Ironton Request for Quote.pdf

Email This completed form to Rebecca Schowalter at rebecca.l.schowalter@usda.gov before the due date in Section 10.

Solicitation Number 1284LM22Q0057 NEPA Support GMUG NF

(i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

(ii) This solicitation is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ).

(iii) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2022-04.

(iv) This procurement is a total HUBZone small business set-aside. The NAICS code is 541990 and the Small Business Size Standard is $15 million.

(vi) Description of Requirement (including a list of any attachments)

The Forest Service (FS) is requesting services for biological and cultural surveys and reports on 23 abandoned mine openings in the Ironton area, and at the historic Forest Hill mill site on National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests (GMUG NF).

Attachments:

Site Maps Wage Determination

Award is anticipated to be a firm fixed-price contract to a HUBZone small business.

(vii) Date(s) and Place(s) of Delivery and Acceptance/Location

The period of performance is May 9, 2022 to March 1, 2023. All work will be conducted on the GMUG NF.

Project Project Title: Ironton and Forest Hill Mine Sites NEPA Support

General Information

1.0 Scope of Work

The Forest Service (FS) is requesting services for biological and cultural surveys and reports on 23 abandoned mine openings in the Ironton area, and at the historic Forest Hill mill site on National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests (GMUG NF).

2.0 Background

The GMUG NF is planning the physical closure of 23 inactive, abandoned mine openings on NFS lands in the Ironton area on the Uncompahgre National Forest, and also future cleanup of mine tailings at the historic Forest Mill site on the Gunnison National Forest. This contract is needed to provide the necessary biological and cultural surveys, reports, and recommendations needed for the GMUG NF to complete resources analyses under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). This outyear construction work is needed to ensure public health, safety, and general welfare.

In the Ironton area, NEPA support work includes: performing biological field surveys at 23 abandoned mine openings;

compiling a draft and final Biological Assessment/Biological Evaluation (BA/BE) and Management Indicator Species (MIS) report; providing recommendations on closure methods and practices needed to protect Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive plant and animal species (including bats and Canada lynx); and assessing impacts on GMUG NF Management Indicator Species population trends and habitat availability.

The 23 mine closures on the Ironton project is being done in partnership with the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS). The GMUG NF and DRMS have had a long standing, cost-sharing agreement to complete mine reclamation actions on NFS lands. Our project agreements specify that the GMUG NF is responsible for providing biological field surveys, BA/BE and MIS reports, and complying with all requisite NEPA analyses and reviews for the mine features on NFS lands. This contract is needed to accomplish these biological support work tasks for the partnership.

The contract will also allow the GMUG NF to commit earmarked Forest Service Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Program funds that have been explicitly allocated to support ongoing and outyear AML projects on the Forest. Similar contracts for such NEPA support work for planned abandoned mine closure projects on the GMUG NF have been set up since 2009 with West Slope Environmental LLC (Andrea Wang).

At the historic Forest Hill location, the biologic support work includes: performing biological field surveys for multiple Areas of Contamination (AOC) at the site; compiling a draft and final Biological Assessment/Biological Evaluation (BA/BE) and Management Indicator Species (MIS) report; providing recommendations on mine remediation and reclamation methods and practices needed to protect Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive plant and animal species; and assessing impacts on GMUG NF Management Indicator Species population trends and habitat availability. Cultural support work is also needed at the Forest Hill mill location, which includes performing cultural field surveys for the multiple AOCs; compiling a draft and final Cultural Resource Summary report; and providing recommendations on mine remediation and reclamation methods and practices needed to protect eligible heritage and cultural resources.

A Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) Removal Action at the Forest Hill Mill site is needed to prevent further erosion and release of hazardous mine tailings materials. The removal action will consolidate solid mine waste in an on-site Repository with an impermeable cap, and in-situ stabilization of thin surface tailings. The action will include excavation of the contaminated soil and debris from the former mill, as well as removal

1284LM22Q0057

of the contaminated soil and/or tailings from the AOCs downgradient of the mill, including the Main Tailings Area (MTA) and Upper Washout Area (UWA), for consolidation into a constructed onsite repository for covering with an impermeable cap, capillary barrier, and vegetative layer.

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

The Contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, materials, and supplies necessary to perform the required biologic and cultural pedestrian surveys in the field and to complete the biological and cultural reports for the Ironton physical safety mine closure project and the Forest Hill mill and tailings cleanup project. The Contractor is professionally responsible for the services performed under this contract.

We request that your company prepare a proposal that includes a work plan and cost proposal for the two projects and work tasks identified below.

PROJECT # PROJECT TITLE WORK TASK

Project #1 Ironton Mine Sites AML Safety Closure Project – Biological Support Work

Biological support work will review existing site information for the 23 Ironton area mine sites, conduct site visits and pedestrian surveys per the Endangered Species Act of 1972, assess the need for bat-friendly/bat-compatible closure methods and practices, prepare a draft BA/BE and MIS report, and prepare a final BA/BE-MIS report in coordination with GMUG NF Resource Specialists.

