Amend_One-SERVICE_CI_RFQ_GreaterThanSATLessThan_7M_FAC2024-01_120423_0002.docx

SECTION B – SERVICES AND PRICES

This requirement is for one (1) Firm Fixed Price Commercial Services Contract for Northern Spotted Owl (NSO) Surveys 2024 in Roseburg District, Oregon.

Grand Total:

*Estimated Quantity PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: See Section F.

(End of Section B)

SECTION C - STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1.0 GENERAL

C.1.1 Description of Work, Objectives, and Methods The Contractor shall conduct field surveys according to the 2012 revision of the “Protocol for Surveying Proposed Management Activities that may Impact Northern Spotted Owls” (referred to as “2012 NSO Protocol”) and as described in the specific tasks by Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM will state any minor deviation from the USFWS protocol. Work would occur, in survey areas located in the Roseburg District, BLM and adjacent lands extending out up to 5 miles. The objectives include determining occupancy status, color band identification, nesting and reproductive status of northern spotted owls (Strix occidentalis caurina) (NSO). In addition, documenting detections of barred owls (Strix varia) and other owl species shall be required. Visit results, station summaries, and owl observation data shall be collected and entered into datasheets and a database provided by the BLM. Some task orders may not require data entry work.

C.1.1.1 Where the contract provides for guidelines or standards more specific than, or contradictory to those contained in the “Protocol for Surveying Proposed Management Activities That May Impact Northern Spotted Owls,” revised January 2012, the terms of the contract must be followed.

C.1.1.2 For work completed within the Sudden Oak Death (SOD) quarantine area, the Contractor shall supply fresh water, bleach and spray bottles containing a 10% bleach solution with water for treatment of boot soles and equipment throughout the course of the contract. A fresh bleach solution shall be prepared daily. The solution shall be applied to boots and equipment each time the contractor leaves a unit and returns to the road.

C.1.2 General Location and Description of Survey Areas C.1.2.1 All survey areas contain lands managed by the Roseburg District BLM and adjacent non-BLM lands. Vicinity maps are provided by the BLM. Most of the stations are located on existing roads, accessible by vehicle. Some of the stations will require walk-in on non-drivable roads, trails, or overland hiking. Much of the terrain is steep with dense vegetation and can be difficult to walk through.

C.1.2.2 Survey and Project Area boundaries will not be physically identified on the ground. Some boundaries will require interpretation of physical features on aerial photos and topographic maps.

C.1.2.3 Maps of the Project Areas, Survey Areas and Calling Stations, with Global Positioning System (GPS) location data, will be provided by the BLM. BLM retains the option to provide maps and stations in PDF format for use in Avenza maps or similar application. BLM may also require information to be received in this way too. Some substitution of stations may occur as planning objectives or survey priorities change. Stations may be added, deleted, or their location modified by BLM based on habitat conditions, survey outcomes, or other reasons.

C.1.2.4 The BLM does not guarantee vehicle accessible roads to all calling stations. Roads may not be reopened or maintained solely for the purpose of providing access for the Contractor. Surveyors may be required to access calling stations by walking. Activity Center Searches, and Follow-Up Visits are not conducted solely from roads and typically require overland hiking. Much of the terrain is steep, covered with dense vegetation, and can be difficult to walk through.

C.1.2.5 Gates - Some work may occur behind locked gates. Locked gates shall remain locked at all times other than when the Contractor is passing through them. Access is granted only to complete tasks within the scope of the task order.

C.1.2.6 Keys to BLM gate locks for access will be issued to the Contractor, through a DI-105 (Receipt for Property) at the BLM field offices. The Contractor shall return all gate keys to the respective BLM field office upon completion of field surveys. Final payment will be withheld until keys are returned.

C.1.2.7 Private Lands – Due to mixed land ownership, travel through private lands is typically needed to access BLM lands. As a result, access may be restricted by gates, access agreements, and notification requirements. Private landowners may require any or all of the following: notification prior to crossing their lands, a gate key deposit, and/or an access agreement. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to gain and maintain access through private lands by following the terms of agreement, by following all public laws, and by maintaining a good working relationship with landowners.

C.1.2.7.1 The BLM will maintain the authority to restrict access across any road. Recommended and required road access information will be provided on BLM maps. Adjustments to survey routes can be suggested by contractor, subject to BLM approval.

C.1.2.8 It is the responsibility of the Contractor to determine and document local conditions affecting access to survey areas. Snow and adverse weather can affect access early in the season, while fire level closures may affect access during the later season. The contractor shall notify the BLM within a week of work areas that are inaccessible.

C.2.0 DEFINITIONS 2012

NSO Survey Protocol - Any and all references to the term “protocol” in this document are referring to the “Protocol for Surveying Proposed Management Activities that may Impact Northern Spotted Owls” 2012 revision, available at: http://www.fws.gov/oregonfwo/Species/Data/NorthernSpotedOwl/Documents/2012RevisedNSOprotoc ol.2.15.12.pdf Additional Owl Species – Owl species, other than a NSO, Strix unknown species, NSO-barred hybrid or barred owl, that respond during a NSO survey. A list of additional owl species is located in section C.5.6.1.1. Additional owl species detections shall be recorded in the appropriate section on the Spotted Owl Visit Form, Barred Owl Visit Form and Other Species Form (form templates will be provided at the pre-work meeting).

