AG-3434-S-16-0009.pdf

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD 1.THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED ORDER RATING PAGE OF

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700) 1 41 PAGES

2. CONTRACT NUMBER 3. SOLICITATION NUMBER 4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION 5. DATE ISSUED 6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE

AG-3434-S-16-0009 SEALED BID (IFB) FEB 23, 2016 NUMBER 786792

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

7. ISSUED BY CODE 8. ADDRESS OFFER TO (If other than Item 7)

USDA FOREST SERVICE

MONONGAHELA NATIONAL FOREST

410 EAST MAIN STREET

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WV 24986

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder".

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and 0 copies for furnishing the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in Item 8, or if handcarried, in the depository located in SEE BLOCKS 7 & 8 until 4:00 PM local time MAR 24, 2016 (Hour) (Date) CAUTION - LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L, Provision No. 52.214-7 or 52.215-1. All offers are subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

10. FOR

INFORMATION A. NAME B. TELEPHONE NO. (NO COLLECT

CALLS)Area Code/Number/Extension C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

CALL: CARRIE EDWARDS 304-536-2144 CLEDWARDS@FS.FED.US

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

(X) SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(S) (X) SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(S)

PART I - THE SCHEDULE PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

X A SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM 1-4 X I CONTRACT CLAUSES 25-31

X B SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS 5-7 PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

X C DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT 8-16 X J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 32

X D PACKAGING AND MARKING 17 PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

X E

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 18

X K REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND 33-37

X F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE 19 OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

X G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 20 X L INSTRS., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS 38-40

X H SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 21-24 X M EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD 41

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT 10 CALENDAR DAYS 20 CALENDAR DAYS 30 CALENDAR DAYS CALENDAR DAYS (See Section I, Clause No. 52-232-8) % % % %

14. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS AMENDMENT NO. DATE AMENDMENT NO. DATE

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amend-ments to the SOLICITATION for offerors and related documents numbered and dated):

15A.

NAME AND

ADDRESS

OF OFFEROR

CODE FACILITY 16. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN

OFFER (Type or Print)

15B. TELEPHONE NO. (Include area code and extension)

15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS

17. SIGNATURE

18. OFFER DATE

IS DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE - ENTER

SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS NUMBERED 20. AMOUNT 21. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN

COMPETITION

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN ITEM

10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) ( ) 41 U.S.C. 253(c) ( ) (4 copies unless otherwise specified)

24. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 7) CODE 25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) 27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 28. AWARD DATE

(Signature of Contracting Officer) IMPORTANT - Award will be made on this Form, or on Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION STANDARD FORM 33 (REV.9-97)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.214(c)

Service RFP

AG-3434-S-16-0009

BAT INVENTORY AND MIST NETTING IDIQ

Blank Page

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

1. This solicitation will result in the award of one firm, fixed-price, multiple-year, Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) service contract.

2. The Base Year will begin at contract award and run 12 months. Each successive Option Year (if exercised) will be 12 months in duration and begin immediately upon expiration of the previous.

3. Although a site visit has not been scheduled for this project, prospective offerors are encouraged to view the sites to make their own estimate on the amount of work needed. Additional technical information or assistance with locating the specific project areas may be obtained by contacting Catherine Johnson at catherinejohnson@fs.fed.us or 304-636- 1800 x 170.

4. Offerors must propose on all items. Offerors who do not propose on all items will be considered unresponsive and removed from further consideration. Unreasonably high, unrealistically low, unbalance or incomplete pricing shall eliminate a proposal from competition.

5. All quantities are estimated quantities only and will be used for evaluation purposes. The estimates were obtained from records of previous requirements, projected need from work plans, or by other means, and are based on the most current information available. Actual quantities will be provided in each individual task order.

6. Individual task orders will be issued as program needs arise. Actual work ordered will be based on prices submitted and funds available at times of needs. Task orders will be individual projects and include a specific statement of work and period of performance.

7. All warranted Contracting Officers of the USDA Forest Service are authorized to place orders under this contract.

The amount of any order shall not exceed the maximum order limitation shown elsewhere in this contract.

8. To be eligible for award, bidders must meet the following criteria. The documentation of meeting these criteria must be submitted with bid.

A. Contractor must be a WV DNR Permitted Identifier, a qualified bat biologist that has been authorized by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) to net and handle Indiana bats, as well as northern long-eared bats and Virginia big-eared bats. Contractor must also have experience leading bat mist-netting projects and conducting radio-telemetry in the Appalachian region.

