A06_12048923Q0004 Little White Salmon New Botany Survey_final.pdf

OFFEROR’S COPY

Issuing Office:

Special Operations Center Northwest Division

This solicitation can be downloaded at https://www.sam.gov.

Offers Are Solicited For:

Little White Salmon New Botany Surveys

Solicitation: 12048923Q0004

IMPORTANT – NOTICE TO ALL PROSPECTIVE OFFERORS

Proposals shall be emailed to the Contracting Specialist, John Nix at john.nix@usda.gov, by 1000 hours, Eastern Standard Time, 3/23/2023.

As part of its proposal, the Offeror shall complete/submit the following:

(a) SF 1449, Blocks 17a, 30a-30c;

(b) Fill in the appropriate information requested in Section B.1, Schedule of Items;

(c) Provide your responses to Sections E.3 Instructions to Offerors; and,

(d) Contact information for an individual with the authority to bind.

Proposals that arrive after the prescribed time for receipt of proposals will be considered late and treated in accordance with FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items.

It is the Offeror’s responsibility to monitor the following website for any changes to the RFP:

https://www.sam.gov.

This solicitation neither commits the Government to pay any cost incurred in the submission of the offer or in making necessary studies or designs for preparing the offer, nor to contract for services or supplies. Any cost incurred in anticipation of a contract shall be at the Offeror’s own risk.

Offerors may contact the Contracting Specialist, John Nix at john.nix@usda.gov.

12048923Q0004 Little White Salmon New Botany Surveys https://www.sam.gov/ https://www.beta.sam.gov/ https://www.sam.gov/ https://www.beta.sam.gov/

SEE ADDENDUMIS CHECKED

CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

FACILITYCODE

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

OFFEROR

ATTN JOHN NIX

1400 INDEPENDENCE AVE SW MS-1138

SPOC NORTHWEST

USDA FOREST SERVICE

05M0 CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

X

541620

SIZE STANDARD:

100.00 % FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED OR0489

RFPIFB

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

RFQ

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NAICS:

SMALL BUSINESS

03/23/2023 1000 ET

03/02/2023

JOHN NIX

(No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIMEb. TELEPHONE NUMBERa. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

12048923Q0004

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. REQUISITION NUMBER

See ScheduleOFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

WASHINGTON DC 20250-0001

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

TROUT LAKE WA 98650-9046

2455 HWY 141

GIFFORD PINCHOT NATIONAL FOREST MT

15. DELIVER TO

WASHINGTON DC 20250-0001

ATTN JOHN NIX

1400 INDEPENDENCE AVE SW MS-1138

SPOC NORTHWEST

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$19.0

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW

ISSUE DATE

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

USDA FOREST SERVICE

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

Delivery: 10/15/2023 Period of Performance: 06/01/2023 to 10/15/2023

0001 Little White Salmon New Botany Surveys Requisition No: 1091291

The "Submit Invoice-to" address for USDA orders is the Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). The contractor must follow the instructions on how to register and

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

X

XX

DATED

VICKI L. KEEN

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

31c. DATE SIGNED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT:

REF.

Submit invoices via IPP prescribed in the previous communications from USDA and Treasury. All invoices are to be submitted via the electronic Invoice Processing Platform. This is a mandatory requirement initiated by the U.S. Department of Treasury and you can find more information at this website https:// www.ipp.gov/index.htm. Please make sure that your company has registered at https://www.ipp.gov/ vendors/enrollment-vendors.htm to establish your account.

12048923Q0004 Little White Salmon New Botany Surveys jnix Highlight jnix Highlight jnix Highlight jnix Highlight jnix Highlight jnix Highlight

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

40. PAID BY39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER

37. CHECK NUMBER

FINALPARTIAL

36. PAYMENT

FINALPARTIAL

35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

34. VOUCHER NUMBER33. SHIP NUMBER

COMPLETE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41c. DATE41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

submit invoices via IPP as prescribed in the previous communications from USDA and Treasury.

All invoices are to be submitted via the electronic Invoice Processing Platform. This is a mandatory requirement initiated by the U.S.

Department of Treasury and you can find more information at this website https://www.ipp.gov/index.htm. Please make sure that your company has registered at https://www.ipp.gov/vendors/enrollment-vendors.htm to establish your account.

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

12048923Q0004 Little White Salmon New Botany Surveys

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION B – SCHEDULE OF ITEMS/DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS PG. 6

B.1 SCHEDULE OF ITEMS/PRICE SCHEDULE PG. 6

B.2 SCOPE OF WORK PG. 6

B.3 PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS PG. 21

SECTION C – CONTRACT CLAUSES PG. 22

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS PG. 22

C.2 ADDENDUM TO FAR. FAR 52.212-4(G) INVOICES PG. 28

C.3 CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCES. 52.252-2 PG. 28

C.4 COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES FAR 52.212-5 PG. 29

C.5 AUTHORIZED DEVIATIONS IN CLAUSES. FAR 52.252-6 PG. 36

C.6 MODIFICATION FOR CONTRACT CLOSEOUT. FAR 452.204-70 PG. 36

C.7 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE. FAR 452.211-74 PG. 37

