VENDOR_QUESTIONS_AND_ANSWERS-Amend__1_0001.docx

VENDOR QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. QUESTION 1: Can you tell me if the BLM has pre-established survey routes for these survey units, and if so, are they available to send to out to help with preparing a bid?

1. ANSWER 1: All units have pre-established survey routes. It takes a bit of work to create all the individual route maps for distribution. They will be provided to the awardee but time is too limited to send them out now.

1. QUESTION 2: Are contractors required to work if snow is preventing traditional access (4WD Vehicles) to the survey stations during the early part of the survey season? Or should contractors assume that snowmobiles, ATV’s with tracks, and snowshoes may be needed?

ANSWER 2: Our protocol allows for delays due to snowed-in inaccessible areas as long as it is closely documented (please see relevant language in the NSO Protocol provided). Most of our project areas should be free of snow by the time surveys start with the exception of higher elevation routes. These can be strategically planned to be surveyed, or if there is snow that is not affecting the entire route, surveyors have hiked in if it wasn’t deep. If all else fails we document it, but that could affect the timing of all other visits for the season, so it needs to be monitored closely and surveys started as soon as possible if they are delayed. (This happened last year and multiple routes ended up being out of protocol for the first half of the season, which we would like to avoid if possible, but also understand snow may cause delays).

1. QUESTION 3: Does the BLM have a more refined estimate on the number of walk-in miles expected for each survey unit?

1. ANSWER 3: Here is a list of units with the estimated number of miles over ½ mile. Number here represents total number of walk-in miles for all visits.