A05_PCWR_Comprehensive_Biological_Survey_PWS.pdf

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Plateau Communities Wildfire Resiliency Project Phase 1 Biological Survey

Part 1

General Information

1. GENERAL: This is a non-personnel services contract to provide surveys for 1) BLM Special Status plant species, 2) Pinyon Jay colonies and 3) raptors in the geographic area depicted in the attached maps and provided shapefile/KML file. 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: The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform the required surveys 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:

In 2025, the Uncompahgre Field Office completed the Plateau Communities Wildfire Resiliency Environmental Assessment (EA). This project is designed to reduce the risk of catastrophic fire events on BLM lands within the project area and in private communities directly adjacent. Several fuels reduction treatment methods will be utilized during the implementation phase of this project. Some treatment methods could impact plant and avian species, therefore design features within the EA require pre-treatment surveys to ascertain the presence of BLM Special Status species, pinyon jays and raptors. The service described in this performance work statement meets the requirements of that preliminary survey work.

The survey unit covers 3,065 total acres. On 1,101 acres, survey must be conducted for all 3 resources of interest: raptors, Pinyon Jays and BLM Special Status vegetation. On 728 acres, survey must be conducted for raptors and Pinyon Jays only. On 901 acres, survey must be conducted for Pinyon Jays only.

On 335 acres, survey must be conducted for BLM Special Status vegetation only.

Units are accessible from Government Springs Rd, Sims Mesa Rd and County Rd 22 (via negotiated access across private lands). Access is by a combination of paved and dirt 2-track roads. Drivetime from Montrose, CO is approximately 20-60 minutes depending on the location of specific units.

1.3 Objectives:

• Provide a literature/desktop/records review prior to field work for each survey type

• Perform a field survey for each respective resource in all areas proposed for fuels reduction treatment

• Provide a letter with results of the survey 2 weeks after completion of field work for each respective resource

• Provide a comprehensive draft final report (combining the findings of all survey types) and comprehensive final report (combining the findings of all survey types) on a schedule specified below

1.4 Scope: See Part 5 for Specific Tasks.

1.5 Period of Performance:

The period of performance shall be from February 1, 2027 to October 15, 2027.

The Period of Performance is broken down as follows:

Pinyon Jay Field Survey: Completed between February 15 and April 15, 2027 Pinyon Jay Initial Results Letter: Due no later than May 15, 2027

BLM Special Status Plant Species Field Survey: Completed between March 15 and May 15, 2027 Special Status Plant Initial Results Letter: Due no later than June 15, 2027

Raptor Field Survey: Completed between April 15 and June 30, 2027 Raptor Initial Results Letter: Due no later than August 1, 2027

Comprehensive Draft Final Report: Due no later than September 15, 2027 Comprehensive Final Report: Due no later than October 15, 2027

1.6 General Information

1.6.1 Quality Control: The contractor shall develop and maintain an effective quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The contractor’s quality control program is the means by which he assures himself that his work complies with the requirement of the contract. The quality control program requirements are broken out by survey type as follows:

A) Plant Survey QC Requirements:

The plant survey will require a 100% pedestrian survey of suitable habitat. Pedestrian transects will be even spaced, meandering (zig zagging) out to either side to cover the entire transect width. Pedestrian transect spacing will be 10-20 meters, and collapse as Physaria vicina are encountered, recording the full extent of the occurrence. Transect widths should narrow to 3-5 meters depending on vegetation height and density.

Electronic mapping data documenting transects shall be provided and displayed to the Government on request. After acceptance of the quality control plan the contractor shall receive the contracting officer’s acceptance in writing of any proposed change to his QC system.

The Contractor must utilize an electronic mapping application during the biological field survey to ensure transects meet the specifications outlined above. After completion of the project, shapefiles/maps of survey transects shall be submitted to BLM Uncompahgre Field Office.

B) Pinyon Jay Survey QC Requirements:

The project will conduct clearance surveys and nest searches for Pinyon Jays, following ‘Survey Recommendations for Locating a Pinyon Jay Breeding Colony, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (2026) and ‘CPW Survey Recommendations for Locating a Pinyon Jay Breeding Colony’ protocols. Record all observations and nests of any Pinyon Jays. Each project will need to be surveyed 3 times with 7-10 days in between survey days.

