140R3026R0002_-_Attachment_1_-_Performance_Work_Statement.pdf

Attachment 1 – Performance Work Statement Solicitation No. 140R3026R0002

Cibola National Wildlife Refuge, Cibola Valley Conservation Area, and Hart Mine Marsh – Farming, Irrigation, Maintenance, and Support services for LCR MSCP conservation areas located on lands owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Performance Work Statement (PWS) prepared by the Bureau of Reclamation

1.0 General

This is a non-personal services contract to provide farming and irrigation services at two Conservation Areas in La Paz County, Arizona. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing services herein. Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who in turn is responsible to the Government.

1.1 Introduction

The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform farming and irrigation services as defined in this PWS except for those items specified as government-furnished property and services. The contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract.

The Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (LCR MSCP) is a partnership of Federal and non-Federal stakeholders responding to the need to balance the use of Lower Colorado River (LCR) water resources and the conservation of native species and their habitats in compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the California Endangered Species Act

(CESA).

A major component of the LCR MSCP is the creation and management of habitat. The LCR MSCP will create and maintain 5,490 acres of cottonwood-willow and 1,320 acres of honey mesquite habitat. Farming and irrigation services are used to maintain the Cibola Valley Conservation Area (CVCA) and the Cibola Valley National Wildlife Refuge Unit#1 (CNWR) at a level appropriate for eƯicient water delivery, road maintenance, and general maintenance of the site and irrigation systems.

1.2 Location and Project Background

Cibola Valley Conservation Area

CVCA is located about 18 miles south of Blythe, CA on land owned by Arizona Game and Fish Department leased to LCR MSCP (Figure 1). CVCA includes 1,265 acres of created habitat and an additional 37 acres considered managed habitat for a total of 1,302 acres. Habitat is broken up into 12 phases and includes a nursery for vegetation collection (Phase #1) by outside parties with LCR MSCP approval. Phases 1, 2, 3, 8, and 9 (457 acres) are cottonwood-willow land cover types and will continue to receive irrigation to promote vegetation growth and meet covered species habitat suitability. Phases 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, and 11 (808 acres) are honey mesquite land cover types and do not normally receive irrigation, only when directed by LCR MSCP staƯ in rare instances. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is entitled to divert up to 2,828 acre-feet per year of Arizona fourth priority Colorado River water, and up to 1,000 acre-feet per year of Arizona sixth priority Colorado River water. Irrigation water is ordered through and provided by the Cibola Valley Irrigation and

Drainage District, commonly referred to as CVIDD, via their pumps and main canal. This irrigation water is directed from the main canal to the various phases, which are then flood irrigated.

Figure 1.—Map of Cibola Valley Conservation Area

Cibola National Wildlife Refuge Unit #1

Cibola NWR Unit #1 (CNWR) is located within the Cibola NWR, in Cibola, Arizona on land owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The CNWR Unit #1 conservation area is 2,495 acres, which includes 1,173 acres of cottonwood willow, 754 acres are planned for cottonwood willow, and the remaining 568 acres provide habitat buƯer areas (Figure 2).

CNWR Unit #1 habitat will be flood irrigated according to the irrigation tables provided by Reclamation. Reclamation will provide an irrigation schedule at the beginning of the calendar year.

The site will be irrigated for the months of February through November with no irrigation occurring in December and January. The CNWR Unit #1 north pump and part of the irrigation conveyance structures are shared with the refuge and CNWR Unit #1 cooperative farming agreement holder. The irrigation schedule shall be communicated to CNWR staƯ and pump usage shall be coordinated with Reclamation, USFWS and the CNWR Unit #1 Cooperative Farming Agreement holder. The unit 2 south pump is solely for irrigation of the Unit #1 expansion fields.

Figure 2.—Map of Cibola National Wildlife Refuge Unit #1

Figure 3.—Map of Cibola National Wildlife Refuge Unit 1 and Cibola Valley Conservation Area

1.3 Scope of Project

The purpose of this contract shall be to perform farming, irrigation, and water delivery services for the management of cottonwood-willow, mesquite, and marshland cover types, and irrigation structure maintenance. Maintaining and developing land cover types requires combining knowledge of farming and irrigation practices in conjunction with managing vegetation necessary for covered species requirements outlined in the LCR MSCP HCP.

CVCA is considered fully developed and managed by LCR MSCP with no new planting areas available or anticipated within the current site boundary. CNWR Unit #1 has 754 acres for future habitat restoration activities. The expansion area will need to be planted and farmed with a cover crop for multiple years and then later planted with native vegetation.

