Attachment_1_A04_SOW_SLVFO_Wetlands_Support_Services.docx

United States Department of the Interior

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

San Luis Valley Field Office 1313 E. Highway 160 Monte Vista, Colorado 81144

In Reply Refer To:

STATEMENT OF WORK

SERVICES CONTRACT TITLE

Wetlands/Water Rights/Habitat Monitoring, Planning, Management, and Support Services - San Luis Valley Field Office (SLVFO), BLM

SERVICES LOCATION

San Luis Valley Field Office, BLM – Blanca Wetlands & McIntire-Simpson properties (See attached map)

GENERAL

This is a non-personnel services contract to provide Wetlands/Water Rights/Habitat Monitoring Planning, Management, and Support Services. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn is responsible to the Government.

The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform Wetlands/Water Rights/Habitat Monitoring, Planning, Management, and Support Services as defined in this Statement of Work except for those items specified as government furnished property and services. The contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract.

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES/INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND

1. Wetlands/Water Rights/Habitat Monitoring, Planning, and Management:

Blanca Wetlands is comprised of roughly 10,000 acres of complex and heavily managed wetlands system, with over 200 wetland basins, hundreds of miles of ditches and dikes, 44 wells, and hundreds of water control structures. Annually, approximately 5,000-acre feet (af.) of water (about 3,800 af of well water, and 1,200 af. of Closed Basin Project water) is delivered to these basins through these structures to create an inter-connected network of 4 distinct wetland habitat types that support over 180 bird species, 13 Threatened, Endangered, and sensitive species, cold and warm-water sport fisheries, and extensive hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities. Blanca Wetlands was recently designated as one of only two BLM Restoration Landscapes in Colorado.

Managing these resources requires extensive knowledge of complex water management infrastructure, understanding the limitations and flexibility provided by well and water control features, and the hydrologic connection between wetland basins. This knowledge base is crucial in order to assist with planning and management of water at unique wetland complexes in an effort to maximize available habitat and meet the needs of bird species throughout their multiple different life history needs (i.e., foraging, molting, breeding, brood rearing, etc.). Timing and depths of water, juxtaposition of habitats, as well as water quality, weather, and other conditions are critically important factors to consider when planning and managing water on the site. In addition, managing and monitoring use of the 44 wells to maximize habitat benefits while not surpassing adjudicated use levels of each well in order to comply with State water law is a complicated and time-consuming process. The SLVFO is in need of additional assistance with wetlands and well/water planning, conveyance, and habitat facilitation; including documenting a water plan for Blanca Wetlands each season (spring, summer, fall), weekly field adjustments of water control structures to achieve the plan. It is also important to note that water demand at Blanca Wetlands is not solely a function of water volume, but also water timing. All but 800 af. of Blanca Wetland’s firm water supply is from artesian wells that are not pumped, so preparing wetland basins for bird use requires multiple months of diversions from wells before birds arrive to utilize the habitat.

In addition, managing water rights and water rights exchanges from Treasure Pass water, Teodoro ditch, Lovato IRR ditch, and other BLM water rights for delivery at Blanca Wetlands and McIntire-Simpson properties requires extensive planning, coordination, documentation, and reporting, and is a critical step to be able to utilize BLM’s water rights when and where they are needed to provide for essential habitat needs.

Contractor must have extensive experience and knowledge surrounding the functionality and management of large (1,000 acres or larger), groundwater-fed and surface water-fed wetland complexes. Preferably, the contractor will possess at least some knowledge and understanding of the infrastructure, the habitats provided by water delivery through those structures, decreed water rights, and the species needs for all life history stages; specific to the Blanca Wetlands and McIntire-Simpson properties.

Without the BLM’s critical commitment to the management of these resources, hundreds of acres of wetland habitat would be dried up without the complex management of our water supply and those acres would not be able to support the annual fall bird migration. If that occurs, bird populations would be forced into substantially fewer wetland acres, resulting in greater incidence of bird disease and increased competition for habitat and food supplies. Overall impacts on bird populations will be significant because Blanca Wildlife Habitat Area (Blanca Wetlands) has the highest density and diversity of shorebirds and waterfowl found anywhere in the San Luis Valley, higher than the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge and the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge. Finally, the Blanca Wildlife Habitat Area (Blanca Wetlands) serves as an official wetland mitigation site for the wetland losses caused by operation of the Closed Basin Project. If a substantial portion of the wetland habitat is not available to support shorebirds and waterfowl, the mitigation that allows continued operation of the Closed Basin Project will be placed in jeopardy.

Contractor must be able to deploy personnel within 1-hour of receiving notification during the water/irrigation season (April 1-August 30) to apply water at McIntire-Simpson (see attached map) when BLM water rights from the Conejos River are identified as being in-priority. This “Callsheet” notification comes through via email only from Colorado Division of Water Resources (DWR), District 22, Division 3. The contractor will be included as an email recipient on these “Conejos River Drainage Callsheet” notifications.

2. Species (population) and habitat monitoring/surveys and assessments:

Shorebird blitz and snowy plover monitoring has been conducted annually at Blanca wetlands, utilizing site specific protocols, in coordination with USFWS. Monitoring shorebird and snowy plover populations and nest success is used to assess shorebird use and habitat availability during key migration seasons and directs water management on the site. Shorebird identification must be highly accurate and habitat quantification must be consistent with established protocols (detailed more below).

Southwestern willow-flycatcher surveys documenting numbers of territories on BLM’s McIntire/Simpson properties using US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) protocols modified for our specific area are conducted annually. Monitoring over the next several years at this site is particularly important because extensive habitat modifications have occurred from fire (2013) and drought, and the SLVFO will be starting a large-scale NEPA assessment of this area in the near future. The area is listed as “Critical Habitat” by FWS. Ensuring the data collected are highly accurate is of utmost importance because the data will be used as part of a post-burn research project as well as continuing trend monitoring for FWS. It is also important to help assess the impact on Southwestern willow-flycatcher from continued drought, and continued management efforts to improve habitat. Obtaining habitat and species use information would help implement land resource conservation and restoration objectives and provide important feedback and direction for wetland management activities. The SLVFO may also be initiating an RMP revision in the near future; all of this information would be invaluable for that effort. Monitoring/surveying of Threatened and/or Endangered species requires a permit from FWS; contractor must hold these valid certifications (detailed below).

The contractor must have extensive knowledge and experience with species’ habitat assessments and performing shorebird, Western snowy plover, yellow-billed cuckoo, and Southwestern willow-flycatcher surveys; following specific protocols established (and required) by FWS. The FWS protocol requirement excludes shorebird surveys, which need to follow protocols consistent with the Program for Regional and International Shorebird Monitoring (PRISM)–Standards for Monitoring Nonbreeding Shorebirds in the Western Hemisphere. The contractor must also hold the appropriate survey certifications from FWS for Southwestern willow-flycatcher and yellow-billed cuckoo. These certifications are obtained by completing a multi-day course only taught by FWS (classroom and field training components), followed by completing a set number of required hours of surveys for these species with other individual(s) already permitted by FWS. Certifiable survey hour logs are submitted to FWS, accompanied by the certificate of completion for the class/training component, before the respective species survey permits are issued. Knowledge and skills must include proficiency in identification of calls, songs, and visuals of all shorebirds, Southwestern willow-flycatcher, and yellow-billed cuckoo. Contractor must also be able to identify vegetative communities and have experience assessing habitat conditions.

Additional duties will include invasive species monitoring (Russian olive and American bullfrog) and the associated development and implementation of a targeted, eradication/treatment action plan.

The contractor must be able to hike in variable terrain and in various (or at times adverse) weather conditions for extended periods and drive on two-track routes that may require a 4x4 vehicle with a valid US driver’s license. The contractor must be proficient in the use of GPS. The contractor must also be able to fill out field data sheets and use the BLM wildlife database to input species occurrence. The contractor is required to have skills in writing in a scientific format and be timely in filing final reports. These reports must be submitted by the end of the fiscal year. Reports must include all accounts of the field season, maps, monitoring efforts, and data sheets.

A description of the services required to meet the agency’s needs:

· Contractor will monitor water use and movement weekly, and adjust the flow rate of well water from each of the 44 artesian wells at Blanca Wetlands to ensure adjudicated volumes of each well are not surpassed during the respective “water year” (as required to comply State water law), implement adjustments to water control structures (conveying well water and surface water) to improve water use efficiencies and abide by State water law; while simultaneously maximizing available habitat to meet the needs of bird species throughout their multiple, specific life history needs. Weekly reports detailing the status of surface and well water utilization/movement will be provided to BLM.

· Contractor will produce a water plan for Blanca Wetlands each season (spring, summer, fall) and implement the associated actions to obtain the desired habitat conditions stated in the water plans.

· Contractor will conduct species and habitat surveys as described above in section 2 of the Description of Services.

· Contractor will conduct minor water infrastructure/conveyance maintenance (e.g., swap out wooden boards/slats from BLM stock and remove small pipe/drain/ditch vegetation clogs with basic hand tools), or report any water conveyance/infrastructure failures and non-minor maintenance or repair needs to pertinent BLM staff.

· Contractor must be able to deploy personnel within 1-hour of receiving notification during the water/irrigation season (April 1-August 30) to apply water at McIntire-Simpson (see attached map) when BLM water rights from the Conejos River are identified as being in-priority. This “Callsheet” notification comes through via email only from Colorado Division of Water Resources (DWR), District 22, Division 3. The contractor will be included as an email recipient on these “Conejos River Drainage Callsheet” notifications.

· Contractor will conduct invasive species monitoring (Russian olive and American bullfrog) and will then develop and implement a targeted, eradication/treatment action plan.

Contractor Objectives:

· Maintain water depths to create wetland types conducive to a healthy and functional mosaic of habitat, including replacement of water lost to evapotranspiration.

· Maintain a mosaic of various wetland types to promote high quality habitat for wetland-dependent species, with emphasis on shorebird habitats.

· Evaluate plant succession, which ranges from early emergent to late seral stage.

· Promote decomposition of organic matter into soils.

· Maintain soil moisture sufficient to support various wetland plant species.

· Regulate salinity levels and other water quality parameters in water supplies and wetland soils.

· Provide recommendations for the type and timing of water application in basins to facilitate the specific habitats required for different species of nesting birds throughout the season.

· Maintain optimal water depths to provide cover and breeding habitat for wetland- dependent species, including Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive species.

· Maintain standing water temperatures that are conducive to wetland vegetation growth.

· Maximize production of aquatic macroinvertebrates, such as brine fly and brine shrimp, which serve as critical food sources for wetland-dependent birds and amphibians.

· Maintain a perched groundwater table around the wetland basins to allow the habitat to take advantage of precipitation events and grow additional vegetation.

The number of hours estimated for this effort could vary and may fall between 1,000-1,200 hours annually, based on previous efforts.

CONTRACTOR WILL FURNISH

· Contractor must provide their own vehicle/transportation, medical/vehicle insurance, safety equipment (at contractor’s discretion), personal field gear, mobile phone, office supplies (e.g., paper/notebook, pens, folders, etc.), and basic hand tools for the performance of duties (shovel, pick mattock, etc.).

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

· Government furnished property (GFP) will include one (x1) computer and one (x1) tablet for the performance of work.

SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

Physical/Cyber Security & Background Investigation Requirements: A security clearance is not a requirement for access to the BLM Blanca Wetlands and McIntire-Simpson properties; however, access to the controlled, secure, water infrastructure at these sites (requires keys and combinations) are incumbent on contractor employees passing required background checks and follow additional security measures, as described below. The contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all government equipment, information, and property provided for contractor use. At the close of each work period, government facilities, equipment, and materials shall be secured.

Subject to Office of Management and Budget Memorandum M-05-24, in providing consistent standards, all Federal employees and contractors employed more than 180 days in duration and requiring unsupervised access to a Federal facility or access to a Federally controlled information systems and/or computer network must have a completed National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) prior to the issuance of a credential. If the NACI is not obtained within five (5) days, the identity credential can be based on the FBI National Criminal History Fingerprint Check. A negative outcome to an employee background check may result in the Contracting Officer issuance of an immediate discontinuance of that employee’s on-site authorization and of future availability to perform the work under this contract. Required forms during the background/suitability process provided to the contractor for completion will include:

· SF-85 Questionnaire Non-Sensitive Position

· SF-86A Continuation Sheet

· OF-612 Optional Application Federal Employment

· or resume

· OF-306 Declaration Federal Employment

· FD-258 Fingerprint Chart

· Release to Obtain Credit Report

Key Control. The Contractor shall establish and implement methods of making sure all keys issued to the contractor by the Government are not lost or misplaced and are not used by unauthorized persons. NOTE: All references to keys include key cards and security codes. No keys issued to the contractor by the Government shall be duplicated, nor recorded on electronic devices. The contractor shall develop procedures covering key control that shall be included in the Quality Control Plan. Such procedures shall include turn-in of any issued keys by personnel who no longer require access to locked areas. The contractor shall immediately report any occurrences of lost or duplicate keys/key cards, or compromise of security codes to the Contracting Officer within 1 hour that the deficiency is known.

In the event keys, other than master keys, are lost or duplicated, the contractor shall, upon direction of the Contracting Officer, re-key or replace the affected lock or locks; however, the Government, at its option, may replace the affected lock or locks or perform re-keying. When the replacement of locks or re-keying is performed by the Government, the total cost of re-keying or the replacement of the lock or locks shall be deducted from the total contract award amount payment due the contractor. In the event a master key is lost or duplicated, all locks and keys for that system shall be replaced by the Government and the total cost deducted from the total contract award amount payment due the contractor.

The contractor shall prohibit the use of Government issued keys/key cards by any persons other than the contractor’s employees. The contractor shall prohibit the opening of locked areas by contractor employees to permit entrance of persons other than contractor employees engaged in the performance of assigned work in those areas, or personnel authorized entrance by the Contracting Officer. Any physical keys shall be returned to key control prior to end of work.

Lock Combinations. The contractor shall establish and implement methods of ensuring that all lock combinations are not revealed to unauthorized persons. The contractor shall ensure that lock combinations are changed when personnel having access to the combinations no longer have a need to know such combinations.

CONTRACT PERIOD/PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

This contract will begin on October 1, 2024, and end on September 30, 2028. The period of performance shall be for one (1) Base Year of 12 months and three (3) 12-month option years.

INSPECTION/ACCEPTANCE

· Inspection/Acceptance of all services performed in accordance with this contract for purpose of initiating contractor payment shall be by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

· Interim invoicing is permitted and will cover portions of all of the deliverables listed above in the Statement of Work, all portions may not be completed within the contract period due to complexity of work, and the necessity of flexibility to meet needs as they arise.

· A yearly report with all supporting data (tabular and spatial) from the monitoring conducted will be submitted to BLM by September 30 of each year.

· The BLM COR or other designated inspector will make periodic inspections as a basis for payment and recommendations for adjustments in work quality while work is in progress. The contractor is encouraged to observe inspections while they are being made. Inspection of services to be performed will align and be in accordance with the Description of Services and Contractor Objectives sections of this SOW.

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