A04_UPDATED_NV_RipWetAIM_PWS.docx

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

Nevada Riparian and Wetland Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) Data Collection and Training Support for the 2026 Season Performance Work Statement (PWS)

1. INTRODUCTION

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in the state of Nevada is collecting Riparian and Wetland 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 Riparian and Wetland AIM data collection and training support. The requisite scope of work includes 42 points in the 2026 field season, as reflected in Table 1. The scope of work also includes providing training support at two BLM-led Riparian & Wetland AIM trainings.

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 42 targeted sites 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 1735-3, AIM National Aquatic Monitoring Framework: Field Protocol for Lentic Riparian and Wetland Systems found on the https://www.blm.gov/aim website. At all sites, all AIM core and covariate methods shall be collected including Plant Species Inventory and Identification, Line-Point Intercept, Vegetation Height, Litter and Water Depths, Woody Structure, Plot Classification and Description, Photo Points, Hydrology and Surface Water Characteristics, and Soil Profile Description. Additionally contingent and supplemental methods shall be collected at each site including Hummocks, Water Quality, and the AIM Pollinator Supplemental Indicator (APSI). 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 water quality sample 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 virtual 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. December 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 virtual meeting with the COR, BLM Nevada State Office, BLM National Riparian & Wetland AIM Team, and Field Office leads to discuss sample order strategy, site 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: Riparian & Wetland AIM Roles and Responsibilities

Responsible parties

Lead

Safety training

Office point evaluation

Provide landowner contacts

Crew check-in and safety

Confirm preliminary site sample status

WQ sample submission

Field QC of data

Lead

*Contractor shall provide two personnel to serve as trainers at two trainings.

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, and 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 around the timing of the crews’ second hitch, approximately 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 sooner than 1 week after the crews’ last field day and no later than 4 weeks after the last field day. 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. Data collectors should attend these meetings.

3.2 TASK 2 – DATA COLLECTION

The contractor shall collect data at the number of points specified in Table 1. Sample sites may be up to 3 miles from a road (includes 4-wheel drive roads or “jeep trails”) so off trail navigation and moderate hiking often occurs. Roles and responsibilities for the BLM and Contractor are defined in Table 3. More information on protocols and implementation of the monitoring framework can be found in Technical Reference 1735-3, AIM National Aquatic Monitoring Framework: Field Protocol for Lentic Riparian and Wetland Systems, Data Management, Quality Assurance and Quality Control Protocol, Design Management and Site Evaluation Protocol, and Guidance on Getting Access to Aquatic AIM Field Tools. These protocols are available in the Resources section found at www.blm.gov/aim/resources under Riparian & Wetland BLM Library Material.

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 peak vegetation expression occurs in riparian and wetland systems. 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 and vegetation conditions, i.e. lower elevation sites should be sampled earlier in the season, and higher elevation sites generally later in the season. The Southern Nevada District and small portions of the Battle Mountain and Ely Districts occur in Major Land Resource Area 30 (the Mojave Desert). Sites located in this region can generally be sampled earlier in the season than the rest of Nevada. It is uncertain if any sites identified for data collection in the Battle Mountain and Ely Districts will be located in MLRA 30.

3.2.2 Covariate and Core Methods

At each site the contractor will collect data in accordance with Technical Reference 1735-3, AIM National Aquatic Monitoring Framework: Field Protocol for Lentic Riparian and Wetland Systems. All Core and Covariate Methodologies will be utilized including:

· Plot Classification and Description

· Photo Points

· Hydrology and Surface Water Characteristics

· Soil Profile Description

· Natural and Human Disturbances

· Plant Species Inventory and Identification

· Line-Point Intercept

· Vegetation Height and Litter and Water Depths

· Woody Structure

3.2.3 Contingent and Supplemental Methods

In addition to the Core AIM Methodologies, the following contingent and supplemental data will also be collected at each site based on field office designs as described in Table 1.

· Water Quality (Contingent)

· Hummocks (Contingent)

· APSI - AIM Supplemental Pollinator Indicator (Supplemental)

3.2.4 Site Evaluation

While targeted site selection will be the responsibility of the BLM, site evaluation shall be completed by the contractor. The contractor shall follow guidance from Section 3.0 of Technical Reference 1735-3, AIM National Aquatic Monitoring Framework: Field Protocol for Lentic Riparian and Wetland Systems for targeted point site evaluation and shall implement both office and field evaluation of sites. A small-site protocol is available for use at sites of interest to BLM that do not meet the traditional size requirements for the various plot layouts utilized in Technical Reference 1735-3. Field rejection of sites should be minimal for this project.

3.2.5 Plant Species Identification Guidelines

Contractor is responsible for ensuring that data collectors can identify wetland and upland plants throughout Nevada to the species or sub-species, either by providing specialized local information or training, or by requiring formal educational or work experience background in field botany for data collectors. If species are encountered during data collection that are unusual for the area or habitat in which they are being recorded, then those species shall be recorded as unknowns and unknown plants procedures shall be implemented. This includes species without herbarium records or other research-grade observations within 50km of the plot location, or for species that would be unusual for the ecological site that they occur within. An example of this is a species known to be restricted to alpine environments recorded for a site located in a lower montane or valley floor setting.

3.2.6 Electronic Data Capture

Contractor is responsible for providing and setting up the electronic capture devices with all specified applications as outlined in Appendix A of the Riparian & Wetland AIM Data Management, Quality Assurance and Quality Control Protocol. 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.

3.2.7 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 to comply with State law.

3.2.8 Plot Monumentation

The contractor shall be responsible for plot 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, plot markers such as engraved or stamped aluminum survey caps and fence posts may be utilized.

Standard:

All data are 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.

3.3 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 Riparian & Wetland AIM Data Management, Quality Assurance and Quality Control Protocol found on the BLM AIM website.

3.3.1 Riparian & Wetland AIM Field Methods Training

The Riparian & Wetland AIM National Team, local BLM resource specialists, and partner organization trainers lead annual AIM field methods trainings. The trainings are a combination of online pre-training coursework (approximately 8 hours) and six days of in-person field instruction. All contractor staff responsible for data collection must successfully complete Riparian & Wetland 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 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 Calibration

Before the first hitch and after completing Riparian & Wetland AIM field methods training, the contractor crew(s) shall complete an initial calibration. Calibration instructions are described in detail in the Riparian & Wetland AIM Data Management, Quality Assurance and Quality Control Protocol. After the initial calibration contractor crew(s) shall complete additional calibrations on a monthly basis or whenever a new data collector joins the team. Calibration shall occur on the following methods: line-point-intercept, vegetation heights, species inventory and woody structure. Calibration data shall be submitted using the appropriate Survey123 forms.

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 Riparian & Wetland AIM Data Management, Quality Assurance and Quality Control Protocol found on the BLM AIM website. This includes a critical concepts review to be completed by the crew manager as well as steps to resolve errors. 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).

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 sites 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 Riparian & Wetland AIM Data Management, Quality Assurance and Quality Control Protocol.

3.5 TASK 5 – PROVIDE TRAINING SUPPORT

The Riparian & Wetland AIM program continues to grow nationally as more data collection efforts are underway across the BLM. This necessitates a new training location in 2026 in addition to the five established training locations. As the program grows, more trainers need to be added to the cadre to support the increased training needs. To support this effort, the contractor shall provide two new or existing trainers and support their attendance and preparation for two trainings each. The estimated time for preparation for a training is 30 hours. Each training consists of six field days (50 to 60 hours). The locations of the trainings that will be attended by the two trainers will be determined and agreed upon by the BLM and the Contractor. Locations could include but are not limited to Las Vegas, Nevada; Carson City, Nevada; Cedar City, Utah; or Southern Idaho. The timeframe for providing training support is Late March through Mid-June 2026.Trainers shall have previous experience will either Riparian and Wetland AIM data collection or experience with methods from similar protocols.

4. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED EQUIPMENT

4.1 Gear and Electronic Devices

All necessary Riparian & Wetland AIM gear, including electronic devices for data capture and equipment required to collect contingent indicators, is listed in the equipment checklist found in Appendix G of Technical Reference 1735-3, AIM National Aquatic Monitoring Framework: Field Protocol for Lentic Riparian and Wetland Systems.

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 AIM data in riparian and/or wetland systems.

5.2 Key Personnel: Methods Trainers

The contractor shall identify two personnel as Methods Trainers (See Section 3.5, Task 5 Provide Training Support). These individuals could be the same as the Data Collection Manager, or a higher-level program manager with experience working in riparian and wetland systems with a focus on data collection methodologies. Methods Trainers could be existing trainers, or new trainers. In the case of new trainers, the individuals shall have at least two seasons of riparian and wetland AIM data collection experience, or similar, relevant experience from other programs, such as Multiple Indicator Monitoring or Terrestrial AIM.

5.3 Field Crew

A minimum of three individuals, forming one crew, is required at each monitoring site. Each crew will have one crew lead, responsible for the contractor data collection crew responsibilities noted in Table 3.

Collectively, the individuals in the crew who participate in collecting monitoring data will need to have the following qualifications:

· Field Botanist

· Field Soil Scientist

5.4 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).

5.5 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 PWS.

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

In accordance with P.L. 99-234, "Federal Civilian Employee and contractor Travel Expense Act of 1985", travel-related expenditures for contractor's personnel are restricted to the limits established for federal employees. This includes mileage for company-owned vehicles. 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. Contractor travel shall comply with all effective Federal Travel Regulations (FTR), including those supplemented by the Department of the Interior (DOI) travel regulations. No Federal travel authorizations are to be issued. The price for travel authorized by Federal and DOI travel regulations shall not include overhead, G&A, nor profit.

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

Task 5 Provide Training Support

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