Project #2 Forest Hill Mill Site Cleanup Project – Biological and Cultural Support Work

Biological support work will review existing site information for the Forest Hill Mill site, conduct site visits and pedestrian surveys per the Endangered Species Act of 1972, prepare a draft BA/BE and MIS report, and prepare a final BA/BE-MIS report in coordination with GMUG NF Resource Specialists.

Cultural support work will include conducting a Class I Literature Review of existing site information for the Forest Hill Mill site, conduct site visits and a Class III Pedestrian Survey of the project area for a Section 106 SHPO consultation, prepare a draft Cultural Resources Report, and prepare a final Cultural Resources Report in coordination with the Gunnison Ranger District Archaeologist.

PROJECT #1

Ironton Mine Sites AML Safety Closure Project – Biological Support Work

SITE LOCATION AND ACCESS

The Ironton Mine Sites AML Safety Closure Project is located on the Ouray Ranger District in the Uncompahgre National Forest. There are 23 individual historic/inactive mine openings that are targeted for future physical safety closures (designated as Sites AG- 24, BG-29, CG-10, CG-43, CP-17, CS01-13, GC-20, GC-20a, GC-21, GC-22, GC-44, GM-15, RM-45, RM-46, RMP-40, SG-12, Trnx-14, Trnx-41, Trnx-42, CL-47, GC-49, GC-26, Trnx-50). The general project area is located from about three to nine miles south of Ouray, Colorado, along the US Highway 550 at elevations ranging between 9,750 and 12,200 feet (see attached Location Map and Mine Site Field Forms for site-specific information). The 23 mine features are all within the Red Mountain Mining District in southern Ouray County. Hardrock mining activity mining began in the district in the 1870’s with the discovery of silver ore. Lead, zinc, copper, and gold were also produced in the Red Mountain Mining District. All of the shafts and adits planned for closure in this project are located on NFS lands.

The project area is approached in motorized vehicles via US Highway 550 by travelling either south from Ouray or north from Silverton, Colorado. Forest Service roads and trails along Highway 550 typically allow closer access to the mine locations traveling either in vehicles or on foot. The attached Inactive Mine Site Field Form (MSFFs) for each site provides detailed directions and maps describing the access to each site on the GMUG NF. High clearance 4WD vehicles or off-highway vehicles may be needed to traverse the network of primitive two-track mining roads and trails in the area. Some cross-country hiking in rocky, steep, forested, and high elevation terrains may be required.

WORK TASKS

Task A – Conduct Access Route and Mine Site Research (May-June 2022): Conduct hardcopy and electronic reference literature, reports, records, map, and data searches (including GIS data from local/state/federal databases) for information on the Ironton project area, access roads and trails, and the 23 mine site locations. Prior to field mobilization, the contractor will need to verify each site location and access travel route and their conditions to plan methods of travel and develop a schedule of field work for the area. Such pre-planning may require coordination with the FS Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and the DRMS Project Manager. Work Task A also forms the basis of applying the protection of State and Federal designated species of plants and animals for the Ironton project area reports and recommendations.

Task B – Complete Wildlife & Plant Field Pedestrian Surveys (July-Sept. 2022): Apply the protection of State and Federal designated species of plants and animals by conducting pedestrian surveys at the access trails and potential work areas for the 23 Ironton mine site locations with respect to the Endangered Species Act of 1972, as amended;

Forest Service Policy (FSM 2670.3); Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1985; and Colorado Nongame, Endangered, or Threatened Species Conservation Act. Data measured and collected at each mine surveyed shall include obtaining a GPS coordinate at the mine opening (to be presented in a site location table in the draft and final report); the Project and Site Feature Name; written recordation of field observations and survey results; noting the general status and condition of the mine opening; and photo-documentation of the site, mine opening, work areas, and species of concern (including invasive or noxious weed species, and bat resources and habitat).

Task C – Provide Bat Resource Protection Recommendations (Oct. 2022): Review any existing Bat Gate Evaluation Reports delivered by the GMUG NF or DRMS. For each of the 23 mine openings, provide independent site recommendations on construction practices and closure method types and design specifications in the BA/BE report on the need for future bat-friendly and/or bat-compatible closure methods and other protective measures. The recommendations shall be based on previous reports, reference literature, field observations, map and GIS data, etc.

Recommendations on the need for bat-friendly/bat-compatible future closure methods and/or other protective practices and measures at the mine site locations shall be included in the BA/BE report.

Task D – Prepare Final BA/BE Report (Nov. 2022-Jan. 2023): Prepare and submit a draft Biological Assessment and Biological Evaluation (BA/BE) report to the GMUG NF and coordinate with FS Resource Specialists to incorporate their comments and feedback, and produce a Final BA/BE report for the Tomichi project with respect to the Endangered Species Act of 1972, as amended; Forest Service Policy (FSM 2670.3); Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1985; and Colorado Nongame, Endangered, or Threatened Species Conservation Act. Apply the protection of State and Federal designated and Regional Forester-designated sensitive species of plants and animals. Electronic (MSWord and Adobe Acrobat PDF files) and 3 printed copies of the Final BA/BE Reports will be provided to the GMUG NF within ~45 days of receiving comments back from the FS COR.

Task E – Prepare Final MIS Report (Nov. 2022-Jan. 2023): Distribute a draft Management Indicator Species (MIS) report to the GMUG NF and coordinate with FS Resource Specialists to incorporate their comments and feedback and produce a Final MIS report for the Ironton project as required (1982 Planning Rule 36 CFR 219.19 (a)(6)).

Electronic (MSWord and Adobe Acrobat PDF files) and 3 printed copies of the Final MIS Reports will be provided to the GMUG NF within ~45 days of receiving comments back from the FS COR.

The Contractor shall verbally notify the FS COR upon initiation of each Work Task outlined in the contract. By the last day of each month the Contractor shall provide written progress reports on work performed on the contract during that month throughout the duration of the contract period. The Contractor shall provide three (3) unbound copies of the Final BA/BE and MIS reports and the draft NEPA documents required under this task to the GMUG NF. In addition, electronic versions (Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat PDF files) and stored on a USB Thumb Drive will also be required for submittal to the FS COR.

PROJECT #2

Forest Hill Mill Site Cleanup Project – Biological & Cultural Support Work

SITE LOCATION AND ACCESS

The Forest Hill abandoned/inactive Mill site is located on the Gunnison Ranger District of the GMUG NF. The former mill is located at approximately: 38°55'14.78"N, 106°36'42.43"W; and includes multiple Areas of Contamination (AOCs), as shown in “FIGURE 3: PROJECT SITE FEATURES AND AREAS OF CONTAMINATION (AOC) MAP” (attached). “FIGURE 2:

VICINITY MAP” (attached) shows the Site vicinity and the approximate location of the Site near the junction of National Forest System Road (NFSR) 742 (Taylor Road) and NFSR 748, approximately six miles north of Taylor Park Reservoir in Gunnison County, Colorado. FIGURE 3 provides the layout of the former mill site, existing tailings, and washout areas. All Site features, as shown on FIGURE 3, lay within the Gunnison NF administrative boundaries. “FIGURE 4: APPROXIMATE ON-SITE REPOSITORY LOCATIONS” (attached) shows the on-Site repository locations identified in the Forest Hill Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis Report (EE/CA) (outlined in blue); and an alternative repository location (outlined in red). The biological and cultural support work will assess both possible repository locations, all AOCs, the former mill building, and any other temporary access roads and staging areas that will be required to complete the Removal Action.

WORK TASKS

Task A – Conduct Access Route and Mine Site Research (May-June 2022): Conduct hardcopy and electronic reference literature, reports, records, map, and data searches (including GIS data from local/state/federal databases) for information on the Forest Hill Mill Site Cleanup location. Prior to field mobilization, the contractor will need to verify the general site location, AOCs, and access travel routes and their conditions to plan methods of travel and develop a schedule of field work for the area. Such pre-planning may require coordination with the FS COR and FS Technical Point of Contact (POC). Work Task A also forms the basis of applying the protection of State and Federal designated species of plants and animals for the Forest Hill project area reports and recommendations.

Task B – Complete Wildlife & Plant Field Pedestrian Surveys (July-Sept. 2022): Apply the protection of State and Federal designated species of plants and animals by conducting pedestrian surveys at the access trails and potential work areas at the Forest Hill Mill Site Cleanup area with respect to the Endangered Species Act of 1972, as amended;

Forest Service Policy (FSM 2670.3); Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1985; and Colorado Nongame, Endangered, or Threatened Species Conservation Act. Data measured and collected at each AOC should include written recordation of field observations and survey results, noting the general status and condition the mine features, and photo-documentation of the site, work areas, and species of concern (including invasive or noxious weed species, and bat resources and habitat).

Task C – Prepare Final BA/BE Report (Oct.-Dec. 2022): Prepare and submit a draft Biological Assessment and Biological Evaluation (BA/BE) report to the GMUG NF and coordinate with FS Resource Specialists to incorporate their comments and feedback, and produce a Final BA/BE report for the Forest Hill Mill Site Cleanup project with respect to the Endangered Species Act of 1972, as amended; Forest Service Policy (FSM 2670.3); Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1985; and Colorado Nongame, Endangered, or Threatened Species Conservation Act. Apply the protection of State and Federal designated and Regional Forester-designated sensitive species of plants and animals. Electronic (MS Word and Adobe Acrobat PDF files) and 3 printed copies of the Final BA/BE Reports will be provided to the GMUG NF within ~45 days of receiving comments back from the FS COR or FS Technical POC.

Task D – Prepare Final MIS Report (Oct.-Dec. 2022): Distribute a draft Management Indicator Species (MIS) report to the GMUG NF and coordinate with FS Resource Specialists to incorporate their comments and feedback and produce a Final MIS report for the Forest Hill Mill site Removal Action project, as required (1982 Planning Rule 36 CFR 219.19 (a)(6)). Electronic (MS Word and Adobe Acrobat PDF files) and 3 printed copies of the Final MIS Reports will be provided to the GMUG NF within ~45 days of receiving comments back from the FS COR or FS Technical POC.

Task E – Conduct Archaeological Mine Site Research (May-June 2022): Prior to conducting fieldwork, the contractor will conduct a Class I Literature Review of all previous survey and site documentation within the proposed project area in the Gunnison District Office Heritage files, Government Land Office plats, Colorado Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, and all other pertinent hardcopy or electronic files or records available.

Prior to field mobilization, the contractor will need to verify the general site location, AOCs, and access travel routes and their conditions to plan methods of travel and develop a schedule of field work for the area. Such pre-planning will require coordination with the Gunnison Ranger District Archaeologist and FS Technical POC. Work Task E also forms the basis of applying the protection of State and Federal cultural resources for the Forest Hill cultural reports and recommendations.

Task F – Complete Cultural Field Pedestrian Surveys (July-Sept. 2022): The Contractor must hold an approved Forest Service Region 2 (Rocky Mountain Region) permit to perform cultural resources surveys on National Forest System Lands across the GMUG NF. At least 2 weeks prior to initiating cultural survey work, the Contactor is required to contact the Gunnison Ranger District Archaeologist to discuss the coordination and survey process further. The Contractor shall conduct 100 percent Class III pedestrian survey of the project area. The maximum transect width per surveyor will not exceed 15 m. (49 ft.) when conducting Class III surveys. Spacing may be increased as needed by slope, vegetation, and ground cover on some steeper units. Map and compass or GPS shall be used to ensure systematic, even coverage of the survey areas. A GPS shapefile of the transect tracks will be submitted to the District Archaeologist with the draft Cultural Resources Report. Each crew must be directly supervised by a crew leader in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) requirements for crew leader. Limits of the survey areas are not marked in the field. Overall, survey areas will require accurate location and orientation prior to the inventory and survey field work.

o Additional Documentation Provisions:

Each site and isolated occurrence discovered shall be plotted with a GPS unit and transferred to 1:24,000 scale U.S.G.S. topographic maps, and identified with its Smithsonian number and with a Forest Service site number. Original copies of the maps with isolated finds and sites will be provided by the contractor to enable the Gunnison Ranger District Archaeologist to inspect the results of the survey. A USB Thumb Drive containing the shapefiles for the GPS locations, using the Forest Service attribute fields, will also be provided by the contractor.

All locational information will be provided as GIS shapefiles and on a hard copy of the USGS topo map to the Forest Service with the draft site forms.

GPS locations are required at site datum points. All GPS data gathered will meet the following accuracy standards:

GPS Standard: NAD83, reported in UTM coordinates Locational point/polygon accuracy of 3 meters or less Submission of GPS data in two formats: hard copy on 1:24000 USGS topo maps and shapefiles (or feature classes) in a projected coordinate system compatible with ArcGIS.

At least two photographs (film or digital) taken from different directions, will be taken of each site.

Photographs should show identifying site characteristics and important landmarks for relocating the site. Photographs will be printed on archival quality photo paper. Photographs and negatives will be submitted to the FS Technical Point of Contact upon conclusion of the project. Photographs will be included with the standard Colorado Office of Archaeology & Historic Preservation (OAHP) site forms and will include provenance information. Photographs may be embedded in the report but a CD with all digital photography labeled by site will be provided to the Gunnison Ranger District Archaeologist.

Each newly discovered site shall be recorded on the appropriate standard Colorado OAHP site form.

Information contained on the site form is to be consistent with the instructions as listed on the OAHP web site at www.historycolorado.org/office-archaeology-historic-preservation.

Sites and Isolated finds shall be plotted, described, and assigned a Smithsonian site number.

Previously recorded unevaluated sites within the survey areas will be relocated and re-evaluated on official OAHP Preservation Re-evaluation Forms with maps and photographs. If the existing site forms for these sites are older than 2000, then the sites will be re-recorded on current site forms.

Historic trails will be documented as such on official OAHP Site Forms. Associated features such as sheepherder arborglyphs along a stock driveway will be recorded as sub-features of the historic trail if appropriate.

