WAYNE NATIONAL FOREST HERITAGE SURVEY CONTRACT

STATEMENT OF WORK

14 August 2026

Scope of Services: The Contractor shall provide all services, equipment, facilities, materials, and supplies required for the performance and completion of a Phase I heritage/cultural resources inventory survey of approximately 1000 acres of Area of Potential Effect (APE) located on portions of the Athens and Marietta Units and the Ironton Ranger District of Wayne National Forest. The surveys are required for National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 compliance in advance of proposed vegetation management projects. The proposed projects have thirty-four (34) distinct APEs in five counties in southeast Ohio. The terrain includes forest in the rugged hills of southeast Ohio. We estimate approximately 30-40% of the total APE has terrain that may require subsurface testing. The exact amount of shovel testing will vary by sale unit and is dependent upon the landform attributes including steepness of slope and past disturbances.

Location: The work includes thirty-four (34) discrete survey units located across the Wayne National Forest in Athens, Monroe, and Washington Counties within the Athens Ranger District and Gallia, Lawrence and Scioto Counties within the Ironton Ranger District (Table 1). The subject project areas will be identified on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) shapefiles and georeferenced project maps. The APEs vary in size from 7 to 102 acres, but on average they are about 30 acres in size.

Objectives: (1) locate and identify all cultural resources judged to be over 50 years of age; (2) provide a complete inventory of the defined project area; and (3) make preliminary statements of site significance (e.g. National Register eligibility). To accomplish these objectives, the Contractor shall review existing sources of information on cultural resources pertaining to the project area, conduct a complete coverage field survey, analyze all findings, and prepare a written report documenting such information.

This contract will provide the U.S. Forest Service with technical services related to cultural resource inventory on National Forest System Lands. These technical services will assist in compliance by the Wayne National Forest with the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended, and the Archaeological Resource Protection Act, as amended, and various other statutes and regulations. Potential vendors must provide evidence of familiarity with these Acts and the Forest Service’s compliance program. Archaeological investigations must comply with the Archaeology Guidelines as issued by the Ohio Historic Preservation Office (OHPO).

https://www.ohiohistory.org/preserving-ohio/federal-state-reviews/archaeology-guidelines/

Government-Furnished Property: The Government shall deliver to the Contractor the following listed materials, supplies, property or services (hereinafter referred to as https://www.ohiohistory.org/preserving-ohio/federal-state-reviews/archaeology-guidelines/ https://www.ohiohistory.org/preserving-ohio/federal-state-reviews/archaeology-guidelines/

"Government-furnished property") at the places and time specified below. The Contractor shall be liable for all loss or damage of such delivered Government-furnished property.

Table 1. List of the survey areas by district, unit and county.

County District Unit Project Sale Name Acres Athens Athens Athens MAPP Carbondale 1 52.1 Athens Athens Athens MAPP Carbondale 2 28.4 Athens Athens Athens MAPP Carbondale 3 22.1 Athens Athens Athens MAPP Carbondale 4 17.5 Monroe Athens Marietta MAPP Rinard Mills North 15.2 Monroe Athens Marietta MAPP Rinard Mills South 28.5 Monroe Athens Marietta MAPP Mechanicsburg 1 29.4 Monroe Athens Marietta MAPP Mechanicsburg 2- Graham Rd. 11.1 Monroe Athens Marietta MAPP Mechanicsburg 3 32.6 Monroe Athens Marietta MAPP Mechanicsburg 4 55.8 Monroe Athens Marietta MAPP Mechanicsburg 5 12.1 Monroe Athens Marietta MAPP Frieden Run 1 58.1 Monroe Athens Marietta MAPP Frieden Run 2 34.1 Washington Athens Marietta MAPP Wingett Run - 1 15.8 Washington Athens Marietta MAPP Wingett Run - 2 38.3 Washington Athens Marietta MAPP Wingett Run - 3 19.4 Gallia Ironton Ironton IPP Dry Ridge East 7.7 Gallia Ironton Ironton IPP Dry Ridge West - 6 stands combined 102.0 Gallia Ironton Ironton IPP Penial 24.4

