(3)_Attch_1_PWS.docx

Attachment 1 Page 3 of 9 140G0319Q0039 A.0 Performance Work Statement

GCMRC LOGISTICAL FIELD OPERATIONS

The primary purpose of this solicitation is to establish a Performance-Based Service Contract(s) for obtaining expertise to operate and navigate logistical and technical research boats and equipment and to provide logistical support to scientific and agency personnel conducting research/monitoring river trips on the Colorado River in Glen and Grand Canyons.

A.l INTRODUCTION

The Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center requires professional and technical services described herein: 1) for obtaining expertise to operate and navigate logistical and technical research boats and equipment on the Colorado River in Glen and Grand Canyons, 2) provide qualified field technicians for specific science projects as required, 3) provide all support services necessary to operate efficient and safe river trips, and 4) provide the necessary logistical and technical support services required in advance and following each river trip.

The primary purpose of this solicitation is to establish a Performance-Based Contract(s) for obtaining a continuation of logistical support service from qualified Contractor(s).

Contractor(s) must be capable of providing boat operators capable of operating logistical oar and motor-powered boats and technical research equipment (electrofishing, hydrographic, and survey boats) with detailed familiarity with the specific study area. Government requires that all boat operators have the proper certification and licenses in accordance with Grand Canyon National Park regulations for commercial boat operators.

A.l.l BACKGROUND

Since 1983, the Bureau of Reclamation and other federal and state agencies were engaged in a cooperative research effort called the Glen Canyon Environmental Studies Program. These specific studies were to determine the operational effects of Glen Canyon Dam (GCD) on the physical, biological, recreational, and cultural resources in Glen and Grand Canyons. With completion of the 1995 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on operations at Glen Canyon Dam an Adaptive Management Program (AMP) was developed for assessing alternative operating criteria for this hydropower facility. As part of this AMP, the U.S. Department of the Interior established the Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center (GCMRC) for developing and carrying out a long-term monitoring and strategic plan as defined in the EIS Record of Decision (ROD) GCD. The GCMRC is now administered by the U.S. Geological Survey, Ecosystems Mission Area under the Southwest Biological Science Center. Current guidance for the AMP and GCRMC comes from a new EIS, the 2016 Long-Term Experimental and Management Plan (LTEMP) and its ROD.

To meet the responsibilities mandated by the AMP, the GCMRC Logistics Staff, consisting of a full time, Logistical Coordinator and two full time River Operations Mechanics facilitate logistical support of approximately 20 to 30 downriver trips annually on the Colorado River through Grand Canyons. These trips range from four to twenty-six people in size, five to twenty-one days in length and are comprised of a variety of combinations of oar and motor-powered boats. Additionally, logistical support is provided for research activities on the Glen Canyon reach of the Colorado River (Glen Canyon Dam to Lee's Ferry), the Little Colorado River and occasionally Lake Powell and Lake Mead.

This Performance-Based Service Contract(s) is one of many logistical components in the GCMRC monitoring program for determining short and long-term ecosystem responses to dam operations. GCMRC river trips will be for the purpose of scientific data collection, in support of research and monitoring, AMP tribal participant trips or information briefing trips for scientists, review panels or agency/government personnel. All monitoring and research trips will be for the sole purpose of accomplishing the desired monitoring and research objectives established by the GCMRC and the AMP. The logistical and technical boat operations and field technician support are essential components of this process.

GCMRC has successfully operated the Logistics Program for 4 periods of 5 years each beginning in 1998 utilizing Boat Operations Service Contracts. The purpose of this solicitation is to establish new Contract(s) for an additional 5-year period.

A.1.2 PROJECT AREA DESCRIPTION

The Colorado River Flows within the jurisdictional boundaries and control of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Grand Canyon National Park, Navajo Nation, Hualapai Tribe, and Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The physical locations of study and monitoring sites are numerous and located within a large geographical area that encompasses Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry, RM -15.5 to RM 0), Grand Canyon National Park (Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek, RM 0 to RM 225), and Lower Grand Canyon/Lake Mead National Recreation Area (Diamond Creek to South Cove, RM 225 to RM 300). These areas have multiple jurisdictions and are managed by numerous General Agencies and Indian Tribal Authorities.

A.2 SCOPE OF SOLICITATION

The description of the logistical process described herein is meant to provide the Contractor(s) with further clarification on their role and responsibilities in their participation in the overall scope of the GCMRC Logistics Program.

A.2.1 GCMRC LOGISTICS PROGRAM

The GCMRC has a designated Logistical Coordinator to be responsible for management of all aspects concerning future monitoring and research river trips. Two full time River Operations Mechanics are responsible for maintaining all equipment and directing contracted boat operators and research personnel with preparation and clean-up of all equipment necessary for research/monitoring trips and maintaining the warehouse facility.

A.2.2 TRIP SCHEDULING AND PERMITTING

The trip scheduling process is initiated at the beginning of each fiscal year. A list of projects requiring logistical support is generated in coordination with GCMRC Senior Staff. Principal Investigators (PIs) are then contacted to schedule trip dates and equipment requests for the following field season. A draft trip schedule is generated from this information prior to the start of the fiscal year. All PI’s are responsible for obtaining Research and Collecting permits from GCNP that include all proposed trip dates. PIs must submit a Trip Request form to the Logistics Coordinator a minimum of 60 days prior to the trip requested launch date. The purpose of the Trip Request Form is to provide all the necessary information to the Logistics Coordinator to submit a trip launch permit application to the National Park Service (NPS) and to coordinate all other trip logistical arrangements. Contractor(s) are notified 4-6 weeks prior to a scheduled trip launch date specifying the number of logistical and/or technical boat operators and additional logistical support personnel required for the trip.

A.2.3 EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

GCMRC provides all the necessary equipment and supplies required for supporting research/monitoring river trips. If specific equipment requests are unavailable in the GCMRC inventory, the GCMRC Logistics Coordinator will make all arrangements to lease or purchase the necessary equipment from outside sources. All supplies and food for the trips are supplied by GCMRC. Purchase and packing of trip supplies may require assistance of Boat Operators for an additional day(s) prior to the trip rig day as requested in advance by the GCMRC Logistics Coordinator.

Trips based in Marble Canyon to support work in the Glen Canyon reach of the Colorado River that do not include camping shall provide boat operators with per diem equivalent to local rates provided for government workers. These trips do not camp and are not provided with food or housing.

A.2.4 WAREHOUSE FACILITY

The GCMRC warehouse facility is located at the west end of Building 4 on the USGS campus, 2255 Gemini Drive, Flagstaff, AZ. All equipment is stored and maintained at this facility. The offices of the Logistics coordinator and staff are also located at this facility. Telephone and FAX service are available in the office of the Logistics Coordinator for planning, scheduling and coordination of logistical needs with the Contractor(s). The Logistical Coordinator and warehouse personnel are responsible for providing access to the warehouse facility. Contractor access to the warehouse shall be during regular business hours only. Access outside regular business hours shall be controlled by GCMRC personnel and limited to emergency and/or pre-arranged specially approved situations only.

A.2.5 TRANSPORTATION

GCMRC provides all transportation to the launch and departure points of all river trips.

GCMRC utilizes a fleet of trucks, trailers and other vehicles it owns or leases from the General Services Administration (GSA). Transportation needs that exceed the capacity of the current GCMRC vehicle fleet may be contracted to outside sources.

A.3 OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

GCMRC requires that the Contractor(s) have the organizational and administrative capabilities for scheduling qualified personnel capable of performing the specific tasks as outlined in this section. The government is solely responsible for scheduling launch dates and acquiring specific NPS research permits and river trip application permits. The Logistics Coordinator will coordinate all such activities regarding river trip permits through the GCMRC office. The Contractor(s) will provide the required number of logistical and technical personnel for each trip as requested by the Logistics Coordinator. Trip costs are to be calculated on a trip-by-trip basis according to the specific services required of the Contractor. Inherent risks are associated with the operation of logistical and technical boats on the Colorado River. Therefore, certified, experienced and technically qualified research boat operators are a necessity. The Contractor(s) must be prepared to provide for the necessary quantity of qualified personnel, depending on the needs of the specific research and personnel.

A.3.1 OPERATIONS MANAGER

Government requires that the Contractor provide a contact person to coordinate designated boat operators and requested personnel for the individual trips with the GCMRC Logistics Coordinator and Principal Investigators (PIs). The Contractor will designate an Operational Manager to be in charge of day-to-day activities. GCMRC will relay the logistical trip schedule and trip information to the Operational Manager who is to be responsible for scheduling the required boat operators for the specific trip. The trip information includes the designated trip name, PI, trip dates, level of support, equipment requests, research personnel, specific boat operator requests and any other pertinent trip information. It is the Operational Manager's responsibility to select and schedule the appropriate boat operators for the logistical and technical positions required, based on qualifications for the specific type of monitoring/research trip. Resolution of specific needs and schedules will occur between the Contractor Operational Manager, the GCMRC Logistics Coordinator and the PI prior to the launch of each trip. The Operations Manager should have a minimum of one-year experience managing government or business contracts and be familiar with Grand Canyon river operations.

A.3.2 BOAT OPERATORS: NIGHT TECHNICAL, TECHNICAL, LOGISTICAL, BOAT OPERATOR ASSISTANTS

All guides engaged as boat operators are to be qualified in experience and are to comply with necessary NPS guide certification and regulations for commercial boat operators (https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/management/upload/grca_COR-pdf.pdf), Southwest Biological Science Center (SBSC) policy guidelines, GCMRC Guidelines and Policy, and GCMRC Backcountry Safety Protocols. See guidelines, policy, and protocols, Attachments 3, 4, and 5 to this solicitation. On all GCMRC river trips one boat operator is assigned duties as the Trip Leader. The Trip Leader is responsible for coordinating with the PI to schedule and accomplish on-river science objectives and is the designated lead in the event of emergencies requiring medical evacuation.

There are three types of skilled boat operators: Logistical, Technical and Night Operations Boat Operators:

Night Operations Technical Boat Operators:

Science activities conducted by GCMRC research projects may require Technical Boat operators to operate research boats for extended periods (over 8 hrs) at night. In addition to the same set of skills required of Technical Boat Operators, operator required to work for extended night hours must possess heightened abilities to navigate sections of river in the darkness. The government specifically requires that all Night Operations Technical Boat Operators have a minimum experience of 10 additional trips as Technical Boat operators conducting research for GCMRC trips operating boats on the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park (or equivalent trips on whitewater rivers).

Technical Boat Operators:

Technical Boat Operators are guides that possess the skills required for operating specific boats that require technical proficiency (electroshocking, hydrography, survey). GCMRC expects that technical boat operators care for and operate specific boats and associated research equipment under adverse and unusual environmental conditions. These skills may require that the guide can operate specific boats in or along established transects, at night for limited periods, along rocky shorelines, and up-running navigable rapids. The government specifically requires that all Technical Boat Operators have a minimum experience of 20 trips operating boats on the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park (or equivalent trips on whitewater rivers). The Government expects that these boat operators can operate multiple boat types, have experience in up-running navigable rapids and the technical skills, qualifications and previous research experience in operating specific boats and associated technical equipment.

Logistical Boat Operators:

Logistical Boat Operators provide all necessary logistical support for transporting research personnel on the Colorado River. They are responsible for care and transport of operational logistical equipment, research equipment and supplies transported aboard boats and are capable of performing boat/motor and equipment repairs on-site. These personnel are responsible for all camp duties, including but not limited to meal preparation, camp and sanitation set-up and all other associated camp duties in accordance with current NPS Commercial Operating Requirements. It is strongly encouraged that the Contractor select Logistical Boat operators with a scientific background or previous research experience. The government specifically requires that all Logistical Boat Operators have a minimum experience of 20 trips operating boats on the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park (or equivalent trips on whitewater rivers).

Boat Operator Assistants:

Under certain circumstances such as; single boat motor trips or science trips that require all boat operators to participate science duties at the time camp duties are needed, a Boat Operator Assistant may be designated. Duties of Boat Operator Assistants include but are not limited to; assistance with boat loading/unloading, rigging, mooring and assisting boat operators with all camp duties, including but not limited to meal preparation, camp and sanitation set-up and all other associated camp duties in accordance with current NPS Commercial Operating Requirements.

To provide trip continuity, and to avoid problems in organizing trips, GCMRC expects that all scheduled boat operators and assistants are present and working during the entire designated scheduled trip, including all pre and post-trip tasks. Splitting boat operators between scheduled trips is not acceptable. The government will make exceptions to this policy for reasons of medical or family emergencies only.

All boat operators are required to engage in specific tasks prior to, during, and following each trip as described herein:

Pre-trip Tasks:

1. All boat operators and assistants report for duty at 8:00 AM on the day prior to “rig day” to assist with equipment packing, cooler loading, and assemble and load all equipment necessary for the trip and loading of equipment on the boats.

2. On the day prior to the trip launch date ("rig-day") all boat operators will report to the GCMRC Warehouse at 8:00AM, finish securing loads to boats (as per GCMRC provided check-list) onto the truck(s)/trailers(s) and rig motor boats ready for transportation to Lees Ferry on their designated trailers.

2. Boat Operators and research personnel leave the warehouse and are transported with equipment/boats to the launch area (Lees Ferry) at approximately 11 :00 AM.

3. All trip Boat Operators along with all other trip participants will attend a pre-trip meeting to discuss trip logistics, safety, and outreach information prior to departing the warehouse.

4. Upon arrival at the launch ramp, boat operators unload trucks and inflate and rig boats/side tubes.

5. Designated boat operator (trip leader) or research PI (Permittee) completes check-in with NPS ranger.

River Trip Tasks

1. Boat Operators will coordinate scheduled daily activities with the trip PI and researchers and other contract personnel to orient all personnel as to safe and proper conduct while on the river trip.

2. Conduct all necessary activities for preparing and organizing camp, including all meal preparation, in accordance with NPS regulations.

3. Safely navigate and transport research personnel along the Colorado River.

Post-Trip Tasks

1. The trip will arrive at the take-out point (Diamond Creek or Pearce Ferry) on the morning of the final day of the trip at a time designated by the Logistics Coordinator.

2. Boats are de-rigged and equipment is loaded onto trucks/trailers and transported back to the GCMRC warehouse

3. All boat operators with the assistance of research personnel are expected to participate in the cleaning and restocking of all equipment used on the trip.

Clean-up shall continue to the point of satisfaction of the GCMRC Logistics Warehouse Manager.

4. All equipment requiring repairs or maintenance shall be reported in writing to the Warehouse Manager.

A.3.5 FIELD TECHNICIANS

Some research/monitoring trips may require scheduling additional personnel to assist researchers with scientific tasks. Field Technicians will have the ability to safely and efficiently function in remote and primitive work settings for multiple days. Field Technicians shall possess the necessary scientific background and experience to be of valuable assistance to research personnel to assist with all required tasks. Primary duties of technicians will include:

1)Biological Sciences: Duties may include any of the following tasks; assisting with electrofishing and netting to capture fish, fish species identification, implanting passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags in fish, operation and maintenance of underwater PIT-tag antennas, collection and preservation of benthic and drift samples, accurately collecting and recording data and tissue samples from captured fish, processing captured non-native fish for beneficial use, and assisting with camp and boat logistics, or other project related duties as assigned.

2) Physical Sciences: Duties may include any of the following tasks; assisting with survey operations, rim support, field data collection, and assisting with camp and boat logistics, or other project related duties as assigned.

Field Technicians will be designated in three levels based on skills and experience:

Entry Level FT: No prior experience, meets physical requirements, has some background, education or training in biological or physical sciences Intermediate Level FT: Meets all physical requirements, has a minimum of three trips experience with assigned project, able to perform tasks without supervision.

Advanced Level FT: Meets all physical requirements, has a minimum of two years (6 trips) experience with the project, able to lead project in field.

A.4 INSURANCE

The Contractor will provide a certificate of insurance; reference insurance clauses contained in the contract.

A.5 EVALUATIONS AND RECORDS

The Government will hold a review process after the first three trips have been completed to assure that the contractors are fulfilling all requirements. Complaints/incidents regarding difficulties involved with logistical and technical operators or other contractor employees are to be reported to and settled by the GCMRC Logistics Coordinator, and Contracting Officer Representative (COR). At the discretion of the COR/Logistics Coordinator, any incidents or situations that cannot be resolved by the COR will be elevated to the Contracting Officer and the GCMRC Chief and/or SBSC Center Director for review.

Annual Performance Review Evaluations shall be submitted to Contractor(s) upon completion of each contract year in the Contractor Performance Assessment System.

The GCMRC Logistics Coordinator will retain a file for each trip containing: Trip Request Form, NPS trip permit application, NPS Trip Permit, cost estimate spreadsheet, final personnel roster, Hualapai Tribal permits, and all other pertinent trip information.