P03 1115748 PWS-Rev7_IRA Conservation Planner_6Feb24.pdf

PERFORMANCE WORK

STATEMENT FOR

CONSERVATION PLANNERS

Revision #7 02/06/2023

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 MISSION

1.2 BACKGROUND

1.3. SCOPE

2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

2.1 NON-PERSONAL SERVICES

2.2 CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS

2.3 LOCATION AND HOURS OF WORK

2.4 TRAVEL

2.5 RESERVED

2.6 IDENTIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL

3. CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE

3.1 PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES/TASKS

3.2 DELIVERABLES/SCHEDULE

3.3 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY (PRS)

4. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

4.1 SECURITY

4.2 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY (GFP), EQUIPMENT (GFE), INFORMATION

(GFI) AND/OR SERVICES

4.3 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

4.4 RESTRICTIONS AGAINST DISCLOSURE

4.5 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

4.6 CIVIL RIGHTS AND PROGRAM DELIVERY

4.7 RESERVED

4.8 CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

4.9 GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

4.10 EXCLUSION BY CONTRACTING OFFICER

4.11 REPLACEMENT OF PERSONNEL

1. INTRODUCTION

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment. NRCS works at the local level in field offices at USDA Service Centers in nearly every county across the nation. NRCS helps the nation balance economic goals with the needs of the environment; ensuring sustainable productive lands that supply food, fiber, forest products and energy for all citizens.

The effort required under this Performance Work Statement (PWS) is for Conservation Planner services to the USDA NRCS in Field and Area Offices throughout Washington State (See attachment #1, Washington State Map of areas to be covered). The intent is to award an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) firm fixed price (FFP) service contract which will have a four (4) year ordering period, with anticipated ordering period starting 1 April 2024 through 31 March 2028.

1.1. MISSION

USDA NRCS, “Helping People Help the Land.”

1.2. BACKGROUND

USDA NRCS desires to increase conservation planning support through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). NRCS anticipates a staffing need for full time employees to be located at key locations throughout Washington State to support the IRA workload. Utilizing experienced conservation planning personnel will minimize the impact on current professional staff for current NRCS programs.

1.3. SCOPE

The Conservation Planner will support USDA NRCS throughout Washington State. (See attachment #1, Geographic Map of Washington State of areas to be covered). It is anticipated that the workload will be primarily in central and eastern Washington but could be needed in western Washington should the need arise. Priority of staffing, identified by USDA NRCS, shall be in the highest workload IRA program counties the first year of the contract. Within 90 days after award of the base contract, USDA NRCS will establish the quantity of personnel needed for full staffing requirements and determine which geographic location the Conservation Planners are needed. If this is not workable, the Contractor shall submit their recruitment plan as corrective action to be able to meet the timeliness of the staffing requirements within 45 days.

The Contractor shall coordinate the day-to-day activities with the designated District Conservationist (DC) or Area Conservationist (AC) as outlined below. (The DC, AC, Government Technical Representative (GTR) and the Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR) will be identified during the Post Award Conference).

1.3.1. Develop a working knowledge of necessary agency software and conservation planning policy and procedures.

1.3.2. Work with USDA NRCS clients, NRCS DC, and technical staff by preparing and approving conservation plans for NRCS clients.

1.3.3. Work with NRCS clients, NRCS DC, and technical staff conducting Conservation

Practice Inventory and Evaluations, developing implementation requirements, and certifying practice completion for NRCS clients.

1.3.4. Acquire PIV LincPass credentials.

1.3.5. Register and maintain eAuth Level 2.

1.3.6. Assist Government in developing, collecting, and assembling cost data, reviewing program applications and contracts, processing payment application requests after approval from NRCS staff, and reviewing open obligations.

1.3.7. Establish and maintain files and client records in electronic form in Document

Management System (DMS). This includes, but is not limited to, receiving and assembling program applications; collecting client eligibility, vendor information, and reviewing signature authority; completing and compiling contract documentation including conservation plans, maps, photographs, resource data and technical material and any additional documentation identified by the GTR/COTR.

1.3.8. Reviews a wide variety of invoices, vouchers, and other miscellaneous payment requests to support NRCS and the IRA Farm Bill programs; prepares for agency signature and forwards completed document to DC for payment.

