A04_2026_Raptor_Survey_SOW.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

Kremmling Field Office

Raptor Surveys

Grand and Jackson Counties, CO

Contents

SECTION A - DESCRIPTION – STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

A.1 – GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

A.1.1 – PROJECT OBJECTIVES

A.1.2 - LOCATION OF PROJECT

A.1.3 – SCOPE OF CONTRACT

A.1.4 - DESCRIPTION OF WORK

A.1.5 - CONTRACT PERIOD

A.1.6 DEFINITIONS

SECTION A.2 – TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

A.2.1 - BLM WILL FURNISH OR PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING

A.2.2 - CONTRACTOR WILL FURNISH

A.2.3 - ACCESS

A.2.4 – OPERATIONS PLAN

A.2.5 - COR/PI

A.2.8 - FIRE STIPULATIONS

A.2.14 - INJURIES AND DAMAGE

A.2.15 - SIMULTANEOUS USE OF AREA

A.2.17 - STATUS REPORT

A.2.18 – CULTURAL RESOURCES

A.3 - CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTION SYSTEM

A.4 - GOVERNMENT INSPECTIONS

A.5 -ACCEPTANCE

A.5.1 Unit Basis

A.6 - PAYMENT

A.6.1 – Deliverables

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

B. 1 - KEY PERSONNEL

B.1.2 Substitutions

B.2 - PREWORK CONFERENCE

B.3 SAFETY PLAN

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

SECTION C - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

C.1 –Survey Protocol

C.1.2 Survey Data Requirements

C. 2 – Maps

Blacktail .................................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

Kings Canyon .......................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Owl Mountain ........................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

SECTION A - DESCRIPTION – STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

A.1 – GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

A.1.1 – PROJECT OBJECTIVES

Description of Work: Furnishing labor, equipment, supplies, and materials the contractor shall complete Raptor surveys for Raptor nests in the Kremmling Field Office. The survey area is approximately total 770 acres. All work shall be according to the Statement of Work, attached protocol and survey maps.

A.1.2 - LOCATION OF PROJECT

Location: Work under this Contract is located throughout the Kremmling Field Office. The survey locations are shown on the maps provided.

See attached maps.

A.1.3 – SCOPE OF CONTRACT

The Contractor shall provide all materials and labor to conduct raptor surveys and record gps tracks and locations. GPS data deliverable requirements include:

• gps tracks of all survey routes,

• gps locations for all observed Raptors within project areas

• gps nest locations, photos, and completed nest data forms

All GIS data needs to be provided in the form of an ESR .shp file UTM NAD 83 Zone 13. The contractor will provide data forms for all completed surveys and nest locations in paper and/or electronic formats

(excel, word, or PDF). Nest site photos need to be electronic .jpg or .tiff files.

A.1.4 - DESCRIPTION OF WORK

The project will conduct clearance surveys and nest searches for raptors according to protocols outlined in BLM Technical Note 435 “Accipiter Nesting in Pinyon-Juniper” (Slater and Smith); similar protocols may be substituted but must be approved by COR/PI. Record all observations and nests of any raptors.

For the Kremmling Field Office, any observations of raptors and their activity will be noted in the point data survey table.

County Area Name Acres Access

Grand Blacktail 511 Grand County Rd 11 to Forest Service Road 214, dirt/gravel, no winter maintenance

Jackson Kings Canyon 54 Co-127 to Forest Service Road 127A for northern unit, CO-127 to CR-46 for southern unit access through private land. dirt/gravel, FS Rd 127A not maintained, CR 46 maintained

Jackson Owl Mountain 204 County Road 27 to BLM Route 2506, dirt/gravel, not maintained on BLM Route

Total 769

A.1.5 - CONTRACT PERIOD

Work can be started at time of contract award, and all field surveys will need to be completed by August

1st, 2026. Survey timing and species requirements are specified in the survey protocol (Appendix C.1).

Final reports must be submitted to the COR by August 22nd, 2026.

A.1.6 DEFINITIONS

CO – Contracting Officer

COR – Contracting Officers’ Representative

COR/PI - either the COR or the PI

PI – Project Inspector

SECTION A.2 – TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

A.2.1 - BLM WILL FURNISH OR PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING

1. Maps and shapefiles of survey polygons

2. Wildlife Survey Protocols

3. Pre-Bid Teams Meeting: TBD after contract has been awarded.

Location: KFO – Grand and Jackson Counties

See attached maps.

4. A pre-work conference with the contractor once awarded the job. Conduct on-site inspections by the

PI/COR.

A.2.2 - CONTRACTOR WILL FURNISH

1. Any and all necessary parts, supplies, labor, equipment and vehicles to conduct surveys and identify raptors.

2. Survey technicians that have experience detecting and identifying raptors (including owls) by sight and sound. Transportation for survey technicians to and from the site must be provided by the contractor. Contractor will need to provide comments on any raptors (activity and number) observed during the survey.

3. A “Contractors authorized representative” proficient in the English language, on site at all times when working.

A.2.3 - ACCESS

Treatment polygons are located on public lands managed by the BLM KFO. Surveys requiring access through private lands will require coordination with the landowner which the COR/PI will facilitate.

A.2.4 – OPERATIONS PLAN

The contractor shall submit a plan of operations to the COR/PI for approval. The plan shall include survey dates, estimated time of completion by project area, names of field personnel conducting surveys. Prior to the commencement of operations, the Contractor shall obtain from the COR/PI written approval of the operations plan. The contractor will submit the plan for approval at least two weeks prior to starting field work. The COR/PI will respond within 5 business days of receiving the operation plan with approval or a list of defects.

Work must be done in a systematic manner and working through it in a logical manner prescribed in the operations plan.

A.2.5 - COR/PI

Contracting Officer Representative (COR)

Bradley Husby bhusby@blm.gov

(970) 326-3392

455 Emerson St.

Craig, CO 81625

Project Inspector (PI)

Anna Gubbins

(970) 724-3006

2103 Park Ave, Kremmling, CO, 80459

Natalie Pawlikowski

(970) 706-7465

220 E. Market St.

Meeker, CO 81641

A.2.8 - FIRE STIPULATIONS

A.2.8.1. Fire Period and Closed Season

The contractor will comply with any fire restrictions within the BLM Kremmling Field Office during the time the surveys are being conducted.

A.2.8.2. Substitute Measures

The Contracting Officer (CO) may by written notice authorize, substitute measures or equipment or may waive specific requirements during periods of low fire danger.

A.2.8.3. Emergency Measures

The Bureau of Land Management may require emergency measures, including the necessary shutting down of equipment or portions of operations in the project area during periods of fire emergency created by hazardous climatic conditions or when the implementation of Fire Restrictions require.

A.2.8.4. Compliance with State Forest Laws

Listing of specific fire precautionary measures herein is not intended to relieve the Contractor in any way from compliance with the State Fire Laws covering fire prevention and suppression equipment, applicable to operations under this contract, permit or license.

A.2.14 - INJURIES AND DAMAGE

The Contractor, in their operations under this contract, shall not do or omit to do anything by which act or omission any person or property may be injured or damaged and shall indemnify and save the United

States harmless from any claim, demand, action, or damages on account of any personal injury or property damage arising by reason of anything done or omitted to be done by the Contractor, their contractors, subcontractors, or the employees of any of them.

A.2.15 - SIMULTANEOUS USE OF AREA

If the CO or Field Office Manager determines that other uses of the contract area will not seriously interfere with the operations of the contractor, they may issue permits, leases, or contracts for the simultaneous use of the contract area by others.

A.2.17 - STATUS REPORT

Provided an onsite visit by the COR/PI has not occurred during the period, the contractor is required to report status of work once a week. These reports will be made through email to the COR/PI. Prior to starting work in an area the contractor will contact the project inspector for that field office. If any special situations or problems occur and need to be communicated quickly, the contractor will contact the PI/COR by phone (voice or text). In the event of extreme weather, the Contracting Officer will determine the best course of action based on comments from both the Contractor and COR/PI.

The contractor will provide a GPS track log for nest searches completed within 5 business days of completion of an area.

All nest forms and photos will be submitted to the COR within 5 business days of completion of an area.

A.2.18 – CULTURNAL RESOURCES

If any archaeological materials are discovered as a result of operations under this authorization, the BLM

NWD Archaeologist will be notified immediately. Any ground disturbing activities will cease and avoid the area where archaeological materials were observed. The applicant will make every effort to protect the site from further impacts including looting, erosion, or other human or natural damage until BLM determines a treatment approach, and the treatment is completed.

Pursuant to 43 CFR 10.4(g), the applicant must notify the AO, by telephone and written confirmation, immediately upon the discovery of human remains, funerary items, sacred objects, or objects of cultural patrimony. Further, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.4(c) and (d), the operator must stop activities in the vicinity of the discovery and protect it for 30 days or until notified to proceed by the AO.

A.3 - CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTION SYSTEM

The Contractor shall propose and adopt a quality control inspection system to ensure that the work is progressing in compliance with specifications. The quality control inspection system will be included in the plan of operations. Complete records of all inspection work performed by the Contractor shall be maintained and made available to the Government during the contract performance.

A.4 - GOVERNMENT INSPECTIONS

The Government will make periodic inspections as a basis for payments and recommendations for adjustments in work quality while work is in progress.

Nest searches are required for all observed raptor breeding behavior or repeated calling by raptors.

After receiving a report of breeding behavior/raptor calling activity and track logs from the contractor, the BLM may verify nest locations/activity. If no raptors/nests are located during the BLM inspection, the BLM will schedule a field visit with the contractor to review findings. Depending on the situation the contractor may be required to coach, retrain, or remove field personnel conducting the surveys.

Resurvey of the area may also be required.

A.5 -ACCEPTANCE

A.5.1 Unit Basis

Work will be accepted or rejected on completion of the project.

A.6 - PAYMENT

Payment will be based on the Government's inspection results. The Contractor's inspection results are to be used as a guide for the Contractor's use in complying with contract specifications and not as a basis for payment. Full payment will be made once all work is complete, inspected and accepted by the

Government.

A.6.1 – Deliverables

A. Fieldwork Reports

Reports will be completed and submitted for each project area individually. Reports will include survey effort (number of survey days, number of observers, length of tracks) and summary of findings (species observed, any recorded behaviors, nests located, nest descriptions and photos with captions describing photo content). Reports will be reviewed for acceptance by PI/COR. Fieldwork Reports are due to the

BLM within 14 days after the completion of fieldwork at each project area.

B. Fieldwork Data

Shapefiles will be submitted for each project individually. Shapefiles for survey tracks, observation locations and nest locations with associated data will be submitted to PI/COR for each project.

Shapefiles will be reviewed for acceptance by PI/COR. Shapefiles are due to the BLM within 14 days after the completion of fieldwork at each project area.

C. Final Report

The Final Report will be completed and submitted once all project surveys have been completed. The

Final Report will include survey effort (number of survey days, number of observers, length of tracks), summary of findings (species observed, any recorded behaviors, nests located, nest descriptions and photos with captions describing photo content) and table identifying all submitted shapefiles (including type, associated projects, and shapefile name). The Final report will be reviewed for acceptance by

PI/COR. Final Reports are due to the BLM within 21 days after the completion of all project surveys.

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

B. 1 - KEY PERSONNEL

The Contractor shall assign to this contract key personnel that may include the following:

• CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE (Company representative)

• FOREMAN (field crew leader)

• Crew members

B.1.2 Substitutions

The Contractor shall make no substitutions of key personnel without notifying the Contracting Officer within 5 calendar days and in advance and shall submit justification (including proposed substitutions) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on the contract. Proposed substitutes should have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced.

• The Contractor shall make no diversion of key personnel without the written consent of the

Contracting Officer.

• The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.

• The Contractor's contractor representative shall be fully conversant in the English language.

B.2 - PREWORK CONFERENCE

Prior to commencement of work, the Contractor shall attend a meeting to discuss the contract terms, work performance requirements, and safety. At this meeting such items as work progress schedule, quality control, camping/worksite plan, and fire prevention plans shall be finalized in writing.

B.3 SAFETY PLAN

The Contractor shall prepare a Safety Plan that addresses the specific hazards of the work site and shall include working in areas of falling debris. The Contractor shall identify the specific conditions that they consider a hazard. The Safety Plan shall also address the personal protective equipment and mitigating measures the Contractor will employ to increase safety on the worksite. Additionally, a plan of action for an emergency event shall be included in the Safety Plan. (See also C.2.13.1)PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER

ATTACHMENTS

SECTION C - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

C.1 Survey Protocol

C.2 Maps

C.1 –Survey Protocol

Raptor Broadcast Surveys and Nest Search protocols can both be found in BLM Technical Note

435. Similar protocols may be substituted but must be approved by COR/PI.

Slater, S. & Smith, J. (2023). Accipiter Use of Pinyon-Juniper Habitats for Nesting in

Northwestern Colorado (Tech Note 435). U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of

Land Management, National Operations center.

https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/Library_BLMTechnicalNote4

35.pdf https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/Library_BLMTechnicalNote435.pdf https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/Library_BLMTechnicalNote435.pdf

C.1.2 Survey Data Requirements

1. Survey Route Tracks

Project Polygon # Date Start Time End Time Surveyor Weather

Project = Project Name

Polygon # = Number ID of polygon(s)

Date = mm/dd/yyyy

Start Time = 24 Hour Time (MST)

End Time = 24 Hour Time (MST)

Surveyor = initials to identify individual surveyors

Weather = Start/End temps; wind; cloud cover; precipitation

2. Observation Locations

Project X_Coord Y_Coord Date Time Species Number Detection Type Behavior

X_Coord and Y_Coord = UTM NAD 83 Zone 13

Date = mm/dd/yyyy

Time = Time observation started, 24 Hour Time (MST)

Species = COHO (Cooper’s Hawk), SSHA (Sharp-shinned Hawk) etc.

Number = individuals observer

Detection Type = Visual, Aural

Behavior = Flyover, Flying, Perched, Calling, Pair Flying, Nest Building, Adult on Nest, Nestlings Heard, Nestlings Observed, Immatures

Perched, Immatures Flying etc.

3. Nest Locations

Project X_Coord Y_Coord Date Species Active? Classification Photo(s)

X_Coord and Y_Coord = UTM NAD 83 Zone 13

Date = mm/dd/yyyy

Species = COHO (Cooper’s Hawk), SSHA (Sharp-shinned Hawk) etc.

Active? = Active, Old, Unknown

Photo(s) = associated photos, minimum of 1 which shows the tree that the nest is in with the nest circled or otherwise indicated

C. 2 – Maps

Blacktail

Kings Canyon

Owl Mountain