contracting officer to discuss problems areas.

1.2.2. Personnel. The Contractor shall assign to this contract key personnel who meet the minimum criteria established in the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines, Archeology and Historic Preservation, Professional Qualifications Standards (see also 36 CFR Part 61). A contract proposal must include curriculum vitae for the Principal Investigator and the Field Director/Project Archeologist, or Historic Architect or Engineer as applicable, demonstrating their academic qualifications and experience. If other personnel have not been identified at the time of contract proposal, vitae on these positions may be omitted until such time as they are identified. Employment under the terms of this contract for all individuals not identified at the time of the contract proposal is subject to acceptance by the Contracting Officer's Representative. The Contracting Officer’s Representative shall be notified in advance of all changes in Principal Investigator and Field Director during the period of contract services. Government acceptance under the terms of each task order for all individuals not identified at the time of the contract proposal is subject to acceptance by the Contracting Officer's Representative. Along with each price quote in response to individual task orders awarded under this IDIQ, contractors will be required to submit the names and job titles of all crew members that meet Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines, Archeology and Historic Preservation, Professional Qualifications Standards (see also 36 CFR Part 61). At least one individual meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines, Archeology and Historic Preservation, Professional Qualifications Standards (see also 36 CFR Part 61) must be present at all times in the field during the performance of any task requiring on-site fieldwork.

1.2.2.1 Substitutions. During the performance of the contract, 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 and shall submit the information required by paragraph 1.2.2.2 to the Contracting Officer for approval prior to making any permanent substitutions.

1.2.2.2 Proposed Substitutions. 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 or higher 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.

1.2.3. Employees and Vehicles. Contractor personnel shall wear protective clothing while working on the national forests including orange safety vest or similar clothing during hunting season. Contractor personnel shall have access to a communication device while conducting field work that is capable of contacting emergency assistance. Contractor shall provide every field crew member with a copy of the safety plan that addresses the specific task order and location in which they are working. Regarding safety, the Contractor shall follow standards set forth in 29 CFR 1910 and/or 1926. While working on the national forests, contractor vehicles shall be clearly marked with distinctive signs or plaques identifying the name of the company. During fieldwork, contractor personnel shall check in and out daily with the district office administering the area of the project and provide an intended work location and number of personnel and shall provide the Forest Service with emergency telephone numbers. A four-wheel drive vehicle with winch is not necessary to access every survey area under this contract and, although recommended, is not required equipment for the performance of this Contract. However, many survey areas are difficult to access with two-wheel drive vehicles. The Contractor will be provided with maps of proposed survey areas for each task order executed under this contract. The Contractor shall determine the level of difficulty, means necessary to access survey areas, and provide appropriate transportation and/or pedestrian access time to perform work and provide for the safety of their personnel. The Contractor shall also take into account safety of their personnel while conducting field work during periods of extreme heat, lightning episodes or any other environmental hazards.

1.3 Quality Control Plan. The contractor shall establish and maintain a complete Quality Control Plan to ensure the requirements of the contract and specific task orders are provided as specified. This is required for consideration in awarding the IDIQ. One copy of the contractor’s Quality control Plan shall be provided to the contracting officer not later than the pre-performance or pre-work conference unless the solicitation stipulates otherwise in which case the solicitation stipulation shall take precedence. An updated copy shall be provided to the contracting officer as changes occur. The Quality Control Plan shall be implemented and followed throughout the performance of work.

1.3.1. Content. The Contractor’s Quality Control Plan shall include the following:

1.3.1.1. Inspection System. The Contractor shall implement an inspection system covering all the Contractor-provided services specified in this Scope of Work. It must specify the areas to be inspected on either a scheduled or unscheduled basis, how often inspections shall be accomplished and the title of the individual(s) who will perform the inspections. It must also specify the initial point of contact for the COR should government inspection reveal non-compliance with contract specifications.

1.3.1.2. Identification and Prevention. The methods for identifying and preventing defectives in the quality of Contractor-provided service performed before performance becomes unacceptable.

1.3.2. Records. Documentation shall consist of on-site records of all inspections conducted by the contractor and necessary corrective action taken. This documentation shall be made available to the Government during the term of the contract upon request.

1.3.3. Government Review. The Government will review the Contractor Quality Control Plan to determine if it is adequate. If the plan is adequate, the Government will accept the plan. If the plan is not adequate as submitted, the deficiencies shall be identified to the contractor in writing. The contractor shall correct all identified deficiencies and submit a corrected Contractor Quality Control Plan within ten working days or contract start date, whichever is sooner. The Government will also periodically review the manner in which the contractor is conducting the quality control program by either reviewing the contractor’s records, observing actual performance or both.

1.4. Quality Assurance (QA)

1.4.1. Contracting Officer’s representative (COR), Project Inspector (PI).

Government personnel, with titles such as shown above shall be appointed to monitor contractor performance and to inspect and accept or reject the services as required by the contract or specific task orders executed under the IDIQ contract. The name and telephone number of each such person under the contract will be furnished to the contractor in writing by the Contracting Officer.

1.4.2. Government Evaluation. The Government will evaluate the contractor’s performance under this contract using the method of surveillance deemed appropriate. If Government QA reveals that any contract provision has not been met, a Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR) shall be prepared. The contractor shall respond to CDRs by completing Blocks 9 and 10 explaining: (1) why performance was unacceptable, (2) how performance will be returned to acceptable levels and (3) how recurrence of the problem will be prevented in the future.

1.4.3. Performance Evaluation Meetings. The contract manager may be required to meet periodically with the COR and/or the Contracting Officer during the contract. Meetings shall be as often as necessary as determined by the Contracting Officer. However, if the contractor requests, a meeting will be held whenever a Contract Discrepancy Report is issued. The meetings shall focus on performance and actual or potential problems. A mutual good faith effort shall be made by all parties to resolve all issues. The written minutes of these meetings shall be signed by the contract manager, Contracting Officer, and COR. If the contractor does not concur with the minutes, then a notice of non-concurrence shall be provided to the Contracting Officer. This notice shall be in writing and provided within seven work days of receipt of the minutes.

1.5. Documentation and Records. All documentation, records and schedules as described in this SOW that is the responsibility of the contractor, are the property of the Government and shall be turned over to the Government upon completion or termination of the contract. All records are subject to the Freedom of Information and Privacy Acts and any requests for release of any records shall be handled accordingly.

II. DEFINITIONS

2.1. Standard Definitions.

2.1.1. Acceptable Quality Level (AQL). The maximum allowable deviation from perfect performance that may occur before the Government will invoke payment deduction. An AQL does not allow a contractor knowingly to offer defective service, but limits reduced payment to circumstances in which defective performance results in a measurable reduction in the value of services rendered.

2.1.2. Defective Service. A unit of service that contains one or more defects or nonconformance with specified requirements.

2.1.3 Performance Standards: Identifies the key service outputs of the contract that will be evaluated by the Government to assure contract performance standards are met by the contractor.

2.1.4. Quality Assurance. Those actions taken by the Government to assure services meet the requirements of the Performance work Statement (PWS).

2.1.5 Contracting Officer: The Contracting Officer (CO) has overall responsibility for the administration of the contract and for overseeing the overall performance of the contractor.

2.1.6. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). A Government employee appointed by the contracting officer to help the contracting officer with contract administration. This person may also be responsible for surveillance of contractor performance.

2.1.7. Government Inspector. A Government employee responsible for surveillance of contractor performance.

2.1.8. Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). An organized written document used for quality assurance surveillance. The document contains specific methods to perform surveillance of the contractor.

2.1.9 Quality Control Plan: Those actions that will be taken by a contractor to control the performance of services so that they meet the requirements of the Statement of Work.

2.1.10. Random Sampling. A sampling method in which each service output in a lot has an equal chance of being selected.

2.1.11. Sample. A sample consists of one or more service outputs drawn from a lot. The number of outputs in the sample is the sample size.

2.1.12. Sampling Guide. The part of the surveillance plan that contains all the information needed to perform a random sample.

2.1.13. Business Day: For the purpose of this solicitation/contract, a business day is defined as a day that falls within Monday through Friday.

2.2. Technical Definitions Peculiar to this Statement of Work. The following definitions are for the IDIQ and may be modified or clarified in project-specific task orders executed under this IDIQ.

2.2.1 Archeological Inventory/Survey. For the purposes of this contract an archeological pedestrian survey is defined as the systematic intensive inspection of the land surface by walking over while actively visually scanning the survey area. Some survey areas may be partially inundated with water or difficult to access due to submerged or partially-submerged access routes. Even if a large part of the survey area is wet, there are often isolated relatively higher and drier landforms that require archeological pedestrian survey and/or subsurface survey. The Contractor shall access identified survey areas to perform an archeological pedestrian survey (and subsurface survey if applicable) even if it is not feasible to drive a vehicle to the survey area. This may require walking into survey areas and sometimes wading various distances while carrying field equipment necessary to perform survey work.

Subsurface survey is defined as a shovel test, or spacing of multiple tests, each one of which is no less than 40 and no more than 50 centimeters in diameter and at least 110 centimeters deep. Stratigraphic levels shall be measured with a metric tape with depths of natural levels recorded on shovel test forms. Shovel tests will be screened with ¼” hardware mesh and shall be back-filled with excavated soil immediately upon completion of test. Specific dimensions for shovel tests may vary by task order. Any deviation from the minimum shovel test dimensions specified in the task order shall be documented on the shovel test form for that specific shovel test including a written justification for the deviation. Subsurface surveys may be aligned on a linear route, limited to a specific project area or broadly landscape in scale. For linear surveys, tests shall be placed along a linear corridor (single line or transect of shovel tests) following each identified survey area with tests spaced no more than 50 meters apart. Wide corridors may require more than one transect of shovel tests. Tests shall be dug outside but adjacent to disturbed ground surfaces (for example, no more than 3 meters from the outside edge of the road surface or plowed fire line) in relatively undisturbed soil, on alternating sides of the disturbed ground surface. In areas where there has been no ground disturbance, such as the centerline of a proposed trail construction project, the tests shall be placed in the centerline of the proposed project area. Underwater areas in excess of 10 meters, such as stream crossings or swamps, are excluded from the corridor mileage calculations. For example, the contractor will not be compensated for conducting survey of a 5 mile-long corridor if 0.5 mile of the corridor is underwater and thus inaccessible to pedestrian surface scan or subsurface testing. Corridor length is derived from linear coordinates obtained by GPS. Any proposed deviations from these methods must be identified and justified in the Contractor’s technical proposal and shall be approved in writing by the COR in advance of field work to be acceptable to the government.

2.2.2 Probability Zones. The National Forests in Florida use GIS-based probability zones when available. For example, sand pine scrub ecosystem in the Ocala National Forest is generally considered a low probability for containing significant cultural resources and may be excluded from subsurface testing at the discretion of the Forest Service archeologist. The Apalachicola National Forest is divided into two zones: High Site Probability and Low Site Probability. High probability areas are tested according to the survey methods in 2.2.1 and 5.3 with a ten percent sampling of low probability areas. The Osceola National Forest pre-plots estimated shovel test locations which are down-loaded into GPS units for navigation to each test and to provide standardized survey coverage. It is therefore likely that specific projects will require modified survey strategies that will be included in requests for proposals for specific projects. If not specifically stated, the minimum survey methods shall be those in section 2.2.1 and 5.3 of this IDIQ contract.

2.2.3 Site Definition. All instances of artifacts are considered archeological occurrences or sites depending on the application of Florida State Site standards. Every instance of artifacts shall be assigned a Forest Service site number following specific instructions by the COR for each task order. Those that meet the minimum requirements for site designation shall be assigned a number from the Florida Master Site File. Artifacts do not include items of obvious modern deposition such as modern trash piles. Also, clay turpentine cup fragments commonly occur throughout the forest and are not assigned any type of site number unless occurring in a large stock-pile indicative of a relatively more intensively-used turpentine industry staging area.

2.2.3.1 Alternative Site Definitions. Redeposited artifacts often occur in roads constructed with fill material. These artifacts are assigned a Forest Service site number for management purposes but are not assigned a number from the Florida Master Site File. Survey methods and documentation must be sufficient to designate artifacts as being redeposited. Under certain situations a different site definition may be appropriate. If a different site definition is used, then the investigator shall justify their reasons for doing so. The Forest Service shall make all final determinations of site size and extent, and final National Register of Historic Places eligibility.

2.2.3.2 Deviations in Site Definition. These criteria may be modified, where appropriate, based on a professional archeologist's judgment, and with the prior approval of the COR. Any deviation from the standard definition should be discussed in the resulting archaeological survey report. As a general rule, site designations are reserved in the case of historic remains for those at least 50 years old. Turpentine cup fragments shall be noted on field survey forms or notes when present but shall not be recorded as sites (in accordance with 2.2.3).

2.2.4 Historic Structure Assessment and Documentation. Assessment of structures including, but not limited to, fire towers, recreational cabins, administrative facilities and farm houses to determine historical significance and NRHP eligibility will follow industry standards for Occupational Health and Safety as well as historic preservation. This includes, but is not limited to, a written narrative describing the historic context for the structure(s).

III. GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY, MATERIALS, SERVICES

3.1 Government-Furnished Property

Upon award of a task order under this contract, the Government shall furnish to the contractor the following listed property and supplies, referred to as “Government-Furnished Property”.

GOVT FURNISHED PROPERTY/SERVICES/DATA ETC.

QUANTITY WHERE, WHEN, HOW TO BE FURNISHED TO CONTRACTOR

1. Forest Service project provenience form will be provided to Contractor after award of a specific task order when the Contractor meets with the archeologist to research cultural resource data prior to field work (within period between award and implementation of field work). Forest Service collection provenience form: same as above.

2. Forest Service artifact analysis forms: same as above.

3. Forest Service shovel test form: same as above.

4. National Forests in Florida Curation Procedures Handbook: same as above.

IV. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED CRITICAL ITEMS /SERVICES

DESCRIPTION / QUANTITY

1. Safety plan consistent with standards set forth in 29 CFR 1910 and/or 1926 and meeting minimum requirements as specified in Section V. below, provided to the Forest Service with price submittals for each task order solicitation and provided to every field crew member prior to initiating work

2. Communication device for field personnel capable of contacting assistance in the event of emergency

3. Completed Florida Site File forms (hard copy) for each recorded site or appropriate form for resource such as bridge or structure form (in addition to those in report) – 2 copies of each form. The contractor shall use the fillable .PDF available from the Florida Site File and provide this electronic version of the site form to the government in addition to the paper copies.

4. GPS Unit with sub-meter accuracy – Minimum of 1

5. Minimum of 1 USB device (such as a thumb-drive), with GPS data for all sites and all shovel test locations - *1

6. Minimum of 1 USB device (such as a thumb-drive), with Final Report in MS Word format - *1 (*) - These may be consolidated onto one if the information for both will fit on 1

7. Completed shovel test forms, artifact analysis forms, and notes, as applicable

8. All artifacts or samples recovered during completion of the contract, as applicable

9. Completed HABS, Historical American Engineering Record (HAER) or Historic American Landscapes Survey (HALS) drawings and associated documentation at scale appropriate for submittal to and meeting the requirements of the SHPO and/or the NRHP, as applicable

10. Draft report and/or structural or landscape drawings (as applicable) for Government review prior to final production - 1

11. Final Report - 7

V. PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT TASKS AND CRITICAL SUBTASKS

5.1 Project Objective and Plan of Action. The Contractor shall provide with each price quote a safety plan in response to each task order solicitation that specifically addresses the requirements and survey location of the individual task order. At a minimum, the safety plan shall include: (1) Daily check-out and check-in procedures for field personnel (see also Section 1.2.3 above); (2) Location of nearest first aid for field personnel; (3) Location of nearest emergency medical facility to specific survey area(s) and connecting route(s); (4) Emergency evacuation procedures, including route(s); (5) Names and phone numbers of primary and secondary points of contact in the event of an emergency, including means of contacting field personnel while in the field; (6) Phone number for Forest Service dispatch; (7) Name and phone number of local Forest Service law enforcement (8) Project-specific Personal Protective Equipment [PPE] or task-specific procedures required. The Contractor shall meet with the Contracting Officer and the Contracting Officer’s Representative prior to initiating field work for the purpose of (1) reviewing the undertaking and discussing the project objectives, proposing a Plan of Action, and coordination with Forest personnel, including the district ranger and his/her representatives; (2) reviewing Forest Service Cultural Resource Inventory information; (3) examining pertinent natural resource data, reports, maps, etc; (4) becoming acquainted with the natural and cultural features of the project area; and (5) points of ingress/egress to survey areas, if applicable.

5.2 Records Search. Prior to conducting any fieldwork, the contractor shall review all available publications, manuscripts, site records, state files, regional and local libraries, archives and court house records, Forest Service files, historic land plats (including GLOs), historic soil survey maps, historic topographic maps, and historic highway maps. The final project report and bibliography must reference all prior cultural resource surveys that occurred within the Area of Potential Effect (APE).

5.3 Inventory

5.3.1 Survey Intensity Level. The Contractor shall locate, identify, and describe/document all archeological sites and historic properties which can reasonably be detected from an inspection of the ground surface and subsurface tests. The Contractor shall record sufficient data to determine time period, type/function, size, and preliminary National Register of Historic Places eligibility of each resource, so far as the data available will allow.

5.3.2 Identification efforts. Survey shall consist of pedestrian survey along and within survey corridors or areas, supplemented by subsurface testing. Many survey areas are not immediately accessible by vehicle. Some areas may be easily accessible by vehicle, some may require walking varying distances from the nearest roads to access and some may require wading to access. Corridors may or may not be flagged for identification in the field. In most cases, the survey area will be identified by GPS coordinates provided to the contractor before field work begins. Depending on the specific project, other methods of identifying the survey area will be used by the government. In the event that it is unclear which route or area is intended for survey for any reason, the contractor shall identify the correct survey area through consultation with the COR prior to conducting field survey area in question. The contractor may use GPS technology to verify accurate locations to be surveyed. The Contractor will not be compensated for survey work performed outside of areas designated for survey in proposed projects. Some survey areas may be adjacent to privately-owned land or land managed by the State of Florida. Unless specifically authorized under individual task orders, such as a survey for which the Contractor is required to obtain a State of Florida Archeological Permit, the Contractor is not authorized to trespass on property adjacent to lands managed by the National Forests in Florida.

5.3.3 Site Potential Model. At the discretion of the government, survey methods and strategy for specific projects may be based on generalized models of site location. Otherwise, the survey criteria in 2.2.1 above shall be used as a minimum. The Forest Service shall be the final authority on site potential within any given area and the Contractor shall comply with the Forest Service’s assignment of site potential.

5.3.4 Survey. The entire ground surface within the survey area shall be examined by pedestrian surface scan, including walking the perimeters of inundated wetlands within and at the edges of survey areas. In some situations the Contractor may adjust the inventory system to fit a particular land form. However, the Forest Service shall approve, in advance, any change from standard methods. Small micro-topographic variations that would be conducive to archeological site location that do not fall on established shovel test intervals (for example, less than 50 meters for linear surveys) shall also be investigated with judgmental shovel tests within areas identified as having high site potential. Judgmental shovel tests shall be used when crossing areas of better drained soils, points of greater relief or areas near historic roads, railroads, or springs. When applicable, low site probability areas shall be randomly surveyed by placing shovel tests at a 1:10 ratio with the high probability zones. Micro-topographic features suggestive of likely site location within low site potential areas shall be judgmentally shovel tested.

Shovel tests shall not be dug in the rain and enough time shall elapse after a rain event to allow surface water to run off before subsurface testing resumes. Pre-plotted shovel test locations, as identified in specific task orders, that are found to be inundated at the time of survey, shall be re-located as closely as possible to the pre-plotted location. The reason for relocation shall be documented in the field shovel test form(s) and notes, and the new location(s) shall be recorded with GPS. Locations with standing water need not be shovel tested. If standing water is encountered, shovel tests shall be placed as close as possible to both sides of the water to maintain the 50 meter minimum interval. If an obstruction such as a large tree occurs at the 50 meter interval location, a shovel test shall be dug as close as possible to the location, at a reduced interval (<50 meters) from the last shovel test as opposed to a farther interval. A shovel test form shall be completed for each shovel test that is dug. Although a Forest Service Shovel Test Form is preferable, the contractor may choose any shovel test form format that, at a minimum, records all data that is listed on the Forest Service shovel test form (see also 5.4.9). Shovel test forms shall indicate verbal descriptions of soil type (such as sand, clay, sandy clay, etc.) and color by strata, and if found, artifact depths shall be recorded as accurately and tightly defined as possible (for example, a shovel test containing one artifact recorded at a depth of 0-110 cm is unacceptable). Forms shall contain no abbreviations. Shovel test forms shall be made available for inspection within 24 hours of a request by the COR to inspect by them. Every shovel test location shall be recorded with GPS and field notes shall document minimum required data for each GPS point/shovel test location. GPS data shall be downloaded and corrected daily unless specified otherwise in a specific task order. Shovel test locations shall be noted on hard copy maps as a back-up to GPS data to address discrepancies discovered during Quality Assurance Surveillance. The back-up shovel test map shall be immediately available to the COR during field inspections. There shall be a 1:1 correlation between shovel test locations and GPS points. Whether identified by the government during field work implementation or after field crews are demobilized (such as during shovel test form, artifact bag labeling, GPS data or report review), shovel tests that do not comply with contract specifications shall be re-performed by the Contractor at no cost to the government in locations determined by the government within the same task order APE.

5.3.5 Performance Standards – Intensive Survey. The contractor shall conduct a complete 100% pedestrian survey of the project area in the manner specified in this statement of work.

5.3.6 Acceptable quality level: Full compliance with the statement of work and the standards and guidelines listed in SECTION VII.

5.3.7 Means of measurement: An arbitrary random and/or targeted field inspection of the survey area and/or digital or written documentation by the Government and the review of the contractor’s Quality Control records.

5.4 Site Recording. In accordance with 2.2.3, the contractor shall record all heritage resource sites and occurrences located in the project area using the appropriate and most current version of the Florida Site File form (available at: https://dos.myflorida.com/historical/preservation/master-site-file/documents-forms/). Currently, these are the fillable .PDF forms available online from the Florida Site File. If the Florida Site File updates standard forms during the contract period, the most current form acceptable to both the Florida Site File and government shall be used. When new data is obtained regarding previously recorded sites within project areas, the contractor shall provide updated site forms for each. The contractor shall provide the electronic version of the site file to both the Florida Site File and the government. The contractor shall also provide the government with two paper copies of each form. If the contractor is providing the survey report for a task order, site forms shall be provided in the report as well as the two individual site form copies. Additionally, the report shall include a written description of each recorded site, including but not limited to, cultural period (if discernable from artifacts found), stratigraphic depth of cultural material (by number and type of artifact), soil description, information regarding any archaeological features encountered, distance to nearest water source and type of water source, general description of surrounding topography and vegetation.

5.4.1 Archeological Site Definition. The definition of an archeological site is any instance of cultural material over 50 years of age. However, under certain situations a different site definition may be appropriate. If a different site definition is used, then the investigator shall justify their reasons for doing so. The Forest Service shall make all final determinations of site definition, size and extent, and final National Register of Places eligibility.

5.4.2 Site Mapping. When a site is located in the field it shall be recorded on a Florida Site File form. Visible surface remains and artifacts, local topographic features, and systematic shovel testing will assist in determining the site stratigraphy, integrity, content and extent of archeological sites. Historic sites may be identified by structural or landscaping remains such as chimney bases, eroded building outlines, foundation piers, graves, prospecting pits, ornamental plants, dams, quarries, and wells. These natural and cultural features shall be included on site maps. Individual site locations shall be recorded with GPS and plotted on a USGS topographic map that meets the Florida Site File form site map standards.

5.4.3 Site Delineation. All archeological sites discovered through surface and subsurface testing shall be delineated to determine accurate site extents and boundaries within the limits of the defined project area. Unless specified differently in individual task orders, the Contractor shall delineate all positive tests at a 10-meter interval (in the 4 cardinal directions and diagonally at the outermost site limits) until two consecutive shovel tests are dug that do not contain cultural resources. Grids for testing intervals shall be established using measuring tapes. Site delineation tests shall not exceed 25 meter intervals. Some task orders may require walking site boundaries while recording them with GPS to record a geospatial polygon. Some task orders may require marking site boundaries in the field and will include detailed specifications when required.

5.4.4 Private Land. If an archeological site extends onto private land, the Contractor shall make observations of surface remains and exposed surfaces, but the Contractor shall not excavate on, trespass, or collect artifacts from private land. Unless a previous arrangement for permission to access other lands are specifically included in a task order, the Contractor shall make an estimate of the site dimensions extending onto adjoining private land solely from surface indications and topography that are visible from National Forest lands and publicly available historical records such as maps and aerial photography.

5.4.5 Site Forms. Forest Service site numbers shall be assigned according to Forest Service designations. The forms will be submitted to the Forest Service with the final report. The Contractor shall obtain confirmation of site status from the Forest Service COR before requesting Florida Site File numbers for recorded sites. Unless specifically directed to do so by the COR in writing, the Contractor shall not submit forms or other documentation directly to the Florida SHPO or any Tribal Historic Preservation Officer.

5.4.6 Performance Standards – Site Recording. The contractor has recorded all sites in accordance with Forest Service requirements as stated in the contract.

5.4.7 Acceptable quality level. 100% compliance with Forest Service requirements for site recording.

5.4.8 Means of measurement. A field inspection of the newly recorded sites and/or previously recorded sites and the review and verification of the contractor’s Quality Control records.

5.4.9 Exceptions to the Forest Service requirements. For inventory level fieldwork a written representative description of soil characteristics and stratigraphy for the site is required. However, the Contractor is not required to use Munsell soil color charts on shovel test units. The Contractor is not required to draw or photograph individual shovel test pit profiles unless exceptional archeological features are uncovered or a specific task order instructs otherwise.

5.4.10 Isolated Finds. Single artifacts identified during the surface or subsurface inspection of the project area shall be considered an archeological resource and given a Forest Service site number. Unless diagnostic of a particular time period or unique in some way, isolated finds do not require a Florida Site File numerical assignment (unless specified otherwise in a task order).

5.4.10.1 Performance Standards – Recording Non-Site Cultural Remains. Not applicable.

5.4.10.2 Acceptable quality level. Not applicable.

5.4.10.3 Means of measurement. Not applicable.

5.5 Site Marking. Site marking in the field is not required unless specified otherwise in a task order. When required, the task order will provide specific instructions for site marking.

5.6 Previously Recorded Sites. There may be previously recorded archaeological sites or historic properties within the project area. The Contractor shall attempt to relocate all previously recorded sites or historic properties using the same field methods as noted above for general field survey. For each relocated site or historic property a new Florida Site File form (update) shall be completed if new data is found. If no new data is found, an updated form is not necessary, but the Contractor must obtain prior acceptance from the COR for non-completion of site update forms prior to submission of the draft final report.

5.7 Global Positioning System (GPS). The Contractor shall record all sites and shovel test locations using a differentially corrected global positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of sub-meter accuracy. All shovel test locations shall be recorded as point data. Linear GPS data is acceptable for recording linear surface features such as a historic railroad tram or earthworks. Task orders may include additional GPS requirements such as delineating large sites as polygons. GPS data shall be downloaded, corrected and checked for accuracy daily during fieldwork. Several base stations are located within the state and region that can be used to produce differential corrections for exact locations in either real time or as part of post field processing. GPS corrections shall not be made using WAAS real time system. The Contractor shall state in the report the type of equipment used and whether the data was corrected using real time correction or post field processing.

5.7.1 Data Projections and Transformations. Archeological site and shovel test location corrected GPS data files shall be projected into the projection current for the National Forests in Florida at the time of the contract task order. Currently, this is US State Plane, North American Datum 1983 (NAD83), Florida North 0903, US Survey Feet or NAD_1983_StatePlane_Florida_North_FIPS_0903_Feet. All GPS data collected shall be submitted as digital data via USB memory stick external data sharing device. The digital data shall be delivered in an ESRI file Geodatabase (.gdb). Specific task orders will provide updated requirements. Some task orders may require that the Contractor fill out a blank survey and site geodatabase schema provided by the government.

5.8 Analysis

5.8.1 Artifacts. After fieldwork is completed, all recovered artifacts shall be cleaned and sorted following industry standards. At a minimum, artifacts shall be analyzed by provenience unit and classified into raw material, technological, and functional categories based on accepted southeastern typologies and artifact classifications used in the project vicinity. Cleaned and analyzed artifacts shall be placed in new, curation-quality, plastic bags that are 4 mil thickness with a white labeling stripe. Permanent pens shall be used to write on all plastic bags and writing shall only be on one side of the bag in neat, legible, printed writing as per labeling instructions for the specific project and National Forest. Upon award of a task order under this contract, the COR will provide the Contractor with a template to label bags which will include the project’s Forest Service Accession number. Forest Service curation forms shall be completed for the project including project provenience, collection provenience, and artifact analysis forms. All forms shall be on archival bond paper. Hand-written information on forms shall be completed in pencil. If stamping is used for repetitive information, archival ink shall be used for the stamping. No abbreviations shall be used in completing the forms. Staples, metal paper clips, tape, rubber bands or anything that is not archivally stable for attaching forms together are unacceptable. Plastic paper clips shall be used to attach forms. Handling and transport of artifacts shall be conducted in a manner to prevent loss or damage.

5.8.2 Site Assessment. For archeological sites, analysis shall typically include an assessment of cultural periods represented, general site function, and stratigraphic condition. Historic sites may require architectural analysis, including periods represented, and documentation of ownership and function. All National Register of Historic Places criteria shall be addressed in site and structure assessments.

5.9 Research Design. Not applicable.

5.10 National Register Eligibility. The Forest Service shall make all final National Register of Historic Places eligibility determination recommendations for SHPO and THPO consultation.

5.10.1 National Register Eligibility Recommendations. The Contractor shall make recommendations to the Forest Service regarding National Register of Historic Places eligibility of delineated sites.

5.10.2 Information Disclosure. Not applicable.

5.10.3 National Register Eligibility Justification. When applicable (see 5.10.1), the contractor shall provide justification for recommendations of National Register eligibility of sites.

5.11 Report. Most activities performed under the terms of this contract will require the contractor to submit a report that describes the activity and any finding. The report shall be used to document all tasks performed. The COR will provide the Contractor with the appropriate accession number for the project and report.

5.11.1 Documents. The report must be accompanied by a completed FMSF Survey Log Sheet, all Forest Service curation forms, and all other appropriate recording forms including architectural drawings when applicable. All site forms, photo logs, digital photographs, prints, negatives, and unused government-furnished property shall be returned to the Contracting Officer’s Representative with the report.

5.11.2 Report Production. The report shall, at a minimum, follow the format and content specified in Archaeological Reports Standards and Guidelines, Chapter 1A-46, Florida Administrative Code, and shall include any other information as noted within Section V. Draft reports requiring extensive proofreading or lacking the minimum content required by the state standards and guidelines and this Scope of Work will be returned to the Contractor as unacceptable. Payment for the draft report will not be processed until an acceptable document is received. The contractor shall address all comments and concerns provided in writing by the Forest Service in the final report. Revised draft reports may be required, if substantial revisions are required as a result of the review of the draft report.

5.11.2.1 General Information. The report shall include a description of the proposed undertaking that has prompted the survey, a map depicting the Area of Potential Effect (APE) as defined by the Forest Service, past archeological research in the APE, a discussion of local culture history, the field methods, findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

5.11.2.2 Additional Report Requirements. In addition to the state standards and guidelines the report shall include the following:

5.11.2.2.1 Title Page. – At a minimum, the title page shall include the Forest Service assigned accession number, the project title, the author’s name, professional credentials, contact information and affiliation, report date and the contract number.

5.11.2.2.2 Maps and Drawings. All shovel tests and identified…