Additional Visits (2012 NSO Survey Protocol, Sections. 5.6 and 7.0) –Visits (beyond 6-Visit annual total) conducted for the purposes of gathering more information on occupancy, nesting status, and /or reproductive success. Additional Visits are conducted using the same procedure as required for protocol Visits (e.g., nightime spot calling from established stations).

Barred Owl Site Numbers (BSNO) – Barred owl detections are assigned to a unique BSNO hexagonal grid developed for the BLM corporate database.

Calling – Broadcasting vocalizations of northern spotted owls to elicit a response/detection from northern spotted owls using a digital player.

Calling Station – A discrete point from which calling occurs to elicit a response/detection from a NSO. A minimum of 10 minutes of calling is required at each calling station (see exceptions specified in 2012 NSO Protocol).

Calling Station Visit – A single Visit to a calling station.

Complete Survey – The Survey Area has been surveyed according to protocol guidelines, including the required number, spacing, and methodology of Visits. This includes a combination of Activity Center Searches, Calling Station Visits, and any required Follow-Up Visits or Additional Visits. See page 31 of the protocol.

Complete Visit - A single Visit is defined as a single day and/or nightime outing to search for owls. A Complete Visit consists of one or more Visits to complete a Survey Area within 7 days. A Complete Visit typically includes calling at all Calling Stations within a Survey Area, unless a NSO is detected (or other applicable situations). Contractors should attempt to complete a Survey Area in 1 Visit, but no more than 2 Visits. Exceptions to the maximum number of Visits in 7 days will be granted for larger Survey Areas. If weather conditions do not allow completion of a Survey Area in 7 days, the Survey will need to restart.

Each Complete Visit to a Survey Area must be separated by at least 1 week. Complete Visits must be completed at a rate of at least 3 Visits before June 30; including 1 Visit each month in April, May, and June. Detailed explanation is available in the 2012 NSO Survey Protocol.

Database – A relational database provided by BLM compatible with its operating systems (e.g., Microsoft Access). The database may or may not be provided for use in a portable field input device.

Detection - An auditory or visual response indicating the presence of a NSO or other owls that occurs at any point during the survey and associated travel times.

EPE – “Estimated Position Error” by which Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates is acquired and appears on a hand-held GPS unit.

GPS tracking device - a device (e. g. smart phone or dedicated GPS unit) using a satellite network to provide text messaging and GPS tracking.

Follow-Up Visit (equivalent to “Follow-Up Outing”, section 6.0 of USFWS survey protocol) – Walk-in road and hiking Visits conducted during the day following a NSO (and some Strix unknown or NSO-barred hybrid owls) detection. Follow-Up Visits are conducted to determine occupancy, band status, nesting status, and/or reproductive success of NSO’s. Follow-Up Visits shall be completed as soon as possible, but no later than 48 hours after the detection. The BLM may request Follow-Up Visits not be conducted in situations where survey results are already adequate for the year (e.g., occupancy, pair and band status has already been achieved for both members of an NSO pair at a site).

Known Northern Spotted Owl Sites/Activity Centers –Areas of NSO activity that have been identified through previous survey efforts. Sites are given a Master Site Number (MSNO), associated with subsequent surveys.

Mousing - The purpose of mousing is to determine if spotted owls are nesting and reproducing. By offering one or more live mice to spotted owls, their nesting status can be determined based on the behavior of the adult spotted owl. Mousing will also be used to locate nests (and brooding female owls) by inducing the male spotted owl to lead the surveyor to the nest tree and, later in the nesting season, can be used to locate and count young spotted owls recently out of the nest. Additionally, mousing can be used to determine NSO band status, pattern, and colors. Mousing procedures and NSO associated behaviors are described in the 2012 NSO Survey Protocol. The BLM will provide additional information regarding the minimum number of mice and surveyor effort to establish nesting and reproductive success status.

Nesting or Reproductive Success Status Visit – A Visit to determine the nesting status or reproductive success of a known pair of northern spotted owls. Visits conducted to determine nesting status shall occur between April 15 to June 1. Reproductive success visits determine fledgling success and are completed between June 1 and July 15 (or later if deemed necessary by BLM). For the purposes of this contract, Visits conducted solely to determine nesting or reproductive success shall be considered as Follow Up Visits. The BLM may request Follow Up Visits not be conducted in situations where survey results are already adequate for the year (e.g., occupance, pair and band status has already been achieved for both members of an NSO pair at a site).

Follow-Up Visits (payment of work item AC). The BLM may request Nesting or Reproductive Success Visits not be conducted in situations where surveys have adequately determined these status outcomes at a site for the year.

