A04_NV_LoticAIM_2026_DataCollection_PWS_Frakes.docx

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

Nevada State-wide Lotic Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) Data Collection for the 2026 Season Performance Work Statement (PWS)

1. INTRODUCTION

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in the state of Nevada is collecting Lotic Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) data to document effectiveness of the decisions established in its Resource Management Plans, to determine treatment effectiveness, to evaluate habitat, and to unleash American energy. The Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) strategy is one of the approved monitoring strategies for land health monitoring.

This scope of work is for Lotic AIM data collection. The requisite scope of work includes 60 points in the 2026 field season, as reflected in Table 1.

2. BACKROUND

2.1 Period of Performance

The period of performance for this project is 11/01/2025 through 11/30/2026.

2.2 Regulatory Guidance

The contractor shall be responsible for collecting data at randomly distributed and/or targeted sites on wadable lotic systems on BLM administered lands throughout all BLM Districts within Nevada as described in Table 1. Data collection occurs in accordance with the most current version of BLM’s Technical Reference 1735-2, Version 2: AIM National Aquatic Monitoring Framework: Field Protocol for Wadeable Lotic Systems found on the https://www.blm.gov/aim website. At all sites, all Lotic AIM core methods shall be collected including pH, specific conductance, temperature, pool dimensions, streambed particle sizes, bank stability and cover, floodplain connectivity, large wood, benthic macroinvertebrates, canopy cover, priority noxious vegetation, bankfull width, wetted width, floodprone width, human influence, photos and slope. Additionally contingent and supplemental methods as described in Table 1 shall be implemented. Sample reach coordinates will be provided to the selected contractor as specified in Table 2, Project Timelines and Deadlines, at least one month prior to the start of data collection. The contractor shall provide support in terms of coordination, pre-season support, data collection, data quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), data submission, and macroinvertebrate and water quality submission as explicitly specified in Table 3, Roles and Responsibilities.

Table 1. Workload of plots per District and Project

2.3 Project Timeline and Deadlines

This project shall follow the timeline presented in Table 2.

Table 2: Project Timeline and Deadlines

2.4 Location Conditions

Data collection often occurs in remote locations, where cellular connection is unavailable or inconsistent. The BLM recommends that field crews be prepared to camp in primitive conditions over several days and to collect data in multi-day “hitches” to minimize travel time. Accessing sample point locations sometimes includes difficult off-trail route finding and planning using a variety of tools such as topographic maps and aerial photos to locate the best and safest routes to sample locations. Weather conditions are variable and can include extreme heat and cold, monsoonal thunderstorms that can create flash-flooding, high wind speeds, and dust storms. Hazards created by wildlife and humans could be encountered. Under oversight of the contractor’s project/crew manager, field crews shall be responsible for safety and for appropriate coordination with local BLM field offices regarding rejection of sample points, possible hazardous conditions, and/or protection of local resources. In addition to attending the BLM provided field training, contractor personnel shall attend a general orientation at the local field offices or virtually to be informed of local issues, safety measures, and resource concerns.

3. SCOPE / TASKS

3.1 TASK 1 - COORDINATION

Once the contract is awarded, coordination is required between the contractor and BLM Nevada State Office Monitoring Coordinator, local AIM Field Office Leads and National AIM Team as described in Table 3.

3.1.1 Post Award Kick Off Meeting

After award, the contractor shall coordinate a meeting with the COR and BLM Nevada State Office Monitoring lead to discuss the survey design, field methodologies, training, and to answer any questions related to the monitoring effort. November 2025 is the recommended timeframe for the kickoff meeting.

3.1.2 Pre-Collection Meeting(s)

At least one month prior to data collection, the contractor shall coordinate at least one additional meeting with the COR, BLM Nevada State Office, BLM National Lotic AIM Team, and Field Office leads to discuss sample order strategy, reach evaluation criteria, and to answer any remaining questions related to the monitoring effort. Sample points shall be available in ArcGIS Online (AGOL) or in a geodatabase format at least 30 days prior to the start of data collection.

Table 3: Lotic AIM Roles and Responsibilities

Responsible parties

Lead

Safety training

Office point evaluation

Provide landowner contacts

Crew check-in and safety

Verification of reach sample status

BMI and WQ sample submission

Post-training calibration

Field QC of data

Lead

Critical concepts QC

QC of field data

Lead

*See Lotic Data Management and QAQC Protocol for guidelines on who should attend training and how often.

3.1.3 Hitch Plans

The contractor shall provide the COR, BLM State Office lead, and respective Field Office lead with regular hitch plans that include dates of field work, planned sample points, planned access routes prior to each hitch, and alternate sample points in case the planned sample points are rejected or temporarily inaccessible. In order to ensure BLM Field Office leads have time to review and comment on the hitch plan, the draft hitch plan shall be provided to the COR, State Office Lead, and the respective Field Office lead at least six days in advance of each hitch. Given the interdependence of sample point progress among hitches, and unforeseen circumstances or access challenges, a need for flexibility in specific hitch plans is acknowledged.

3.1.4 Early Season and End of Season Quality-Control Meetings The Contractor shall coordinate with the COR, BLM State Office Lead, relevant Field Office lead, and National Team on two quality-control data review meetings. The first meeting shall occur after either the crews’ first or second hitch, no later than one month after the start of data collection. This first meeting is a step to ensure that the crews understand the methods, to bring up any known issues resulting from data review, and to answer any questions that the crew may have. The second meeting shall occur no later than 3 weeks after the end of the field season prior to the completion of final quality-control efforts. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss how the field season went, identify any known unresolved errors, and to discuss next steps for final review of the season’s data.

3.2 TASK 2 – DATA COLLECTION

The contractor will collect data at the number and reaches specified in Table 1. Sample reaches may be greater than 3 miles from a road (includes 4-wheel drive roads or “jeep trails”) so off trail navigation and moderate hiking often occurs. All reaches will be on wadable systems. See roles and responsibilities table for specifics regarding BLM versus contractor roles for office and field evaluations, trip planning, data collection, protocol assistance and other data collection related tasks. The AIM-NAMF Field Protocol for Wadeable Lotic Systems (TR 1735-2 Version 2), Evaluation and Design Management Protocol, Data Management and QA/QC Protocol, and Technology and Applications Manual for more information on field methods, reach evaluation, data management, and technology. These protocols are available in the Resources section found at www.blm.gov/aim/resources.

3.2.1 Timeframe

Data collection shall begin as specified in Section 2.3 ‘Project Timelines and Deadlines’ and according to the dates in presented in Tables 1 and 2. This time generally corresponds to when streams and rivers are at base flow conditions. The geography of Nevada dictates that windows of proper timing for these conditions are variable depending on climatic conditions. Data collection must occur within these time windows with few exceptions (e.g., for unique weather conditions or due to wildfire activity preventing access to plot locations). Additionally, within these time windows, hitch plans shall be constructed to maximize optimal conditions due to variations in local climates, i.e. lower elevation reaches should be sampled earlier in the season, and higher elevation reaches generally later in the season.

3.2.2 Core Methods

At each reach the contractor will collect data in accordance with the AIM National Aquatic Monitoring Framework: Field Protocol for Wadeable Lotic Systems (TR 1735-2 Version 2). All Core Methodologies will be utilized including:

4.0 Reach Evaluation

5.0 Water Quality

5.1 pH, Specific Conductance, Temperature

6.0 Benthic macroinvertebrates. For Items 5.0 and 6.0, the contractor does not need to budget for the processing of these samples. However, the contractor shall provide supplies for collection and storage of these samples and submit the samples to a processing lab designated by BLM at the end of the season.

7.0 Physical Habitat and Canopy Cover

7.2.1 Bankfull Height

7.2.2 Bench Height

7.3 Bank Stability and Cover

7.4 Canopy Cover

7.5 Streambed Particle Sizes

7.6 Large Wood

7.7 Pool Dimensions

8.0 Riparian Vegetation

8.1 Priority Noxious Riparian Vegetation

Covariates

7.9 Flood-prone width

7.10 Slope

8.1 Priority Native Woody Riparian Vegetation

9.0 Human influences

10. Photos

3.2.3 Contingent Methods

In addition to the Core AIM Methodologies, the following contingent data will also be collected at each reach based on field office designs. See Table 1 for specific indicators requested for this Task Order:

Water quality

· Total nitrogen and total phosphorus (NOTE: contractor does not need to budget for the processing of TN and TP samples)

· Temperature: thermistor deployment for continuous temperature monitoring

Instream physical habitat

· Thalweg depth profile

· Bank angle

· Pool tail fines only on reaches identified as Lahontan Cutthroat Trout (LCT) habitat.

Biodiversity and riparian habitat

· Priority native woody riparian vegetation (presence / absence)

· Multiple Indicator Monitoring for BLM TR-1737-23 2011 and addendums:

· Greenline composition, woody species height class, and woody species age class

3.2.4 Reach Layout and Cross-Sectional Transects

Data collection will occur using cross-sectional transects (typically 11 main transects and 10 intermediate transects) arranged throughout the reach. Most measurements are taken at transects, but a few are taken between transects, at a single transect only or at the reach-wide scale. All questions regarding monitoring methodology that are not answered by the AIM National Aquatic Monitoring Framework: Field Protocol for Wadeable Lotic Systems (TR 1735-2 Version 2) and the Multiple Indicator Monitoring for greenline vegetation (BLM TR-1737-23) will first be fielded by the contractor and then the BLM point of contact if further guidance is needed. Please note specific instructions on keeping water quality samples at appropriate temperatures. Arrangements need to be made up front if storing water quality samples at the local field office, as well as macroinvertebrate samples in some instances.

3.2.5 Multiple Indicator Monitoring (MIM)

Reach layout for MIM indicators will be overlaid with AIM and consist of 80 plots (40 per left and right bank). Plot spacing should be at 3.75 m intervals for 150 m reaches, which allow for greenline plots to fall on both intermediate and main transects of AIM, as well as in between the two. For longer reaches, plot spacing is determined by dividing reach length by 40 (e.g., 200 m reach length = 5 m spacing).

For MIM, contractor is responsible for ensuring that field crews are capable of identifying local plants to species or sub-species, either by providing specialized local information or training, or by requiring formal education of crew members.

The contractor will record data in electronic format using BLM applications for data capture and geotagging photographs in the field. Only electronic data will be submitted to the BLM-NOC after review and all final data must be received as specified in Project Timelines and Deadlines. MIM data will be provided to the BLM via Microsoft Teams channels.

3.2.6 Electronic Data Capture

Contractor is responsible for providing and setting up the electronic capture device (iPads preferred - see AIM website for specific guidance on Lotic AIM gear) with all specified applications as outlined in the Lotic Technology Manual. The iPad needs to have a cellular data plan with a provider that is appropriate for the project area. The BLM has established databases to ingest and manage all data; therefore, unless otherwise noted, no data management services are requested beyond data collection and QA/QC by field personnel.

Where MIM greenline vegetation measurements are to be collected, MIM Excel Data Entry and Data Analysis spreadsheets can be downloaded from the following location: https://www.blm.gov/documents/national-office/blm-library/technical-note/multiple-indicator-monitoring-mim-stream and MIM data is to be captured electronically using a separate device. Data submission includes providing raw Data Entry and edited Data Analysis files. Raw Data Entry files should be uploaded to Microsoft Teams for review at the end of each hitch. All corrections and plant identification updates, should be made on data imported into the Data Analysis file for each reach.

3.2.7 Reach Rejections

If a reach must be rejected in the field, in accordance with the standards outlined in the Lotic Evaluation and Design Management Protocol the contractor will move on to the next point in order, or as directed, prior to moving into an oversample panel. The “fate” of sample points will be tracked and provided with the monitoring data.

3.2.8 Private Land Access

The contractor will coordinate with BLM regarding private land access issues. If private land will be crossed in the process of collecting the data, the contractor will contact the private landowner to acquire permission to cross their land after obtaining permission and contact info from the BLM. Contact information will be provided by the BLM field office project lead, if available. This will occur before the contractor crosses private land in order to comply with State law.

3.2.9 Reach Monumentation

The contractor will be responsible for reach monumentation, which includes a minimum of photos, distinct geographic features, and GPS coordinates. If required, more involved monument types will be specified by the associated BLM Project Lead, and materials will be furnished by the BLM if desired. For example, reach markers such as engraved or stamped aluminum survey caps and fence posts may be utilized.

3.3 TASK 3 – QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL

The contractor shall follow all data management and Quality Assurance/Quality Control steps as outlined within the most current version of the Lotic Data Management and Quality Assurance and Control Protocol found on the BLM AIM website. The contractor shall also follow the Lotic Evaluation and Design Management Protocol for reach tracking as described in the data management protocol noted above.

3.3.1 Lotic AIM Field Methods Training

The Lotic AIM Team and local BLM resource specialists lead annual lotic AIM field methods trainings. All Contractor staff responsible for lotic AIM data collection must successfully complete lotic AIM field methods training prior to collecting data and during the calendar year in which the data will be collected. Additionally, all Contractor crew managers that are not collecting data directly but are responsible for data collector management and QAQC should attend training at least every other year. In rare circumstances, staff responsible for lotic AIM data collection will be hired after all the trainings have been concluded. The contractor shall notify the COR and AIM State Lead of any staffing changes throughout the field season so that contingent training options can be identified. More information on BLM AIM trainings can be found at the AIM website, https://www.blm.gov/aim/training.

3.3.2 Field Orientation and Calibration

During or before the first hitch, and after completing Lotic AIM field methods training, the contractor shall work with the BLM project lead(s) to complete a field orientation and calibration (See Table 2). Field orientation and calibration is described in detail in the Lotic Data Management and QA/QC Protocol and involves spending 2-3 days in the field with the crew to review processes for identifying critical concepts of TR 1735-2 Version 2 (e.g., bankfull, scourline, and thalweg), and greenline identification following TR 1737-23, as well as riparian vegetation, across a diversity of stream and river types. A calibration exercise is also conducted with BLM and contractor staff leading the effort to assess the precision and accuracy of the crew’s data at a test reach. At the end of each hitch, the contractor shall meet with BLM field office project lead(s) to review critical concepts and photos within the data collection application as a final step in the QC process prior to submitting the data (See Roles and Responsibilities table). If the project lead(s) cannot meet in person to view the reach summary on the iPad, a file can be exported and provided to the project lead for review. MIM data shall be placed on Microsoft Teams at the end of each hitch for the BLM to review. Final data shall be submitted via Survey 123.

3.3.3 Quality Assurance Visits

Upon request, the contractor shall allow BLM employees such as State Office leads and Field Office leads and/or stakeholders such as permittees or members of the public to attend and observe monitoring efforts.

3.3.4 Quality Control

The Contractor shall follow the quality control processes described in the Lotic Data Management and Quality Assurance and Control Protocol found on the BLM AIM website. This includes a photo and data summary review to be completed by the data collector manager within one week from completion of a data collection hitch using the Data Review Dashboard. Quality control processes also include using the Error Review Dashboard to review and respond to errors. Errors shall be resolved at least monthly. If there are significant concerns with the data collector’s placement of critical concept features, then a Critical Concepts Data Impact Assessment is required. The Contractor’s data collectors and data collection manager must participate in the Assessment meeting and process, led by the State Lead or District Lead. Other aspects of quality control include participation in the early season and end of season quality control check in meetings (See Section 3.1.4).

Standard:

All data to be provided as specified in Project Timelines and deadlines as specified above. Additionally, raw data files will be uploaded for review at the end of each hitch. All points are sampled within the specified timeframes. Data must be approved by the appropriate BLM field office prior to final data submission. The data will be collected using the required methodologies and will be 99% complete and accurate.

3.4 TASK 4 – CONTRACTOR SUBMITTED DATA

All data shall be provided to the BLM in an electronic format by the date specified in Project Timelines and Deadlines above, and as described in Section 3.3. Final field data shall be submitted within the Field Maps and Survey 123 applications, while the fate of sampled and evaluated reaches shall be tracked in the webmap. In order to access the Field Maps and Survey 123 applications, all contractor data collectors and data collector managers must obtain a GeoPlatform account and submit a signed Rules of Behavior form. Refer to the AIM Data Collection Tools section at https://www.blm.gov/aim/resources for more information.

3.4.1 Survey Synchronization

Completed survey forms shall be uploaded to (synchronized with) the AIM enterprise database at the end of each day or as often as it is possible to connect to a Wi-Fi or cellular network with adequate bandwidth. When working in remote areas where it is not possible to connect regularly, backing up survey forms is recommended. The procedure for this is described in the latest version of the Lotic AIM Technology Manual found at: https://www.blm.gov/documents/national-office/blm-library/technical-reference/aim-national-aquatic-monitoring-0.

4. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED EQUIPMENT

4.1 Gear and Electronic Devices

All necessary Lotic AIM gear, including electronic devices for data capture and equipment required to collect contingent indicators, is listed in the equipment checklist provided at https://www.blm.gov/documents/national-office/blm-library/technical-reference/aim-national-aquatic-monitoring-0. Electronic data collection devices shall consist of at least “Cellular + Wi-Fi” enabled tablets for data collection; See required specifications in the Lotic AIM Technology Manual. Additional equipment may be required to collect AIM supplemental indicators (e.g., pool-tail fines grid, MIM frame).

4.2 Field Vehicles

4.2.1 Four Wheel Drive Vehicles

Field vehicles: 4-wheel drive (4X4) vehicles with high clearance are required to access some sampling locations. All terrain 10-ply tires are highly recommended.

4.2.2 Utility/All-Terrain Vehicle

A UTV/ATV may be needed to access some points. UTV/ATV equipment needed to access a point will be at the discretion of, and supplied by, the contractor. In using UTV/ATV equipment to access sites, no sustained impact to resource values shall occur. UTV/ATVs must remain on designated roads and trails. Off-trail cross-country use of UTVs/ATVs is not allowed. Additionally, some roads are designated for street-legal vehicles only. Motorized access to wilderness or wilderness study areas will not be allowed, unless by written permission of the appropriate BLM Field Office manager. It is the responsibility of the contractor to know the rules and regulations when it comes to use of UTV/ATVs.

5. PERSONNEL & QUALIFICATIONS

5.1 Key Personnel: Data Collection Manager

The contractor shall designate a data collection manager as its primary point of contact and to lead implementation of tasks as identified herein. At a minimum, the designated data collection manager shall have the following education and experience:

· Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, hydrology, natural resource management, chemistry, or a related discipline such as environmental science, conservation, ecology, rangeland management, that included a combination of the plant, hydrology, and natural resources management; and

· A minimum of two years of professional experience managing complex projects and/or field crews relevant to the collection of lotic data.

5.2 Field Crew

A minimum of two individuals, forming one crew, is required at each monitoring reach. Each crew will have one crew lead, responsible for the contractor data collection crew responsibilities noted in Table 3. Three-person crews are recommended but not required.

5.2.1 Field Botanist

At least one of the individuals present for data collection (see 5.2 Field Crew) must have successfully completed Multiple Indicator Monitoring (MIM) training (BLM TR-1737-23 2011 plus addendums) or a modified MIM training conducted concurrently with a Lotic AIM training within the same year data are to be collected. Furthermore, the field botanist must be proficient in species level identification of riparian plant species.

5.3 Replacement Approval

Key personnel assigned to this contract shall not be removed or replaced without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Approval/disapproval of key personnel replacement is the responsibility of the Contracting Officer (CO).

5.4 Personnel Availability

The contractor shall immediately notify the COR when key personnel are unavailable for work under this contract for a continuous period exceeding five field survey days.

6. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED INFORMATION AND PROPERTY

6.1 GeoPlatform Access and Survey123 Forms

Once a Geoplatform login is obtained and Rules of Behavior forms for all personnel collecting and managing data are provided to the BLM, the BLM will provide the contractor with access to ESRI feature services of the sample points that have been reviewed against office rejection criteria, as well as the associated coordinate locations. The BLM will also provide the Survey123 forms necessary for completion of core and contingent methods, and other types of forms if needed for supplemental protocols. If feature services are not yet available or accessible, the BLM may elect to provide this information in GIS format or CSV spreadsheet. Any other information including GIS data needed to complete the data collection will be considered upon request. The Government will not supply any other equipment, or property for completion of this contract.

7. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED PROPERTY

The contractor shall provide all personnel, resources, tools, equipment and incidentals necessary to complete the services required in this contract SOW.

8. PAYMENTS AND DELIVERABLES

The following (Table 4) includes the required deliverables to be completed before the Government will accept services to allow for payments prior to the end of the period of performance:

Table 4. Payment and Deliverable Schedule.

9. TRAVEL

The contractor is responsible for travel coordination and expenses for its personnel as required to support the tasks at the performance locations stated in this PWS. The project should be quoted as a firm fixed price for all costs associated with completion of the project, including any associated travel that may be required. GSA per diem rates and estimated travel costs could be used as a basis for the required travel.

10. QUALITY

The Government will measure Quality based on the following Table 5 – Performance Requirement Summary (PRS):

10.1 Table 6 – Performance Requirement Summary (PRS)

PERFORMANCE

OBJECTIVE

Accuracy – all documents conform to formatting requirements, agency directives, department directives and the Federal Acquisition Regulations.

Professional – All Documents are well organized, grammatically correct and demonstrate sound professional evaluation and analysis.

Task 1 Coordination

Task 2 Data Collection

Task 3 Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Task 4 Provide Data to the BLM

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