There are existing pumps, canals, and ditches in place at each conservation area that will need to be operated by the contractor. The following list indicates the type of work to be performed by the contractor:

Irrigation services, repair, and maintenance Farming services including use of farming equipment Road maintenance and dust control

The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, tools, and materials to execute the farming and irrigation services at all conservation areas as defined in this Performance Work Statement

(PWS).

2.0 Services to be Performed

2.1 Task 1 – Irrigation / Water Delivery Services

Operation of the pump will incur utility costs. These will be billed to Reclamation monthly and reimbursed on a per-kilowatt hour basis. The utility statements will be provided to Reclamation with each monthly invoice. The pumps will be operated per the SOPs in Attachment 1.

2.1.1 The contractor shall adhere to local irrigation district policy for water orders and remain under the yearly water entitlement. The contractor shall irrigate in a manner to promote eƯicient water use.

Contractor shall notify Reclamation within 24 hours of any changes to the irrigation schedule. Changes may be made to accommodate outages, prevent washouts to roads if the borders cannot be secured, or unforeseen circumstances which can result in an unsafe environment.

2.1.2 Work shall include irrigating riparian land cover types including species of cottonwood/willow, mesquite, and associated vegetation at CVCA and CNWR. See Exhibit 1 on page 12 of this PWS for an Irrigation Schedule proposed by Reclamation personnel. This is only a suggested schedule; site conditions (soils), climatic conditions, and vegetation condition may dictate either increasing or decreasing the frequency of irrigation for the growth and survival of trees, shrubs, and other habitat vegetation, which will be determined by Reclamation or by the contractor.

2.1.3 For CVCA and CNWR Unit #1 irrigation will be suƯicient to cover each check (reach the opposite end of the field from field port) during an irrigation cycle per the schedule provided.

SuƯicient irrigation coverage of field to which trees present a healthy appearance.

Inspect and repair field borders and berms

2.1.4 Irrigation Data Collection

Contractor will utilize ArcGIS QuickCapture (or similar application specified by Reclamation) during every irrigation cycle to:

Record the start and end times of pump use, beginning and ending flow totalizer measurement, and any issues encountered.

Inspect the pump and record any issues prior to each use. Issues shall be relayed to the COR by phone or email within 24 hours.

Record which fields were irrigated, the start/end times of irrigation for each field, and any problems with irrigation encountered. Figures 1 and 2 are maps of currently irrigated fields. An updated map with associated numbering system will be provided to the contractor upon award and upon addition of the fields to be managed.

2.2 Task 2 – Irrigation System Repair

Upon award, contractor shall inspect the irrigation conveyance system at CVCA and CNWR Unit #1 and document all pre-existing damage. The contractor shall inspect the canals feeding the conservation area prior to an irrigation cycle and ensure the irrigation system is in good working condition. Canal repair materials shall be bio-based if possible. A list of bio-based product categories can be found at https://www.biopreferred.gov/BioPreferred/faces/pages/ProductCategories.xhtml and a searchable bio-based product database can be found at https://www.biopreferred.gov/BioPreferred/faces/catalog/Catalog.xhtml.

The contractor shall utilize ArcGIS QuickCapture (or similar application specified by Reclamation) while inspecting canals to log and photograph any significant irrigation conveyance system damage as well as any repairs made to those structures. The contractor shall supply parts and services for repairs in the irrigation conveyance system. Reclamation shall be notified within 24 hours of repairs needed that are not included in general maintenance.

For new damage occurring after the above-mentioned initial inspection, the following parameters shall be adhered to:

2.2.1. Irrigation canal cracks cannot exceed a width of 0.25 inches and cannot exceed half the length of the panel

2.2.2 Buckling is not to exceed 1.0 inch from the adjacent panel or general alignment

2.2.3 Erosion (loss of soil adjacent to canal) is not to exceed 1.0 inch in depth, 1.0 inch protrusion from canal and 6.0 inches longitudinal to canal panel.

2.2.4 Trees and shrubs were planted a minimum of 25 feet from the irrigation canals creating a zone free of vegetation (excluding grasses). The contractor is responsible for keeping trees and shrubs from compromising the integrity of the lateral canals. Clear and dispose of vegetation within 25 feet of canal border at a minimum of two times per year.

2.2.5 Irrigation canal (jack) gates and slide gates must be able to open 90% or more and have no visible holes.

2.2.6 Field ports (slide gates) are able to open 90% or more and have no visible holes.

2.2.7 Canals shall be clear of debris and vegetation prior to charging with water.

2.3 Task 3 – Site Maintenance

Erosion and the presence of nuisance mammals, such as gophers, weaken field borders, resulting in irrigation water exiting the fields onto the roads. The contractor is responsible for monitoring the field borders during irrigation and securing the border where water is exiting the field. The irrigator shall have the knowledge and experience necessary to accomplish these tasks.