1.3.9. Compiles and reviews the accuracy of contract administration supporting documents from the program application process through to final payments and contract completion.

1.3.10. Assists NRCS in managing program contracts. This may include, but is not limited to, annual contract reviews, documenting contract compliance, and communicating with program participants.

1.3.11. Tracks client eligibility processing with Farm Service Agency (FSA) and other eligibility requirements as defined by NRCS program manual.

1.3.12. Utilizes a variety of computer hardware and software applications and small office machines, to include agency specific software such as Conservation Desktop, ArcGIS, CART, ProTracts, DMS, and locally developed Microsoft Excel ® databases to extract information needed to develop reports related to scheduling, and program tracking.

1.3.13. Provides a variety of information to program applicants and participants, such as specific program and eligibility requirements, guidance on completion of required program applications, verifying Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).

1.3.14. Performs data entry to process client contract documents and actions for approved contracts. Monitors and tracks commencement and expiration of contracts, contracts behind schedule and contracts that have not completed a practice in the first year and prepares modification, termination, waiver, and annual practice reminder letters for Government signature.

1.3.15. All ancillary duties will be that of a typical NRCS conservation planner and shall be performed within the normal work hours as indicated in this PWS.

1.3.16. Monthly emails of work activities performed by Contractor staff shall be sent to the DC for the area they are working with a courtesy copy (cc) sent to the Contractor’s point of contact and the COR. This documentation shall be complied and included as an attachment to the invoice in IPP. Failure to submit this information may cause a delay in payment processing.

2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The following sub-sections provide details of various considerations on this effort. The objective of the contract is for the Contractor to provide conservation planners that will provide direct technical assistance to USDA NRCS customers in Washington State. Additionally, Contractor personnel will work closely with NRCS staff and their clients to prepare conservation plans and conservation practice services to USDA NRCS standards.

2.1. NON-PERSONAL SERVICES

The Government shall neither supervise Contractor employees nor control the method by which the Contractor performs the required tasks. Under no circumstances shall the Government assign tasks to, or prepare work schedules for, individual Contractor employees, except for the Contractor site lead. The

Contractor shall manage employees and guard against any actions that would appear to be personal services or give the perception personal services are being performed. If the Contractor believes that any actions constitute or are perceived to constitute personal services, the Contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer (CO), in writing.

2.2. CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS

The Contractor shall accomplish the assigned work by employing and utilizing qualified personnel with appropriate combinations of education, training, and experience. The Contractor shall match personnel to the minimum qualifications outlined below.

2.2.1. The Contractor's Conservation Planners minimum staff qualifications must be as follows:

(a) Meet the qualification standards for the

(i) General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences Series 0401

(General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences Series 0401 (opm.gov)). OR

(ii) Soil Conservation Series 0457 (Soil Conservation Series 0457 (opm.gov)). For the purposes of this contract the 12 semester hours in a combination of soils and crops or plant science are not required.

(b) Provide proof of a proper state issued motor vehicle operator’s license or equivalent.

(c) Demonstrate an ability to support customer's needs which both reside on and offsite from the duty location. This shall include an appropriate demeanor and ability to communicate face to face, over the phone and utilizing other forms of electronic communication, including but not limited to, instant messaging, email, video-teleconferencing software.

(d) Demonstrate a proficiency with computer automated software and web-based software usage.

2.2.2. All Contractor personnel shall be NRCS certified Conservation Planners or capable of acquiring Conservation Planner certification.

(a) Contractor personnel shall complete Level I Planner Certification within six (6) months of NRCS acceptance of individual contractor personnel.

(b) Contractor personnel shall work toward completing Level III Planner Certification within 12 months of achieving Level I Planner Certification.

2.2.3. After identification of the staffing requirements and the issuance of the Task Order, the Contractor shall provide up to 15 Conservation Planners within 90 days after the issuance of the Task Order.

2.2.4. After contract award, the Government will identify the number of personnel required for the initial staffing and will determine what specific area/district the staff will be located.

Upon notification to the Contractor and prior to the issuance of a Task Order, the Contractor shall provide resumé(s) of personnel qualifications to the GTR/COTR for evaluation. The resumé(s) will be reviewed by the GTR/COTR and additional Government personnel to determine if the personnel meet the minimum qualifications to work as a Conservation Planner.

