75__DRAFT_National_A-E_with_PM_Oversight_1.docx

United States Department of Agriculture – Forest Service Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contracts for Program and Project Management, A&E Services, Boundary Surveying, and Environmental Consulting (NEPA)

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

1.0 GENERAL

1.1 General Direction Regarding the Forest Service’s (FS) Built Environment

1.1.1 The FS’s Built Environment refers to the physical infrastructure of fire, administrative, research, and recreation buildings, landscape structures, site furnishings, structures on roads and trails, and signs installed or operated by the FS, its cooperators, and permittees.

1.1.2 The elements of the Built Environment constructed on National Forests and Grasslands, or those used for administrative purposes in rural areas, towns, and cities, incorporate in a practical manner the principles of sustainability, reflect their place within the natural and cultural landscape, and provide optimal service to our customers and cooperators.

1.1.3 Our infrastructure will:

1.1.3.1 Be located, planned, and designed with respect for the natural systems in which they reside,

1.1.3.2 Aesthetically integrate their natural, cultural, and experiential context,

1.1.3.3 Contain design elements that reinforce a national agency identity,

1.1.3.4 Emphasize efficiency of energy and materials consumption in construction and operation,

1.1.3.5 Serve as premier examples to interpret conservation of natural resources and sustainable development,

1.1.3.6 Create environments for people to enjoy and gain increased appreciation for the natural environment, and in which employees work productively, experiencing a connection to the resources they manage,

1.1.3.7 Use wood and wood products where appropriate in the construction, alteration, repair and operation of our infrastructure.

1.2 FS Building Types

1.2.1 Ranger Districts

1.2.1.1 Ranger District Offices are the most public facing and field going of all locations. These facilities house about 30 employees, generally located in small, rural communities and are about 5,000 to 10,000 square feet.

1.2.1.2 Less than half of the staff is eligible for regular telework and very few people telework on a regular basis. Office utilization changes with the season, weather, time of day, and emergency response situation.

1.2.1.3 Ranger District Offices regularly host meetings and trainings with other Forest Service and Federal employees, state and local governments, contractors, and other cooperators. Depending on the District and season, they receive a lot of drop-in visitors or people wanting information about the National Forests.

1.2.1.4 Work Centers are “back-of-house” compounds containing shops, storage, and staging areas for districts to perform direct forest management work. Typical elements include about 5000 square feet of heated warehouse and shop, 4000+ square feet of open air covered storage, secure storage for timber marking paint and hazardous materials, seedling coolers, heavy equipment and light truck parking, filling stations for fire engines, and open uncovered storage. In the Southern Region, they are typically associated with Ranger Districts, and the Region’s preference is for consolidated administrative sites with both the District Office and the Work Center.

1.2.2 Forest Supervisor’s Offices

1.2.2.1 Headquarters of an administrative Forest, generally housing 60 to 100 employees. SOs are normally located in small or mid sized urban communities central to the National Forest System lands they administer. These buildings are about 10,000 to 20,000 square feet.

1.2.3 Developed Recreation Sites

1.2.3.1 A discrete place containing a concentration of facilities, infrastructure, and services used to provide recreation opportunities to the public and evidencing a significant investment in facilities and management. The level of development is based on the intended use and the setting as defined in the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum. Examples of developed recreation areas are campgrounds, swim beaches, and picnic areas.

1.2.4 Major Visitor Centers

1.2.4.1 A highly developed place for providing visitor contact and interpretation to support a special area or attraction that receives significant visitation. The Region has five operational major visitor centers. The center is there to support the attraction.

2.0 GENERAL TASK ORDER REQUIREMENTS

2.1

2.1.1 Actual project work will be assigned through individual Task Order solicitations for various services including: architectural, civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural design, construction administration, inspection, general and environmental studies, value engineering, energy conservation design practices, project management as well as other types of A-E services.

2.1.2 The Contracting Officer (CO) or a designated representative will issue a Statement of Work and Task Order Proposal Request (TOPR). The TOPR will describe the work to be performed, the deliverable items, and the required time period for completion.

2.1.3 Task Order proposal preparation periods may vary depending on fiscal and programmatic need, anywhere from 7 to 30 calendar days would be typical.

2.1.4 The construction price range for each task order will be identified and made known to the prospective A-E.

2.1.5 The Contractor shall commence work on each Task Order according to their proposed and agreed upon schedule, unless otherwise directed by the CO.

2.1.6 Upon receipt of an individual TOPR describing a specific project, the A-E shall respond within the time frame prescribed in the TOPR.

2.1.7 If the A-E is unable or not interested in submitting a proposal, a timely negative response is required. Lack of response may result in not being considered for future work under this Contract.

2.1.8 The Contractor may request final payment when all documents and data have been delivered and the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) has determined that the documents and data conform to the requirements of the Task Order and the contract.

2.1.9 Depending upon the nature of the project, performance specifications along with preliminary drawings may be provided with the TOPR. The intent of this information is to provide the A-E with the general outline of the scope of work for the project and some various alternatives that have been considered. These drawings should be considered preliminary in nature and should not be construed as the preferred alternative needed for preparation of final construction documents unless otherwise designated as such. On occasion the A-E may be asked to provide the services to help develop this scope of work along with the Government.

2.1.10 After the scope and fee have been determined for a project, the CO will issue a firm fixed price Task Order for the effort.

2.1.11 SF 330, Part I, Section D – Organization Chart and SF 330, Part I, Section E – Key Personnel shall be updated and submitted to CO annually by 12-31-20XX or end of the calendar year. Any substitutions of Key Personnel shall be approved by the Contracting Officer.

3.0 DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS

ABA – Architectural Barriers Act. These standards apply to facilities designed, built, altered, or leased with Federal funds.

AD – Accuracy of Drawings – the number of design errors, omissions, and ambiguities within the plans and specification that affect the quality of the facility.

A-E, Contractor – Architectural-Engineering firm is the contracting entity selected to design the project.

As-Built Drawings are the original design drawings revised to reflect any changes made in the field.

Once as-built drawings are approved, they become the official record drawings.

Commissioning is the act of statically and dynamically testing the operation of equipment and building systems to ensure they operate as designed and can satisfactorily meet the needs of the building throughout the entire range of operating conditions.

Construction is defined as, but not limited to, constructing (giving form by combining the parts), altering, repairing, adding to, subtracting from, improving, restoring, moving, wrecking or demolishing any building, highway, road, excavation or other structure, project, or improvement attached to real estate.

Construction Documents refer to 65-100% complete drawings, specifications, and other documents describing the requirements for construction of the project; and bidding and contracting for the construction of the project typically provided by the Government. At the end of this phase, construction cost estimates typically include 3-10% contingency.

CO – Contracting Officer is defined as a person with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings on behalf of the United States of America.

COR (COTR) – Contracting Officer’s Representative (Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative) is authorized to act within the limits of their authority as delegated by the CO.

DD – Design Deficiency - When an architect, engineer or building designer performs designs outside of specification, such as not designing to building code, that leads to a problem or defect in the structure.

DE – Design Errors - A condition that exists in the design documents for which the engineering consultant is responsible which results in the need for a change to the work. A design error includes but is not limited to the following: the product of incorrect dimensioning, specifying incompatible materials or equipment, code violation, impossibility conflict or other incorrect direction in the design documents. A design error may result in the need for the construction contractor to perform rework or additional work.

DO – Design Omission - A condition that exists in the contract documents where information is missing from the design documents. A design omission is work or requirements that are omitted from the design due to an engineering consultant’s omission of work that is necessary for the proper and/or safe operation of the facility or system being constructed or required to meet the original designer’s scope of work.

Design Development Documents fix and describe the size and character of the entire project with consideration given to availability of materials, equipment and labor, construction sequencing and scheduling, economic analysis of construction and operations, user safety and maintenance requirements, and energy conservation. Design Development in conjunction with Schematic Design represents 35-65% of the complete design. At the end of this phase, project cost estimates typically include 10-30% contingency.

Design Summary – Sometimes referred to as a Technical Memorandum. This summary is typically required for all submittals and is a work in progress until the final submittal. This narrative identifies opportunities for integration of design showing trade-offs between different aspects of the design particularly between disciplines, with explanations for how these trade-offs were made.

DPD – Detailed Project Description to outline in detail the project work activities and timelines.

ECC – Estimated Cost of Construction refers to the cost estimate per ASTM E2516-11(2024) Standard Classification for Cost Estimate Classification System.

FSH – Forest Service Handbook FSM – Forest Service Manual Government shall also be referred to as the Owner, CO, COR, or the GOVERNMENT.

IGE – Independent Government Estimate LEED – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

LAHJ – Local Authority Having Jurisdiction is the duly adopted local code authority, agency, or serving utility governing or serving the location of the project.

Offeror is the A-E submitting a proposal for consideration under this solicitation.

OPR – Owner’s Project Requirements Performance Specifications state what the required results will be with measurable or observable criteria for verifying compliance.

PMIS – Project Management Information System - The Forest Service intends to use the system to manage a Program of Projects and provide a common collaboration and interaction platform for all project team members, including FS staff, external partners and cooperators, architecture and engineering consultants, constructors and construction managers, suppliers, and subcontractors. The PMIS will be an existing, Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) solution provided by a single vendor. Configuration, implementation, and support shall be provided by a US based support team. The PMIS shall have mobile applications for both iOS and Android devices currently available in their app store.

Public Works is construction performed under a contact with a Federal, State, County, Borough, City, Municipality, or other government entity.

Red Line Drawings are the construction contractor’s record set of drawings which are manually marked up for changes in the field. These drawings become the basis for the as-built drawings.

Schedule is a chronological layout of the work to be performed.

Schematic Design consists of developing drawings, sketches, and other documents illustrating the general scope, scale, and relationship of project components for approval by the Government. Alternatives are considered during this phase and a preferred design alternative is identified with a refined description of project needs. Design is conceptual in character, based on the requirements provided in the TOPR and/or through the Site Investigation, A-E Scoping, and Data Collection phase of the project. The design is considered 30-35% complete at the end of the Schematic Design. Schematic Design and Design Development together represent 35-65% of the complete design.

SF or SQ FT is square footage typically referring to usable area (conditioned space), unless noted otherwise.

Submittal is any product data, samples, and shop drawings required to be submitted to the A-E and/or owner for information or approval during construction. All submittals shall be included in the submittal register.

Submittal Exchange refers to any automated project management software commercially available and approved for use by Government at the Contractor’s expense.

Submittal Register lists the materials, products or items for each Submittal cited in the project construction documents, specifically the technical specifications. The register shall also contain the specification section and paragraph number locations and any required approvals. The register shall be initiated and updated by the A-E Technical Memorandum – see Design Summary.

TERO – Tribal Employment Rights Office.

USDAFS – United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service

4.0 SCOPE

SERVICES REQUIRED UNDER THIS CONTRACT:

4.0

4.1 Services required are consistent with engineering and architectural disciplines necessary for design, specification and implementation of typical Forest Service projects. Services for facilities (buildings, campgrounds, etc) and road and trail systems (roadways, trails, bridges, etc) within the scope of applicable environmental law will be required. It is anticipated that most of the projects will be associated with road and trail system rehabilitations. Ancillary services that are not necessarily outlined in this scope may be needed on a project specific basis and will be negotiated per each TOPR.

4.1.1 Program Management involves the management of multiple related projects in a coordinated manner to achieve strategic objectives, overseeing a group of projects that share a common business goal, ensuring they align with Agency organizational objectives. Key aspects include: streamlining processes, resource allocation, alignment with goals, and strategic management. Services include, but not limited to: Meeting management – planning, scheduling, coordinating, facilitating, and documenting meetings; Project and Program process definition, documentation, and standardization; Assisting with the development of A/E contract task orders (drafting A/E design proposal requests); Administration of design/build construction contract orders (drafting design/build proposal requests, preparing cost estimates, reviewing cost proposals, assisting USDAFS in negotiations); Utilize a Project Management Information System (PMIS) as the working system for the Program and for all capital asset project and contract management functions.

4.1.2 Project Management involves the leadership of the project through activities such as close coordination and collaboration with the USDAFS program and project managers, coordination with the USDAFS internal Project Support Team, subconsultants, and external agencies. Project management will also involve management and development of the project scope, schedule, budget, and the Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) process as well as involvement and leadership in project decisions that affect the development and delivery of contract documents.

4.1.3 Environmental Compliance Services Environmental compliance services such as studies, recommendations, and reports for: waters of the U.S., floodplain management, threatened and endangered species, regional forester sensitive species or species of conservation concern, land management plan or project specific amendments, migratory birds, wildlife and plant species, cultural resources and historic properties, hazardous materials, roadless or wilderness areas, wild and scenic rivers, noise, air quality, visual quality, and others as required by law, executive order, regulation or directive; the preparation of documents as required for the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, EO11988: Floodplain Management, EO 11990: Wetlands Protection, Comprehensive Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and other applicable laws, EOs, regulations, and directives enacted at the time of solicitation; management of public engagement, including meetings, and interactions between the agency and other public agencies (federal, tribal, state, and local) may be required.

4.1.4 Architectural Services including, but not limited to, planning, designing, construction and repair of buildings such as visitor centers, administration buildings, bunkhouses, shop buildings, residences, storage buildings, and fire cache buildings.

4.1.5 Geotechnical Engineering Services including, but not limited to, comprehensive identification of geologic hazards through site reconnaissance and surface and subsurface investigations; Geotechnical drilling, rock and soil sample collection, and in-situ testing; shallow and deep foundation design; retaining wall design; earthwork shrink/swell recommendations; earthwork cut and fill slope recommendations; soil and rock slope stability and excavation methods; erosion survey and mitigation; material source characterization; landslide analyses and mitigation recommendations; instrumentation deployment; laboratory testing of materials; and production of Geotechnical Engineering Reports.

4.1.6 Bridge and Structural Design, Assessment, and Inspection activities including, but not limited to, determining structure type, size, and location (TS&L); designing concrete, steel, fiber reinforced polymer (frp), pedestrian suspension and timber bridges (vehicular, pedestrian, and combination), designing reinforced concrete, steel and aluminum culverts, implementing accelerated bridge construction (ABC) technologies (where applicable) such as prefabricated bridge elements and systems (PBES), geosynthetic reinforced soil - integrated bridge system (GRS-IBS); designing seismic retrofits for existing structures; designing retaining walls; performing structure inspections (bridge, culvert, retaining wall, and tunnel); load rating structures (bridge and culvert); performing structure constructability reviews; determining structure construction schedules and preparing structure plans (new and rehabilitation), specifications, and estimates (PS&E). Performing structural engineering for new and rehabilitated building facilities and components.

4.1.7 Transportation Engineering Assessment and Design including, but not limited to, determining roadway surface and embankment or subgrade conditions and features requiring design and construction or repair. Condition assessment of associated existing roadway features including but not limited to drainage ditches, culverts, ditch blocks, and weirs. Design of required repairs or reconstruction for failed roadway features and segments.

4.1.8 Hydraulic and Hydrologic Engineering including, but not limited to, the determination of roadway surface and topographic drainage including: design velocities and discharges; water surface profiles using 1-Dimensional and 2-Dimensional hydraulic modeling; floodplain and scour analyses; culvert and drainage system design, surveys, and assessments; culvert and headwall design; Culvert, Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP), and bridge structure sizing; Evaluation and design of developed site drainage systems (storm sewers, detention and retention basins); compliance with FEMA regulations; Waterway reconstruction design; and development and preparation of certain permit applications and state specific permits.

4.1.9 Mechanical Engineering Services to support site and facilities projects including design for water and sewage systems, HVAC systems, fire suppression systems, pumps, wells, and other applicable systems.

4.1.10 Electrical Engineering Services to support site and facilities projects including power distribution, emergency backup systems, electronics, computer systems, generators, telecommunications, control systems, alarm and security systems, and instrumentation.

4.1.11 Civil Earthwork Projects including, but not limited to, dams, dikes, levees, berms, canals, water control structures, roads, trails, building site grading, and slope stability studies and designs.

4.1.12 Other Facility and Infrastructure Projects including, but not limited to, boardwalks, observation platforms, docks, piers, boat ramps, stairways, bridges, and bulkheads

4.1.13 Surveying and mapping services, such as: photogrammetric or LIDAR mapping and/or ground surveys; drone-based surveys, cadastral surveys; bridge and culvert site surveys; location and final design surveys; analytical aerial triangulation; digital terrain modeling; and compilation of topographic and planimetric features.

5.0 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

5.1 Forest Service Built Environment Image Guide (FS-710)

5.2 Forest Service Health and Safety Code Handbook. (FSH 6709.11)

5.3 Forest Service Directives: Forest Service Manuals and Handbooks relevant to the specific Task Order.

5.4 Occupational Safety and Health Standards for Construction: Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 26 (29 CFR Part 1926).

5.5 Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry. (29 CFR Part 1910).

5.6 Road and Bridge Requirements

5.6.1 Design and construct all roadways and associated features in accordance with applicable provisions of Title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (23 CFR), Executive Orders, direction in the FSM 7700 series, Road Preconstruction Handbook (FSH 7709.56 Chapter 40), and applicable Forest Service Supplemental specifications.

5.6.2 Design and construct all bridges and other engineered structures in accordance with applicable provisions of Title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (23 CFR), Executive Orders, direction in the FSM 7700 series and the Transportation Structures Handbook (FSH 7709.56b)

5.6.3 AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, current edition.

5.6.4 AASHTO Guide Specifications for Design of Pedestrian Bridges, current edition

5.6.5 AASHTO LRFD Bridge Construction Specifications (4th Edition), with 2020 and 2023 Interim Revisions

5.6.6 AASHTO The Manual for Bridge Evaluation, current edition.

5.6.7 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), current edition.

5.6.8 Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal Highway Projects, (FP-14)

5.7 Trail and Trail Bridge Requirements

5.7.1 Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines (FSTAG)

5.7.2 Forest Service Trail Fundamentals and Trail Management Objectives (1623-3801-MTDC)

5.7.3 Forest Service Trail Maintenance and Construction Notebook (FS-1262)

5.7.4 Standard Specifications for Construction of Trails and Bridges on Forest Service Projects (NTDP 10/30/2014)

5.7.5 Trail Class Matrix (FSH 2353, Section 14.2, Exhibit 01)

5.7.6 Trail Design Parameters Hiker/Pedestrian (FSH 2309.18, Section 23.11, Exhibit 01)

5.8 Boundary/Cadastral Surveying

5.8.1 Boundary surveys must be completed by a professional land surveyor licensed in the state where project is located.

5.8.2 Record Forest Service land survey plats and approved land corner recordation certificates in the public records of the appropriate jurisdictional authority.

5.8.3 Southern Region (Region 8) Boundary Management Contract Specifications.

5.9 Facilities - Sustainability, Energy and Third-Party Certification Requirements

5.9.1 LEED Certification Requirements: The following types of buildings, when sized 5,000 square feet (sq.ft.) or greater shall, at a minimum, achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design v4 (LEED) Silver certification:

5.9.1.1 Visitor Centers and other Public buildings providing substantial environmental educational opportunities especially where the facility is within a designated urban area and third-party certification would enhance the image, or standing of the Service to the public.

5.9.1.2 All Visitor Centers at designated Urban Refuges must achieve third party certification.

5.9.1.3 Buildings with significance and/or symbolism and are of mission-related nature, eg. Historic structures

5.9.1.4 LEED Certification may be pursued for other buildings and will be indicated in the task order.

5.9.2 Codes and Standards

40 USC 11 3312: Compliance with nationally recognized codes: last updated by Congress in 1989, the original provisions date to the 1950s. States that the government will adopt a nationally recognized code for construction in the latest edition. Also requires consideration of local zoning and to consult with appropriate state and local governments. (FSH 7309.11 – Zero Code)

IBC: International Building Code; 2024.

IEBC: International Existing Building Code, 2024.

IFC: International Fire Code; 2024.

IFGC: International Fuel Gas Code; 2024.

IGCC: International Green Construction Code, 2024.

IPC: International Plumbing Code; 2024.

IMC: International Mechanical Code; 2024.

IWUIC: International Wildland-Urban Interface Code, 2024.

NFPA 70: National Electrical Code; 2023.

NFPA 101: Life Safety Code; 2024.

When code requirements conflict, use the most stringent requirement (FSH 7309.11 – Zero Code 06-4).

5.9.2.1 Design for accessibility in accordance with the most current version of the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility Standards available at www.access- board.gov.

5.9.2.2 For other Codes consult with the COR.

5.9.2.3 A code analysis shall be shown on the cover page in table format. All applicable codes used in the preparation of the drawing set shall be listed. Building notes indicating building gross square footage (heated, unheated, and total) shall be located directly on the cover page as well.

5.9.3 Cultural Resources

5.9.3.1 Upon identification or discovery of historical or archaeological artifacts, cease work and notify the Station Manager, COR, and CO immediately for determination on how to proceed.

6.0 DATA COLLECTION, SCHEMATIC DESIGN, & DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

6.1 Services in this category include the gathering, analysis and documentation of data required to establish the OPR for project justification, budgeting, and design of the project, and include, but are not limited to:

1.

6.

0. Field Report: At a minimum, the report should consist of a description detailing what was seen or observed, an analysis describing strengths and weaknesses, reflection or evaluation of the observations considering theory and key concepts in the broader context of all disciplines involved and an Appendix containing any supporting information.

0. Design Workshop/Charrette Meeting: After the Task Order is awarded and the Notice to Proceed has been issued the A-E key personnel shall meet with Government representatives to discuss and resolve any remaining questions and issues generated from the proposal package.

0. Project identification, including discussions of project location, history, functions, and scope.

0. Determination of feasible engineering solutions/alternatives which satisfy the project goals, objectives, budget, and user requirements.

0. Physical planning, including the conduct of topographic or engineering surveys, soil investigations, studies of historical, cultural resources and regulatory requirements, flood plain or tidal assessments, and consideration of components that may have or affect lead-based paint, asbestos, radon, and PCBs.

0. Planning to establish a project design schedule.

0. Cost estimates for budgeting and the identification of direct and indirect costs, including contingency and escalation factors. Include justification for any project cost that exceeds the budget. (Estimate dollars shall be determined for the projected period of construction.)

0. Schematic design(s), including access site development, utilities, preliminary plans, elevations and details, design controls, preliminary specifications, and operation requirements.

0. Preparation of reports and related documents, both draft and final, include:

· Title Page including Report title, preparer, contract number, and date.

· Executive summary

· Table of contents

· Description of the study and investigations

· Descriptions of the alternatives considered

· Drawings and sketches and support documents required to illustrate the alternatives

· Listing of data used and assumptions made

· Comparative evaluation of the alternative designs, including capital and life cycle costs

· Final design recommendation, including discussion of the basis for the recommendation

· Summary of results, conclusions, and recommendations.

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

7.1 All design work shall be performed by or under the direct supervision of registered professionals licensed in the discipline being designed and in the state in which work is being constructed. The A-E and all key personnel shall be qualified by education and experience to design within the disciplines required. Drawings shall be stamped/sealed by the registered professionals responsible for the work in each discipline corresponding to the jurisdiction where construction will be performed.

7.2 All construction documents shall be readable by a “screen reader” to meet the compliance requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Adobe and MS Word have functions available to them built into the software. Drawings or Plans shall include a Section 508 compliant document describing the plan set which follows a template format that can be provided by the government upon request.

7.3 Services in this category include design/documentation for construction of new facilities and the rehabilitation, maintenance, and/or operation of existing facilities by contract or force account means, including the performance of design analysis and engineering calculations, preparation of design summary, plans, specifications, bidding schedules, and cost estimates as follows:

7.3.1 Architectural design/documentation services including site plans, building elevations and sections, building systems, materials, dimensions, areas, and volumes.

7.3.2 Structural design/documentation services including gravity and lateral load analysis and design, site specific design criteria.

7.3.3 Mechanical design/documentation services including site specific energy sources, energy conservation, energy modeling/sustainability requirements, heating and ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing, fire protection, special mechanical systems, alarms, process systems, and general space requirements

7.3.4 Electrical design/documentation services including new power service and distribution, lighting, telephones, fire detection and alarm, security systems, electronic communications, special electrical systems, and general space requirements.

7.3.5 Civil design/documentation services including on-site utility systems, fire protection systems, drainage systems, topographical survey and earthwork, geomorphic stream surveys, geotechnical, hydrology, traffic systems, transportation facilities, pavement, fish friendly Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) road-stream crossing structures, natural channel design, and flood plain modeling, fish and AOP passage at irrigation diversions and dams.

7.3.6 Landscape architectural design/documentation services including site plans, planting plans, riparian area revegetation plans, materials, lists, and landscape construction details.

7.3.7 Environmental design/documentation services including hazardous material clean-up, testing/sampling, and tank removal plans and specifications

7.3.8 Sustainability services including analyzing and documenting building energy use, indoor/outdoor water use, site hydrology, daylighting, solar water heating life cycle cost, construction waste recycling, thermal comfort, ventilation, recycled content.

8.0 CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT / ASSISTANCE

8.1 Services in this category include management of all actions required to complete the proposed infrastructure project from contract award to acceptance, including the warranty period as follows:

8.1.1 Contract administration including the approval and modifications of project schedules, progress and final payments, verification of labor requirements, verification of safety and health requirements, and maintenance of a filing system for all contract documents.

8.1.2 Checking and approving, annotating, referring or rejecting submittals by construction contractors within ten working days unless otherwise specified in the project specific Task Order, or requested from the CO within three working days a time extension for approval or disapproval.

8.1.3 Field inspection of construction work to ensure compliance with contract requirements.

8.1.4 Preparing data for contract modifications.

8.1.5 Conducting site visits, as required in task order, to evaluate progress.

8.1.6 Conducting final inspections and preparing final lists of defects and omissions.

8.1.7 Preparing As-Built Drawings to serve as record documentation for the project per task order requirements.

8.1.8 Preparing or assembling operation and maintenance manuals.

8.1.9 Providing responses to Requests for Information (RFI’s) submitted during contract solicitation, as well as during construction, within five working days, or requested from the CO within three working days of a time extension.

8.1.10 Preparation of construction progress or inspection reports.

8.1.11 Photographing/documentation of construction process.

8.1.12 Review of Value Engineering change proposals.

8.1.13 Providing technical support to the CO in the review of construction contractor claims, modifications, etc. as well as warranty claims by the government.

9.0 CONSULTANT RESPONSIBILITIES

9.1 The services specified in each Task Order could include visits to the project sites; meetings with Government representatives and other key personnel or consultants; and making presentations of proposed design solutions to selected officials. The location for these visits, meetings, and presentations will be specified in the individual Task Orders and could include the Contractor’s office, regional or station offices, or any other site as deemed appropriate by the Government for the particular requirement.

9.2 The Contractor shall prepay shipping charges on all charts, sketches, drawings, and documents submitted to the Government Program, Project Manager, CO, or COR.

9.3 The Contractor shall closely coordinate the work for which they are responsible under this contract with related work being performed by Government personnel. This shall include contractor documentation of all project meetings with the government.

9.4 The Contractor may be required to be a member of the final inspection team on new construction and major repair and alteration projects; however, final acceptance shall be predicated exclusively upon the inspection performed by Government personnel.

9.5 Furnish qualified, experienced staff to perform work specified in the Task Order.

9.6 Furnish all materials, supplies, and equipment unless otherwise stated in the Task Order.

9.7 Furnish preliminary studies, sketches, and layout plans, reports, and cost estimates of proposed projects and all structures, utilities, and other accompanying items. The number of copies of the preliminary documents to be furnished to the Government will be set forth in each Task Order. The time for review by the Government of the preliminary documents will also be specified in each Task Order or ten (10) business days when not specified.

9.8 Furnish the number of final sets, interims, and copies of the work set forth in the Task Order (including mailing costs) when other than electronic submittals are required.

9.9 The consultant is responsible to provide Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) for their design and deliverables. Each consultant generally has an overarching Quality Plan that they follow on each project, as well as a project specific Project Quality Plan (PQP) that references the overall general plan. In the case that any member of the USDAFS Project Support Team (PST) feels it is evident that QA/QC was not performed in alignment with their PQP and/or project risk assessment and a submittal (a technical report, the PS&E, an environmental document, etc.) is not complete enough to provide an adequate review, the PST member should notify the Project Manager (PM) immediately. The PM should return the deliverable with feedback for the consultant to correct and resubmit prior to any further review by the PM and PST. The PM should determine if the entire submittal should be resubmitted or only the deliverable in question. The Contracting Officer (CO) for the IDIQ should be notified of all unacceptable deliverables, particularly if it is reoccurring.

9.10 Maintain good security practices to prevent disclosure of information about projects under this contract to any individual or firm other than to the CO, except as may be required to obtain quotations for materials and supplies for subcontract work or as required in the Work Order.

9.11 The Contractor shall accomplish the design services required under this contract to permit the solicitation and award of a contract, using standard Federal Acquisition Regulation procedures for the construction of the facilities designed at a price that does not exceed the estimated construction contract price. When bids or proposals for the construction contract are received that exceed the estimated price, the Contractor shall perform such redesign and other services as are necessary to permit contract award within the funding limitations. These additional services shall be performed at no increase in the price of this contract. However, the Contractor shall not be required to perform such additional services at no cost to the Government if the unfavorable bids or proposals are the result of conditions beyond the Contractor’s reasonable control.

9.12 If, during construction, design deficiencies (DD), design errors (DE), design omissions (DO) that affect the accuracy of drawings (AD) are found, the Contractor shall perform such redesign and other services as are necessary to correct the design documents. These additional services shall be performed at no increase in the price of this contract.

9.13 The Contractor will promptly advise the CO if it finds that the project being designed will exceed or is likely to exceed the funding limitations and it is unable to design a usable facility within these limitations. Upon receipt of such information, the CO will review the Contractor’s revised estimate of construction costs. The Government may, if it is determined that the estimated construction contract price set forth in this contract is so low that award of a construction contract not in excess of such estimate is improbable, authorize a change in scope or materials as required to reduce the estimated construction cost to an amount within the estimated construction contract price or the Government may adjust such estimated construction price. When bids or proposals are not solicited or are unreasonably delayed, the Government shall prepare an estimate of constructing the design submitted and such estimate shall be used in lieu of bids or proposals to determine compliance with the funding limitations.

9.14 The Contractor shall be responsible for the professional quality, technical accuracy, and the coordination of all designs, drawings, specifications, and other services furnished by the Contractor under this contract. The Contractor shall, without additional compensation, correct or revise any errors or deficiencies in its designs, drawings, specifications, and other services including those errors or deficiencies that arise during the solicitation and/or construction phase.

9.15 During the contract solicitation period the A-E will respond to RFIs and prepare written clarifications and addendums for the CO to amend the solicitation.

9.16 Neither the Government’s review, approval, or acceptance of, nor payment for the services required under this contract shall be construed to operate as a waiver of any rights under this contract or of any cause of action arising out of the performance of this contract, and the Contractor shall be and remain liable to the Government in accordance with applicable law for all damages to the Government caused by the Contractor’s negligent performance of any of the services furnished under this contract.

9.17 The rights and remedies of the Government provided for under this contract are in addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law.

9.18 If the Contractor is comprised of more than one legal entity, each such entity shall be jointly and severally liable hereunder.

9.19 The Contractor’s designs are to meet Government requirements including those for energy efficiency, LEED certification, safety, and sustainable design and construction.

9.20 The Contractor is to provide designs meeting all applicable codes and standards.

10.0 PERMITS / CLEARANCES / APPROVALS

10.1 The following is a list of permits and other legislative requirements that are typically part of construction planning and preparation and may require assistance from the A-E. The list is not comprehensive.

· Local Construction Permits

· National Environmental Policy Act Compliance (NEPA)

· Clean Water Act Compliance

· Safe Drinking Water Act Compliance

· National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permits

· Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Permits

· Sanitary Permits

· Cultural Resources Compliance

· Clean Air Act Compliance

· Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application (JARPA) to include Corps of Engineers (Corps) Section 404 Permit, Makah Tribe Hydraulic Project Approval, and Washington Department of Ecology for 401 Water Quality Certification or other state’s consolidated Permit Application;

· Wetland Delineation Survey;

· Section 7 Biological Assessment;

· National Marine Fisheries Service Essential Fish Habitat;

· State Coastal Zone Management Act,

· Hazardous Substance Assessment;

· Cultural Resource Section 106 [36 CFR Part 800.3(b)];

· Various County planning departments which might include a Construction or Shoreline Development permit, and

· Consultation and informal project approval with various tribes.

10.2 The Contractor shall obtain the necessary permits, licenses, and approvals from all local, State, and Federal authorities as are necessary for the performance of the services by the Contractor required by the individual task orders issued under this contract. Should it become necessary in the performance of the work to secure the right of ingress and egress to perform any of the work on properties not owned or controlled by the Government, the Contractor shall secure the consent of the representative or agent prior to effecting entry on such property.

10.3 The Contractor may be required to assist the Government in conferring and coordinating with local, state, and Federal government agencies.

10.4 If indicated in TOPR, the Contractor shall assist with the preparation of necessary permits, licenses, and approvals from all local, state, and Federal authorities.

10.5 NEPA/Permit Responsibility: The A-E may be asked to perform studies and obtain permits as required by the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) and other State and local jurisdiction environmental regulations.

10.6 The Contractor may also be asked to obtain and pay for design review and approval of the local building authorities with jurisdiction within the project locale, obtain and pay for all building and construction permits and inspections normally required by such authorities, and comply with all directives issued by such authorities regarding this project. Scope of this effort will be defined in the TOPR.

10.7 The Contractor may be asked to prepare a clear, comprehensive project description. The detailed project description (DPD) will outline in detail the project work activities and timelines. The project description will, at a minimum, include estimates on noise levels, the amount and type of vegetation removal, the amount of fill used, and the amount of sedimentation and turbidity from the proposed project. An example of a comprehensive project description can be provided upon request to the COR to demonstrate the level of effort expected in the preparation of the document.

10.8 DPD’s will include upcoming construction work activities and future maintenance activities. In other words, describe and specify: WHAT the project or action is; WHERE the project is; WHEN the action is to occur, including time line and implementation schedules; HOW the action will be accomplished, including the various activities that comprise the whole action, the methods, and the types of equipment used; WHY the action is proposed, including its purpose and need; and WHAT OTHER interrelated and interdependent actions are known. The detailed project description is typically 40 to 50 pages in length.

10.9 The following are commonly overlooked items in the preparation of a DPD:

· Introduction

· Type of Project

· Background Information

· Purpose and Need

· Project Location

· Project Area and Existing Conditions

· Project Footprint

· Timeline of Each Activity

· Avoidance Areas

· Start and End Times for Each Activity

· Construction Access

· Staging/Laydown Areas

· Construction Equipment and Techniques for Each Activity

· Permanent versus Temporary Impacts

· Duration of “Temporary” Impacts

· Restoration Areas

· Conservation Measures

· Best Management Practices

· Compensation and Set-Asides

· Amount of Riprap and Fill

· Bank Ratios and Amounts

· Mitigation: What Kind and Who is Responsible?

· Dust, Erosion, and Sedimentation Controls

· Whether the project is part of a larger project or plan

· Amount of Vegetation Loss

· Amount of Turbidity and Sedimentation

· Sound Levels

· Wetland Impact

11.0 DELIVERABLES

11.1 Unless specified differently in a Task Order, the following requirements shall apply to submittals for data collection, schematic design, design development, and construction documents. Submittal requirements for other levels of project development will be as designated in individual Task Orders. A task order may require the contractor to use project management software such as ‘Submittal Exchange’.

11.2 All reports and/or documents and materials to be delivered under the contract shall be submitted with a letter of transmittal identifying the contract number, document control number, and the descriptive title of the contents. All deliverables shall be packaged and packed for shipment in accordance with standard commercial practices for domestic shipment.

11.3 Building Information Modeling (BIM)

11.3.1 BIM is required for all new construction and major renovation owned projects and on all new, succeeding, and superseding lease projects with substantial alterations.

11.3.2 Autodesk Revit and Civil 3D are the Forest Service’s BIM platforms. The Forest Service’s current adopted version is 2020. Adoption of the 2024 version is expected in calendar year 2025.

11.3.3 The Forest Service is still developing customized BIM standards reflective of our size and scale. Use GSA’s BIM standards and guidelines. https://www.gsa.gov/real-estate/design-construction/3d4d-building-information-modeling

11.4 A schedule shall be included with each submittal. Any changes shall be noted and justification given for the change. The schedule shall be submitted in .pdf format or any other format approved by the COR.

11.5 Drawings

11.5.1 Minimum Standards:

11.5.1.1 Provide a key map and key plans to show the location of the work site.

11.5.1.2 Provide sufficient information to enable the constructor to determine from the drawings alone the total quantities of all materials and equipment required to execute the work.

11.5.1.3 Locate all equipment, piping, and ductwork accurately and free of interference with all other building components.

11.5.1.4 Present plans of all trades with the same orientation.

11.5.1.5 Present all information in any orderly manner, legible, and consistent with the highest professional standards.

11.5.1.6 Provide plans for International Building Code and Life Safety Code approval. Plans will clearly show exit paths and the measured distances to exits, exit capacities and all fire rated wall conditions.

11.5.1.7 Have imprinted on each sheet the registration seal and legal signature of the registered designer who is responsible for designs.

11.5.2 Drawing Medium:

11.5.2.1 Use Forest Service supplied templates and titleblocks.

11.5.2.2 Follow the Forest Service’s CAD standards, which are based on the US National CAD Standard.

11.5.2.3 Standard Drawing Size: US Architectural D size, 36 inches wide by 24 inches tall.