Draft maps and shapefiles of the site locations will be provided to the appropriate Gunnison Ranger District Archaeologist within at least 90 days of completing field work.

The contractor shall cease work upon discovering any human remains and associated funerary objects and shall immediately notify the FS COR or FS Technical POC. Work in the vicinity of the discovery may not resume until the FS COR or FS Technical POC has given permission.

Task G - Prepare Final Cultural Resources Report (Oct. 2022-Jan. 2023): Distribute a draft Cultural Resources Report to the Gunnison Ranger District Archaeologist and coordinate with the District Archaeologist to incorporate their comments and feedback and produce a Final Cultural Resources Report for the Forest Hill Mill site Removal Action project. Electronic (MS Word and Adobe Acrobat PDF files) and 3 printed copies of the Final Cultural Resources Report will be provided to the within ~60 days of receiving comments back from the District Archaeologist.

o At a minimum, survey reports shall follow OAHP guidelines. The report shall include a Forest Service project number, a project map with site locations plotted, a separate project map with the locations of isolated finds plotted, both on 1:24,000 scale U.S.G.S. topographic quadrangles.

o The Smithsonian site number will be the primary site reference number used in the report. The report will include a table of the cultural sites (both previously recorded and newly discovered). The table will also include Smithsonian number, site type, cultural affiliation, dates, eligibility recommendation, and management recommendations.

o The Contractor shall prepare and submit a draft Cultural Resources Report the Gunnison Ranger District Archaeologist and coordinate with the District Archaeologist to incorporate their comments and feedback, and produce a Final Cultural Resources Report that will allow the GMUG NF to begin consultation with the Colorado State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).

The Contractor shall verbally notify the FS COR or FS Technical POC upon initiation of each Work Task outlined in the contract. By the last day of each month the Contractor shall provide written progress reports on work performed on the contract during that month throughout the duration of the contract period. The Contractor shall provide three (3) copies of the Final Cultural Resources Report to the Gunnison Ranger District Archaeologist. In addition, electronic versions (Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat PDF files) and stored on a USB Thumb Drive will also be required for submittal to the District Archaeologist.

4.0 Government Furnished

The GMUG NF shall provide information on site locations and access, proposed safety closure methods, and any necessary FS or DRMS GIS data and technical reports needed to accomplish the work tasks. All draft BABE-MIS and Cultural Resources report documents shall be reviewed by GMUG NF specialists, and comments/edits will be communicated back to the contractor for consideration and incorporation prior to transmittal of final reports. No government-furnished property or facilities will be provided to support the contract.

5.0 Deliverables / Schedule

By the last day of each month after contract award, the Contractor shall provide the FS COR and FS Technical POS written progress reports on work performed on the contract during that month throughout the duration of the contract period. The progress report shall cover all work completed during the specified period and shall present the work to be accomplished during the subsequent period. This report shall also identify any problems that arose and a statement explaining how the problem was resolved. This report shall also identify any problems that have arisen but have not been completely resolved and provide an explanation.

Contractor shall provide electronic files of the draft BABE and MIS reports for Project #1 (Ironton) via email by December 15, 2022, to the FS COR; and Project #2 (Forest Hill) via email by November 15, 2022, to the FS Technical POC. The documents shall be reviewed by GMUG NF Resource Specialists and comments will be provided back to the Contractor from the GMUG NF no later than December 31, 2022, for Project #1 (Ironton), and no later than November 30, 2022, for Project #2 (Forest Hill). The Contractor shall finalize the BABE and MIS reports and transmit them to the FS COR by January 31, 2023, for Project #1 (Ironton); and by December 31, 2022, for Project #2 (Forest Hill).

Contractor shall provide electronic files of the draft Cultural Resource Report for Project #2 (Forest Hill) via email by November 30, 2022, to the Gunnison District Ranger Archaeologist. The draft Forest Hill Cultural Resource Report shall be reviewed by the District Archaeologist and comments will be provided back to the Contractor no later than December 30, 2022. The Contractor shall finalize the Forest Hill Cultural Resources Report and transmit it to the District Archaeologist by January 31, 2023.

Timely submission of deliverables is essential to successful completion of the contract. The Schedule for deliverables is specified in the table below. All draft and final documents shall be prepared and submitted in both MSWord and Adobe

Acrobat PDF electronic file formats. Three (3) unbound hard copies of the Final BA/BE and MIS reports for Project #1 (Ironton) and Project #2 (Forest Hill), as well as three (3) unbound hard copies of the Final Cultural Resources report for Project #2 (Forest Hill), shall be submitted on recycled content paper and printed double-sided. Electronic (Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat PDF files) versions of the reports stored on a USB Thumb Drive will also be required for submittal to GMUG NF. All deliverables shall be prepared and submitted according to format, content, and schedule described in the SOW.