2.3.1 The contractor shall assure no equipment is left stored on the conservation area without prior approval from Reclamation.

2.3.2 The contractor shall utilize water trucks for dust control in accordance with local air quality standards or “as needed” depending on activity levels. Dust control is generally needed during planting or when construction is occurring as a result of increased traƯic.

2.3.3 The contractor shall keep roads clear of vegetation. The roads shall have a clearance width of 10 feet and a vertical clearance height of 14 feet.

2.3.4 The contractor shall be responsible to maintain the interior roads of the conservation area. Roads shall be maintained at a level to accommodate a 4-wheel drive truck to allow access to the canals.

2.3.5 The contractor shall perform minor repairs on an “as needed” basis to ensure the road is in drivable condition at all times. Repairs will be made upon request by Reclamation or when the contractor perceives a hazard to public safety and for any damage to the road surface less than 50 square feet and 18.0 inches in depth. The contractor shall make repairs within 3 days of contractor observing or being notified of damage. Washouts that exceed 50 square feet and 18.0 inches in depth shall be repaired by Reclamation. The contractor shall immediately set out caution cones to redirect traƯic away from the damaged area, then notify Reclamation within 24 hours of observed damage or washout.

2.3.6 Clearance of vegetation adjacent to irrigation ditches will be performed twice per year to maintain the integrity of the ditch.

2.3.7 Contractor shall inspect and repair field borders and berms quarterly

2.4 Task 4 – Farming Practices

The CNWR Unit #1 has 754 acres under construction for development of cottonwood-willow habitat. If construction is completed during the performance period of this contract these fields will require field preparation for the planting of a cover crop and field preparations for LCR MSCP habitat.

2.4.1 Field Preparation

The Contractor shall prepare native ground and existing agriculture land for mass transplanting of desired land cover types. This may include disking, plowing, creating borders, chisel plowing, laser leveling, and any other standard farming practice needed to meet the requirements for planting and growing of trees and shrubs. The Contractor shall utilize machinery to excavate and/or contour areas according to planting designs. This may also include applying soil amendments or fertilizers. Safety data sheets will be provided for any chemicals utilized and Reclamation will be notified 10 days prior to chemical application.

2.4.2 Grubbing (Root removal post cover crop clearing)

The requirements for the ground preparation for mass planting include grubbing to a target depth of 18 inches and 50% field capacity for moisture. For grubbing depth, three random measurements will be taken from each field. There will be a minimum distance of 25 feet between measurements. For capacity for moisture, three random measurements will be taken from each field with a hand-held soil moisture sensor 3 days post-irrigation.

2.4.3 Cover Crop

The contractor shall manage cover crops on fields slated for future restoration planting. The contractor shall purchase and plant cover crop(s) following the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) cover crop recommendations. Seed shall be approved by Reclamation prior to purchasing and planting. The contractor shall coordinate with Reclamation to determine cover crop and planting density of seed.

2.4.4 Furrows

The Contractor shall create furrows based on Reclamation’s furnished planting design.

Furrows will be 2-3 feet deep and 3-4 feet wide in trenches 20-50 feet apart. Furrow trenches/rows will have mild sinuosity and will not be straight.

2.4.5 Agricultural Preparation

The contractor shall harvest the cover crop no more than 3 months prior to planting per Reclamation guidance. Contractor shall disk field to an unconsolidated state 6.0 inches or greater in depth. Take three random measurements from each field, minimum distance apart shall not be less than 25 feet.

3.0 Contractor-Furnished Items and Services

3.1. The contractor shall be responsible for the purchase of all chemicals required for successful performance (herbicides, pesticides, larvicide, and fertilizers).

3.2. Irrigation repair. Contractor is responsible for jack gates, parts, and supplies needed for general repair. The contractor shall repair any gates or cracks in the delivery system that would be considered general maintenance to keep the system in good working condition.

Any need for repairs outside of general maintenance must be coordinated with and approved by Reclamation.

4.0 General Information

4.1 Period of Performance: Resultant award will be a five-year Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity Type Contract. Task Orders will be issued as needed for required services. Performance is anticipated to begin in January 2026 and run through December 2031.

4.2 Place of Performance: Cibola Valley Conservation Area, La Paz County, AZ; Cibola National Wildlife Refuge, La Paz County, AZ

4.3 Quality Control: The contractor shall develop and maintain an eƯective quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure nonrecurrence of defective services. The contractor’s quality control program is the means by which they assure themselves that their work complies with the requirement of the contract.

