3. WildlifeSurveysScope.pdf

Land Management Integrated Resources National BPA 12363N23Q4023

ATTACHMENT 3: WILDLIFE SURVEYS SCOPE

All requirements and specifications may vary based on location and agency utilizing the BPA.

Includes, but not limited to:

3. SCOPE OF WORK

The purpose of this contract is to provide a pool of contractors available to accomplish wildlife surveys to determine the presence or absence of target species, document and map locations and populations of target species, and provide an ecological description of the areas surveyed. Work can be on lands managed by federal agencies anywhere in the state of California. Botanical surveys may include aquatic, avian, or terrestrial species for an assortment of projects in diverse ecological settings over a broad geographic area. This is a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) that spans multiple years (10 years – will be reviewed every year for relevancy). This contract requires surveys and documentation to be in compliance with its terms, specifications, clauses and provisions.

Over the duration of the contract, individual BPA calls with actual quantities will be issued and price competed.

Only vendors in the initial contract award pool will be allowed to submit a quote on the work offered, but are not required to quote on all orders. No restrictions have been set regarding the number of vendors in the award pool;

however, sufficient awards will be made to provide for adequate competition for BPA calls.

The products of this contract will be:

1. Conduct wildlife surveys according to protocol(s) for target aquatic, avian, and terrestrial species.

2. Document and map target species occurence when located by surveys, using GPS and field forms.

Fill out appropriate forms legibly so they are able to be printed or copied.

3. Document and map areas surveyed whether or not target species were found on appropriate forms filled out legibly and able to be printed or copied.

4. Provide habitat information for target species populations and areas surveyed.

5. Provide maps delineating survey routes and populations of target wildlife species, or GPS Tracks of survey routes with locations of target wildlife species.

6. Written report summarizing areas surveyed and target species located/mapped. If surveys span more than one season, then annual reports will be provided. If one-season surveys, then a final report will be provided. Reports include associated species, habitat descriptions, and habitat threats/disturbances.

7. Provide GIS mapping files and include a complete list of target species per unit and their location coordinates in an excel spreadsheet. Each BPA call will specify which mapping coordinates are to be used (e.g. UTM in Datum NAD 1983, Zones 10 North or 11 North, or latitude and longitude in decimal degrees).

4. LOCATION

Project sites would be located on Federal lands within the state of California managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

5. BPA CALLS

Over the duration of the contract, individual BPA calls with actual quantities will be issued and price competed.

Only vendors in the initial contract award pool will be allowed to submit a quote on the work offered, but are not required to quote on all orders. BPA calls will include site-specific work, maps, reporting requirements and deliverable information.

6. ACCESS

Survey area maps will be provided with each BPA call Request for Quotes. Work areas may be reached by Forest Service roads that are accessible by a standard two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicle during normal operating seasons, unless otherwise indicated on Project Maps or Federal Travel Management maps. The cost of standard access described above should be included in the unit pricing on any BPA call. Some areas may require a walk-in distance to reach the survey site. If access is limited, the individual BPA call may request the Quoter to reflect access cost in their quotes. Vehicles shall not operate off system roads without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

In case of inaccessibility due to snow, mud, washouts, rock, slides, or fallen trees, the Government may, (1) clear the blockage or (2) provide an alternative route or (3) delete the inaccessible unit(s) or (4) substitute similar unit(s).

No vehicle shall by-pass any officially blocked road (barriers, locked gates, posted signs, rock/log/dirt, etc.)

without approval of the Contracting Officer. If approval is granted to go past locked gates, then a Government-furnished key will be made available to the Contractor.

7. DEFINITIONS

GPS – Global Positioning System – a network of orbiting satellites that use geometry to triangulate the position of the users ground position on the earth’s surface.

Latitude, Longitude (lat/long) – A geographic coordinate system. A point referenced by its latitude and longitude values. Decimal degrees will be used when latitude and longitude is specified in the BPA call.

NRM – The U.S. Forest Service Natural Resource Manager (previously known as NRIS and may be referenced as such on forms) is a set of corporate databases and computer applications designed to support field-level users. It houses the 1) Aquatic Surveys (AqS), 2) Wildlife, and 3) Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants – Invasive Species (TESP-IS) database.

Special Status Plant Species – For the purpose of this contract, this term will refer to aquatic, avian, and terrestrial species that meet the following requirements. These are species which are proposed for listing, officially listed as threatened or endangered, or are candidates for listing as threatened or endangered under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act (ESA); those listed by a State in a category such as threatened or endangered implying potential endangerment or extinction; and those designated by the USFS Regional Forester/State BLM Director as sensitive or strategic; and those species of local importance determined by an agency Wildlife Biologist.

Survey Area – The entire area where target species are searched for even if no target species are found.

Target Species – Species that are required to be surveyed on a BPA Call.

Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) - A projected coordinate grid system based upon one of many different mapping projections. The projected coordinate system for UTMs is Datum NAD 1983, Zones 10 North or 11 North when specified on the individual BPA call. The data is displayed in meters Easting (X coordinate) and Northing (Y coordinate).

8. CONTRACTOR OBLIGATIONS

The contractor shall furnish everything necessary to perform this contract including, but not limited to, all labor, equipment, supervision, materials/supplies (except those materials designated as Government furnished; see section #20) and incidentals necessary to perform aquatic, avian, and terrestrial wildlife species surveys in accordance with the enclosed specifications, terms and conditions. All federal and state rules and regulations will be followed as well as appropriate federal agency jurisdictional guidelines unique to each agency.

Follow Federal and state rules and regulations which include but are not limited to:

• Transportation

• Equipment Operation

• Licensing

• Permitting

• Safety

• Labor Laws

• Federal Travel Regulations

The Contractor shall be liable for all loss or damage of such Government-furnished property until completion and final acceptance of work required under this contract.

The Contractor shall provide field personnel who have experience and knowledge of the following:

a. Are proficient in the identification of target species which pertain to the type of survey being conducted.

b. Experience in field techniques including aerial photo, map interpretation, and field identification skills

(both sight and sound).

c. Ability to document location, ecological condition, habitat, and survey routes for areas occupied by target species.

Specifically, but not necessarily all inclusive, the Contractor shall furnish:

a. Compass with azimuth and the appropriate declination setting for the geographic area.

b. Clinometer

c. Hand Lens (minimum magnification 10X).

d. GPS receiver unit (recreational grade at a minimum) that will be used to map each site for each target species. The GPS unit must be capable of allowing the user to select the correct coordinate system (UTM and datum or lat/long) as specified in the BPA call. Mapping accuracy shall be 30 meters or better.

e. Appropriate technical references (i.e., photographs, call recordings) to accurately identify aquatic, avian, and terrestrial species encountered during the inventory

f. Contractors must have access to a computer with an internet connection, email, and Microsoft Word and Excel programs and GIS mapping software if specified in BPA call.

9. INSPECTION

The Government will conduct inspections of random survey units and all paperwork to determine work quality.

Each BPA call will specify what percent or how often inspections will occur of field forms and inspections of field surveys.

Table 1 provides an example of a scenario for inspecting work on this contract. (next page)

Table 1. Example of Government Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan for Vascular, Non-Vascular, and Fungi Surveys.

Performance

Requirement

Performance

Standard

Performance Measurement Penalties and

Incentives

Adhere to all survey protocols See Section #15

The procedures and documentation of the survey protocols are completed as described.

• Inspect 100% of survey and site forms to ensure compliance to protocols.

• Inspection of the survey procedures may be ongoing while survey is in progress.

See Sections #10

(Inspection of

Services); #11 (Rework) and #14 (Payment)

Documentation forms and maps See Section #15

All forms (survey form, population site forms) and maps are filled out completely and legibly according to contract specifications and survey protocols. Able to relocate site from map. All forms are turned in on the agreed upon schedule. Forms and maps must be legible and copy-able.

Inspect 100% of survey and site forms to ensure compliance to protocols.

See Sections #10

(Inspection of

Services); #11 (Rework) and #14 (Payment)

Monument Field Sites for each target species population See Section #15

Able to relocate sites.

Flagging and tags according to specifications.

Inspect a % (to be determined with each BPA call) of target species populations to determine that contract specifications are followed.

See Sections #10

(Inspection of

Services); #11 (Rework) and #14 (Payment)

Field Procedures See Section #15

Survey maps or GPS tracks show that each unit area was surveyed so that a representative cross section (at least 80%) of all major topographic features and special habitat features were surveyed.

Inspect a % (to be determined with each BPA call) of survey units and target species site locations to determine that contract specifications are followed and performance standards met.

See Sections #10

(Inspection of

Services); #11 (Rework) and #14 (Payment)

Final Report See Section #16

Contractor provides (1) hard copy and (1) electronic copy of a Final Report. Also, for those taxa in which surveys span multiple years (fungi), Annual Reports are provided.

Inspect the annual and/or final survey report for quality of preparation and completeness of information.

See Sections #10

(Inspection of

Services); #11 (Rework) and #14 (Payment)

11. REWORK

The Contractor will be required to rework any area or portion thereof that does not meet the terms of the contract.

If the inspection reveals the need for rework, the COR will notify the Contractor immediately in writing. All rework must be completed prior to proceeding with new areas, unless otherwise specified in the BPA call.

The following deficiencies will require rework:

1. Populations or habitats not identified;

2. Survey and/or Sighting forms not filled out completely and correctly;

3. Maps that do not thoroughly or accurately portray the survey route, have target species incorrectly located, are not legible, and do not have a linking identifier to any sighting forms, and voucher specimens;

4. Sites that cannot be relocated by flagging or do not have a linking identifier to any sighting forms, voucher specimens and maps

6. GIS data that is the wrong datum, not digitized correctly, unique identifier does not match data form or is missing a required attribute and;

7. Final reports that are not complete.

Unless otherwise specified in the BPA call, if work falls below minimum standards for field work (e.g., inaccurate GPS coordinates, monumenting) and documentation (e.g., maps, sighting forms, vouchers, and report), the Government will immediately notify the Contractor in writing and order improvement of the quality of future work. Reinspection after rework will be made in the same manner as the first inspection but in a different area. If the quality of future work is not raised to a satisfactory level within three consecutive workdays after receipt of notice in writing of unsatisfactory work, the Contractor’s right to proceed may be terminated and the contract considered in default. Repeated failure to perform work at an acceptable performance shall also be considered reason for contract termination and default action.

17. TIMEFRAMES FOR SUBMITTING DOCUMENTATION

Each unit issuing a BPA call will determine timelines for submitting documents.

Table 2. Forest Service example of potential timeframes for submitting documentation. Each BPA call will determine the timeframes.

Process Who When Survey Forms

Contractor Every two weeks

Element Occurrence Forms

Contractor Every two weeks

Inspect documents, vouchers and electronic shapefiles/data files to ensure all information provided

Government Within 5 calendar days from receiving the documentation.

Notify Contractor of any documents that need to be redone, maps/photos that are missing, or incomplete shapefile/data files

Government Within 3 calendar days after Government’s inspection.

Resubmit documents, missing or inaccurate maps/photos, incomplete voucher specimens, or electronic data files.

Contractor Within 7 calendar days of notification.

Process Who When Conduct random inspections of surveyed units Government Within two weeks of receiving Survey Forms, Element Occurrence Forms, and maps and/or GPS tracks.

Notify Contractor of units requiring resurvey Government Within 3 calendar days after Government’s inspection.

Resurvey Units Contractor Within 7 calendar days of notification.

For one season surveys: Electronic Final Report, final batch (not already submitted) of forms, maps, photos, electronic data files, and aerial photos (if requested) for task order

Contractor Within 14 calendar days after all work completed on task order

For two year surveys: After each field survey season (i.e., spring through fall): Electronic Interim Report, forms, maps, photos, electronic data files, and aerial photographs (if requested) for task order

Contractor Within 14 calendar days after all work completed (each season) on task order.

Final Report Contractor No later than 30 days after field work is completed.

Invoice submitted Contractor Within 14 calendar days of Government acceptance date of document and field inspections.

Invoice processed Government Within 7 working days of invoice receipt date – per Prompt Payment Act.

22. LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

The Contractor shall give attention to the effect of contract operations upon the landscape, shall take care to maintain natural surroundings undamaged, and shall conduct the work at all times in compliance with the following requirements.

a. Prevention of Landscape Defacement: The Contractor shall not remove, deface, injure, or destroy trees, shrubs, lawns, or other natural features or any other improvements in the work area unless specifically authorized by the Government. Unless otherwise provided herein, the Contractor shall confine contract operations to within the area designated in contract documents.

b. Protection of Streams, Lakes and Reservoirs: The Contractor shall take sufficient precautions to prevent pollution of streams, lakes, small ponds, and reservoirs with fuels, oils, bitumens, calcium chloride, silt or other harmful materials. Mechanical equipment shall not be operated in live streams without written approval of the Government.

23. PROTECTION OF EXISTING VEGETATION, STRUCTURES, EQUIPMENT, UTILITIES, AND

IMPROVEMENTS

(a) The Contractor shall preserve and protect all structures, equipment, and vegetation (such as trees, shrubs, and grass) on or adjacent to the work site, which are not to be removed and which do not unreasonably interfere with the work required under this contract. The Contractor shall only remove trees when specifically authorized to do so, and shall avoid damaging vegetation that will remain in place. If any limbs or branches of trees are broken during contract performance, or by the careless operation of equipment, or by workmen, the Contractor shall trim those limbs or branches with a clean cut and paint the cut with a tree-pruning compound as directed by the Contracting Officer.

(b) The Contractor shall protect from damage all existing improvements and utilities (1) at or near the work site, and (2) on adjacent property of a third party, the locations of which are made known to or should be known by the Contractor. The Contractor shall repair any damage to those facilities, including those that are the property of a third party, resulting from failure to comply with the requirements of this contract or failure to exercise reasonable care in performing the work. If the Contractor fails or refuses to repair the damage promptly, the Contracting Officer may have the necessary work performed and charge the cost to the Contractor.