The Contractor shall be responsive to Government-furnished criteria, information, guidance, and review comments. All services shall be in full compliance with Federal, State, and local requirements.

Ironton (Project #1) and Forest Hill (Project #2) Mine Sites NEPA Support

Key Deliverables & Schedule Item No.

Deliverable / Item Title

Description Frequency Reference Delivery Format Due By

1 PROJECT #1 -

Monthly Progress Reports

Monthly report documenting tasks and issues identified during the month

Once per Month

Ref. SOW: Section 3.0, Technical Requirements/Tasks & Section 5.0 Deliverables/Schedule

Via email to FS COR The last day of each month after contract award.

2 PROJECT #1 -

Draft BA/BE Report

Transmit draft BA/BE report to GMUG NF for Resource Specialist review and comments

Once per Contract Period

Ref. SOW: Section 3.0, Technical Requirements/Tasks & Section 5.0 Deliverables/Schedule

Via email to FS COR Dec. 15, 3 PROJECT #1 -

Draft MIS Report

Transmit draft MIS report to GMUG NF for Resource Specialist review and comments

Once per Contract Period

Ref. SOW: Section 3.0, Technical Requirements/Tasks & Section 5.0 Deliverables/Schedule

Via email to FS COR Dec. 15, 4 PROJECT #1 -

Final BA/BE Report

Transmit Final BA/BE report to GMUG NF

Once per Contract Period

Ref. SOW: Section 3.0, Technical Requirements/Tasks & Section 5.0 Deliverables/Schedule

Via email to FS COR;

hardcopies & thumb drive via postal mail to FS COR

Jan. 31, 5 PROJECT #1 -

Final MIS Report

Transmit Final MIS report to GMG NF

Once per Contract Period

Ref. SOW: Section 3.0, Technical Requirements/Tasks & Section 5.0 Deliverables/Schedule

Via email to FS COR;

hardcopies & thumb drive via postal mail to FS COR

Jan. 31, 6 PROJECT #2 -

Monthly Progress Reports

Monthly report documenting tasks and issues identified during the month

Once per Month

Ref. SOW: Section 3.0, Technical Requirements/Tasks & Section 5.0 Deliverables/Schedule

Via email to FS Tech.

POC

The last day of each month after contract award.

7 PROJECT #2 -

Draft BA/BE Report

Transmit draft BA/BE report to GMUG NF for Resource Specialist review and comments

Once per Contract Period

Ref. SOW: Section 3.0, Technical Requirements/Tasks & Section 5.0 Deliverables/Schedule

Via email to FS Tech.

POC

Nov. 15, 8 PROJECT #2 -

Draft MIS Report

Transmit draft MIS report to GMUG NF for Resource Specialist review and comments

Once per Contract Period

Ref. SOW: Section 3.0, Technical Requirements/Task & Section 5.0 Deliverables/Schedule

Via email to FS Tech.

POC

Nov. 15, 9 PROJECT #2 -

Final BA/BE Report

Transmit Final BA/BE report to GMUG NF

Once per Contract Period

Ref. SOW: Section 3.0, Technical Requirements/Tasks & Section 5.0 Deliverables/Schedule

Via email to FS Tech.

POC; hardcopies & thumb drive via postal mail to FS Tech. POC

Dec. 31, 10 PROJECT #2 -

Final MIS Report

Transmit Final MIS report to GMUG NF

Once per Contract Period

Ref. SOW: Section 3.0, Technical Requirements/Tasks & Section 5.0 Deliverables/Schedule

Via email to FS Tech.

POC; hardcopies & thumb drive via postal mail to FS Tech. POC

Dec. 31, 11 PROJECT #2 –

Draft Cultural Resource Report

Transmit Draft Cultural Resource Report to GMUG NF for Resource Specialist review and comments

Once per Contract Period

Ref. SOW: Section 3.0, Technical Requirements/Tasks & Section 5.0 Deliverables/Schedule

Via email to Gunnison Ranger District Archaeologist

Nov. 30, 12 PROJECT #2 –

Final Cultural Resource Report

Transmit Final Cultural Resource Report to

GMUG NF

Once per Contract Period

Ref. SOW: Section 3.0, Technical Requirements/Tasks & Section 5.0 Deliverables/Schedule

Via email to Gunnison Ranger District Archaeologist;

hardcopies & thumb drive via postal mail to Gunnison Ranger District Archaeologist

Jan. 31,

6.0 Travel

Contractor field personnel will need to travel by motorized 4x4, high clearance vehicles and/or OHVs to nearby trailheads or staging areas and then travel into the backcountry on foot to perform high elevation pedestrian surveys at each of the 23 Ironton AML mine site locations and at the Forest Hill Mill site. The attached Ironton and Forest Hill Project Location Maps and Mine Site Field Forms identify the specific mine feature locations for this proposal. The site visits shall be completed in Summer 2022. The contractor shall incorporate all travel and travel-related expenses as a lump sum cost into the “Task B” line items for Project #1 (Ironton area) and “Task B” and “Task F” line items for Project #2 (Forest Hill area). The contractor shall notify the FS COR and FS Technical POC at least a week prior to the start of any field work with the anticipated schedule and locations of site visits, and immediately check back in with them upon return from each trip.