Lawrence Ironton Ironton IPP Dry Ridge - Tunnel Rd. South (3 stands) 24.1

Lawrence Ironton Ironton IPP Dry Ridge - Tunnel Rd. North 14.0 Lawrence Ironton Ironton IPP Pine Creek Road 7.2 Lawrence Ironton Ironton IPP Kimble Creek Rd 18.9 Lawrence Ironton Ironton IPP FR 127 Central 28 Lawrence Ironton Ironton IPP FR 127 Central 24.3 Lawrence Ironton Ironton IPP Evans Rd 10 Lawrence Ironton Ironton IPP Thompson Ridge (3 Stands) 40 Lawrence Ironton Ironton IPP Waterloo Mt Vernon Rd 21.1 Lawrence Ironton Ironton IPP FR 127 South (3 Stands) 49.1 Scioto Ironton Ironton IPP 132 Spur A 18 Scioto Ironton Ironton IPP Taylor Dutiel Rd 11 Gallia Ironton Ironton SO Buffalo Creek - 433005 60 Gallia Ironton Ironton SO Buffalo Creek - 433008 40 Gallia Ironton Ironton SO Buffalo Creek - 433033 30 Totals 1000 until completion and final acceptance of work required under this contract. If the Government fails to make timely delivery of such Government-furnished property suitable for its intended use, and upon written request from the Contractor, the Contracting Officer shall make an equitable adjustment of contract delivery or performance dates or contract price, or both, pursuant to the "Changes" clause of the General Provisions of this contract.

Property, Data and Services: The Forest Service shall allow the Contractor to review such information in its possession as the Forest Service deems pertinent to the project, including archaeological and historical inventory data, environmental data and reports, aerial photos, maps, land acquisition files, land management plans, and other relevant information. This shall include the availability of Forest Service personnel and resource specialists for technical consultation as needed for the orderly and efficient development of the project.

The Forest Service shall provide the Contractor with one (1) set of Forest Service topographic maps and/or GIS Shapefiles of the areas of undertaking, showing ownership and major features.

Prior to initiating the work under each task order, the Contractor shall meet with Forest Service personnel in order to:

a) review the undertaking and discuss objectives;

b) review Forest Service cultural resource records and information;

c) examine pertinent natural resource data, reports, maps, etc.;

d) become acquainted with the cultural and natural features of the subject project area; and

e) discuss project schedule and coordinate with Ranger District personnel, if needed.

The Contractor shall provide updates (written or verbal) on the progress of all open task orders to the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR - Forest Archaeologist) on a bi-weekly basis.

Confidential Nature of Information: The Contractor shall not divulge and shall take all reasonable steps to insure that no member of their staff or organization divulges information on specific sites or their locations to any person other than a duly authorized representative of the Forest Supervisor unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Forest Supervisor. All services, reports, documents and material required by this contract shall become the property of the Forest Service. The results of this research may be used for thesis, dissertations, research projects and publication subject to prior, written approval of the Forest Service.

Collections and Curatorial Responsibilities: In general, the contractor will not collect any historic artifacts from the surface or subsurface tests but will document artifacts and counts observed, unless the artifact is unique and of museum quality or requires further analysis in the lab. Precontact artifacts including lithics recovered in shovel tests shall be collected, analyzed and cataloged. The Wayne National Forest will accept responsibility for the curation of any artifacts, records, and photographs collected during the course of the subject undertaking. All such materials must be processed according to Ohio History Connections standards in a “shelf ready” condition and the Wayne National Forest will provide a spreadsheet to use for cataloging the collections.

Archaeological Resources Protection Act Violations: Should the contractor observe or obtain knowledge of violations of the Archaeological Resources Protection Act, these shall be reported as soon as possible to the Forest Archaeologist (COR) or a Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer. Areas in which violations are detected must be left alone because these are potential crime scenes. No contract work is to be conducted in these areas until the Forest Archaeologist and Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer are consulted.

Human Remains: In the event human remains are discovered, work in the area will cease and the Contractor will immediately notify the COR. The COR will notify the Forest Supervisor, Law Enforcement, the county coroner and the appropriate federal Tribal Representatives and will work in accordance with the processes set forth in the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and the Eastern and Southern Regions of the USDA Forest Service Policy for the Treatment of Human Remains.

Qualifications of Key Personnel: Contractor key personnel assigned to the subject project must meet the minimum professional qualifications for prehistoric and historic archaeology, history, architectural history, or historic architecture as identified in 36CFR61, the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines-Professional Qualifications Standards https://www.nps.gov/articles/sec-standards-prof-quals.htm Key personnel are those who function in the Principal Investigator and Field Director roles. Field/laboratory crew members directly supervised by these key individuals must demonstrate completion of (or satisfactory progress toward) a bachelor’s degree in archaeology, history or a closely related field, with at least one year of relevant field experience.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Background Research Phase I background research will consist of a broad-based review of relevant existing information to determine what types of sites may be expected within the project area.

The Contractor shall conduct an appropriate records and interview search to identify previously known or recorded cultural resource information pertaining to the subject project area including, but not limited to:

a) Forest Service cultural resource files;

b) Ohio Historic Preservation Office files;

c) the Forest Archaeologist; and https://www.nps.gov/articles/sec-standards-prof-quals.htm

d) other pertinent records, publications, or informants (e.g., historic maps and atlases).

Phase I Field Investigation

The contractor shall conduct a complete coverage field survey sufficient to identify all existing cultural resources within the project boundaries, including both confirmation of previously known sites and identification of unrecorded sites. The survey will cover the entire APE with more intensive investigations including shovel testing of high and moderate site probability areas including: (1) flat landforms; (2) stream terraces, floodplains, and confluences; (3) ridge tops, ridge spurs, saddles, benches, and watershed divides; and (4) rock shelter areas.

Surveys should include reconnaissance walk-over survey of the entire APE including sloped areas to look for rock shelters that may require shovel testing. Intensive survey of higher probability areas will consist of a series of on-the-ground transects via systematic subsurface testing to determine the presence or absence of cultural remains in areas where the ground surface is obscured. Transects and subsurface testing intervals shall not exceed 15 meters. Subsurface test units shall be approximately 50 cm x 50 cm to 50 cm depth or bedrock or sterile soils. Depth of shovel tests will vary by local geologic conditions but should be adequate to detect potential subsurface archaeological materials.

The Contractor will use GPS devices, (preferably with sub-meter accuracy) or similar tracking equipment to document areas covered. Intensity of complete field coverage may vary in accordance with known or suspected cultural resource sensitivity, geographic features, past ground disturbance. or obstacles encountered.

Upon discovery of cultural materials, the testing interval shall be reduced by half or less with transects radiating from the positive unit in order to determine the site boundary.

Upon discovery of above ground remains, walk-over or visual examination intervals shall be reduced in order to adequately observe and record the remains. Sediment and materials removed from all subsurface test units shall be screened through 1/4" mesh hardware cloth.

Subsurface investigation of cemeteries and suspected burial mounds will not be conducted, but above ground recording of features and their dimensions shall be performed.

Should extensive alluviation be detected during investigation along stream floodplains, the contractor shall make recommendations pertaining to the potential for deeply buried cultural deposits in these areas and the need for future mechanical deep testing. Such recommendations shall be based on systematic subsurface shovel-test investigation and soil coring in these areas.

The contractor shall conduct visual walk-over field coverage of the remaining areas (moderate to severe slopes). Visual walk-over field coverage consists of systematic transects to identify surface features such as burial mounds, foundations, rock shelters, lithic source areas, etc. Visual transect intervals shall range from 15 to 30 meters, depending on the season (leaf-on/off).

Rock shelters shall be investigated for cultural occupation as follows: a) if precontact cultural materials can be identified from the surface of the shelter floor, then no subsurface investigation is to be conducted; b) if such materials are not evident on the surface, then a minimum of two subsurface test units is to be excavated - one inside the shelter, and one either in the drip line or on the talus slope; c) if the rock shelter exceeds 15 meters in length, additional units at the prescribed 15 meter interval will be necessary;

d) subsurface test units shall measure 50 cm X 50 cm, and the contents of each shall be screened through 1/4" mesh hardware cloth; e) if cultural resources are encountered, no further testing is necessary as a presence/absence finding is sufficient; f) if the rock shelter is defined as a cultural resource site, then test units must be accurately located on mapping so that they can be relocated.

Sites which exhibit standing structures shall be investigated as follows: a) the archaeological components shall be investigated utilizing the standard prescribed methodologies - systematic subsurface investigation and visual inspection; b) if enough of the above-ground structural remnants exist to discern the type and configuration of the structure (coupled with pertinent information obtained during the literature search), then an "Ohio Historic Inventory" form must be generated; c) if no above-ground structures remain, then an "Ohio Archaeological Inventory" form must be used. The C.O.R. must be consulted should questions arise pertaining to the methodology to be implemented at these types of historic sites.

The Contractor shall keep standard records including field notes, field maps, GPS data, photographs, laboratory analysis records, along with coverage maps showing the location of areas examined and the intensity of survey coverage (location, number, and interval between shovel tests). The Contractor shall provide to the Forest Service all ArcGIS shapefiles of all shovel test locations and survey coverage. The Contractor will obtain state site numbers for all sites and record each site on the appropriate state site form:

"Ohio Archaeological Inventory", "Ohio Isolated Find Form", or "Ohio Historic Inventory." Such forms must be generated and submitted to the Ohio Historic Preservation Office through their internet-based Survey 123 application and site forms should be submitted to the SHPO and Forest along with the draft report.

No artifact samples will be collected from the surface of historic or prehistoric sites unless: (1) identification is not possible in the field; (2) items possess a high degree of scientific value or are of museum quality; (3) are at risk due to theft or vandalism; or (4) were recovered from shovel tests. Historic materials from shovel tests need not be collected but should be described and photographed. All prehistoric materials from shovel tests will be collected and bagged separately by shovel test, site location, identified, cleaned, and analyzed. Fire cracked rock should not be collected but should be noted.