NSO – Northern spotted owl, or spotted owl.

Other Services / Other Data Entry for Spotted Owl Visit(s) -- identifies services related to Northern Spotted Owl work and survey techniques. New survey techniques are evolving for this species (e.g., using song meters with call recognition software or dogs to detect spotted owls that may not respond using the 2012 protocol).

Data Entry for Spotted Owl Visit(s) / Other services may also include improved field data collection, mapping, and recording techniques. Prospective quoters have the option to describe one or more services to meet the objectives described in this solicitation and could be used to help BLM evaluate the bidder’s quote.

Project Area - An area equal to or smaller than a Survey Area defined by a known NSO site, planned project, or timber sale.

Response - See definition of detection.

Species of Interest – These are species are of interest to the Roseburg District. Observations of these species shall be recorded in the comments section on the appropriate Spotted Owl Visit Form and Other Species Form. (Section C.5.6.1.1).

Survey Area – The area extending one provincial median annual home range radius from the perimeter of the project area (e.g., harvest units) or NSO site center (2012 NSO protocol Section 3.1). An area containing one or more Project Areas. All Calling Stations associated with a Survey Area must be completed within 7 calendar days. The BLM may grant exceptions to this requirement for unusually large Survey Areas.

Survey Season - The northern spotted owl survey season for the Western Oregon Cascades is March 15 through August 31. The NSO survey season for the Oregon Coast Province is March 1st through August 31st. The BLM will specify and authorize any needed surveys to occur after August 31.

Target Species – Species which respond to Northern Spotted Owl calls and shall be recorded on Spotted Owl Visit Forms, Survey Area Detail Maps, and Survey Area Summary Forms (form templates will be provided at the pre-work meeting). These species include the Northern Spotted Owl, Barred Owl, Spotted-Barred hybrids, Strix unknown species. Barred Owl detections will not be followed up with daytime site Visits.

Temporary Site Number (TSNO) – Temporary site numbers that are assigned to BLM projects (e.g., timber sale units) and/or areas with past NSO detections that do not warrant permanent known site status.

Visit – A single day and/or nighttime outing recorded on the Spotted Owl Visit Form. Also see definition of Complete Visit Walk-in - The BLM does not guarantee vehicle accessible roads to all calling stations. Surveyors may be required to access calling stations by walking. Line item 0030 provides a method of compensation for calling station visits that require walk- ins over ½ mile. This refers to walk-ins over ½ mile one way. If there are multiple stations on the same walk-in route, only one walk-in surcharge would be billed per visit. Any distance over ½ mile will be paid at the flat rate of the wink-in price. Each separate walk-in over ½ mile will be paid a separate walk-in charge. Walk-ins will be assigned by BLM at beginning of the survey season. Stations temporarily blocked by other extenuating circumstances will not be paid for walk in surcharges (tree blocking access, rocks etc.). Walk- in charges need to be agreed upon by government before walk-in occurs.

C.3.0 CONTRACTOR-FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES

C.3.1 The Contractor shall furnish all labor, transportation, supervision, tools, and materials (except those designated as Government-furnished) and incidentals to perform all work necessary to conduct NSO surveys.

C.3.2 The Contractor shall provide for each surveyor:

1. Compass with correct declination set.

2. GPS tracking device (e.g., smart phone or GPS unit) capable of + 30 feet EPE, collecting time stamped waypoints and/or tracklogs.

3. Chronometer (smart phone, wristwatch, or stopwatch).

4. Binoculars

5. Lighting; flashlight and/or headlamp and batteries with extra batteries.

6. Black grease pencil to mark flagging in the field.

7. Flagging (Government furnished to Contractor).

8. Survey Area Detail Maps (detailed maps will be provided at the pre-work meeting).

9. Copies of the Spotted Owl Visit Forms (form templates will be provided at the pre-work meeting).

10. Calling Equipment: NSO recordings with both male and female owls endorsed by NSO protocol; CD or MP3 player, or similar device, and a Wildlife game caller (similar to or better than FoxPro caller Fx3 or Wildlife Technologies Mighty Atom MA21). Calling equipment provided by the Contractor for field use must be approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

11. Live mice for mousing northern spotted owls.

12. A 4x4 or all-wheel drive capable vehicle.

C.3.3 Contractor’s Key Personnel - Key personnel are those personnel (Crew Leaders and Owl Surveyors) considered essential to successful Contractor performance. All key personnel shall have completed formal training, with an educational background and experience with emphasis on Northern Spotted Owl survey techniques or similar work to perform on this IDIQ contract. Experience of the key personnel, particularly crew supervisors and owl surveyors, is an evaluation factor with more experience rated higher. Note that minimum requirements under this contract is above that described in Appendix 4 of the 2012 NSO Survey Protocol. Both Crew Leaders and Owl Surveyors must have the physical ability to work in mountainous terrain and willingness to work during nighttime conditions. In some cases, Crews Leaders and Surveyors may be asked to conduct both day and nighttime work. Orienting skills, including the use of map and compass is essential. Surveyor safety should be of primary importance.

C.3.3.1 Crew Leader - Supervises survey crew and data collection, including quality control of data collection. Writes survey results, evaluates the data, and is ultimately responsible for the performance of the survey crew. Minimum requirements: A bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology or related field, such as wildlife ecology or zoology with two years/seasons of NSO survey experience; utilizing the 2012 NSO Survey Protocol. This experience must include calling, identifying owl detection by species, sex, and age class (when possible), and call type, mousing, follow-up surveys, survey techniques in relation to NSO behavior, data collection and use of GPS technology. Additionally, the crew supervisor must be capable of hearing within the normal range (0-20dB).

C.3.3.2 Owl Surveyors - Conducts owl surveys and collects data.

Minimum requirements: Trained in survey techniques required to implement the 2012 NSO protocol and at least one field season of spotted owl survey experience, preferably working closely with other biologists in conducting successful spotted owl surveys. These techniques include, but are not limited to, calling, identifying owl detection by species, sex and age class (when possible), and call type, mousing, conducting follow-up surveys, data collection, and use of GPS technology.

C.3.4 Replacing Key Personnel - Key personnel are considered essential to successful contractor performance.

C.3.4.1 The Contractor shall immediately notify the COR when key personnel are unavailable for work under this contract for a continuous period exceeding 5 field survey days. If requested by BLM, the Contractor shall immediately replace such personnel with personnel of equal qualifications acceptable to the CO.

C.3.4.2 The Contractor will designate a Crew Supervisor prior to implementation of the contract. This Crew Supervisor, if authorized, may act on behalf of the Contractor in communications with the COR or designated Project Inspectors (PIs), or BLM Biologist and will be responsible for inspecting and approving all documentation submitted to the BLM.

C.4.0 GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED ITEMS

C.4.1 The BLM shall furnish the following items:

1. Maps to perform the contract (e.g., District Road maps, Survey Area Detail Maps, variable scale). The maps may be provided in digital or hard paper format (PDF and/or Shapefile).

2. Original and digital copy of the Spotted Owl Visit Form.

3. Station database. Station points may also be made available in digital format (GPX file) suitable for upload to most GPS devices.

4. Keys for BLM gates, on a check-out basis.

5. Flagging to mark call stations and nest trees.

6. Contact lists (for example of private landowners to request access permission, if necessary; adjacent survey personnel; law enforcement; etc.)

7. Data entry module with data entry screen formatted for data entry on Contractor’s computer.

8. Camping authorizations for BLM lands only.

9. Other government property or service the COR may deem necessary to provide for safety or efficiency.

C.4.2 All Government furnished items will remain property of the Government. Any unused items to complete the contract shall be returned to the Government.

C.4.3 The Contractor shall be liable for all loss or damage of Government-furnished property as determined upon completion and final acceptance of work required under this contract. Contact the COR during regular business hours (8:00-4:30, Monday – Thursday) to request Government-furnished items listed.

C.5.0 SPECIFIC TASKS

Unless specified at the task order level, the timing, methods and spacing of all work shall be done in compliance with techniques detailed in 2012 NSO Survey Protocol “Protocol for Surveying Proposed Management Activities that May Impact Northern Spotted Owls” (Introduction in Section J), and additional requirements specified by the BLM, including techniques to achieve BLM corporate data standards.

The government may request terms that deviates from the 2012 NSO protocol. For instance, the COR may request only three (3) visits versus six (6) visits needed for monitoring in particular situations. It is the discretion of the COR to not follow the 2012 NSO protocol and perform monitoring surveys that may be three (3) visits versus six (6). Visits to a particular survey area may be determined to be discontinued by the COR due to the presence of barred owls showing aggressive behavior towards spotted owls.

All Follow-Up Visits, Calling Station Visits, and mousing procedures shall be documented on Spotted Owl Visit Forms and Survey Area Detailed Maps. The Detailed Maps shall include documentation of areas searched and all detections of NSO, barred, NSO-barred hybrids, and Strix unknown species.

C.5.1 SEASON AND TIMING OF WORK

C.5.1.1 The timing and sequence of work will be authorized by the COR at the pre-work conference and is subject to change. Certain Survey Areas or portions of Survey Areas may be designated by the COR as higher priority.

The general timing of work is as follows: Contractor shall conduct at least 6 Complete Visits to each Survey Area by August 31. A fewer or greater number of visits will be based on COR approval and 2012 NSO Protocol and BLM database needs. Survey Areas must be completed within 7 days. Contractor will make all reasonable attempts to complete a Survey Area on 1 (preferably) or 2 Visits/Days. Exceptions to the maximum number of Visits within 7 days will be granted for some larger Survey Areas. If weather conditions do not allow completion of a Survey Area in 7 days, the Survey will need to restart. Each Complete Visit to a Survey Area must be separated by at least 1 week. Complete Visits must be completed at a rate of at least 3 Visits before June 30; including 1 Visit each month in April, May and June.

C.5.1.2 Work on the contract may begin after the start date on the Performance Period designated. The survey season is described in the 2012 NSO Survey Protocol. Contractors may be required to attend an inter-party coordination meeting and will maintain coordination throughout the survey season.

C.5.1.3 The season and timing requirements for this contract are described in the 2012 NSO Survey Protocol. Day and nighttime Visits are required. The Contractor shall be responsible for scheduling of all surveys to ensure they meet the required timing and methods requirements. Surveys may be conducted during the day if there are no roads or foot trails to traverse at night, or other safety concerns. Exceptions for locations considered unsuitable for night calling must be approved by the COR. Day surveys of areas unsuitable for night calling shall be conducted during the late afternoon or evening just before sunset.

C.5.1.4 Required nesting, reproductive success visits, and optional day time stand searches will count as Follow-up Visits for payment.

C.5.1.5 Surveys shall not be conducted during inclement weather conditions such as moderate to high winds (>15 mph), moderate to heavy rain or snow, or high noise levels (e.g., stream noise, machinery) which would prevent the surveyor from detecting owls. Where weather changed during a visit and a complete visit becomes impossible, the contractor shall discontinue surveys and notify the COR to decide how to readdress the survey need.

C.5.1.6 Any visits beyond the requirements in the 2012 NSO Protocol will be considered as supplemental visits and shall be conducted at the discretion of the COR.

C.5.2 FIELD PROCEDURES THAT MAY BE REQUIRED BY MORE THAN ONE ITEM:

C.5.2.1 Color Band Identification:

During mousing or luring (using vocal cues or artificial prey lure) northern spotted owls, the surveyor shall observe to see if any color leg bands can be detected. Band color, pattern, tab, and leg (left or right) shall be recorded on the Spotted Owl Visit Form.

C.5.2.2 Nest Tree Marking:

When a NSO nest is found, the tree shall be clearly flagged. The location of the tree shall be accurately mapped with a GPS and recorded on Survey Area Detail Map. GPS locations of NSO nest trees shall be collected with a GPS unit capable of + 30 feet or better (EPE).

C.5.2.3 Owl Capturing:

Capturing, handling, and banding northern spotted owls is not authorized for any work completed under this contract.

C.5.3 ACTIVITY CENTER SEARCHES

An early season walk-through survey, as described in the NSO Survey Protocol, of all known NSO sites within the survey area. BLM will determine where Activity Center Searches will occur (i.e., not all known sites will require Activity Center Searches).

C.5.3.1 The government will provide maps of activity centers and habitat to survey within 0.5 mile of the activity center to the Contractor prior to survey initiation or Contractor request 3 days prior to commencing work. Surveyors shall be prepared to locate and mouse any NSO or Unknown Strix detected during this survey.

C.5.3.2 Surveyors will complete the Activity Center Search following the methods in the 2012 NSO Survey Protocol. Surveys shall be documented on Spotted Owl Visit Forms and Survey Area Detail Maps, denoting locations of stations called, owl detections (location owl heard from and estimated location of owl) and walking routes surveyed.

C.5.4 CALLING STATION VISITS

Visits are predominately conducted at night from pre-designated Calling Stations as described in the Nighttime Spot Calling and Spotted Owl Calling Procedures sections of the 2012 NSO Survey Protocol. Unlike the protocol, leapfrog surveys are not allowed under this contract.

C.5.4.1 Visits will be applied to either the full 6-Visit survey method or to the 3-Visit spot check method as described in the 2012 NSO Survey Protocol. The type of survey required for each Calling Station will be identified by the COR.

C.5.4.2 The COR will provide Calling Stations associated with each Survey Area by March 1st of the survey year. The Contractor is responsible for locating Calling Stations. Calling Stations will be flagged by the Contractor with the color flagging scheme designated by the COR with a trailing length a minimum 12 inches long. The Calling Station number shall be marked on the flagging at each station location that becomes damaged (to the point the station ID on the flagging is no longer identifiable) or lost. Flagging shall be replaced at the time the damage is noticed. When new flagging is required, the COR will be notified. Changes to Calling Station locations must be approved by the COR prior to survey initiation.

C.5.4.3 Visits shall be documented appropriately on Spotted Owl Visit Forms and Survey Area Detail Maps. Section C.5.6 describes the required forms and maps.

C.5.4.4 In instances where a Calling Station is considered unsuitable for night calling, the Contractor must be approved for day calling by the COR.

C.5.4.5 Surveyors shall use contractor-provided GPS units to record a track-log of the survey route for each Visit. Tracklogs shall start upon starting the route and shall end upon completion of the Visit. Surveyors shall date an initial station flagging with a grease pencil and annotate on the site visit form.

C.5.4.6 If a barred owl is detected, follow the 2012 NSO Protocol for barred owl detections with respect to conducting a Complete Visit. All barred owl detections shall be recorded on the Spotted Owl Visit Form and Barred Owl Visit Form.

C.5.4.7 Every effort shall be made to identify the owl detections to species. If the species cannot be identified, the surveyor shall record information about the bird’s location, and any behavior and vocalizations. Birds identified to the Strix genus (no species identification) are recorded as Strix unknown and a Follow-Up Visit may be required if directed by the COR.

C.5.5 FOLLOW-UP VISITS

Follow-Up Visits are completed after NSO or Strix Unknown (and likely NSO-barred hybrid) detections unless otherwise specified by the COR. All Strix detections-excluding barred owls-may warrant a Follow- Up Visit; including most nighttime detections. Nesting or Reproductive Visits and optional day time stand searches shall be included within the Follow-up Survey line item.

C.5.5.1 Follow-Up Visits: These shall be conducted within 24 hours of initial detection. The objective is to locate spotted owls by conducting an intensive search within the general vicinity (approximately 0.5-mile radius) of the original detection to determine one or more of the following: occupancy status, band status, nesting status and/or reproductive success. Follow-Up Visits typically involve an extensive walk- through in the vicinity of detections, nest trees, and/or centers of activity. If no spotted owls are located within 4 hours of search time, the Follow-Up Visit is complete. Day time follow-up surveys shall be documented on Spotted Owl Visit Forms and Survey Area Detail Maps; and shall show Calling Stations surveyed, any walking routes surveyed, owl detections, and estimated locations. Contractor shall provide a tracklog of the follow-up route.

C.5.5.2 Nesting/Reproductive Success Visits: These are Follow-Up Visits completed to determine nesting status, and subsequent reproductive status. Survey protocols and outcomes are described in the 2012 NSO Survey Protocol. Nesting Status Visits shall be completed between April 1 and May 31, while Reproductive Success Status Visits shall be completed between June 1and July 15; or later.

C.5.6 DOCUMENTATION

Contractor shall submit survey data on appropriate datasheets provided by the COR.

C.5.6.1 Datasheets: Survey data shall be entered on the appropriate datasheet(s): Spotted Owl Visit Form, Barred Owl Visit Form, Other Species Form and mapped on the Survey Area Detailed Map. Data submitted must be legible, accurate, and complete.The COR will provide the Visit Form to be used for spotted owl surveys.

C.5.6.1.1 Spotted Owl Visit Form: Every Visit must have at least one corresponding Spotted Owl Visit Form for each MSNO/TSNO. All coordinate data shall be recorded in Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM), based on the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83), Zone 10. Recording owl species other than NSO: Barred owls will be noted on the Barred Owl Visit Form, with the detection specifics recorded on the Barred Owl Visit Form and Survey Area Detailed Map. Barred owl detections do not require follow-up surveys. Detections of additional owl species, listed in the table below, are entered in the designated portion of the Spotted Owl Visit Form and Other Species Form. Include species, sex, call type, owl location coordinates and other details from the detection. Additional owl species do not need to be mapped on the Survey Area Detailed Map and require no follow-up surveys.

Common Name / Scientific Name:

Northern Saw-whet Owl Aegolius acadicus Western Screech Owl Megascops kennicottii Northern Pygmy Owl Glaucidium gnoma Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus Long-eared Owl Asio otus Great Grey Owl Strix nebulosa Observations of Species of Interest shall be recorded in the comments section on the appropriate Spotted Owl Survey Form and on Other Species Form. Comments shall include species detected, approximate coordinates of the individual and notes about the detection. Species of Interest include nesting raptors (i.e., peregrine falcons, northern goshawks, eagles), and forest carnivores (i.e., fishers and martens). No additional surveys are required for these species, only records of observations.

Survey Area Detailed Map: Maps are provided by the COR at the beginning of the survey season. Changes to these maps must be approved by the COR prior to submission. For Calling Station Visit surveys, estimated owl detection locations shall be mapped by the Contractor on a Survey Area Detail Map. If multiple owls are detected on a single Visit, all detections may be included on the same map (as long as map remains legible). Owl detections shall be labeled with the four-letter species code (STOC, STUN, STVA, SBOH) and a symbol for male, female, and unknown sex. The Survey Area Detailed Map is also required for Activity Center Searches and Follow-Up Visits. The survey route shall be delineated on the map by the Contractor. All estimated locations of STOC, STUN, STVA and SBOH individuals shall be included on the map.

C.5.6.2 GPS Data: GPS survey data, either in the form of waypoints or tracklogs as described in section C.5.4.6. GPS data shall be submitted in GPX file format, or an alternate format authorized by the COR. Tracklogs shall be named with the surveyor’s name and the start date of the survey route.

C.5.6.3 Two Week Summary Report: A Summary Report shall be submitted every two weeks that includes copies/scans of all data forms obtained from surveys completed during the collection period.

This report shall contain a summary indicating Survey Areas and Sites (MSNO/TSNO) surveyed, Visit number for those Sites and whether or not the site Visit was completed by the submission, number of NSO, Strix unknown species, NSO-barred hybrid, and barred owls detected, and comments regarding any pertinent survey details. Survey details include; alterations to the proposed survey schedule, and justifications for the alterations, adverse conditions encountered, missing GPS data with justifications, and other comments relevant to the submitted surveys.

C.5.6.4 A summary of survey activities shall be maintained throughout the term of the contract on Survey Area Summary Forms. The Survey Area Summary Form will be provided by the COR at the beginning of the survey season. For each date on which any survey work is conducted under the terms of the contract, this summary will indicate: Survey Area name, survey date, surveyor(s), number of stations surveyed, begin time, end time, Northern Spotted Owl results, nesting status, location of any responses, other Target Species or Species of Importance observed, and any pertinent comments or notes.

C.5.6.5 Annual Final Data Submission: All survey forms, detail survey maps, and database records shall be due on October 30th of the survey year, summarizing all survey activities for the year completed under the contract. This may require the Contractor to enter all survey data into a relational database provided by BLM. The Contractor shall work closely with the COR or designated BLM contact to ensure that all data is accurate and complete. The Contractor shall be responsible for entering survey data into a relational database compatible with BLM operating systems, such as Microsoft Access. A formatted database entry screen will be provided by the Government. The Government furnished database will require data entry of all results of Survey Area visits, station visits, owl responses, and locations. The Contractor shall work closely with the designated BLM contact to ensure that all data is accurate and complete.

C.5.6.6 All records, data (physical or digital), maps, and other information produced by this project are the property of BLM and are confidential. This information may not be released by the Contractor or the Contractor’s employees to anyone, other than BLM, without the expressed written approval of BLM. The Contractor shall notify the COR of any third-party requests for information, and shall forward such requests to the COR.

C.5.6.7 All documentation shall be reviewed by the Contractor before submission to the BLM to ensure that all required forms are legibly, accurately, and properly filled out.

C.5.7 COMMUNICATION

C.5.7.1 Communication concerning contract activity, stipulations and documentation shall be directed to the COR by the Contractor or a Contractor-designated Crew Supervisor.

C.5.7.2 Every two weeks, the Contractor shall meet, in person, through email, or on the phone, with the COR or designated BLM contact to provide the two-week report as described in C.5.6.3 and discuss work progress, logistical issues, or other concerns. Meetings may occur less often if the COR agrees to an alternate schedule, that is agreed upon by the CO.

C.5.7.3 During the survey season, the Contractor shall notify by email, text, or phone) the COR of any spotted owl detection and its UTM coordinates within 24 hours.

(End of Section C)

SECTION F – DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The contract shall commence from 2/15/2024 through 10/15/2024.

F.2.0 PROGRESS PLAN

At the prework conference, the Contractor shall provide to the COR a written "work progress plan" that details its proposed work force and schedule to provide for orderly completion of the work within the contract performance time. This work schedule must be acceptable to the Government. At a minimum, the schedule must reflect a work progress rate equal to the available amount of contract performance time.

The following clause is incorporated by reference:

(End of Section F)

SECTION G – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

The following local clauses are provided in full text:

CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT REPORTING SYSTEM (JULY 2010)

(a) FAR 42.1502 directs all Federal agencies to collect past performance information on contracts. The Department of the Interior (DOI) has implemented the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to comply with this regulation. One or more past performance evaluations will be conducted in order to record your contract performance as required by FAR42.15.

(b) The past performance evaluation process is a totally paperless process using CPARS. CPARS is a web-based system that allows for electronic processing of the performance evaluation report. Once the report is processed, it is available for Government use in evaluating past performance as part of a source selection action.

(c) We request that you furnish the Contracting Officer with the name, position title, phone number, and email address for each person designated to have access to your firm's past performance evaluation(s) for the contract no later than 30 days after award. Each person granted access will have the ability to provide comments in the Contractor portion of the report and state whether or not the Contractor agrees with the evaluation, before returning the report to the Assessing Official. The report information must be protected as source selection sensitive information not releasable to the public.

(d) When your Contractor Representative(s) (Past Performance Points of Contact) are registered in CPARS, they will receive an automatically-generated email with detailed login instructions. Further details, systems requirements, and training information for CPARS is available at . The CPARS User Manual, registration for On Line Training for Contractor Representatives, and a practice application may be found at this site.

(e) Within 60 days after the end of a performance period, the Contracting Officer will complete an interim or final past performance evaluation, and the report will be accessible at . Contractor Representatives may then provide comments in response to the evaluation, or return the evaluation without comment. Comments are limited to the space provided in Block 22. Your comments should focus on objective facts in the Assessing Official's narrative and should provide your views on the causes and ramifications of the assessed performance. In addition to the ratings and supporting narratives, blocks 1 - 17 should be reviewed for accuracy, as these include key fields that will be used by the Government to identify your firm in future source selection actions. If you elect not to provide comments, please acknowledge receipt of the evaluation by indicating ''No comment" in Block 22, and then signing and dating Block 23 of the form. Without a statement in Block 22, you will be unable to sign and submit the evaluation back to the Government. If you do not sign and submit the CPAR within 30 days, it will automatically be returned to the Government and will be annotated: "The report was delivered/received by the contractor on (date). The contractor neither signed nor offered comment in response to this assessment." Your response is due within 30 calendar days after receipt of the CPAR.