4.4 Quality Assurance: The government shall evaluate the contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Performance Requirements Summary (PRS) as identified in section 7.0 of this PWS.

In accordance with the clause paragraph 52.212-4(a), Inspection/Acceptance, the Government will evaluate the Contractor’s performance of the work requirements. For each of the required services listed in the Performance Requirement Summary (PRS), the Government intends to follow, but is not limited to, the surveillance methods listed in the PRS. Government personnel will record all surveillance observations. Government surveillance of required services not specifically listed in the PRS (provided for by the Inspection of Services clause) may occur during the performance period of the work.

5.0 Invoices

Contractor shall submit an invoice once monthly for each site, CVCA and CNWR Unit #1.

Contractor shall include receipts for any purchase of chemicals, herbicides, pesticides, larvicides, or fertilizers. Contractor will provide a copy of the utility bill when applicable. A preliminary copy of the monthly invoices shall be emailed to the Contract Specialist and the COR for review prior to uploading to the Internet Payment Platform (IPP) for processing.

6.0 Submittals

6.1 The Contractor shall perform all work required for furnishing submittals to the Government, in accordance with this PWS.

The Government will complete the review of submittals, or resubmittals, within 14 calendar days of receiving a complete set of the submittal materials. If the Government uses time in excess of the specified number of calendar days for review of any submittal or resubmittal, additional time, not to exceed the excess time, will be added to the time allowed the Contractor for performance of the service.

After the Government's review, any submittals that are not approved or that require changes or revisions shall be returned to the Contractor for corrective action within 5 calendar days after the Contractor has received the Government's comments.

6.2 Required Submittal Table

Table 1

RSN Submittals Required

Reference paragraph or clause

Responsible Code*

Number of sets to mail to*

CO COR

Due date or delivery date

Postaward Orientation (kick-oƯ meeting)

FAR 42.501 COR, CO 0 0 Within 30 days or notice of award.

Liability Insurance FAR 52.228-

5 & DIAR

1452.228-

CO 1 1 Within ten

(10) days of notice of award.

Quality Assurance Plan

PWS

Paragraph 4.3

COR 1 1 Within ten

(10) days of notice of award.

003 Safety Plan WBR 1452.223-

COR 1 1 Within ten

(10) days of award date.

004 ArcGIS QuickCapture Data Submissions

PWS Task 2.2

COR 0 1 Submit with monthly invoice

005 Soil Amendment and fertilizer recommendations

PWS Task 3.1

COR 0 1 As Needed

– Email to

COR

006 Material Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Materials

PWS

Paragraph 2.4.3

COR 0 1 At least 10 days prior to job site delivery of each hazardous material

7.0 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY (PRS)

The Performance Requirements Summary (PRS) chart identifies the required services / tasks, the performance standards, and the acceptable quality level. The Contractor’s performance is evaluated on the basis of a number of performance elements relating to quality and timely performance. The applicable performance elements are identified in the PRS and each element is weighted in terms of its relative importance to the contract requirement.

Quality assessments will be conducted by Reclamation personnel in the form of reviewing data sets submitted, monthly progress reports, draft reports and final reports.

Table 2

Task No Task Description Performance Indicator

Minimum Acceptable Quality Level

2.1 Irrigation/Water

Delivery Services

Notify Reclamation within 24 hours of any changes to the irrigation schedule

100% of the time

2.1 Irrigation/Water

Delivery Services

Water is within 50 feet of field border while irrigating

100% of the time

2.1 Irrigation/Water

Delivery Services

Repairs made within 14 days of observed or reported damage

100% of the time

2.1 Irrigation/Water

Delivery Services

Water level shall be managed at a static elevation of 217.00 feet at HMM

100% of the time during the specified time frame in 2.3.4

2.4 Farming Practices

-Maintain road edges -Application of herbicides/pesticides

Periodic inspection – Reclamation personnel or appointed representative will periodically be on site in addition to monthly reports provided by the contractor to Reclamation

100% of the time

Exhibit 1 – Irrigation Schedule

CNWR Unit #1

CVCA

Acre-feet Ag Diversion

January 0.00 February 100.00

March 100.00 April 225.00 May 300.00 June 500.00 July 600.00

August 400.00 September 300.00

October 200.00 November 113.00 December 0.00

Total 2,838.00 2026 Allotment 2,838.00

Unit 1 North Pump 2026 (acre-feet) Unit 1 South Pump

2026 (acre-feet) January 0 0 February 900 200 March 1000 220 April 1000 220 May 1000 220 June 1100 240 July 1100 240 August 1100 240 September 1000 220 October 1000 220 November 800 200 December 0 0