Resources are located here: https://cat-adams.github.io/CPW_PinyonJayConservation_Documents/

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

• GPS tracks of all survey routes,

• GPS locations for all observed Pinyon Jays within project areas

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

All GIS data needs to be provided in the form of an ESR .shp file UTM NAD 83 Zone 13. The contractor will provide data forms for all completed surveys and nest locations in paper and/or electronic formats (excel, word, or PDF). Nest site photos need to be electronic .jpg or .tiff files.

C) Raptor Survey QC Requirements:

The project will conduct clearance surveys and nest searches for raptors, following protocols and survey methods outlined in BLM Technical Note 435: Accipiter Use of Pinyon-Juniper Habitats for Nesting in Northwestern Colorado.” Record all observations and nests of any raptors.

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

• GPS tracks of all survey routes,

• GPS locations for all observed Pinyon Jays within project areas

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

All GIS data needs to be provided in the form of an ESR .shp file UTM NAD 83 Zone 13. The contractor will provide data forms for all completed surveys and nest locations in paper and/or electronic formats (excel, word, or PDF). Nest site photos need to be electronic .jpg or .tiff files.

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: Work of recognized holidays is at the contractor’s discretion however they shall notify the Project Inspectors of the plan so that they can be available as needed.

President’s Day Memorial Day Independence Day Juneteenth National Independence Day Labor Day

1.6.4 Hours of Operation: The contractor is responsible for conducting business, during daylight hours seven days a week if needed to achieve the stated period of performance except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government directed facility closings.

For other than firm fixed price contracts, the contractor will not be reimbursed when the government facility is closed for the above reasons. 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 on identified survey units on BLM lands accessed via Government Springs Rd, Sims Mesa Rd and County Rd 22, in Ouray and Montrose Counties, CO.

1.6.6 Type of Contract: The government intends to make award of a Commercial Firm-Fixed-Price Service Contract pursuant to FAR 12 and FAR 13 including agency supplements.

1.6.7 Security Requirements: N/A

1.6.7.1 PHYSICAL Security: The contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all government equipment, information and property provided for contractor use. The Contractor may leave their equipment at the work site however, the Contractor shall be responsible for the equipment if it should be lost, stolen, vandalized, or damaged

1.6.8 Special Qualifications: The contractor is responsible for ensuring all employees possess and maintain current certifications for all equipment utilized during the execution of this contract.

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 identified by separate letter. 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:

Contracting Officers Representative:

Name: Cameron Shaughnessy E-mail: cshaughnessy@blm.gov Phone: (970) 318-9311

Project Inspectors for this contract will be:

PI: Cameron Shaughnessy E-mail: cshaughnessy@blm.gov Phone: (970) 318-9311

For Plant Survey:

PI/Ecologist: Ken Holsinger Email: kholsing@blm.gov Phone: (970) 240-5389

For Pinyon Jay and Raptor Survey:

PI/Biologist: Emily Latta Email: elatta@blm.gov Phone: (970) 210-6636 mailto:cshaughnessy@blm.gov mailto:kholsing@blm.gov mailto:elatta@blm.gov

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 during all on-site performance periods and between 08:00am to 05:00pm MT, Monday - Friday except Federal holidays or when the government facility is closed for administrative reasons.

1.6.12 Identification of Contractor Employees: N/A

1.6.13 Contractor Travel: Contractor will not be provided specific cost reimbursement for travel and incorporate all travel costs into the unit level pricing of allocable line items.

1.6.14 Other Direct Costs: All direct costs incurred by the contractor should be included in the bid price for this contract.

1.6.15 Data Rights: The Government has unlimited rights to all documents/material produced under this contract. All documents and materials, to include the source codes of any software, produced under this contract shall be Government owned and are the property of the Government with all rights and privileges of ownership/copyright belonging exclusively to the Government. These documents and materials may not be used or sold by the contractor without written permission from the Contracting Officer. All materials supplied to the Government shall be the sole property of the Government and may not be used for any other purpose. This right does not abrogate any other Government rights.

1.6.16 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.

1.6.17 PHASE IN /PHASE OUT PERIOD: RESERVED

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.

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.

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

2.2. ACRONYMS:

ACOR Alternate Contracting Officer's Representative BLM Bureau of Land Management CFR Code of Federal Regulations CO Contracting Officer CONUS Continental United States (excludes Alaska and Hawaii) COR Contracting Officer Representative COTR Contracting Officer's Technical Representative COTS Commercial-Off-the-Shelf DIAR Department of the Interior Acquisition Regulation DOI Department of the Interior FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation HIPAA Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 OCI Organizational Conflict of Interest OCONUS Outside Continental United States (includes Alaska and Hawaii) ODC Other Direct Costs PIPO Phase In/Phase Out POC Point of Contact PRS Performance Requirements Summary PWS Performance Work Statement QA Quality Assurance QAP Quality Assurance Program QASP Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan QC Quality Control QCP Quality Control Program TE Technical Exhibit

PART 3

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES

3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES:

3.1 Materials: The Government will provide:

• Aerial imagery and work location maps of the project areas.

• Geospatial shapefiles and KMLs files are included in the solicitation package.

• Project area unit boundaries will be provided in electronic shapefiles. Boundaries will not be marked on the ground.

• Plant and Wildfire Survey Protocols

• Required fields for data collection when raptor nests are located

3.2 Services: The Government will provide:

• Pre-work conference with contractor once awarded the job.

PART 4

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES

4. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

4.1 General: The Contractor shall provide all labor, transportation, tools and equipment necessary to perform the requirements of this contract. Contractor shall provide a communication system so that contractor personnel engaged in the project at different locations can communicate at all times with each other.

The Contractor shall carry a device capable of electronically mapping/documenting all data gathered during the field surveys to ensure projects parameters are met. After the completion of the project, shapefiles/maps of collected GIS data shall be submitted to the COR.

PART 5

SPECIFIC TASKS

5. Specific Tasks:

5.1. Basic Services. The contractor shall provide services for the following:

5.2. Task 1: Plant Survey Literature Review/File Search CNHP & BLM Records Review

The purpose of the records review is to ensure known occurrences within the project area are revisited (verify current status), and to determine the presence of potential habitat. A records review must be completed prior to beginning fieldwork. The Contractor must contact the BLM Ecologist (Ken Holsinger, 970-240-5389, kholsing@blm.gov) at least five business days in advance to schedule the records review and fieldwork.

5.3. Task 2: Plant Survey

Field Inventory

The Fieldwork Authorization will serve as the Notice to Proceed. Reconnaissance to determine the presence of suitable habitat may occur any time of year when the area is snow free. However, formal plant surveys must be completed during the flowering season to allow positive identification. Surveys should occur between March 15 and May 15, although timing may shift earlier or later depending on annual conditions.

The Plateau Communities Wildfire Resiliency Project area consists of medium to sparsely vegetated pinyon-juniper and sagebrush shrublands at elevations of approximately 6,900–7,400 feet. The primary plant species of concern is Good-neighbor bladderpod (Physaria vicina), which occurs in mixed sagebrush and pinyon-juniper woodlands, sagebrush ecological sites, and mature pinyon-juniper stands. Soils are typically derived from Mancos shale or eroded sandstone and range from fine silty clay to silty clay loam, and sandy loams. Dominant associated vegetation includes Wyoming big sagebrush, black sagebrush, claret cup, galleta grass, and Indian ricegrass. In pinyon-juniper woodlands, P. vicina is most frequently found in tree interspaces and outside duff beds.

The ideal survey period is when P. vicina is in flower, as plants are more visible and easier to identify accurately. The species is the only local look-alike with white flowers, reducing misidentification risk.

Surveyors must confirm that a nearby population is in bloom when conducting surveys. Suitable habitat will be identified using site visits, aerial imagery, soil and topographic maps, known population records, and consultation with regional specialists such as the Colorado Natural Heritage Program.

The biological resource survey will cover all identified acres proposed for treatments in attached identified polygons and maps. The final survey area will be determined by the cost per acre provided by the selected consultant. All survey areas may not be contiguous.

The plant survey will require a 100% pedestrian survey of suitable habitat. Pedestrian transects will be even spaced, meandering (zig zagging) out to either side to cover the entire transect width. Pedestrian transect spacing will be 10-20 meters, and collapse as Physaria vicina are encountered, recording the full extent of the occurrence. Transect widths should narrow to 3-5 meters depending on vegetation height and density. In situations where plants are recorded along the edge of the polygon, the surveyor will endeavor to determine the aerial extent of the population. Typical populations in the project area are small with relatively small plant density often encompassing less than an acre. A complete census is not necessary but a good estimate of number of plants observed in a population is required. GIS data shall be collected as points if the population extent is less than 25 m2, and a polygon if greater than 25m2.

Intensity and extent of surveys will be determined by suitable habitat. Large areas not surveyed must be mapped as such. The site maps will include areas of disturbance that have altered the site’s potential to support rare plant species (previously treated areas shall be surveyed). Areas of disturbance may include but are not limited to sediment catchments, water developments, previous mechanical disturbance resulting in near denudation, or erosion.

All fieldwork and documentation shall be performed to Department of Interior, (DOI) Bureau of Land Management, and other applicable professional standards.

Documentation would be preferentially collected using BLM Colorado’s mobile data collection service leveraging GeoPlatform accounts, Field Maps, and Survey123. BLM Colorado recognizes there are issues with these data acquisition platforms and if after demonstrable effort has been made without successful data collection shapefiles with all pertinent information will be accepted.

Documentation should be collected using BLM Colorado’s mobile data collection tools, including GeoPlatform accounts, Field Maps, and Survey123. BLM Colorado recognizes that these platforms can occasionally have performance issues. If, after reasonable and demonstrated effort, data cannot be successfully collected with these tools, shapefiles containing all required information will be accepted.

TASK 2 DELIVERABLE: Acceptance of a written letter (can be emailed) with the results of the plant survey. This is due to the BLM no later than two weeks after completion of fieldwork or no later than June 15, 2027.

1) Brief description of each site, which will include if Physaria vicina were recorded, dominant vegetation types, and presence of noxious weeds. If there are no Physaria vicina in the survey area, include an assessment of whether or not the site is believed to contain potential habitat, and rationale explaining this determination.

2) Copy of a 7.5' topographic map showing the project survey boundary and Special Status Species locations, or appropriate GIS generated maps as either PDF or JPEG file format.

The PI’s review of the letter report and verbal notification of acceptance of the results to the contractor within 10 days of receipt constitutes completion of this item of the contract.

5.4. Task 3: Pinyon Jay Survey Desktop and Records Review

The purpose of the desktop/records review is to ensure known occurrences within the project area are revisited and to determine the presence of potential habitat. A review must be completed prior to beginning fieldwork. The Contractor must contact the BLM Wildlife Specialist (Emily Latta, 970-210-6636, elatta@blm.gov) at least five business days in advance to schedule the records review and fieldwork.

5.5. Task 4: Pinyon Jay Survey

Field Inventory

Conduct clearance surveys and nest searches for Pinyon Jays, following ‘Survey Recommendations for Locating a Pinyon Jay Breeding Colony CPW (2026) and ‘CPW Survey Recommendations for Locating a Pinyon Jay Breeding Colony’ protocols. Record all observations and nests of any Pinyon Jays. Each project will need to be surveyed 3 times with 7-10 days in between survey days.

TASK 3 DELIVERABLE: Acceptance of a written letter (can be emailed) with the results of the Pinyon Jay survey. This is due to the BLM no later than two weeks after completion of fieldwork or no later than May 15, 2027.

1) Fieldwork Letter: The letter will include survey effort (number of survey days, number of observers, length of tracks) and summary of findings (species observed, any recorded behaviors, nests located, nest descriptions and photos with captions describing photo content). Letter will be reviewed for acceptance by

PI/COR. Fieldwork Letter is due to the BLM no later than two weeks after completion of fieldwork or no later than May 15, 2027.

2) Fieldwork Data: Shapefiles for survey tracks, observation locations and nest locations with associated data will be submitted to PI/COR. Shapefiles will be reviewed for acceptance by PI/COR. Shapefiles are due to the BLM no later than two weeks after completion of fieldwork or no later than June 15, 2027.

The PI’s review of the letter report and verbal notification of acceptance of the results to the contractor within 10 days of receipt constitutes completion of this item of the contract.

5.6. Task 5: Raptor Survey Desktop and Records Review

The purpose of the desktop/records review is to ensure known occurrences within the project area are revisited and to determine the presence of potential habitat. A review must be completed prior to beginning fieldwork. The Contractor must contact the BLM Wildlife Specialist (Emily Latta, 970-210-6636, elatta@blm.gov) at least five business days in advance to schedule the records review and fieldwork.

5.7. Task 6: Raptor Survey

Field Inventory

Conduct clearance surveys and nest searches for raptors, following protocols and survey methods specified in BLM Technical Note 435: Accipiter Use of Pinyon-Juniper Habitats for Nesting in Northwestern Colorado.” Record all observations and nests of any raptors.

TASK 3 DELIVERABLE: Acceptance of a written letter (can be emailed) with the results of the raptor survey. This is due to the BLM no later than two weeks after completion of fieldwork or no later than August 1, 2027.

1) Fieldwork Letter: The letter will include survey effort (number of survey days, number of observers, length of tracks) and summary of findings (species observed, any recorded behaviors, nests located, nest descriptions and photos with captions describing photo content). Letter will be reviewed for acceptance by PI/COR. Fieldwork Letter is due to the BLM no later than two weeks after completion of fieldwork or no later than August 1, 2027.

2) Fieldwork Data: Shapefiles for survey tracks, observation locations and nest locations with associated data will be submitted to PI/COR. Shapefiles will be reviewed for acceptance by PI/COR. Shapefiles are due to the BLM no later than two weeks after completion of fieldwork or no later than August 1, 2027.

5.8. Task 5: Draft Final Report

An electronic copy of a draft Final Report, GPS shapefiles (projection data required) of the recorded species, survey routes, and areas (habitat) surveyed to the BLM for review within six weeks of completing the fieldwork, or no later than September 15, 2027, whichever comes first. The consultant’s editor is strongly encouraged to review the draft before submission to correct grammatical and factual errors.

This will all be delivered electronically via email or a compatible file-sharing platform.

The Report will document results. The report must include but is not limited to:

A) For BLM Sensitive Species Findings:

i. Detailed maps of the areas inventoried displaying GPS collected features of the target species found and unusual or relic plant. Surveyed areas will be identified and characterized by the procedure methods suitable to each location based on habitat potential. Base maps used should be 7-1/2 minute United States Geological Survey (USGS) quadrangles, or aerial photos.

ii. All GIS deliverables should be uploaded using GeoPlatform to BLM servers. In addition to reporting locations of occurrences, spatial mapping of surveyed areas, surveyors’ tracks, and all recorded occurrences (points, lines, or polygons) are required. If, after documented effort, the use of mobile platforms is unsuccessful, GIS deliverables for recorded occurrences must be divided into two shapefiles: (1) Special Status Plants (Physaria vicina) and (2) Colorado State– listed A & B Weeds. All shapefiles must be ArcMap‑compatible and provided in UTM Zone 13 (meters), NAD83.

iii. Written descriptions of the areas inventoried, including the plant communities and dominant associated species, any noxious or invasive weeds present, soil types and/or geologic formations present. Colorado State listed A&B Noxious weeds should be mapped, invasive species such as cheatgrass/Halogeton should be described in terms of estimated cover, density, or composition in the required narrative.

iv. Photographs of the project area and any Physaria vicina or significant natural communities found. Photographs should be geo-referenced.

v. Date(s) of the inventory.

vi. Personnel involved in the inventory.

vii. Methodology employed, including techniques and intensity of the inventory. State the size of the area that was surveyed.

viii. Assessments of the size and health of any Physaria vicina plant populations found.

ix. A list of references cited, persons contacted, herbaria visited, and the location of any voucher specimens collected.

x. Additional data needs.

xi. Other information as appropriate. If no Physaria vicina are found, include an assessment of whether or not the site is believed to contain potential habitat, and rationale explaining this determination. (i.e. At times it is not possible to ascertain whether a specific project location comprises potential habitat based on topo maps, soils and vegetation maps or other available data prior to conducting a clearance. If during the site visit it is determined that the area does not constitute potential habitat, because, for instance, the soils are not appropriate for the target species, this should be documented for future reference.).

B) For BLM Pinyon Jay Findings:

xii. Detailed maps of the areas inventoried displaying GPS collected features of the target species found.

xiii. All GIS deliverables should be delivered as a shapefile via email. In addition to reporting locations of occurrences, spatial mapping of surveyed areas, surveyors’ tracks, and all recorded occurrences (points, lines, or polygons) are required.

xiv. Written descriptions of the areas inventoried.

xv. Photographs of the nest sites, etc. Photographs should be geo-referenced.

xvi. Date(s) of the inventory.

xvii. Personnel involved in the inventory.

xviii. Methodology employed, including techniques and intensity of the inventory. State the size of the area that was surveyed.

xix. A list of references cited.

xx. Additional data needs.

xxi. Other information as appropriate. If no pinyon jays are found, include an assessment of whether or not the site is believed to contain potential habitat, and rationale explaining this determination.

C) For Raptor Findings:

xxii. Detailed maps of the areas inventoried displaying GPS collected features of the target species found.

xxiii. All GIS deliverables should be delivered as a shapefile via email. In addition to reporting locations of occurrences, spatial mapping of surveyed areas, surveyors’ tracks, and all recorded occurrences (points, lines, or polygons) are required.

xxiv. Written descriptions of the areas inventoried.

xxv. Photographs of the nest sites, etc. Photographs should be geo-referenced.

xxvi. Date(s) of the inventory.

xxvii. Personnel involved in the inventory.

xxviii. Methodology employed, including techniques and intensity of the inventory. State the size of the area that was surveyed.

xxix. A list of references cited.

xxx. Additional data needs.

xxxi. Other information as appropriate. If no raptors are found, include an assessment of whether or not the site is believed to contain potential habitat, and rationale explaining this determination.

The BLM will provide a response to the draft Final Report within two weeks of receipt. If substantial editing is required, all documents will be returned with general comments, or tagged corrections. If minimal changes are required, specific corrections will be identified in the response and individual corrected pages may be submitted.

5.9. Task 6: Final Report

Delivery of the Final report (electronic) and supporting records (Task 3) is required no later than October 15, 2027. BLM will notify the contractor of acceptance of the Final Report and final payment within two weeks, which constitutes completion of the contract.

PART 6

APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS

6. APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS (CURRENT EDITIONS)

6.1. The Contractor must abide by all applicable regulations, publications, manuals, and local policies and procedures.

• Protection of the Environment (40 CFR), Dated 13 March 2024

• Federal Transportation Regulation (41 CFR), Dated 1 July 2021

• Occupational Safety and Health Standards (29 CFR 1915), Dated 13 March 2024

• 518 DM 1 - Comprehensive Waste Management, Dated 3 March 1994

• 518 DM 2 - Compliance with Waste Management Requirements, Dated 30 June 1994

PART 7

ATTACHMENT/TECHNICAL EXHIBIT LISTING

7. Attachment/Technical Exhibit List:

7.1. Attachment 1/Technical Exhibit 1 – Performance Requirements Summary

7.2. Attachment 2/Technical Exhibit 2 – Deliverables Schedule

7.3 Attachment 3/Technical Exhibit 3 – Estimated Workload Data

7.4 Attachment 4/Technical Exhibit 4 – Unit and Travel Maps for Project Area

7.5 Attachment 5/Technical Exhibit 5 – KML and Shapefiles of Project Unit

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 1

Performance Requirements Summary The contractor service requirements are summarized into performance objectives that relate directly to mission essential items. The performance threshold briefly describes the minimum acceptable levels of service required for each requirement. These thresholds are critical to mission success.

Performance Objective

Standard Performance Threshold

Method of Surveillance

PRS # 1.

The contractor shall complete a BLM Special Status plant field survey across 1,436 acres by May 15, 2027.

The biological resource survey will cover 1,436 acres of the proposed fuels treatment area.

The plant survey will require a 100% pedestrian survey of suitable habitat. Pedestrian transects will be even spaced, meandering (zig zagging) out to either side to cover the entire transect width. Pedestrian transect spacing will be 10-20 meters, and collapse as Physaria vicina are encountered, recording the full extent of the occurrence. Transect widths should narrow to 3-5 meters depending on vegetation height and density. In situations where plants are recorded along the edge of the polygon, the surveyor will endeavor to determine the aerial extent of the population, typical populations in the project area are small often encompassing less than an acre. A complete census is not necessary but a good estimate of number of plants observed in a population is required. GIS data shall be collected as points if the population extent is less than 25 m2, and a polygon if greater than 25m2.

Intensity and extent of surveys will be determined by suitable habitat. Large areas not surveyed must be mapped as such. The site maps will include areas of disturbance that have altered the sites potential to support rare plant species. Areas of disturbance may include but are not limited to sediment catchments, water developments, previous mechanical disturbance resulting in near denudation, or erosion.

All fieldwork and documentation shall be performed to Department of Interior, (DOI) Bureau of Land Management, FWS, and other applicable professional standards.

Zero deviation from standard. Electronic mapping of transect/survey data shall be provided and displayed to the Government on request.

COR/PI will analyze contractor provided mapping data and survey forms to determine if performance threshold is met.

PRS # 2.

complete a Pinyon Jay field survey across 2,730 acres by April 15, 2027.

The Pinyon Jay survey will cover 2,730 acres of the proposed fuels treatment area.

Clearance surveys and nest searches for Pinyon Jays must conform with ‘Arizona Project-Level Protocol for Pinyon Jay Colony Clearance and Discovery Surveys’ and ‘CPW Survey Recommendations for Locating a Pinyon Jay Breeding Colony’ protocols. Record all observations and nests of any Pinyon Jays. Each project will need to be surveyed 3 times with 7-10 days in between survey days.

All fieldwork and documentation shall be performed to Department of Interior, (DOI) Bureau of Land mapping of transect/survey data shall be provided and displayed to the Government on request.

COR/PI will analyze contractor provided mapping data and survey forms to determine if performance

PRS # 3.

complete a Raptor field survey across 1,829 acres by July 15, 2027.

The raptor survey will cover 1,829 acres of the proposed fuels treatment area.

Clearance surveys and nest searches for raptors must conform protocols and survey methods outlined in BLM Technical Note 435: Accipiter Use of Pinyon- Juniper Habitats for Nesting in Northwestern Colorado.” Record all observations and nests of any raptors. Record all observations and nests of any raptors.

All fieldwork and documentation shall be performed to Department of Interior, (DOI) Bureau of Land mapping of transect/survey data shall be provided and displayed to the Government on request.

COR/PI will analyze contractor provided mapping data and survey forms to determine if performance

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 2

DELIVERABLES SCHEDULE

Deliverable Frequency # of Copies Medium/Format Submit To Task 1 Deliverable:

Preliminary Letter with results of BLM Special Status plant survey

Delivered 15 days after completion of field survey or by June 15, 2027

Letter shall be emailed in PDF or Word format.

Email to Cameron Shaughnessy and Ken Holsinger:

cshaughnessy@blm.

gov & kholsing@blm.gov

Task 2 Deliverable:

Preliminary Letter with results of Pinyon Jay survey

Delivered 15 days after completion of

May 15, 2027

Emily Latta:

cshaughnessy@blm.

elatta@blm.gov

Task 3 Deliverable:

Preliminary Letter with results of Raptor survey

Delivered 15 days after completion of

August 1, 2027

Emily Latta:

cshaughnessy@blm.

Task 4 Deliverable:

Draft Final Report, GIS Files of Data, Copies of all Field Survey Forms

Delivered by September 15, 2027

1 Draft Final Report shall be emailed in PDF or Word format. GIS files shall be emailed as zipped shapefiles or geodatabases.

Survey forms shall be emailed in PDF format.

Email to Cameron Shaughnessy, Ken Holsinger and Emily Latta:

cshaughnessy@blm.

gov;

kholsing@blm.gov;

Task 5 Deliverable:

Final Report

Delivered by October 15, 2021

1 Final Report shall be

Shaughnessy, Ken Holsinger and Emily Latta:

cshaughnessy@blm.

gov;

kholsing@blm.gov;

mailto:kholsing@blm.gov mailto:cshaughnessy@blm.gov mailto:cshaughnessy@blm.gov mailto:elatta@blm.gov mailto:cshaughnessy@blm.gov mailto:cshaughnessy@blm.gov mailto:elatta@blm.gov mailto:cshaughnessy@blm.gov mailto:cshaughnessy@blm.gov mailto:kholsing@blm.gov mailto:elatta@blm.gov mailto:cshaughnessy@blm.gov mailto:cshaughnessy@blm.gov

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 3

ESTIMATED WORKLOAD DATA

ITEM

NAME

ESTIMATED QUANTITY

1 Biological Field Survey 3065 Acres

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 4

MAPS

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 5

PROJECT UNIT SHAPEFILE

A zipped shapefile of the project area will be provided with the RFQ package.