(f) The following guidelines apply concerning your use of the past performance evaluation:

(1) Protect the evaluation as "source selection information." After review, transmit the evaluation by completing and submitting the form through CPARS. If for some reason you are unable to view and/or submit the form through CPARS, contact the Contracting Officer for instructions.

(2) Strictly control access to the evaluation within your organization. Ensure the evaluation is never released to persons or entities outside of your control.

(3) Prohibit the use of or reference to evaluation data for advertising, promotional material, preaward surveys, responsibility determinations, production readiness reviews, or other similar purposes.

(g) If you wish to discuss a past performance evaluation, you should request a meeting in writing to the Contracting Officer no later than seven days following your receipt of the evaluation. The meeting will be held in person or via telephone or other means during your 30- day review period.

(h) A copy of the completed past performance evaluation will be available in CPARS for your viewing and for Government use supporting source selection actions after it has been finalized.

(End of clause)

ELECTRONIC INVOICING AND PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS – INVOICE PROCESSING PLATFORM (IPP) (APR 2013)

Payment requests must be submitted electronically through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform System (IPP).

“Payment request” means any request for contract financing payment or invoice payment by the Contractor. To constitute a proper invoice, the payment request must comply with the requirements identified in the applicable Prompt Payment clause included in the contract, or the clause 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Products or Commercial Services included in commercial products or commercial services contracts. The IPP website address is: https://www.ipp.gov.

Under this contract, the following documents are required to be submitted as an attachment to the IPP invoice

1. Invoice billed according to contract line items and rates.

The Contractor must use the IPP website to register access and use IPP for submitting requests for payment. The Contractor Government Business Point of Contract (as listed in SAM) will receive enrollment instructions via email from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston (FRBB) prior to the contract award date, but no more than 3 – 5 business days of the contract award date. Contractor assistance with enrollment can be obtained by contacting the IPP Production Helpdesk via email ippgroup@bos.frb.org or phone (866) 973-3131.

If the Contractor is unable to comply with the requirement to use IPP for submitting invoices for payment, the Contractor must submit a waiver request in writing to the Contracting Officer with its proposal or quotation.

(End of Local Clause) (End of Section G)

SECTION H – SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1.0 ACCESS

In the event of a site/facility closure, the Contractor shall not perform or make deliveries to the site/facility until it is reopened by the Government, unless otherwise instructed by the Contracting Officer or their designated representative.

H.2.0 WORK HOURS

Unless otherwise specified in Section C, Specifications, work hours under this contract shall be limited to the time between one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset each day. No work will be done on Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holidays unless authorized by the COR.

H.3.2 Endangered Species - The Government may direct the Contractor to discontinue all operations in the event that listed or proposed threatened or endangered plants or animals protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, or Federal candidate (Category 1 and 2), sensitive or state listed species, identified under BLM Manual 6840, are discovered to be present in or adjacent to the project area.

H.4.0 PRESERVATION OF HISTORICAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL DATA

All waste materials generated by any work under the contract performed on a Government installation shall at all times be handled, transported, stored, and disposed of by the contractor and by his subcontractors in accordance with all applicable Federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, court orders, and other types of rulings having the effect of the law, including, but not limited to Executive Order 12088, 13 October 1978, Federal Compliance with Pollution Control Standards; the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended (33 U.S.C. 1251 ET SEQ); the Clean Air Act as amended (42 U.S.C. Sec 7401 ET SEQ); the Endangered Species Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. Sec 1531, ET SEQ); the Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended (15 U.S.C. Sec 2601, ET SEQ); the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. Sec 470, ET SEQ); the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 6901 ET SEQ); and the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. Sec 469, ET SEQ). Should the United States Government be held liable for any neglect or improper actions by the contractor or any subcontractor regarding removal or disposal of any hazardous waste, the contractor shall reimburse the Government for all such liability.

H.6.0 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

Any material suspected of being hazardous that is encountered during performance of a project shall immediately be brought to the attention of the Contracting Officer, at which time a determination will be made as to whether hazardous material testing shall be performed. If the Contracting Officer directs the contractor to perform tests, and/or the material is found to be of a hazardous nature requiring additional protective measures, a contract modification may be required, subject to equitable adjustment under the terms of the contract. The contractor is advised that friable and/or non-friable asbestos-containing material may be encountered in project areas. Friable asbestos-containing material is any material that contains more than one percent asbestos by weight, and that hand pressure can crumble, pulverize or reduce to powder when dry. Non-friable asbestos containing materials are materials in which asbestos fibers are bound by a matrix material, saturation, impregnation or coating.

Non-friable asbestos-containing…