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

This contract requires the support of one or more highly experienced field biologists or ecologist with at least a B.S. in Biology and education/experience in wildlife management and inactive mine closures, and a highly experienced archaeologist with at least a B.S. in Archaeology and education/experience in mining history and historical mining resources. The biologists and/or ecologists shall possess extensive field expertise in surveying and evaluating plant and wildlife species in high altitude ecosystems of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The archaeologists shall also possess extensive field expertise in performing field cultural surveys at legacy mine sites. Key field personnel shall be in excellent physical health and condition to allow them to hike safely and efficiently for long distances on remote historic roads, trails, and cross-country routes in rocky, steep, and unstable high-altitude environments to the backcountry mine site locations. Key field personnel must have a high degree of map reading and navigational skills in mountainous terrains, and previous experience locating and recognizing historic, inactive hardrock mine openings and other mine-related features in the field. The key personnel must also have a general understanding of mine reclamation and remediation work, and also AML physical safety closure method types, installation practices and techniques, and wildlife protection design features and specifications.

The Contractor will need to provide key personnel with recent, previous experience working on similar biologic and cultural NEPA support contracts that have provided BA/BE and MIS reports and Cultural Resource Reports supporting AML closure and mill site cleanup projects on NFS lands in the Rocky Mountain Region. Specialized expertise in assessing potential impacts and developing mitigations to address impacts on endangered, threatened, and sensitive plant and animal species and cultural resources is required. GIS skills and expertise working with resource data in ArcMap will also be needed to meet the requirements of this contract.

8.0 Security Requirements

No specific security requirements are associated with this proposal.

9.0 Data Rights

The data, reports, and draft documents generated under this contract will be integrated into the public administrative records maintained by the USFS for the Ironton and Forest Hill projects. The reservation of any data rights is not applicable since all the information will be publicly available.

10.0 Section 508 – Electronic and Information Technology Standards

All final electronic reports produced under this contract are required to be compliant with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Attachment

See Attachments with Project Location information for the Ironton and Forest Hill Mines Sites NEPA Support work described in this proposal.

(viii) 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (NOV 2021) (Provision) Addenda to provision 52.212-1:

Addenda to paragraph (b) Submission of Offers:

1) Offerors must have an active entity registration in the System for Award Management in order to submit an offer. https://www.sam.gov/SAM/

2) Submit signed and dated offer to Rebecca.l.schowalter@usda.gov before the time specified in this solicitation. Offers will be submitted on the SF 18. The offer must show the name, address, and telephone of offeror and a price proposal.

3) c) Representations and Certifications – Fill in the check boxes for provisions 52.204- 24 and 52.212-3.

The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered.

a) Technical Proposal – At a minimum technical proposal shall include:

Technical Capability – Provide a list of equipment and key personnel (with qualifications) that will be used to complete this project.

b) Price Proposal – Include the following: 1) completed, signed SF-18 2) Acknowledge any amendments issued on sam.gov for this solicitation by completing and signing the posted SF-30, if applicable.

4) Submit offer by email to rebecca.l.schowalter@usda.gov so that it is delivered into this inbox by the due date and time. Emails should contain 3 separate attachments in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format:

1) Signed SF 18

2) Technical Proposal to include a description of the services and the technical capability to complete project

3) Representation and Certifications (52.204-24 and 52.212-3)

Be aware that large attachments may increase the time required to deliver an email. It is the offerors responsibility to confirm receipt of the offer from Rebecca Schowalter.

4) Address questions about this solicitation to Rebecca Schowalter at rebecca.l.schowalter@usda.gov.

(ix) 52.212-2 Evaluation – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (NOV 2021) (Provision)

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government. Price and technical capability will be used to evaluate offers.

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

(x) 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (NOV 2021) (DEVIATION JUL 2020) (Provision)

(xi) 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (NOV 2021)

Addenda to 52.212-4:

Replace paragraph (r) of clause 52.212-4 with the following as specified in

DEVIATION 2017-1 (AUG 2017):

(r) Compliance with laws unique to Government contracts. The Contractor agrees to comply with 31 U.S.C. 1352 relating to limitations on the use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracts; 18 U.S.C 431 relating to officials not to benefit; 40 U.S.C. chapter 37, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards; 41 U.S.C. chapter 87, Kickbacks; 41 U.S.C 4712 and 10 U.S.C 2409 10 U.S.C. 2409 relating to whistleblower protections; 49 U.S.C. 40118, Fly American; and 41 U.S.C chapter 21 relating to procurement integrity.