Phase I Written Report

The Phase I report shall conform to the Ohio Historic Preservation Office's Archaeology Guidelines. The report format and contents shall include the following:

Title Page - Include: (1) name and location of project area; (2) name and address of the Forest Service unit to which the report is sent; (3) Forest Service Report Number, as assigned by the Forest Archaeologist (C.O.R.); (4) contract number and date; (5) name and address of Contractor(s); (6) name of Principal Investigator(s); (7) date of report; (8) author's signature and title.

Abstract - In one page summarize the project objectives, size, methods, findings, and all site recommendations. List site names and assigned state numbers when discussing recommendations.

Table of Contents - Arrange topical headings in sequence in accordance with corresponding page numbers. Include a list of figures, tables, and appendices.

Introduction - Include: (1) description of the purpose of the investigation;

(2) description of project objectives; (3) location and general description of project area keyed to vicinity map(s); (4) project administration, staff, and dates of the investigation; and (5) general discussion of the methods and techniques utilized.

Prefield Research - Discuss prefield investigations conducted by the Contractor.

Include: (1) dates of prefield research; (2) Forest Service cultural resource information; (3) archive and record information; (4) pertinent publications; and

(5) informant information. Relevant data derived from these sources shall be discussed.

Research Design - Develop a research design based primarily on the findings of the prefield research or known data pertaining to the project areas. If the known data allows, this design should present goals and hypotheses, direct the field methodology, provide an evaluative framework for identified resources, and suggest expected results of the investigation.

Cultural and Environmental Settings - Provide a review of relevant culture histories, previous research, settlement/subsistence patterns, site types, physiography, geomorphology, hydrology, flora, fauna, climate, and geology.

Field Research - Discuss the field investigation, by each survey area, and include:

(1) date(s) the area was surveyed and description of survey conditions;

(2) Description of the physical features of each survey area, including topography, soils, water features, vegetation cover, ground surface visibility, and evidence of past land use or disturbance;

(3) cultural resources identified in prefield research;

(4) description and rationale for field methods used in each survey area, including placement of transects, areas shovel tested, transect and shovel test intervals, surface collection methodology, and description of any areas not examined. This information shall be keyed to the field coverage maps noted above;

(5) provide selected test unit profiles

(6) Description of each cultural resource identified, including:

(a) type of site

(b) physiographic location

(c) surface and subsurface features

(d) size, and methods utilized to define site limits

(e) depth (and method of, or reason for depth estimate)

(f) density and distribution of cultural materials, and methods utilized to determine such

(g) types and quantities of cultural materials

(h) cultural affiliations, if discernible

(i) site map indicating boundaries, salient features, and methodologies utilized (e.g. test unit locations, areas of surface collection, etc.)

Preliminary Evaluation - When sufficient data are available, include a discussion of the significance of each identified cultural resource and provide a preliminary opinion on the eligibility of each site for the National Register of Historic Places:

e.g., sites which clearly meet National Register criteria, sites which do not appear to meet eligibility criteria, and sites where further investigation is warranted to determine significance. Opinions on the significance/eligibility of each site shall be explained and justified by applying the National Register criteria, as outlined in 36 CFR Part 60.4.

Recommendations - Include for each site recommendations for no further investigation, proceed with caution, avoid, or further evaluation.

Conclusions - Provide a management summary to include a brief discussion of the scope and location of the project, methodology, evaluation of the research design, and a summation of the findings and recommendations.

References - List the sources of non-field data incorporated in the report, including published and unpublished documents, records, and individuals interviewed or consulted. The format shall follow the American Antiquity style guidelines.

PHASE I REPORT AND EXHIBIT SUBMISSION AND PERFORMANCE

SCHEDULE

Draft Survey Report: Within 270 calendar days of contract award, the Contractor shall have completed survey of all acreas prepare, furnish, and deliver one electronic copy (PDF format) of the draft report to the COR before the final report is required. An electronic copy will be forwarded by the COR to the Ohio Historic Preservation Office and relevant Tribal Historic Preservation Offices for review. The Government shall submit a compilation of both reviews to the Contractor within 45 calendar days from the date it is received. The necessary corrections and changes shall be made by the Contractor in the final report and resubmitted within 45 calendar days of receipt.

Exhibits: At the same time the review draft is submitted, all recorded sites must be submitted to the Ohio Historic Preservation Office through their OAI/OHI platform by the Contractor. The Contractor shall deliver to the Contracting Officer's Representative the following Exhibits: one hard-copy archival set of "Ohio Archaeological Inventory", "Ohio Isolated Find Form", or "Ohio Historic Inventory" forms for each site discovered.

Final Survey Report: Within 45 calendar days from the date the draft report comments are received from the COR, the Contractor shall provide to the COR one (1) hard copy and two (2) electronic copies (in both MS Word and PDF format) of the revised and completed Final Survey Report.

ACCEPTANCE, MEASUREMENT, AND PAYMENT

The payment schedule shall be in accordnace with the bid schedule line items. Invoicing shall occur no more than monthly.