Statement_of_Work.docx

U.S. BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

WIND RIVER/BIGHORN BASIN DISTRICT

LANDER FIELD OFFICE, WYOMING

Snyder Creek Dam Reconstruction Paleontological Survey

STATEMENT OF WORK

I. Introduction and Background

The contractor shall conduct a paleontological resources survey of the Snyder Creek Dam Reconstruction Project (the Project) located northeast of Lost Cabin, Wyoming on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lander Field Office LFO. The paleontological survey will encompass a 49-acre block around the existing dam and reservoir including all new ground disturbance associated with the dam reconstruction, as depicted on the attached map. All paleontological localities within the Project area will be recorded using the BLM Locality Form, or equivalent, and evaluated to make a significance determination. Significant fossils encountered during the survey will be collected and curated at a BLM-approved repository.

The proposed project consists of the reconstruction of a dam across Snyder Creek which will involve the construction of staging areas, and access roads within previously undisturbed areas. The Project is underlain by the Eocene Wind River Formation which is identified by the BLM as having a very high Potential Fossil Yield Classification (PFYC 5). The nearest known paleontological locality is located less than 1 mile (1.6 kilometers [km]) from the proposed Project.

II. Project Location and Scope

The Project is located approximately 4.8 miles (7.7 km) north-northeast of Lost Cabin, Wyoming in Fremont County. It is located in Sections 12 and 13, Township 39 North, Range 90 West and within the Lysite SE, Wyoming (1976), United States Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle, as depicted on the attached map. The Project is located approximately 28 miles (45 km) northeast of Shoshoni, approximately 47 miles (76 km) northeast of Riverton, and approximately 38 miles (61 km) southeast of Thermopolis, Wyoming.

The proposed Project is located entirely on BLM-managed surface, and it is accessible via public gravel and two-track roads.

III. Statement of Work

The contractor shall conduct a background files search and paleontological resources survey of the 49-acre Project area surrounding the existing Snyder Creek dam and reservoir. The project area will be inspected for 1) surface fossils, 2) exposures of potentially fossiliferous rock, and 3) areas in which fossiliferous rock would be exposed or otherwise impacted by surface disturbing activities.

A report shall be completed based on the results of the survey and will include the following details (as applicable):

a) Name, affiliation, address, date of report, and permit number of paleontologist doing the survey.

b) Project name and number (if used), name of proponent, and general location of project.

c) Date(s) of survey and names of any personnel assisting with the survey.

d) Project Description

· Brief description of the proposed project, emphasizing potential impacts to paleontological resources.

e) Brief description of background research conducted.

· Including overview of known paleontological information, institutions consulted, previous surveys in the area, previous projects of similar nature in the area, and general description of survey techniques employed.

f) Survey Methodology

· Extent of survey coverage, providing total acres of pedestrian survey and non-survey.

· Include criteria used to determine significant vs non-significant localities.

g) Summary of the survey results.

· Describing each locality separately and providing information on topographic location, formation, fossil description, and preservation.

· Potential impacts to paleontological resources resulting from the project.

· Detailed mitigation recommendations that may lessen potential adverse impacts, including any areas where monitoring during construction is recommended.

· Listing of any collected material, including field numbers, field identifications, and elements, cross-referenced to locality field numbers. This list may be submitted in electronic format, preferably in spreadsheet format.

h) Potential fossiliferous areas to allow for future assessment of sites if applicable.

i) Cited and other pertinent references.

j) Map of the project area, indicating areas surveyed, areas not surveyed, previously identified localities, and new discoveries. Maps will be at 1:24,000 scale with a standard 7.5’ USGS topographic map as a background. Supplemental maps which are reduced or enlarged in scale or with a different background may be provided as needed.

k) Relevant photos, diagrams, tables to aid in explaining, clarifying, or understanding the findings. All photographs included in the report shall be at least 3.5 inches by 5 inches in size. Captions will include direction of photo, description, any modification to the photo, and date taken.

l) BLM locality form (8270-3) or equivalent for each new locality (including localities where fossils were observed but not collected) with a 1:24,000 scale map showing the localities (not reduced in scale during photocopying).

The contractor is required to have a current BLM Wyoming Paleontological Resources Use Permit and will adhere to the permit stipulations.

IV. Government Supplied Property

The BLM Lander Field Office will supply the contractor with a map of the proposed Project (as PDF), engineering drawings of the proposed dam reconstruction, and GIS shapefiles of the survey area.

V. Funding/Schedule

Work schedule and partial payment shall be divided into three phases:

Phase I, Background Research and Survey Fieldwork – 60 calendar days from award (40% partial payment)

Phase II, Draft Report Submission – 90 calendar days from award (30% partial payment)

Phase III, Final Report Submission – 135 calendar days from award (30% partial payment)

VI. Deliverables

The contractor shall prepare a paleontological resources inventory report, including locality forms. The report shall include photographic documentation and maps produced with GIS information. One copy of the draft report (electronic format) shall be submitted to the BLM for initial review and comment. The BLM shall be allowed 15 calendar days for review. The contractor shall make revisions and prepare the final report in accordance with BLM recommendations.

The contractor shall submit to the BLM one unbound paper copy of the final report with color maps and photographs upon completion of the project. In addition to the hard copy of the report, an electronic copy of the final report, locality forms, and GIS information (including original field data files and GIS shapefiles), and all photographs taken as part of this project will also be submitted via email, share site, thumb drive, CD, or DVD. The final report and locality forms may either be in Microsoft Word or PDF files. The preferred digital format for photographs is JPEGs. Copies of field and research notes and maps associated with this project shall be submitted to the BLM upon completion of the project. Either digital format or paper copies are acceptable.

VII. Evaluation Criteria Respondents shall supply a written proposal including proposed paleontological survey field methods for the Project, list of key personnel (which defines the individuals’ involvement in all phases of work) and qualifications (i.e., resume), statement of availability to perform the work, and a list of references. Respondents will then be evaluated on the specific evaluation criteria listed below. When combined technical factors will be significantly important than price. Respondents will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

1. Quality of the Proposal

A. Does the offeror's proposed methods, techniques, procedures, and criteria fulfill stated project objectives, and does respondent proposal demonstrate an understanding of those methods, techniques, procedures, and criteria stated in the solicitation?

B. Is there a clear description of how the work will be managed and coordinated with the BLM?

1. Respondent Qualifications and Experience

1. Do the respondent and key personnel assigned to the project have experience in and a current permit for Wyoming?

1. Does the respondent demonstrate professional past performance in paleontological surveys in Wyoming?

1. Are the reference checks supportive of the respondent’s technical abilities and ability to work within original budgets?

1. Availability and Capacity to Perform

1. Given the current and projected workload of the respondent, will the respondent have sufficient time available to devote to the project?

1. Will the respondent be able to meet or exceed the timeframes described?

Order of Importance:

Technical factors, when combined, are considered:

☒ Significantly more important than price ☐ Approximately equal to price ☐ Significantly less important than price