(xii) 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (JAN 2022) (DEVIATION JUL 2020)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services:

(1) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further

Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(2) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Nov 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L.

115-91).

(3) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (Nov 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

(4) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Nov 2015)

(5) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (Aug 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).

(6) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Oct 2004) (Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78 (19 U.S.C. 3805note)).

(b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services:

(4) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Jun 2020) (Pub. L. 109-282) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

(8) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (Nov 2021) (31 U.S.C. 6101note).

(11) (i) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (Sep 2021) (15 U.S.C.657a).

(12) (i) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (Sep 2021) 15 U.S.C. 657a).

(22) (i) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (Sep 2021) (15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)).

(32) (i) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Jun 2020) (29 U.S.C.793).

(ii) Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-36.

(35) (i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2021) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

(44) 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (Jun 2020) (E.O. 13513).

(c) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (c), applicable to commercial services, that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services:

(1) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(2) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

In compliance with the Service Contract Labor Standards statute and the regulations of the Secretary of Labor (29 CFR Part 4), this clause identifies the classes of service employees expected to be employed under the contract and states the wages and fringe benefits payable to each if they were employed by the contracting agency subject to the provisions of 5 U.S.C.5341 or 5 332.

This Statement is for Information Only: It is not a Wage Determination

(xiii) Additional Requirements/Terms and Conditions:

Clauses:

52.237-2 Protection of Government Buildings, Equipment, and Vegetation (APR 1984)

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clauses:

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far (FAR clauses begin with 52) Department of Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) Clauses:

https://www.acquisition.gov/agar (AGAR clauses begin with 452) Deviations to clauses may be viewed at:

https://www.dm.usda.gov/procurement/policy/FARClassDeviations.htm

52.252-6 Authorized Deviations in Clauses (NOV 2020)

(a) The use in this solicitation or contract of any Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR Chapter 1) clause with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of “(DEVIATION)” after the date of the clause.

(b) The use in this solicitation or contract of any Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR 4) clause with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of “(DEVIATION)” after the name of the regulation.

452.204-70 Modification for Contract Closeout (OCT 2021)

Employee Class Monetary Wage-Fringe Benefits

GS 09 $22.08

Upon contract closeout for contracts utilizing Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) according to FAR 13:

(a) If unobligated funds in the amount of $1000 or less remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer (CO) shall issue a unilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification but will not be required to provide a signature. The CO shall immediately proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(b) If unobligated funds of more than $1000 remain on the contract, the CO shall issue a bilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification and will be required to provide a signature. (The CO may also request a Release of Claims be completed by the contractor, although not required for contract and orders using SAP procedures.) If the bilateral modification and Release of Claims are not returned to the CO within 60 days, the CO shall release the modification as unilateral and proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

Period of Performance The period of performance of this contract is from date of award through March 1, 2023.

Restrictions Against Disclosure

(a) The Contractor agrees, in the performance of this contract, to keep all information contained in source documents or other media furnished by the Government in the strictest confidence. The Contractor also agrees not to publish or otherwise divulge such information in whole or in part in any manner or form, or to authorize or permit others to do so, taking such reasonable measures as are necessary to restrict access to such information while in the Contractor's possession, to those employees needing such information to perform the work provided herein, i.e., on a "need to know" basis. The Contractor agrees to immediately notify in writing, the Contracting Officer, named herein, in the event that the Contractor determines or has reason to suspect a breach of this requirement.

(b) The Contractor agrees not to disclose any information concerning the work under this contract to any persons or individual unless prior written approval is obtained from the Contracting Officer. The Contractor agrees to insert the substance of this clause in any consultant agreement or subcontract hereunder.

Post Award Conference A post award conference with the successful offeror is required. It will be scheduled within 14 days after the date of contract award. The conference will be held via Microsoft Teams on a date to be determined.

Insurance Coverage Pursuant to FAR clause 52.228-5, Insurance-Work on a Government Installation, the Contractor will be required to present evidence to show, as a minimum, the amounts of insurance coverage indicated below:

(a) Workers Compensation and Employer's Liability. The Contractor is required to comply with applicable Federal and State workers' compensation and occupational disease statutes. If occupational diseases are not compensable under those statutes, they shall be covered under the employer's liability section of the insurance policy, except when contract operations are so commingled with a Contractor's commercial operations that it would not be practical to require this coverage. Employer's liability coverage of at least $100,000 shall be required, except in States with exclusive or monopolistic funds that do not permit worker's compensation to be written by private carriers.

(b) General Liability. (1) The Contractor shall have bodily injury liability coverage written on a comprehensive form of policy of at least $500,000 per occurrence. (2) The Contractor shall have property damage liability insurance shall be required in the amount of $5,000.

Provisions:

52.204-7 System for Award Management (OCT 2018)

52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer.