A04_Statement_of_Work.docx

U.S. BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

CODY FIELD OFFICE, WYOMING

Fubar Reservoir Decommissioning Project:

Paleontological Resources Inventory/Survey

STATEMENT OF WORK

I. Introduction and Background The paleontological consultant shall conduct a paleontological resources inventory (survey) of the Fubar Reservoir Decommissioning Project Area (FRDPA) within the Cody Field Office (CYFO). The BLM Cody Field Office and Wind River Bighorn Basin District has determined that this obsolete reservoir needs to be decommissioned. To complete the NEPA analysis necessary for project implementation, information is needed on paleontological resources within the FRDPA. The project involves procurement of a paleontological resource inventory/survey of approximately 117 acres in Section 25, T. 56 N., R. 101 W., and Tract 66 Resurvey, T. 56 N., R. 101 W., 6th P.M., Park County, Wyoming (see Map 1, below).

NORTH

Map 1. Aerial photo location map of the Fubar Reservoir Decommissioning Project Area (117 acres) in Sections 25 and 36 (Tract 66), T. 56 N., R. 101 W., outlined in blue (Map does not include the proposed closed road, Map 2 details the contract inventory area. The construction footprint is highlighted in pink. The boundaries of the PETM ACEC are shown in purple. State Highway 294 runs northwest to southeast through the area.

Map 2. Zoomed in map of the contracted inventory area for Fubar Reservoir Decommissioning Project Area (117 acres) in Sections 25 and 36 (Tract 66), T. 56 N., R. 101 W., outlined in red.

The FRDPA is situated entirely within outcrops of the Eocene Willwood Formation, which has been classified with a Potential Fossil Yield Classification (PFYC) = Class 5, meaning there is very high potential for vertebrate and/or scientifically significant paleontological resources to be found in the project area. Large portions of the project area are situated within the Paleocene Eocene Thermal Maximum Area of Critical Environmental Concern (PETM ACEC). Use, occupation, construction, or maintenance of facilities within the ACEC is allowed if such activity is consistent with management direction and objectives for the area (Approved Cody RMP Management Action 7072).

The paleontological consultant selected must have a current approved Paleontological Resources Consulting Permit issued by the BLM Wyoming State Office or be able to obtain a permit in time to meet the project timeframes described in the schedule below. All paleontological localities within the inventory area will be recorded using the BLM Locality Form, or equivalent, and evaluated to make a significance determination. Significant fossils will be collected and curated at a BLM-approved repository.

The BLM Cody Field Office and Wind River Bighorn Basin District has identified the reservoir for decommissioning. The dam is a low hazard dam located near the head of the Big Sand Coulee basin in Park County, Wyoming, approximately 24 miles north of Cody and approximately 15 miles northwest of Powell. Big Sand Coulee is tributary to the Clarks Fork Yellowstone River. The dam is located on BLM-administered land in Section 25, T. 56 N., R. 101 W.

The dam is owned and operated by the BLM and was constructed in the late 1960’s with the primary purpose of reducing the sediment load in Big Sand Coulee. Typical design lifespans of sediment detention dams and reservoirs of this size can be assumed to be 50 years. Therefore, the dam and reservoir have reached the end of their design life. Sediment production in the upper Big Sand Coulee basin, where the dam is located, is attributable to storm events and the irrigation wastewater that drains into the basin from the irrigation district located south of the basin. The reservoir has slowly filled with sediment since originally constructed and is rated in critical condition (DOWL, 2021).

The dam consists of a homogeneous earth embankment and according to survey data, the average crest elevation is 4,489.9 feet (NAVD88) with a maximum storage depth of 16.5 feet, a crest length of approximately 562 feet, and a varying crest width averaging about 19 feet. The existing earthen auxiliary spillway is located southwest of the left abutment. The existing principal spillway consists of a 30-inch diameter broken-back corrugated metal pipe (CMP). Due to corrosion and discharges through the existing principal spillway pipe, a large headcut has developed at the downstream toe and has progressed upstream into the existing embankment exposing the pipe to the point where a section has separated from the upstream conduit. Due to this erosion, the outlet conduit daylights about 15 feet above and 40 feet upstream of the original end of the outlet conduit at the dam toe. In addition, sediment has filled the reservoir area to within approximately one (1) foot of the principal spillway inlet. In March 2020 it was estimated that about 0.5 to 1.0 feet of water storage remained between the top of the stored sediment and the principal spillway inlet invert (DOWL, 2021).

Three alternatives, Decommissioning, Outlet Works Replacement, or Outlet Works Replacement with a Dam Raise were considered. Based on a comparison of the alternatives and the BLM’s preferences, the Decommissioning Alternative was selected for final design and construction. The proposed design for decommissioning of the FR Dam includes excavating the central portion of the existing dam embankment to remove the existing principal spillway pipe and to construct the proposed decommissioning channel.

The proposed channel excavation design includes 20-foot-wide benches on either side of the channel that should improve equipment access for constructability and maintenance. Additional excavation will occur above each bench at 4H:1V side slopes to remove a portion of the remaining dam embankment while also providing a finished slope that should be flat enough to revegetate.

II. Project Location and Scope The area is located in the Bighorn Basin of northwest Wyoming, approximately 5 miles north of Cody. The FRDPA is located on BLM-administered public lands in Section 25, T. 56 N., R. 101 W. (see Map 1). Access to the project area is via State Highway 294, the Badger Basin Road, to a point in Section 25 where a two-track road turns to the southwest and leads to the dam. As per Management Action 7070, motorized vehicle use is limited to existing roads and trails in the PETM ACEC. The paleontological consultant and their employees shall not drive off existing roads while conducting the survey.

III. Statement of Work The paleontological consultant shall conduct a background files search, and paleontological resources inventory of a minimum of 117 acres within the FRDPA, including the following information: (a) locality recordation, (b) significance recommendation, (c) collection and (d) curation of significant fossils.

The project area will be inspected for:

The work would be conducted using a pedestrian survey in areas of exposure of Willwood Formation bedrock; other areas where the Willwood Formation is covered by soils or vegetation may be cleared visually or using aerial photographs.

A report will be completed based on the results of the inventory and will include the following details:

a) Name, affiliation, address, date of report, and permit number of the paleontological consultant conducting the survey.

b) Project name and number (if used), name of proponent, and general location of project.

c) Date(s) of survey and names of any personnel assisting with the survey.

d) Project Description

· Brief description of the proposed project, emphasizing potential impacts to paleontological resources.

e) Description of background research conducted.

· Include overview of known paleontological information, institutions consulted, previous surveys in the area, previous projects of similar nature in the area, and general description of survey techniques employed.

f) Summary of regional and local geology and stratigraphy of the project area. May reference earlier projects for relevant information.

g) Summary of regional and local paleontology including a description of paleontological significance and potential fossil yield classification (PFYC) for each formation. May reference earlier projects for relevant information.

h) Survey Methodology

· Describe the extent of the survey coverage. Provide total acres of pedestrian survey and non-survey.

· Include criteria used to determine significant vs non-significant localities.

i) Summary of the survey results.

· Describe each locality separately and provide information on topographic location, formation, fossil description, and preservation, with photograph(s).

· A description of potential impacts to paleontological resources resulting from the project.

· Detailed mitigation recommendations that may lessen potential adverse impacts, including any areas where monitoring during construction is recommended.

· A listing of any collected material, including field numbers, field identifications, and elements, cross-referenced to locality field numbers. This list may be submitted in electronic format, preferably in spreadsheet format with the report.

j) Potential fossiliferous areas to allow for future assessment of sites if applicable.

k) Conclusions and Recommendations to Management

l) All cited and other pertinent references.

m) Map of the project area, indicating areas surveyed, areas not surveyed, previously identified localities, and new discoveries. Maps will be at 1:24,000 scale with a standard 7.5’ USGS topographic map as a background. Supplemental maps which are reduced or enlarged in scale or with a different background may be provided as needed.

n) Relevant photos, diagrams, tables to aid in explaining, clarifying, or understanding the findings. All photographs included in the report shall be at least 3.5 inches by 5 inches in size. Captions will include direction of photo, description, any modification to the photo, and date taken.

o) BLM locality forms (8270-3) or equivalent for each new locality (including localities where fossils were observed but not collected) with a 1:24,000 scale map showing the localities (not reduced in scale during photocopying). Locality information should be provided in Latitude (deg., min., sec., direction) and Longitude (deg., min., sec., direction) format.

p) Tables

q) Appendices

The consultant/contractor is required to have a current approved BLM Wyoming Paleontological Resources Use Permit and will adhere to all permit stipulations.

IV. Government Supplied Property The BLM Cody Field Office will supply the successful offeror with a map of the FRDPA. GIS shapefiles will also be provided to the consultant/contractor of the FRDPA boundary, and of known paleontological localities both within the FRDPA, and within one mile of its perimeter, after the project is awarded.

V. Funding/Schedule Work schedule and partial payment shall be divided into four phases.

VI. Deliverables The consultant shall prepare a paleontological resources inventory report, including locality forms. The report shall include photographic documentation and maps produced with GIS information. One copy of the draft report (either hard copy or electronic format) shall be submitted to the BLM for initial review and comment. The BLM shall be allowed 30 days for review. The consultant shall make revisions and prepare the final report in accordance with BLM recommendations.

The consultant shall submit to the BLM two bound copies of the final report with color maps and photographs upon completion of the project. The final report, locality forms, and GIS information (including original field data files and GIS shapefiles), and all photographs taken as part of this project will also be submitted in electronic format. Thumb drives are preferred for the electronic submission, but CDs or DVDs are also acceptable. The final report and locality forms may either be in Microsoft Word (Windows 10 compatible) or PDF files. The preferred digital format for photographs is JPEGs.

Copies of field and research notes and maps associated with this project shall be submitted to the BLM upon completed of the project. Either digital format (thumb drives, CDs, or DVDs) or paper copies are acceptable.

Email notifications: The consultant shall notify the BLM before commencing fieldwork, and when fieldwork is completed, by emailing the Contracting Officer (CO), Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and the Point of Contact (POC). Email notifications shall also be sent when the draft and final reports are mailed to the BLM. All deliverables shall be submitted to the COR and POC.

Privacy Act and Data This requirement does not include any classified material or information technology. Contractors shall not be accessing a government/BLM facility. In the event that a contractor would be required to access a government/BLM facility (e.g. to conduct a records search), the Purchase Order must include specific instructions and necessary security requirements. Contractors shall be responsible for protecting all information used, gathered, or developed as a result of work under this Purchase Order and as detailed in the resulting Statement of Work. The contractor shall protect all Sensitive but Unclassified (SBU) government data. All compiled or derived information, work papers, drafts, and final documents developed or accessed, or any product/system developed are the property of the United States Government. Information acquired or generated by the Purchase Order is subject to the Privacy Act. All site-specific records, photographs, and maps generated in the course of the agreements, including original field maps and notes, will be considered BLM property and will be turned over to the Order COR upon completion of the project. The contractor’s Contract Manager will be responsible for ensuring that all excess site-specific documents, maps, site forms, etc., (i.e., those not submitted as deliverables, internal review drafts, etc.) are properly disposed of upon completion of the project.

Confidentiality To protect site information of Purchase Order from unauthorized disclosure, all site location and content information must be kept in strictest confidence. The contractor shall make the information available only to the Order COR and PI and must take whatever internal measures are necessary to ensure that confidential material is protected. All contractor employees working under Purchase Order, in addition to any other personnel at the Government’s request, will be required to sign formal non-disclosure and/or conflict of interest agreements to guarantee the protection and integrity of Government and/or Contractor information and documents. This non-disclosure form is included below. The Contractor shall not release, communicate or otherwise disseminate information to any other parties without the written consent of the CO, COR, Project Inspector, and POC. All BLM and Wyoming Cultural Use Permit Stipulations shall be followed.

Confidentiality. The State Director may withhold information about the location and nature of permitted work if disclosing it would compromise the protection of archaeological resources and/or National Register properties.

BLM Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement

The contractor shall provide signed confidentiality agreements from all participants in the award prior to initiation of the award. These signed agreements shall be provided no later than the close of the solicitation.

Confidentiality Agreement - I agree to keep confidential any protected information that I may develop or otherwise acquire as part of my work with the Bureau of Land Management. I understand that with regard to protected information, I am an agent of the Bureau of Land Management and must not share or release that information through any means, except as specifically authorized by the Bureau of Land Management. Lastly, I understand that protected information must not be disclosed through any means including websites, maps, scientific articles, presentations, and speeches.

Title Organization Signature

Geospatial Data All geospatial data collected for or produced by federal agencies are required to meet all relevant standards established by the Federal Geospatial Data Committee (FGDC) as authorized by the Geospatial Data Act of 2018 (43 U.S.C. § 2809). All deliverables that include geospatial data products must include appropriate metadata conforming to FGDC standards. FGDC standards can be found on https://www.fgdc.gov/standards.

Evaluation and Award Criteria

This RFQ will be awarded to the Offeror whose quote provides the best overall value to the government. Best value will be determined through a process of evaluating each quote against the evaluation criteria described below, with technical Factors 1, 2, and 3 when combined, being significantly more important than price. Technical factors are rated equally. Where technical capabilities are similar, price may be the determining factor. Price will be evaluated for reasonableness and completeness.

In addition to providing information in response to the below evaluation criteria offerors shall include: (1) qualifications and experience of key personnel, (2) past performance, (3) and quality control plan. One-page resumes of all key personnel shall be submitted. Respondents will submit a list of clients (no more than 5) for past and present similar projects covering the past three years. This list will serve as a list of references to obtain past performance information (quality, timeliness, cost control, business relationships) related to the Respondents current and past work. The quality control plan will show how the respondent intends to meet the tasks associated with this contract.

Respondents will then be evaluated on the specific evaluation criteria listed below. The technical evaluation factors when combined are more important than the price. The final award will be made to the most qualified respondent, with consideration that the bid price is within the available budget for this project.

Respondents will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

1. Factor 1: Technical Expertise/Approach A. Understanding of the requirement B. Technical Approach C. Approach to coordination with BLM

2. Factor 2: Respondent Qualifications and Experience A. Does the respondent have a current approved BLM Wyoming Paleontological Resources Use Permit (please provide permit number) or the ability to obtain one in time to meet the project timeframes described (please provide resume documenting qualifications)?

B. Offeror and key personnel assigned to the project experience conducting paleontology inventories and evaluating paleontological resources in Wyoming.

C. Offeror demonstration of professional past performance in completing paleontology inventories and locality recordation.

3. Factor 3: Availability and Capacity to Perform A. Respondent’s ability to devote sufficient time to the project to meet or exceed the timeframes.

4. Factor 4: Price/Cost A. Offerors shall propose firm fixed price amounts in accordance with the attached pricing sheet.

B. Any price assumptions are to be included with the submission documents.

C. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

Order of Importance:

Technical factors, when combined, are considered:

☒ Significantly more important than price ☐ Approximately equal to price ☐ Significantly less important than price

References:

DOWL, 2021. Fubar Detention Dam Decommissioning, Park County, WY, 60% Design Report; Prepared for: Bureau of Land Management, Cody Field Office, 1002 Blackburn Street, Cody, WY 82414 & Wind River/Bighorn Basin District Office, 101 South 23rd Street, Worland, WY 82401. Contract: L17PC00095, Task Order: 140L0620F0023, Billings, MT.

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