C.8 POST AWARD CONFERENCE. FAR 452.215-73 PG. 37

SECTION D – CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS PG. 38

ATTACHMENT A – PHASE 2 VICINITY MAP PG. 39

ATTACHMENT B-1 PHASE TOPO MAPS PG. 40

ATTACHMENT B-2 PHASE 2 ORTHO MAPS PG. 63

ATTACHMENT C-1 TARGET TEPS BOTANICAL SPECIES LIST 2021 PG. 86

ATTACHMENT C-2 TARGET SURVEY AND MANAGE BOTANICAL SPECIES PG. 89

ATTACHMENT D – INVASIVE BOTANICAL SPECIES LIST PG. 91

ATTACHMENT E – TABLE OF UNIT ACRES PG. 96

ATTACHMENT F – R6 TES ELEMENT OCCURRENCE FIELD FORM PG. 100

ATTACHMENT G – CRYPTOGRAM VOUCHER PACKET PG. 102

ATTACHMENT H – CRYPTOGRAM VOUCHERING GUIDELINES PG. 103

ATTACHMENT I – TARGET LOOK-ALIKE SPECIES PG. 106

ATTACHMENT J – R6 INVASIVE INVENTORY FIELD FORM PG. 107

ATTACHMENT K – INVASIVE PLANT INFESTATIONS SPREADSHEET

(this is a separate file)

ATTACHMENT L – GUIDELINES FOR DOCUMENTING INVASIVE PLANT

INFESTATIONS PG. 108

ATTACHMENT M – LWS BOTANY PHASE 2 GIS

(this is a separate file)

SECTION E – SOLICITATION PROVISIONS PG. 109

E.1 SIZE STANDARD AND NAICS CODE INFORMATION (AGAR 452.219-70) PG. 109

E.2 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE.

FAR 52.252-1 PG. 109

E.3 INSTRUCTION TO OFFERORS 52.212-1 PG. 110

E.4 EVALUATION – COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

FAR 52.212-2 PG. 114

E.5 AUTHORIZED DEVIATIONS IN PROVISIONS. FAR 52.252-5 PG. 115

E.6 REPRESENTATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS PG. 115

E.7 52.204-24 REPRESTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT PG. 115

E.8 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS – COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES. FAR 52.212-3 PG. 118

SECTION B – SCHEDULE OF ITEMS/DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS

B.1 SCHEDULE OF ITEMS/PRICE SCHEDULE

Item Services Qty Unit of Issue

Unit Price Total Price

0001 Regional Forester’s Sensitive, Survey and Manage Category A & C botanical species, and invasive species surveys within proposed vegetation management units

3,845 Acre $ $

0002 Invasive species surveys along roads within units, or boarding units or ¼ mile from units

37 Miles $ $

0003 Road mile walks-in to access units

0-10 Miles $ $

Total

B.2 STATEMENT OF WORK

Project

Little White Salmon Botany Surveys - Phase 2

1.0 Scope of Work

The objective of this Statement of Work (SOW) is to conduct botanical surveys to determine the presence or absence of target species, document and map locations and populations of target species, and provide an ecological description for the areas surveyed including any special habitats encountered. Botanical surveys for this contract will include target vascular, non-vascular, and invasive botanical species. See Attachment C-1 (Target TESP Botanical Species List 2021), Attachment C-2 (Target Survey and Manage Botanical Species 2014), and Attachment D (Invasive Botanical Species List 2020) for complete species lists. Survey and Manage Category A & C botanical species surveys (Attachment C-1) and Sensitive Species surveys (Attachment C-2) are required in all survey units. Attachment E is the list of survey units, acres, estimated walk-in mileage and estimated invasive species survey road miles. Invasive species surveys are required in all survey units and along roads bordering units and within ¼ mile of unit boundaries. Surveys will be conducted within proposed vegetation management units and along adjacent roads on the Mt. Adams Ranger District, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, during the period from June 1 – September 30, 2023. Road miles that were surveyed for invasive species in 2021 are not included in the estimated total and do not require surveys. All survey products shall be completed and submitted by October 15, 2023. Surveys and documentation will follow established written protocols, as specified in Section 5.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks.

2.0 Background

The project area is located in the southeastern portion of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, on the Mt. Adams Ranger District. Most units are accessed via Forest Roads 6600000, 6800000, and Oklahoma Road (Forest Road 1800000). The general survey area is outlined in the vicinity map (Attachment A). Detailed unit maps are included with the contract package (Attachments B-1 and B-2). Units are divided into sub stands and may not be contiguous because of riparian buffers. Unit sub stands may be surveyed as one unit, unless there is significant geographical separation of the sub stands from each other, as in stand 303942 which is separated into 4 areas. Please review the unit maps along with the geospatial data (Attachment M) for clarification. Unit boundaries are not marked on the ground and shall be surveyed by approximating the boundary location from maps and photos provided by the Forest Service.

The Little White Salmon watershed is uniquely placed on the landscape, spanning the east and west Cascades, and extending from the Columbia River Gorge into the high meadows of Indian Heaven Wilderness. The volcanic history of the area, combined with the steep climatic transition zones in this area drive uniquely high biodiversity; many botanical and wildlife species with high priority conservation status call this watershed home. Within the planning area, known sites for Regional Forester’s Sensitive botanical species include Sisyrinchium sarmentosum, Chrysolepis chrysophylla, Penstemon barrettiae, and Montia diffusa. In addition, a number of known sites of the Northwest Forest Plan Survey and Manage species Cypripedium fasciculatum are found in the watershed.

The Little White Salmon planning area is located within five sub watersheds (Hydrologic Unit Code, HUC 12).

The Camp Dry Creek-Lost Creek (11,640 acres) and Lava Creek (34,528 acres) to the northwest and the Upper (14,007 acre), Middle (12,277 acres) and Lower Little White Salmon (14,210) subwatersheds. The Little White Salmon planning area is comprised of area in Northwest Forest Plan Land allocations in the Late Successional Reserve (5,112 acres), Administratively Withdrawn (20,887 acres) and Matrix (40,174). The Big Lava Bed (14,231 acres) and a portion of the Indian Haven Wilderness (5,680 acres) constitutes most of the administratively withdrawn area due to the unique social and ecological values.

The major biophysical settings of the Little White Salmon planning area are mostly East Cascades Mesic Montane Mixed-Conifer Forest and Woodland (40% of the planning area) that represents the majority of non-riparian vegetation type in the main Little White Salmon River valley. The majority of the lower Lava Creek subwatershed is North Pacific Maritime Dry-Mesic Douglas-fir-Western Hemlock Forest (13%) which is mainly on the actual lava bed. Going up in elevation toward the Dry Creek-Lost Creek subwatershed the vegetation community transitions to North Pacific Dry-Mesic Silver Fir-Western Hemlock-Douglas-fir Forest (31%) with small portions of mountain hemlock, riparian and other forest types. Biophysical settings incorporate environmental data with plant associations to produce a map of vegetation communities that would have existed before modern human influence. Potential Natural Vegetation reflects a similar vegetation composition of the planning area and breaks the plant community into representative zones. In this model the Little White Salmon valley is represented by the white fir grand fir zone (23%), while the lava field is in Douglas fir and lodgepole pine series (10%) with the Lava Creek and Dry Creek-Lost Creek transitioning up an elevation gradient from western hemlock (21%) to silver fir (29%) and mountain hemlock (11%).

Units may contain rough and steep terrain and thickets of dense vegetation. Surveyors must be physically fit.

Hunters, forest product harvesters and other forest users may be present in the work area during the period of the contract. Roads range from paved to gravel and may be suitable only for high-clearance vehicles.

3.0 Access

Work areas may be reached by Forest Service roads, many of which are maintained for use by high-clearance vehicles (i.e., not suitable for passenger cars), may not be passable during periods of inclement weather, and do not always provide motorists with alerts to potential hazards (see Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) link below and “roads” geospatial layer in Attachment M for further information). Vehicles shall not operate off system roads without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer. No vehicle shall by-pass any officially blocked road (barriers, locked gates, posted signs, rock/log/dirt, etc.) without approval of the Contracting Officer.

The Government does not plan to provide access in the case of inaccessibility due to snow, fallen trees, slides or washouts on roads. It is assumed that the "closed" roads (roads classified as “1-Basic Custodial Care (CLOSED)” as shown in the geospatial data Attachment M) are not drivable, one-way estimates provided are roughly measured from ArcGIS and are just estimates. The Contractor will be compensated for walks-in on a per mile basis and is responsible for recording accurate measurements of mileage.

Roads shown on unit maps indicate access to units and are not to suggest the roads are open within units for any further travel. Bid on the basis of current status as mapped.

Please visit the Gifford Pinchot National Forest Maps and Publications website for information on downloadable maps: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/giffordpinchot/maps-pubs. The 2022 MVUM - Southwest of the Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map maybe helpful in providing an overview of the roads for this area and can be downloaded from: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/giffordpinchot/home/?cid=stelprdb5289777&width=full.

4.0 Definitions

Bryophytes – A division of non-vascular plants composed of mosses, hornworts, and liverworts.

Contiguous Habitat – an area of suitable habitat with adequate substrates without barriers to growth, reproduction, or dispersal of the species (wording extracted from 2003 Survey Protocols for Category A & C Survey and Manage lichens).

Complete Survey Method – For smaller areas (e.g., less than one hectare or 2.47 acres) conduct a complete survey. These surveys are defined as a 100 percent visual exam of the project area (wording extracted from 1998 Survey Protocol for Survey and Manage Strategy 2 Vascular Plants, version 2.0).

GPS – Global Positioning System – a network of orbiting satellites that use geometry to triangulate the position of the users ground position on the earth’s surface.

Intuitive Controlled Survey Method – For large areas (greater than one hectare or 2.47 acres), an intuitive controlled survey should be used. This method includes a complete survey in habitats with the highest potential for locating target species. The surveyor traverses through the project area enough to see a representative cross section of all major habitats and topographic features, looking for the target species while enroute between different areas. Most of the project area will have been surveyed. When a surveyor arrives at an area of high potential habitat, a complete survey for the target species should be made (wording extracted from 1998 Survey Protocol for Survey and Manage Strategy 2 Vascular Plants, version 2.0). Example major habitats and topographic features within the planning area include slopes, draws, benches, ridges, riparian or wet areas, rock outcrops, meadows, and hardwood gaps.

12048923Q0004 Little White Salmon New Botany Surveys https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/giffordpinchot/maps-pubs https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/giffordpinchot/home/?cid=stelprdb5289777&width=full

Invasive Plant Species – A species that does not naturally occur in a specific area and whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.

Invasive Plant Infestations – for the purpose of this contract, a specified subset of weeds taken from the 2019 Washington State Noxious Weed list, as well as other species recognized by the Gifford Pinchot National Forest as a threat to federal land. The Government’s interest is to know the extent of these occurrences along roads adjacent to units, and within units, in order to prevent spread to un-infested areas. Refer to Attachment D (Invasive Botanical Species List), Attachment J (Invasive Inventory Field Form), Attachment K (Invasive Plant Infestations Spreadsheet) and Attachment L (Guidelines for Documenting Invasive Plant Infestations 2021) for specific processes and requirements relating to surveying and documenting invasive plant infestations.

ISSSSP – The Interagency Special Status/Sensitive Species Program (ISSSSP) is a collaboration between Region 6 Forest Service and Oregon/Washington BLM to manage special status species (see https://www.fs.usda.gov/r6/issssp/).

Look-alike Species – There are a few common species that are similar in appearance and habitat preference to some Sensitive, or Survey and Manage botanical species. These Look-alike species are often good indicators of suitable habitats where their special status counterparts may be found. As such the presence or absence of Look-alikes in complete species lists can be an indicator of the completeness of the survey effort, and ensure Contractors are able to identify genera of interest, and separate species within those genera. A list of Target Look-alike Species can be found in Attachment I.

Non-Vascular Plants – Term used in this contract that refers to bryophytes and lichens.

Occurrence(s) – for the purpose of this contract, an occurrence is defined as an individual, or group of individuals of a Sensitive Botanical Species, in close proximity to each other, or a group of individuals that occur scattered throughout what appears to be contiguous habitat (See Contiguous Habitat, above). For more information on how to delineate the boundaries of Sensitive Botanical Species occurrences refer to Section 5.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks.

Sensitive Botanical Species – A subset of the Regional Forester’s Sensitive Species List consisting of botanical species either documented or suspected of occurring on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. These species are rarely encountered on the Forest and will require documentation and monumentation when found. A list of documented and suspected Sensitive Botanical Species for the Gifford Pinchot National Forest is provided in Attachment C-1.

Site(s) – The location where a specimen or population of the target [Survey and Manage] species (taxonomic entity) was located, observed, or presumed to exist … based on indicators described in the Survey Protocol or Management Recommendation. Also, the polygon described by connecting nearby or functionally contiguous detections of the same location (USDA, USDI 2001, Northwest Forest Plan Survey and Manage Standards and Guidelines – 83). For more information on how to delineate the boundaries of Survey and Manage sites refer to Section 5.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks.

Survey Area – The entire area surveyed for Target Species, even if no Target Species were detected.

Survey and Manage Botanical Species – A subset of Northwest Forest Plan Survey and Manage species (USDA, USDI 2001), incorporating annual species review updates through 2014 (Attachment C-2). Northwest Forest Plan Category A or C Survey and Manage Botanical Species require survey, documentation, monumentation, 12048923Q0004 Little White Salmon New Botany Surveys https://www.fs.usda.gov/r6/issssp/ and management. However, any Category of Survey and Manage Botanical Species that are located will require documentation, and monumentation.

Target Species – A summary term comprising both Sensitive and Survey and Manage Botanical Species that are required to be surveyed under this contract.

TESP – an acronym for Threatened, Endangered and Sensitive Plants

Threatened, endangered and proposed Plant Species (TES) – On the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, there is a single federally threatened botanical species documented to occur: Pinus albicaulis (USFWS published rule in the Federal Register on 12/15/2022 listing as federally threatened species, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/12/15/2022-27087/endangered-and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-threatened-species-status-with-section-4d-rule-for)

Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) – a mapping coordinate grid system based upon one of many different mapping projections. This contract requires that spatial location data be recorded utilizing a GPS that is set to use the projected coordinate system UTM, North American Datum (NAD) 1983, Zone 10 North. The data is displayed in meters Easting (X coordinate) and Northing (Y coordinate). The contractor will be advised if this UTM projection changes and will be required to use the new projection.

5.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

A. Target Species

1. Surveys for Sensitive and Survey and Manage (Target) Botanical Species

a. Sensitive and Survey and Manage Botanical (Target) Species: The Contractor shall complete field surveys for target species across all units within the project area. Survey methods shall follow these general guidelines: For large areas (one hectare [2.47 acres] or more), use the ‘intuitive’ survey approach: this survey method requires that the surveyor(s) be knowledgeable enough about the species and their habitat to distinguish areas of likely habitat on the ground.

All major habitats and topographic features within a unit are to be investigated to determine suitability for target species, and in order to build complete species lists. Any suitable habitat that is found requires a complete survey. The survey intensity should be thorough enough to have a reasonable assurance of detecting target species in atypical habitat as well. For small areas (less than one hectare [2.47 acres]) conduct a complete survey: A complete survey involves a 100 percent visual examination of the proposed project area. Survey and Manage Botanical Species shall be surveyed to taxonomic-specific protocols. Protocols may be accessed at https://www.blm.gov/or/plans/surveyandmanage/protocols/ https://www.blm.gov/or/plans/surveyandmanage/files/05-bryophytes_pbsv2_enclosed.pdf https://www.blm.gov/or/plans/surveyandmanage/files/08-lichens_v2-1_enclosed.pdf https://www.blm.gov/or/plans/surveyandmanage/files/07-lichens_v2-1_amend_enclosed.pdf

12048923Q0004 Little White Salmon New Botany Surveys https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.federalregister.gov%2Fdocuments%2F2022%2F12%2F15%2F2022-27087%2Fendangered-and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-threatened-species-status-with-section-4d-rule-for&data=05%7C01%7C%7C90018838736b4495955208dadeccbbfa%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C638067268147044643%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=PfFVU9rvUhUyYcoWQCiwNwBh3Gsbt3WJVPaXfGEokfU%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.federalregister.gov%2Fdocuments%2F2022%2F12%2F15%2F2022-27087%2Fendangered-and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-threatened-species-status-with-section-4d-rule-for&data=05%7C01%7C%7C90018838736b4495955208dadeccbbfa%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C638067268147044643%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=PfFVU9rvUhUyYcoWQCiwNwBh3Gsbt3WJVPaXfGEokfU%3D&reserved=0 https://www.blm.gov/or/plans/surveyandmanage/protocols/ https://www.blm.gov/or/plans/surveyandmanage/files/05-bryophytes_pbsv2_enclosed.pdf https://www.blm.gov/or/plans/surveyandmanage/files/08-lichens_v2-1_enclosed.pdf https://www.blm.gov/or/plans/surveyandmanage/files/07-lichens_v2-1_amend_enclosed.pdf https://www.blm.gov/or/plans/surveyandmanage/files/sp-sp-va-vascularplants-v2-1998-12.pdf

b. Printed copies of protocols will be provided to the Contractor by the Government.

2. Delineating the Boundaries of Target Species Occurrences/Sites

Species may occur in various patterns of distribution within the survey areas. Delineating the area of an occurrence/site can be a relatively simple task, such as when dealing with a single individual, or clustered group of individuals. In contrast, delineating the boundaries of an occurrence/site is more difficult when individuals and groups are widely distributed, yet appear to be contiguous, or marginally contiguous. The question then arises: Is this a single occurrence/site, or multiple occurrences/sites? For the purpose of this contract, an occurrence/site is defined as follows:

An array of individuals and/or groups of individuals occurring within a single area of contiguous habitat, where no individuals is more than 300 ft (100 meters) away from another individual(s).

Based on the judgment of the surveyor, and/or circumstances arising during the process of surveying, occurrences/sites may be delineated at closer proximities from one to another. The objective for the government is to know where the target species are on the ground so we can provide for their protection within the context of buffering occurrences and habitat within vegetation management units. If in doubt, discuss the situation with the Contracting Officer’s Representative.

3. Documenting Target Species Occurrences/Sites

If a Target Species is found, the Contractor shall complete:

a. A R6 TES Plant Element Occurrence Field Form (Attachment F) for each occurrence/site. The contractor shall assign a unique SiteID to each new occurrence. The SiteID shall be created using the following format: 060303_USDA PLANTS database species code_date_collector initials_sequential number (the sequential number is unique for a particular species, on a particular day, by a single surveyor). For example, if Thomas Jefferson located a Tetraphis geniculata occurrence on June 3, 2011, the SiteID would be: 060303_TEGE_6_3_11_TJ_1. If Thomas Jefferson were to find an additional Tetraphis geniculata on the same day, the occurrence would be labeled 060303_TEGE_6_3_11_TJ_2. If Tom found a Corydalis aquae-gelidae on that same day, the occurrence would be labeled 060303_COAQ_6_3_11_TJ_1

b. A map of the survey unit showing the location and extent of the occurrence/site, clearly labeled, in ink, with the SiteID, species, and Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) locations (NAD 83), in meters. Note that individuals or groups of the target species located within large or spatially complex occurrences need to be mapped, monumented, and located in UTM coordinates to the extent that the boundaries of the occurrence can be re-located in the field. In this case, maps shall be clearly labeled, in ink, with the Site ID, unit number, and UTM coordinates of individuals/groups found within the occurrence/site to facilitate re-location. UTM data shall be collected in NAD 83, Zone 10, in meters, and with accuracy of 50 feet (16 meters) or less. If necessary, the contractor may attach an extra sheet to the R6 TES Plant Element Occurrence Field Form with additional sets of UTM coordinates associated with these multiple individuals or groups of individuals.

https://www.blm.gov/or/plans/surveyandmanage/files/sp-sp-va-vascularplants-v2-1998-12.pdf

c. Collect and record geospatial data on Target Species in a summary (includes all units) ArcGIS shapefile, documenting occurrences/sites as polygons. Each polygon should be attributed with a minimum of: (1) Site ID; (2) scientific name; and (3) unit number.

4. Monumenting Target Species Occurrences/Sites

All Target Species occurrences/sites located in the field shall be monumented as follows:

a. Each occurrence/site shall have a yellow plastic tag nailed to a nearby tree with an aluminum nail, leaving the nail protruding to allow for tree growth. The plastic tag shall be labeled with the Site ID.

b. In addition, a combination of red-and-white striped and yellow flagging shall be hung on a tree or shrub as close as possible to the occurrence/site, and also labeled with the Site ID. In addition, three additional places shall be hung with flagging at locations surrounding the occurrence/site, at a distance of 20-30 ft., in order to facilitate relocation of the occurrence/site.

In all cases, flagging shall be hung with long streamers to increase visibility (~3 ft. long).

5. Vouchering Bryophytes and Lichens

When lichen or bryophyte occurrences/sites are found, collect a voucher specimen (1 per species per unit) and place it in a Cryptogam Voucher Packet (Attachment G). Fill out the information on the packet and label with the Site ID. When lichen or bryophyte occurrences are too small to sample for vouchers according to vouchering guidelines (Attachment H), a photo voucher will be submitted electronically. Photo vouchers shall be labeled with the SiteID. The Contractor is requested to take several images to bracket the exposure and check the focus in the field, to create the best image possible for later judgment by a species expert. If possible, show both upper and lower surfaces of lichens, if this can be done without damaging the thallus. Vouchers shall be submitted to the COR along with other final products.

6. Vascular Plant Photographs

Photos are also requested for any vascular plant identifications that might be uncertain. Photo vouchers shall be labeled with the SiteID. The Contractor is requested to take several images to bracket the exposure and check the focus in the field, to create the best image possible for later judgment by a species expert.

B. Landscape and Habitat Information, including Special Habitats

For each unit, provide a written description of the stand, including:

1. Dominant overstory species, shrub, and herbaceous species, as well as dominant aspect and topography. If there are multiple canopy cohorts, note approximate ages, and describe.

2. A list of the three most common species of trees, three most common species of shrubs, and three most common understory herbs, with an estimate of stand level percent cover.

3. List the Plant Associations most common in the unit.

4. A description of old-growth legacy features within the stand, including large down woody debris, large stumps, snags, or remnant trees.

5. A description of unusual features or discoveries, not necessarily botanical (i.e., archaeological artifacts, hunter’s hut, trash piles, etc.).

6. A summary of special habitats found within the unit. Special habitats include, but are not limited to, rocky outcrops, wetlands, springs, seeps, meadows, unmapped or incorrectly mapped streams, well-developed hardwood gaps, and legacy features of particular value or note. For each special habitat, provide the following:

a. Collect and record geospatial data on special habitats in a summary (includes all units) ArcGIS shapefile, documenting special habitats as polygons. Each polygon should be attributed with (1) a unique identifier that is cross-referenced to photo and map (see b and c); (2) unit number; and (3) description of habitat.

b. Photo of habitat, labeled with unique identifier linking special habitat to map (see c) and shapefile (see a).

c. A summary map per unit, showing special habitats within each unit, labeled with unique identifiers linking polygons to photo (b) and shapefile (a).

Note: refer to section E below for more details on documentation conventions.

C. Invasive Species

1. Complete field surveys of specified invasive plants (Attachment D) within all units, and along roads directly adjacent to units and within 0.25 miles of unit boundaries.

2. Document findings in accordance with the Guidelines for Documenting Invasive Plant Infestations 2021 (Attachment L), in the following formats:

a. Document infestations on the R6 Invasive Plants Inventory Field Form (Attachment J).

b. Collect and record geospatial data, in a summary ArcGIS shapefile (i.e., includes all units), documenting infestations as polygons. Each polygon should be attributed with unique Site ID (as described on the R6 Invasive Plant Inventory Field Form, this can be the site ID), NRM-IS site ID (if different from unique identifier), unit, and full scientific name.

c. Transcribe data from R6 Invasive Plants Inventory Field Forest to Invasive Plant Infestation Summary Spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel (Attachment K).

D. Complete Botanical Species Lists

Compile, in Excel spreadsheet format, a comprehensive summary of botanical species found in each unit of the project area. This list is meant to summarize all species detected and reported in unit-specific complete species lists (including Target Species and Invasive Botanical Species). This summary spreadsheet shall include all species encountered, with full scientific name, USDA Plants code; unit number; presence absence indicator (sortable), and Site ID codes in cases where Target Species were located within units.

E. Unit Level Summary Reports

A final written report shall be completed for each surveyed unit. The written report shall include on a title page or header:

a. Unit number

b. Date(s) surveys occurred

c. Surveyor names

To ensure important survey information is noted in the field and documented in the final report the layout of the report shall adhere to the sequence of paragraphs requested below (d-h). Number the paragraphs as described (1,2,3,4,5) to clearly delineate the information. If there were no elements to describe related to Paragraphs 3, 4 or 5, then give that information; such as “No old growth features were found.”

d. Paragraph 1: A summary of any Sensitive or Survey and Manage species occurrences/sites located within the unit.

e. Paragraph 2:

• Dominant overstory species, shrub, and herbaceous species, as well as dominant aspect and topography. If there are multiple canopy cohorts, note approximate ages, and describe.

• A list of the three most common species of trees, three most common species of shrubs, and three most common understory herbs, with an estimate of stand level percent cover.

• List the Plant Associations most common in the unit.

f. Paragraph 3: A summary of special habitats found within the unit.

g. Paragraph 4: A summary of old-growth legacy features within the stand, including large down woody debris, large stumps, snags, or remnant trees. When legacy features of particular value or note are located within a unit, collect data as for a special habitat (as described in Section B).

h. Paragraph 5: A description of unusual features or discoveries, not necessarily botanical (i.e., archaeological artifacts, hunter’s hut, trash piles, etc.).

In addition, the following maps and lists shall be included in each unit report:

i. A map showing the survey route taken, labeled clearly, in ink, with the unit number.

j. A complete unit-specific botanical species list. To be considered complete, species lists must:

1. Contain 70% or more of the vascular species, 70% or more of the bryophytes, and 70% or more of the lichens detected by inspector/unit.

2. Contain adequate documentation of target Look-alike Species (Attachment I). If three or more occurrences of Look-alike Species are found within a unit by the inspector, but were not found by the Contractor, the survey is considered unsatisfactory, and the contractor must re-survey the unit. If this pattern is seen in four or more units (i.e., the same Look-alike species are consistently missed during surveys), then contractors must re-survey all previously surveyed units, targeting the overlooked genera/species. This ensures that contract surveyors are able to identify genera of interest, and separate species within those genera.

F. Project Level Summary Products

a. A complete list, in Excel spreadsheet format, of all botanical species encountered in the survey units, as described in section 5 D.

b. Geospatial data on Target Species in a summary ArcGIS shapefile (i.e., includes all units), as described in Section 5 A, subsection 3 (c).

c. Geospatial data on special habitats in a summary ArcGIS shapefile (i.e., includes all units), as described in Section 5 B, subsection 6 (a).

d. Geospatial data on Invasive Plant Infestations, in a summary ArcGIS shapefile (i.e., includes all units), as described in Section 5 C, subsection 2 (b).

e. A completed Invasive Plant Infestation Summary Spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel (Attachment K), with data transcribed from Invasive Plants Infestation Forms.

f. A comprehensive summary spreadsheet, organized by unit (rows), and including a column for rare species detections, special habitats, and invasives (each summarized in a single cell of the spreadsheet).

g.

6.0 Deliverables / Schedule

NOTE: all required documentation shall be submitted in electronic format.

The products of this contract will be as referenced in Section 5.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks above:

1. Conduct botanical surveys according to protocol(s) for target botanical species.

2. Document and map target species when located by surveys, using GPS and field forms. Fill out appropriate forms legibly so they are able to be printed or copied.

3. Document and map areas surveyed whether or not target species were found on appropriate forms filled out legibly and able to be printed or copied.

4. Provide habitat information for target species populations and areas surveyed.

5. Provide maps delineating survey routes and populations of target plant species, or GPS Tracks of survey routes with locations of target plant species.

6. Appropriately collected and annotated voucher specimens of target plant species.

7. Monumenting of verified or potential target species.

8. Provide photos of each target species showing the entire plant as well as photos showing diagnostic characteristics (see each species protocol for additional requirements), and the habitat it occurs in.

9. Written unit survey reports summarizing areas surveyed and target species located/mapped. Reports include associated species, habitat descriptions, and habitat threats/disturbances.

10. Provide GIS mapping files and include a complete list of target species per unit and their location coordinates in an excel spreadsheet. This contract requires that spatial location data be recorded utilizing a GPS that is set to use the projected coordinate system UTM, Datum NAD 1983, Zone 10 North. The data is displayed in meters Easting (X coordinate) and Northing (Y coordinate).

TIMEFRAMES FOR SUBMITTING DOCUMENTATION (this table is provided as an example of expected timeframes, which will be confirmed at the prework conference)

Process Who When Unit Survey Reports, NRM TESP Element Occurrence Forms, voucher specimens, Invasives Inventory Field Forms (required forms, data and photos) (as referenced in Section 5.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks above and Attachments F, G, J and K)

Contractor Every month

Inspect documents, vouchers and electronic shapefiles/data files to ensure all information provided

Government Within 5 calendar days from receiving the documentation.

Notify Contractor of any documents that need to be redone, maps/photos that are missing, mis-identified or incomplete voucher specimen(s), or incomplete shapefile/data files

Government Within 3 calendar days after Government’s inspection.

Resubmit documents, missing or inaccurate maps/photos, incomplete voucher specimens, or electronic data files.

Contractor Within 7 calendar days of notification.

Conduct random inspections of surveyed units Government Within two weeks of receiving Survey Forms, Element Occurrence Forms, and maps and/or GPS tracks.

Notify Contractor of units requiring resurvey Government Within 3 calendar days after Government’s inspection.

Resurvey Units Contractor Within 7 calendar days of notification.

For vascular and nonvascular plant surveys: final batch (not already submitted) of forms, maps, photos, and electronic data files referenced in Section 5.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks and the first row of this table

Contractor Within 14 calendar days after all work completed

Final Report Contractor No later than 30 days after field work is completed.

Invoice submitted Contractor Within 14 calendar days of Government acceptance date of document and field inspections.

Invoice processed Government Within 7 working days of invoice receipt date – per Prompt Payment Act.

7.0 Government Furnished Property

The following property will be furnished to the Contractor at the prework conference, after award:

• 1:15,840 or larger scale map for each area to be surveyed, one set of copies and electronic .jpg files

• Ranger District maps, 1 per surveyor

• Plant Association guides, one set for sharing among surveyors

• Survey and Manage Botanical Species Survey Protocols, one set for sharing among surveyors

• Geospatial data showing botany survey units and roads within the project area

(Attachment M)

• Red and white striped and yellow solid flagging, yellow tags, and aluminum nails, for monumenting Target Species occurrences/sites

8.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

(a) The Contractor shall assign to this contract the following key personnel: all personnel listed in the contractor’s technical proposal under key personnel.

(b) During the first ninety (90) days of performance, the Contractor shall make no substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death, or termination of employment. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer within 15 calendar days after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required by paragraph (c) below. After the initial 90-day period, the Contractor shall submit the information required by paragraph (c) to the Contracting Officer at least 15 days prior to making any permanent substitutions.

(c) The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the Contracting Officer. Proposed substitutes should have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor within 15 calendar days after receipt of all required information of the decision on substitutions. The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.

9.0 Contractor Obligations

The contractor shall furnish everything necessary to perform this contract including, but not limited to, all labor, equipment, supervision, materials/supplies (except those materials designated as Government furnished) and incidentals necessary to perform vascular and nonvascular plant surveys in accordance with the enclosed specifications, terms and conditions of this contract. All federal and state rules and regulations will be followed as well as appropriate federal agency jurisdictional guidelines unique to each agency.

Follow Federal and state rules and regulations which include but are not limited to:

• Transportation

• Equipment Operation

• Licensing

• Permitting

• Safety

• Labor Laws

• Federal Travel Regulations

The Contractor shall be liable for all loss or damage of such Government-furnished property until completion and final acceptance of work required under this contract.

The Contractor shall provide field personnel who have experience and knowledge of the following:

a. Are proficient in the identification of target species which pertain to vascular and non-vascular surveys.

b. Experience in proper collection techniques for voucher specimens.

c. Experience in field techniques including aerial photo, map interpretation, and floristic field observation skills. This includes the identification of vascular plant species and plant communities for Western Washington (to be able to make a list of associated species).

d. Ability to document location, ecological condition, habitat, and survey routes for areas occupied by target species.

Specifically, but not necessarily all inclusive, the Contractor shall furnish:

a. Compass with azimuth and the appropriate declination setting for the geographic area.

b. Clinometer

c. Hand Lens (minimum magnification 10X).

d. GPS receiver unit, recreational grade (e.g., Garmin E-Trex at a minimum) that will be used to map each site for each target species. The GPS unit must be capable of allowing the user to select the correct coordinate system (UTM and datum NAD83). Mapping accuracy shall be 30 meters or better.

e. Wide-lined permanent markers for marking flagging and fine-lined permanent marking pens for marking topographical maps and/or aerial photos.

f. Appropriate technical references (i.e., plant keys and monographs) to accurately identify botanical species encountered during the inventory. Examples include:

1. Vascular Plants – Flora of the Pacific Northwest (Hitchcock and Cronquist, et. al. Second Edition, 2018); Jepson Manual (Baldwin et al. 2012); Field Guide to the Sedges of the Pacific Northwest (Wilson et al. 2014); Flora of Oregon volume 1: Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms, and Monocots (Meyers et al. 2015).

2. Bryophytes – California Mosses (Malcom, Shevock, and Norris 2009); Keys to the Liverworts and Mosses of California (Norris 2004); Moss Flora of the Pacific Northwest (Lawton 1971).

3. Lichens – Macrolichens of the Pacific Northwest, Second Ed. (McCune and Geiser 2009)

4. Fungi – Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest (Trudell and Ammirati 2009); Phaeocollybia of

Pacific Northwest North America (Norvell and Exeter, 2009); Field Guide to North American Truffles (Trappe et al., 2007); Mushrooms Demystified (Arora 1986); Ramaria of the Pacific Northwestern United States (Exeter et al., 2006); Handbook to Strategy 1 Fungal Species in the Northwest Forest Plan (Castellano et al., 1999), Handbook to Additional Fungal Species of Special Concern in the Northwest Forest Plan (Castellano et al., 2003).

On-line keys can be found at the Pacific Northwest Key Council:

http://www.svims.ca/council/

g. A digital camera with a minimum resolution of 5 mega-pixels, JPEG format.

12048923Q0004 Little White Salmon New Botany Surveys http://www.svims.ca/council/

h. Compound and dissecting microscopes and chemicals required for proper identification of target species, and packets or other appropriate containers for vouchering specimens (see https://www.fs.usda.gov/r6/issssp/inventories/?identification)

i. Blank USB/thumb drive for submitting electronic forms, maps, photos, summary report, and electronic data files.

j. Contractors must have access to a computer with an internet connection, email, and Microsoft Word and Excel programs and GIS mapping software.

10.0 Contracting Officer’s Representative

The Contracting Officer designates the Contracting Officer's Representative(s) (COR). The COR is responsible for administering the performance of work under this contract. In no event, however, will any understanding, agreement, modification, change order, or other matter deviating from the terms of this contract be effective or binding upon the Government unless formalized by proper contractual documents executed by the Contracting Officer prior to completion of the contract.

The Contracting Officer should be informed as soon as possible of any…