2.3. LOCATION AND HOURS OF WORK

Work being performed under this contract may be at Government facilities or at a Conservation District office as determined by Government need in designated areas. Telework may be authorized upon approval by the CO. Accomplishment of the work being completed in this PWS, requires work primarily in the high IRA workload counties but could also include various USDA NRCS service areas as identified during performance of this contract. The Contractor shall be capable of providing services for contiguous multi-county geographical locations throughout the state of Washington.

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/general-natural-resources-management-and-biological-sciences-series-0401/ https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/general-natural-resources-management-and-biological-sciences-series-0401/ https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/soil-conservation-series-0457/

Normal Government workdays are Monday through Friday, except U.S. Federal Holidays. Typically, Government employees work eight (8) hours per day, 40 hours per week with the core work hours being from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM local time daily. Overtime is not anticipated under this contract. In the event Contractor’s employees may need to work more than 40 hours per week to support possible surge requirements, the overtime request will be submitted through the GTR/COTR for review and approval. If approved, the GTR/COTR will forward any and all applicable documents to the CO for review and approval. If overtime is approved, USDA NRCS will submit the proper documents through the Integrated Acquisition System (IAS) for processing and the overtime will be added to the contract via official contract modification. Contract employees approved for overtime, shall not start until the official modification has been signed and released by the CO and distributed to USDA NRCS and the Contractor.

No overtime request will be approved without the authorization of the CO. The Contractor must ensure this contingency can be met.

The Contractor shall be responsible for establishing their work hours under this contract, except when access to a Federal facility is required, in which case the Government may limit the Contractors access-based availability of agency employees. However, Contractor employees in possession of a valid HPDS- 12 PIV-II Compliant Credential (e.g., LincPass) can work unaccompanied at Government locations upon Government approval. (See Section PWS 4.1 for additional information).

Weather and security closures, by their nature, usually arise without advance notice. As such, the Government will notify the Contractor as soon as possible once any closures have been announced.

2.4. TRAVEL

Official USDA travel shall conform to the Agriculture Travel Regulation 2300-001, dated May 1, 2008 (ATR (usda.gov), the Travel Policy | USDA as well as eCFR :: 41 CFR Subtitle F -- Federal Travel Regulation System (FMR Subtitle F. Instances of official travel offsite that may occur, will be limited to same day travel (average distances of about 60 to 120 miles roundtrip). When necessary, same day travel may require the Contractor to operate a Contractor provided or personally owned motor vehicle.

Occasionally, official travel may require overnight lodging (estimated to be 5-20 nights per year). If overnight official travel is required, the Contractor shall request travel approval from the GTR/COTR by submitting an estimated cost analysis in accordance with the applicable travel regulations. Requests shall be provided to the GTR/COTR a minimum of one (1) week prior to official travel. The Contractor shall be responsible for making their own travel reservations and paying any associated costs. All travel requirements (including plans, agenda, itinerary, or dates) shall be pre-approved by the Government.

Overnight travel requests shall be billed in accordance with the applicable travel regulations identified in this section. Upon completion of approved official travel, the Contractor shall provide a trip report and all supporting documentation associated with the travel to the GTR/COTR prior to submitting an invoice for payment. All invoices for official travel shall be billed within 30 days after completion of official travel unless later billing is approved/authorized by the Government.

Contractor employees are responsible for their own transportation to commute to and from the assigned worksite.

2.5. RESERVED

2.6. IDENTIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL

Contract employees, including subcontractors, who attend meetings, send emails, answer Government telephones or place official calls, or work in situations where their actions could be construed as acts of https://fas.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2013-09/agricultural_travel_regulations.pdf https://www.usda.gov/ocfo/travel-express/travel-policy https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-41/subtitle-F https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-41/subtitle-F

Government officials, must clearly identify themselves as Contract employees. Contract employee email signature block shall contain information that identifies the employee as a Contract employee. Further, Contract personnel shall wear apparel that is appropriate for their work environment. Apparel (shirts/jackets) shall contain the Contractor logo or other identifiable features that separate the Contractor from the Government employees and that identifies that employee as a Contract employee.

3. CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE

This section describes the work that must be performed to achieve the required objectives, performance/delivery timing, and the associated performance standards (e.g., acceptable quality levels) that must be met for the service to be acceptable. The Government will set aside a $2,500.00 minimum guarantee for the contract awardee. This minimum guarantee will be funded on the first Task Order issued after award. The contract awardee will only invoice the minimum guaranteed amount if there are no Task Orders issued during the first full year of the contract. When additional Task Orders are issued after the minimum guarantee Task Order has been issued and the subsequent Task Order exceeds the minimum guarantee, the first Task Order will be deobligated and closed accordingly.

3.1. PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES/TASKS

The Contractor’s Conservation Planners involves preparing a conservation plan to document participant objectives and document the decision makers’ (qualified program applicant) selected practices.

3.1.1. Attend Post-Award Conference

(a) The Government shall set-up and schedule a Post Award Conference with the Contractor within 10 calendar days of contract award.

(b) This meeting shall provide an introduction between the Contractor and Government personnel that will be involved with the contract.

(c) The meeting shall provide the opportunity to discuss possible technical, management, and/or potential security concerns.

(d) The Post-Award Conference will aid the Government and Contractor in achieving a clear and mutual understanding of all requirements and provide an opportunity to identify and resolve any potential concerns.

(e) At the conclusion of the Post-Award Conference and no later than seven (7) calendar days after the conference, the Government shall provide a written summary of the Post- Award Conference to all attendees.

3.1.2. Training Requirements

(a) All Contractor Conservation Planners shall successfully complete or will have already completed the NRCS conservation planning training to achieved planner certification level I or III.

(b) On the job training (OJT) or formal training may be required for specific WA NRCS Conservation Practice Inventory & Evaluation (I&E), Design, or Implementation requirements.

3.1.3. NRCS Job Approval Authority

(a) Contractor Conservation Planners shall collaborate with the NRCS DC to develop a training plan to acquire specified Job Approval Authority (JAA) for identified NRCS practices.

(b) All Contractor Conservation Planners shall have acceptable levels of NRCS JAA.

3.1.4. NRCS Conservation Planning Software and Evaluation Tools

(a) Register and maintain access to Conservation Desktop (CD).

(b) Utilization of Conservation Assessment Ranking Tool (CART).

(c) Document Management System (DMS)

3.1.5. NRCS Management System Access

(a) Compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12). See Section PWS 4.1 for additional information.

(b) All Contractor Conservation Planners shall acquire and maintain eAuth Level 2 access.

3.1.6. NRCS Conservation Plans

(a) Conservation plans shall be completed in accordance with Attachment A of the PWS.

(b) Develop and maintain a tracking sheet for conservation plans identifying the conservation planner, date assigned, and date completed, including the activity email documentation.

3.1.7. NRCS Conservation Practice Inventory & Evaluation, Design, Implementation/Construction and Closeout

(a) All Conservation Practices shall be evaluated, designed, and installed in accordance with all applicable WA NRCS practice standards and JAA requirements.

(b) Conservation practice shall be closed out by ensuring the client contract payment has been disbursed.

(c) Develop and maintain a tracking sheet for conservation plans identifying the conservation planner, date assigned, and date completed, including the activity email documentation.

3.1.8. Quarterly Meeting: Scheduled by the Government, quarterly meeting shall be conducted to discuss the overall contractor performance and the phasing of additional contract personnel over the course of the contract.

3.1.9. Contractor Training Individual Development Plans (IDP). Contractor personnel shall complete their IDP within two (2) months of Government acceptance of contractor personnel.

3.1.10. Personnel Rosters shall be provided to the Government no later than the 15th day of each month.

3.2. DELIVERABLES/SCHEDULE

Timely completion of deliverables is essential to a successful outcome. Below are the required due dates for each performance objective.

Item No.

Deliverable Performance Objective/Task Due

1 Attend Post-Award Conference

Attend Post-Award Conference between Government and Contractor personnel. PWS Section 3.1.1.

Within 10 calendar days of contract award as scheduled by

NRCS.

2 Training Requirements Complete all training requirements and provide certificate of training as appropriate. PWS Section 3.1.2.

As scheduled by NRCS.

3 NRCS Job Approval Authority

Prepare and deliver an audit report. PWS Section 3.1.3.

Within 12 months of NRCS acceptance of contractor personnel.

4 NRCS Conservation Planning Software

Prepare and deliver an audit report. PWS Section 3.1.4.

Within 6 months of NRCS acceptance of contractor personnel.

5 NRCS Management System Access

Prepare and deliver an audit report. PWS Section 3.1.5.

Within 2 months of NRCS acceptance of contractor personnel.

6 NRCS Conservation Plans

Provide copies of the tracking spreadsheet for conservation plans and provide monthly email activity report. PWS Section 3.1.6.

Individual conservation plans should be completed within 30 days of request, or as otherwise agreed by the GTR/COTR or their designated Representative.

7 NRCS Conservation Practice Inventory & Evaluation, Design, and Implementation

Provide copies of the tracking spreadsheet for conservation plans and provide monthly email activity report. PWS Section 3.1.7.

Individual conservation practice should be completed within 30 days of request, or as otherwise agreed by the GTR/COTR

3.3. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY (PRS)

The Performance Requirements Summary (PRS) establishes a minimum performance standard for each performance objective/task that must be met for the work to be considered acceptable. Contractor performance not meeting these standards is considered nonconforming. At its discretion, the Government may require reperformance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price. If reperformance will not correct the defects or is not possible, the Government is entitled to an equitable price reduction or adequate consideration for acceptance of nonconforming services and/or supplies. The absence of any contract requirement from this PRS shall not detract from its enforceability nor limit the rights or remedies of the Government under any other provision of the contract for noncompliance.

PWS

Section

Performance Objectives/Tasks Performance Standards and Acceptable Quality Levels

3.1.1 Attend Post-Award Conference Meeting is conducted in a timely manner.

3.1.2 Training Requirements All required training has been attended and successful completion demonstrated by the NRCS issued certificate of training.

3.1.3 NRCS Job Approval Authority All required JAA has been delegated in the WA State JAA Database.

3.1.4 NRCS Conservation Planning Software and

Evaluation Tools

Access to CD and CART software has been completed and access is current.

3.1.5 NRCS Management System Access eAuth Level 2 has been successfully achieved and the PIV LincPass credentials have been issued and maintained.

3.1.6 NRCS Conservation Plans Conservation plans adhere to applicable NRCS planning policy and handbooks.

3.1.7 NRCS Conservation Practice Inventory &

Evaluation, Design, and Implementation

All conservation practice assistance adheres to the WA Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG) and all applicable handbooks.

3.1.8 Quarterly Meetings Scheduled by NRCS, quarterly meetings shall be conducted to discuss overall contractor performance and the phasing of adding additional contractor personnel over the course of the contract.

3.1.9 Contractor Training Individual

Development Plans (IDP)

Contractor personnel shall complete their IDP within two

(2) months of Government acceptance of contractor personnel.

3.1.10 Personnel Roster Provided to the Government no later than the 15th of each month.

4. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

This section describes the special requirements that apply to this contract. The following sub-sections provide additional detail for each requirement.

4.1. SECURITY

The Contractor shall comply with Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance M-05-24, and Federal Information Processing Standards Publication (FIPS PUB) Number 201.

USDA policy implementing referred to in paragraph (a) of the clause is at USDA Department Manual 4620- 002, USDA Departmental Regulation 4620-002. This policy applies to Contractor employees, including subcontractor employees, who require routine access to federally controlled facilities and information systems. All such employees must have been successfully identity proofed (FBI fingerprint check) and have at minimum a successfully adjudicated Tier 1 (T1) or Department of Defense/Defense Counterintelligence Security Agency (DCSA)/National Security (NS) community background investigation to serve on the contract. USDA agencies may grant access to USDA information systems after successful adjudication of the FBI fingerprint check. Completion and successful adjudication of the final T1 (or higher) results or DCSA/NS BI are still required to continue work under this contract. If the fingerprint or background investigation result is unsatisfactory the employee shall be removed from the contract immediately and replaced immediately. Unless an employee already has successfully completed these requirements and the investigation is current, the employee will be required to complete an electronic Questionnaire for Investigations Processing (eQIP), fingerprint check (instructions to be provided by the Farm Production and Conservation, Homeland Security Division, Personnel Security Branch), and other required forms. The Contractor is responsible for any cost of obtaining the fingerprints. The Government is responsible for the cost of the FBI fingerprint check and background investigation. NRCS does not have any control over the timeliness of the background investigation or that it will be completed within the performance period of the contract, but it is estimated to be completed approximately 30-120 calendar days (depending on the level of the background investigation) once the Contractor provides all the required documentation and NRCS submits it to DCSA. Fingerprint check results are estimated to be received within 10 calendar days once the Contractor provides all the required documentation and the agency submits it to DCSA. Upon award of the contract, and once NRCS has provided the Contractor with the required documentation and instructions, the Contractor must complete and submit the required documentation promptly to prevent delays in granting access.

If Contract employees will be provided access to USDA information technology (IT) equipment and systems, they will be required to take Information Security Awareness Training and pass the system test prior to being granted computer access.

The Contractor shall establish and implement methods to ensure all keys/badges issued to the Contractor by the Government are not lost or misplaced and are not used by unauthorized persons.

The Contractor will not duplicate any keys issued by the Government.

The Contractor shall prohibit the use of keys, issued by the Government, by any persons other than the Contractor’s employees and the opening of locked areas by Contractor employees to permit entrance of persons other than Contractor employees engaged in performance of contract work requirements in those areas.

The Contractor shall safeguard all Government property and controlled forms provided for Contractor use and adhere to the Government property requirements contained in this contract. At the end of each workday, all Government facilities, equipment, and materials shall be properly secured.

The Contractor shall maintain a current personnel roster of all employees, including subcontractor employees that have access to Government facilities and information technology systems. The personnel roster shall be provided to the GTR/COTR no later than the 15th day of each month.

4.2. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY (GFP), EQUIPMENT (GFE), INFORMATION

(GFI) AND/OR SERVICES

The Government will take the lead or make the following available to the Contractor:

4.2.1. Training Resources – NRCS will make conservation planner training available to contractors who need certification and/or continuing training hours for maintaining certification. This may include on the job training for specific practices. Other training resources the NRCS may provide are,

(a) Conservation Desktop and CART training

(b) DMS

4.2.2. NRCS Job Approval Authority

(a) Upon demonstration of successful knowledge, skills, and abilities for specific WA NRCS Conservation practices, NRCS Technical staff will add JAA to the WA JAA Database for contractor personnel.

(b) Administrative approval will be completed by the NRCS District Conservationist.

4.2.3. Contractor personnel that use NRCS Office Space may be provided:

(a) Computer and network connectivity, office supplies, phone, copier, printer, information systems, and any site work tools.

(b) Tools for the job such as measuring tapes, GPS units, flagging or other in field tools needed.

4.2.4. Contractor personnel that do not use NRCS Office Space may be provided a computer and access to the Government network.

The Contractor shall establish and implement procedures to ensure all GFP/GFE, to include laptops and other data processing devices, issued to the Contractor by the Government are not lost or misplaced, are not used by unauthorized persons or are not subject to unauthorized external devices. The Contractor shall immediately report to the GTR/COTR, any occurrences of lost, stolen or damaged GFP/GFE immediately upon discovery. Once the lost, stolen, or damaged property has been confirmed, the GTR/COTR shall notify the CO. The CO may determine that the lost, stolen or otherwise mis-placed property was a result of Contractor negligence, and the property shall be replaced by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government. Any replacement property shall be of the same make, model of the equipment determined to be lost, stolen or otherwise mis-placed.

4.3. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

The Contractor shall comply but is not limited to the documents listed below:

4.3.1. NRCS National Planning Procedures Handbook (NPPH)

Link: https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/OpenNonWebContent.aspx?content=47643.wba

4.3.2. NRCS National Environmental Compliance Handbook

Link: NRCS eDirectives - Part 610 – National Environmental Compliance Handbook (usda.gov)

4.3.3. WA NRCS Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG) Washington | Field Office Technical Guide | NRCS - USDA

4.3.4. NRCS Ecological Sciences Job Approval Authority

General Manual Part 417, Ecological Sciences Job Approval Authority (usda.gov)

4.3.5. NRCS National Engineering Manual (NEM) and WA Supplements.

https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/OpenNonWebContent.aspx?content=43502.wba https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/OpenNonWebContent.aspx?content=47643.wba https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/viewerFS.aspx?hid=39467 https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/viewerFS.aspx?hid=39467 https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/%23/state/WA/documents https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/%23/state/WA/documents https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/OpenNonWebContent.aspx?content=45797.wba https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/OpenNonWebContent.aspx?content=43502.wba

4.4. RESTRICTIONS AGAINST DISCLOSURE

The Contractor agrees, in the performance of the 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, nor 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 (e.g., on a "need to know" basis). The Contractor shall immediately notify the CO, in writing, if the Contractor determines or has reason to suspect a breach of this requirement.

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

Performance of work may involve access to potentially sensitive information about governmental and landowner issues. All Contractor personnel shall comply with the terms of AGAR clause 452.224-70 (Confidentiality of Information), as well as provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) Additionally, the Contractor personnel shall comply with privacy of personal information relating to agency programs in accordance with Section 1244 of Title II of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-171) and Section 1619 of Title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. The Contractor employees shall not disclose contents of agency case files and/or records to anyone other than authorized USDA employees without the express written consent of the Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act Officer, through the CO.

4.5. ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The Contractor acknowledges that it is familiar with Organizational and Consultant Conflicts of Interest, and agrees to avoid, neutralize and/or mitigate such conflicts of interest in accordance with the principles set forth in the contract. If the performance would require the Contractor, including subcontractors, to provide services related to systems or projects with which the Contractor is already directly concerned, either by prime or subcontract, that would cause an organizational conflict of interest, the Contractor shall immediately notify the CO, in writing, and not perform the work until further direction is provided by the

CO.

4.6. CIVIL RIGHTS AND PROGRAM DELIVERY

The Contractor will ensure that personnel prohibit discrimination in all aspects of programs and activities related to the contract based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. The Contractor shall employ only persons able to speak, read, write, and understand the English language fluently for those positions interacting with Government personnel and customers in the performance of the contract, and where English is necessary to provide a service under this contract.

4.7. RESERVED

4.8. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

The Contractor shall collect completed forms from each Contractor applicant and review all forms for completeness and correctness. This includes, for example, satisfactory resolution of issues or discrepancies.

4.8.1. Ensure the Contractors Conservation Planning personnel obtain two (2) complete sets of their fingerprints on the prescribed Form SF87 (Rev. March 2013) from an organization qualified to obtain fingerprints.

4.8.2. Return any incomplete or incorrect forms(s) to the Contractors Conservation Planning personnel to be corrected and re-submitted.

4.8.3. Submit completed forms to the Local Point of Contact no later than 10 calendar days after

NRCS acceptance of contractor personnel.

4.9. GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The Government will ensure completed security forms are forwarded to the appropriate investigating agency in accordance with appropriate internal procedures. The investigating agency will conduct the requisite investigations.

4.9.1. Notify the Contractor of the results of background investigations as they are completed and adjudicated. The Local Point of Contact will notify the Contractor of any applicants who are found ineligible for employment security approval so that the Contractor can immediately recruit and initiate paperwork to clear replacement applicants.

4.9.2. The Local Point of Contact will maintain an up-to-date file of Certificates of Investigation (COI) and other background investigation-related documentation for all contract employees throughout the life of the contract.

4.10. EXCLUSION BY CONTRACTING OFFICER

The CO, independent of NRCS background checks, may direct the Contractor to exclude from working on this contract, any contract employee found or deemed to be unfit, or whose continued employment on the contract is deemed contrary to the public interest, or inconsistent with the best interest of the Government.

4.11. REPLACEMENT OF PERSONNEL

The Contractor shall take all necessary steps to ensure personnel selected for assignment to this contract are professionally qualified and personally reliable, and meet all requirements stipulated herein. The Contractor burdens full expense for prescreening and will not be reimbursed for any prescreening of individuals disqualified by NRCS.

The Government performed security investigations shall not, in any manner, relieve the Contractor of its responsibility to assure that all personnel are professionally qualified, personally reliable, and meet all other agency requirements.

If a security investigation conducted by the Government renders a Contractor employee ineligible, or if a Contract employee must be replaced for any reason, the Contractor shall be responsible for all costs associated with replacing the employee with a qualified individual.

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USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Washington State Office, Spokane Valley

February 2024

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NRCS Area Office Service Center

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Scale

State Plane Coordinate System, South Zone North American Datum 1983

All boundaries are approximate.

50 500 Miles

NRCS State Office NRCS Area Office Service Center CD Office

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USDA NATURAL RESOURCES

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GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREAS

NORTHEAST TEAM

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SNAKE RIVER TEAM

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Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada