A04_SB_IRA_arch_survey_2024_PWS.pdf

PWS PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

Cultural Resource Survey on the San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge

Part 1 General Information

1. GENERAL: This is a service contract to provide a cultural resource survey for the US Fish & Wildlife Service. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn is responsible to the Government.

1.1 Description of Services/Introduction:

i The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and services necessary to perform a cultural resource survey of approximately 720 acres, which includes 14 previously documented sites from 1985, on the San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) as defined in this Performance Work Statement -except for those items specified as government furnished property and services. The contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract.

1.2 Background: The NWR Comprehensive Management Plan identifies the need to protect and plan for Service managed cultural resources and the refuge was initially surveyed in 1985. Given that the existing survey was conducted over 30 years ago the NWR would like to pursue a cultural resource survey at this time in the primary area where routine ground-disturbing activities are conducted, and major restoration actions are expected. See attached map and kmz file.

1.3 Objectives:

The selected contractor will be tasked with the completion of performing a class III archaeological survey on acres listed above to standards defined by the Arizona State Museum. Project and site number registration with ASM is not required. Project areas will be surveyed by following accepted practices of archaeological survey, typically by inspecting parallel transects, spaced approximately 20 m apart, for evidence of archaeological and historical sites. Subsequent to the completion of the survey, the consultant will complete report that includes a comprehensive background and literature review for the project areas, a list of field methods implemented, an accurate description of any areas not surveyed and why they were not surveyed, and lastly the study results. Cultural histories should demonstrate adequate knowledge of the prehistory and history of the project area. Eligibility for inclusion in the National and Arizona Registers of Historic Places shall be provided for all identified cultural resources that include both graphic and descriptive justifications for the applied eligibility criteria, and also refer to the appropriate prehistoric and/or historic context(s), either existing contexts or project-specific contexts developed for the project.

Deliverables upon completion:

➢ One electronic approved final report (in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and

Guidelines (48 FR 44716, as amended and annotated) and follow all relevant State-specific guidelines)

➢ One electronic redacted version of approved final report

■ Final reports are to follow a draft report, comment period, and revisions if substantive comments received.

■ Final reports shall include a section on protection measure recommendations related to refuge management and restoration actions (to be discussed once awarded).

➢ Shape files (must follow Refuge standard. Please request the template geodatabase if awarded the contract or if you would like to see what it entails).

➢ Recording of all new sites and re-recording of existing sites SHPO or ASM standard forms shall be used.

➢ Completed SHPO/Tribal concurrence on site eligibility and site registration as applicable. The contractor shall provide enough information in the report to provide a clear recommendation of “eligible” or “not eligible.”

Scope: The contractor should access the area only during dry times and/or during times pre-approved by refuge staff. If the areas are too wet, they will not be able to work on the project areas, to minimize damage to the refuge.

The selected contractor must possess a current Arizona Antiquities Act-Non-Collection Blanket Permit and accompanying Repository Agreement, as issued through the Arizona State Museum (ASM). All work will be conducted under the terms and conditions of the consultant’s blanket permit and must meet standards and requirements established by both ASM and Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). All work must follow standards established in the ASM Procedures Manual; SHPO Site Recording Manual; SHPO Standards for Documents Submitted for SHPO Review in Compliance with State Historic Preservation Laws; ASM rules for implementing the Arizona Antiquities Act, A.R.S. §41-861 et. Seq; and The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation [48 Federal Register 44716-44740] (National Park Service 1983).

1.4 Permitting and Personnel: The Service does not issue fieldwork authorizations or archaeological survey permits for projects we contract directly; the contract will serve as your permit; however, the contractor must coordinate with the Refuge Manager prior to fieldwork to ensure access to the project area. If the project crosses state lands, the contractor must be listed on all relevant state permits. For the consultant to qualify they must have a demonstrated track record of completing similar projects in the region.

Personnel considered key personnel by the government include: a contract manager and a project director/principal investigator and/or crew chief (key field supervisory personnel). The contractor shall provide a contract manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate who shall act for the contractor when the manager is absent shall be designated in writing to the contracting officer. The contract manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The contract manager or alternate shall be available between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the government facility is closed for administrative reasons. Key field supervisory personnel must be present in the field for all phases of the field work and must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards as used by the National Park Service; previously published in the Code of Federal Regulations, 36 CFR Part 61:

History The minimum professional qualifications in history are a graduate degree in history or closely related field; or a bachelor's degree in history or closely related field plus one of the following:

1. At least two years of full-time experience in research, writing, teaching, interpretation, or other demonstrable professional activity with an academic institution, historic organization or agency, museum, or other professional institution; or

2. Substantial contribution through research and publication to the body of scholarly knowledge in the field of history.

Archeology

The minimum professional qualifications in archeology are a graduate degree in archeology, anthropology, or closely related field plus:

1. At least one year of full-time professional experience or equivalent specialized training in archeological research, administration, or management,

2. At least four months of supervised field and analytic experience in general North American archeology;

and

3. Demonstrated ability to carry research to completion. In addition to these minimum qualifications, a professional in prehistoric archeology shall have at least one year of full-time professional experience at a supervisory level in the study of archeological resources of the prehistoric period. A professional in historic archeology shall have at least one year of full-time professional experience at a supervisory level in the study of archeological resources of the historic period.

Architectural History The minimum professional qualifications in architectural history are a graduate degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation, or closely related field, with coursework in American architectural history, or a bachelor's degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation or closely related field plus one of the following:

1. At least two years of full-time experience in research, writing, or teaching in American architectural history or restoration architecture with an academic institution, historical organization or agency, museum, or other professional institution; or

2. Substantial contribution through research and publication to the body of scholarly knowledge in the field of American architectural history.

1.5 Period of Performance:

i Base Award: The period of performance for cultural resource surveys shall be January 2024 to August 2024, with a draft report provided for review by end of April 2024.

Preliminary Schedule:

Task Time Duration from Start*

Initial meeting and discussion between consultant and Service project POC (see below) 2 weeks

Consultant completes field work, submits draft of forms and report to Service project POC 1.5 months

Service POC provides comments back to consultant 2 months

Consultant submits revised forms and report to Service POC 2.5 months

Service submits forms and report to SHPO for review 3 months

Service provides SHPO comments to consultant for final revisions of forms and report, if necessary 4 months

Consultant submits final deliverables 4.5 months

* Exact calendar dates to be set following establishment of contract

1.6.1 Quality Control: NA

1.6.2 Quality Assurance: The government shall evaluate the contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. This plan is primarily focused on what the Government must do to ensure that the contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rate(s).

1.6.3 Recognized Holidays: The Contractor is not required to perform work on these holidays.

New Year’s Day Labor Day Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Columbus Day

President’s Day Veteran’s Day Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day Juneteenth Christmas Day Independence Day

1.6.4 Hours of Operation: The contractor is responsible for conducting business, between the hours of sunrise to sunset Sunday thru Saturday except Federal holidays at the Contractor’s option. The Contractor must at all times maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS when the Government facility is not closed for the above reasons.

When hiring personnel, the Contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the workforce are essential.

1.6.5 Place of Performance: The work to be performed under this contract will be performed at San

Bernardino NWR. Job site is approximately 16 miles east of Douglas, Arizona, on a graded dirt road. The nearest facilities are located in Douglas, AZ. The refuge lies in a remote area immediately adjacent to the international border of Mexico and the United States, and is fenced on all sides by barbed wire fence. Sierra Vista, Arizona is 65 miles west of the refuge and Tucson, Arizona, is 100 miles northwest of the refuge.

1.6.6 Gate Locks: Vehicle access onto the refuge is restricted to refuge personnel, and contractors will be provided a key to the refuge padlock or gate code to allow access for this project only. Initial access to the site will be arranged by refuge personnel. Project sites are located within publically accessible areas, no locked gates are involved once within the refuge.

1.6.7 General Information: Refuge access roads provide for one-way travel. No road construction will be needed. Survey site boundaries typically utilize roads and topography changes.

1.6.8 Type of Contract: The government will award a firm-fixed price.

1.6.9 Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings: The Contractor agrees to attend any post award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 42.5. The contracting officer, Contracting Officers Representative (COR), and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the contractor to review the contractor's performance. At these meetings the contracting officer will apprise the contractor of how the government views the contractor's performance and the contractor will apprise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the government.

1.6.10 Contracting Officer Representative (COR): The (COR) will be Tasha Harden, 520-368-6004. The COR monitors all technical aspects of the contract and assists in contract administration The COR is authorized to perform the following functions: assure that the Contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract: perform inspections necessary in connection with contract performance:

maintain written and oral communications with the Contractor concerning technical aspects of the contract: issue written interpretations of technical requirements, including Government drawings, designs, specifications: monitor Contractor's performance and notifies both the Contracting Officer and Contractor of any deficiencies; coordinate availability of government furnished property, and provide site entry of Contractor personnel. A letter of designation issued to the COR, a copy of which is sent to the Contractor, states the responsibilities and limitations of the COR, especially with regard to changes in cost or price, estimates or changes in delivery dates. The COR is not authorized to change any of the terms and conditions of the resulting order.

1.6.11 Key Personnel: The following personnel are considered key personnel by the government: Contract Manager and Site Project Leader. The contractor shall provide a contract manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate who shall act for the contractor when the manager is absent shall be designated in writing to the contracting officer.

The contract manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The contract manager or alternate shall be available between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the government facility is closed for administrative reasons.

Agency Official Project Point of Contact (POC)

Tasha Harden Refuge Manager tasha_harden@fws.gov 520-368-6004

Natalie Sanford Regional Archaeologist natalie_sanford@fws.gov

(505) 238-4496

CONTRACTING POC: Renee Babineau, Contract Specialist, (404) 679-7349, Renee_Babineau@fws.gov

1.6.12 Identification of Contractor Employees: All contract personnel attending meetings, and working in other situations where their contractor status is not obvious to third parties are required to identify themselves as such to avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public that they are Government officials. They must also ensure that all documents or reports produced by contractors are suitably marked as contractor products or that contractor participation is appropriately disclosed.

1.6.13 Contractor Travel : Contractor will be responsible for all travel cost and scheduling of travel.

1.6.14 Other Direct Costs : At the contractor’s option, partial payments can be made to cover the cost of equipment and materials obtained by the contractor for this project. Final payment will be made upon Refuge acceptance following total completion of the project by the contractor. Upon completion and acceptance of all work and receipt of a proper invoice, the contractor will be paid the balance of the firmfixed-price of the contract.

1.6.15 Organizational Conflict of Interest: Contractor and subcontractor personnel performing work under this contract may receive, have access to or participate in the development of proprietary or source selection information (e.g., cost or pricing information, budget information or analyses, specifications or work statements, etc.) or perform evaluation services which may create a current or subsequent Organizational Conflict of Interests (OCI) as defined in FAR Subpart 9.5. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer immediately whenever it becomes aware that such access or participation may result in any actual or potential OCI and shall promptly submit a plan to the Contracting Officer to avoid or mitigate any such OCI. The Contractor’s mitigation plan will be determined to be acceptable solely at the discretion of the Contracting Officer and in the event the Contracting Officer unilaterally determines that any such OCI cannot be satisfactorily avoided or mitigated, the Contracting Officer may effect other remedies as he or she deems necessary, including prohibiting the Contractor from participation in subsequent contracted requirements which may be affected by the OCI.

PART 2

DEFINITIONS &ACRONYMS

2. DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS:

2.1. DEFINITIONS:

2.1.1. CONTRACTOR. A supplier or vendor awarded a contract to provide specific supplies or service to the government. The term used in this contract refers to the prime.

mailto:tasha_harden@fws.gov mailto:natalie_sanford@fws.gov

2.1.2. CONTRACTING OFFICER. A person with authority to enter into, administer, and or terminate contracts, and make related determinations and findings on behalf of the government. Note: The only individual who can legally bind the government.

2.1.3. CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (COR). An employee of the U.S.

Government appointed by the contracting officer to administer the contract. Such appointment shall be in writing and shall state the scope of authority and limitations. This individual has authority to provide technical direction to the Contractor as long as that direction is within the scope of the contract, does not constitute a change, and has no funding implications.

This individual does NOT have authority to change the terms and conditions of the contract.

2.1.4. DEFECTIVE SERVICE. A service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with the Performance Work Statement.

2.1.5. DELIVERABLE. Anything that can be physically delivered, but may include non-manufactured things such as meeting minutes or reports.

2.1.6. KEY PERSONNEL. Contractor personnel that are evaluated in a source selection process and that may be required to be used in the performance of a contract by the Key Personnel listed in the PWS. When key personnel are used as an evaluation factor in best value procurement, an offer can be rejected if it does not have a firm commitment from the persons that are listed in the proposal.

2.1.7. PHYSICAL SECURITY. Actions that prevent the loss or damage of Government property.

2.1.8. QUALITY ASSURANCE. The government procedures to verify that services being performed by the Contractor are performed according to acceptable standards.

2.1.9. QUALITY ASSURANCE Surveillance Plan (QASP). An organized written document specifying the surveillance methodology to be used for surveillance of contractor performance.

2.1.10. QUALITY CONTROL. All necessary measures taken by the Contractor to assure that the quality of an end product or service shall meet contract requirements.

2.1.11. SUBCONTRACTOR. One that enters into a contract with a prime contractor. The Government does not have privity of contract with the subcontractor.

2.1.12. WORK DAY. The number of hours per day the Contractor provides services in accordance with the contract.

2.1.13. WORK WEEK. Monday through Friday, unless specified otherwise.

PART 3

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES

3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES:

3.1. Services: The Government will not provide any services for this contract.

3.2. Facilities: The Government will not provide and facilities for this contract.

3.3. Utilities: The Government will not provide any utilities for this contract.

3.4. Equipment: The Government will not provide any equipment for this contract

3.5. Materials: The Government will not provide any materials for this contract

PART 4

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES

4. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

4.1 General: The Contractor shall furnish all supplies, equipment, facilities and services required to perform work under this contract that are not listed under Section 3 of this PWS.

4.1.1 Equipment: The Contractor shall furnish all equipment to adequately preform the requested job.

PART 5

SPECIFIC TASKS

5. Specific Tasks:

The contractor will conduct an initial site visit with refuge staff for access arrangements and to ensure proper identification of area to be surveyed.

PART 6

APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS

6. APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS (CURRENT EDITIONS)

6.1. The Contractor must abide by all applicable Federal and State regulations and laws applicable to this project.

PART 7

ATTACHMENT/TECHNICAL EXHIBIT LISTING

• Figure of survey area

AWARD AREA

AWARD AREA

AWARD AREA

AWARD AREA