B. Have available at least 2 two-person crews to work full time on this project. At least one person at each net site must be a WVDNR-Permitted Identifier, experienced in identifying and handling Indiana bats, as well as having experience in all of the following:

a. Correct identification of bats of the northeast, to species.

b. Collection of biological information on bats of the northeast.

c. Selecting net sites and placing net sets to maximize bat captures.

d. Attaching radio transmitters, and bat bands.

e. Radio-tracking and mapping behavior gained thru biotelemetry.

f. Documenting study information (bats, net sets, portal entrances, etc.) with photography.

C. Assistants may be employed and are under the Supervision of the WVDNR-Permitted Identifier and are only responsible for assisting in site set-up, take-down and removal of bats. All bats must be held until verified by a WVDNR-Permitted Identifier and the verification will occur within 1 hour of capture.

mailto:catherinejohnson@fs.fed.us

D. Assistants may conduct the radio-telemetry tracking portion of the work if they have prior experience tracking bats in conditions similar to those encountered on the Monongahela National Forest (e.g., mountainous forested terrain).

E. Resumes and academic credentials for each crew member must be provided with bids.

9. Contractor must, at its own expense, provide and maintain insurance coverage throughout the performance of this contract. See FAR Clause 52.228-5, Insurance – Work on a Government Installation and AGAR Clause 452-228-71, Insurance Coverage.

10. In order to make an offer for this requirement, it is necessary to complete and return the following:

SF-33 – Pages 1 & 2 Schedule of Items – Pages 5 & 6 Representations and Instructions – Pages 33-37 Attachment #2 – Experience / Past Performance Questionnaire

Completed packages should be received by 4:00 p.m. EST, on MARCH 24, 2016 at the following address:

USDA FOREST SERVICE

MONONGAHELA NATIONAL FOREST

ATTN: CARRIE EDWARDS, CO

410 EAST MAIN STREET

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WV 24986

Offers or modifications of offers received at the address specified for the receipt of offers after the exact time specified for receipt of offers are late and will not be considered.

11. Payment will be made after inspection and acceptance by the COR. All payments by the Government to the Contractor under this contract will be made in accordance with Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) methods referenced in this solicitation.

12. The “Submit Invoice-to” address for USDA orders is the Department of Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). All invoices are to be submitted online 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. Your company must register at https://www.ipp.gov/vendors/enrollment-vendors.htm to establish an account in order to submit an invoice on this project.

13. In accordance with the Prompt Payment Act, payment will be due 30 days after receipt of supplies/services or receipt of proper invoice; whichever is later. To check on payments once a contract has been awarded, contact the Miscellaneous Payments Section of National Finance Center at 1-800-421-0323.

https://www.ipp.gov/index.htm https://www.ipp.gov/vendors/enrollment-vendors.htm

AGAR 452.216-73 Minimum And Maximum Contract Amounts (FEB 1988)

During the period specified in FAR clause 52.216-18, ORDERING, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum of $2,500 (base period only), but not in excess of $1,000,000 (over the life of the entire contract).

SECTION C--DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

DIVISION 100 - GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

110 - Scope of Contract: The scope of this contract is to conduct mist-net surveys of sites in the Monongahela National Forest for bats. Mist-nets will be operated during nighttime hours to determine which species of bats are using these areas during summer months. Bats captured will then be identified by species, sex, age, reproductive condition, time caught, weight, forearm length and band description (if applicable). A net site shall be the basis for payment for this contract. Netting at each site will consist of a minimum of two net locations (sets; no closer than 30 meters) at each site; a minimum of 2 nights of netting; with each net checked at regular intervals of approximately 10 minutes (not to exceed 15 minutes). Each net set will be opened and monitored for five hours beginning at dusk. The scope of this contract is on a per-site basis; thus the contractor is responsible for any additional time beyond the two complete net-nights/site (i.e., rain-outs or other situations that necessitate extra net-night efforts; see technical specifications).

Bridge surveys will be conducted on up to three (3) bridges per year; locations of these bridges will be determined at the same time that sites are selected annually. Each bridge must be checked and a hand net capture attempt performed once an hour during nights when mist-net surveys are conducted within 1 mile of that bridge.

For each survey year, approximately five bats captured in nets will be radio-tagged (transmitter attached) with the expressed goal of identifying diurnal roost sites by the use of radio telemetry; these bats would include the first healthy adult Indiana bat captured and other healthy, reproductively active (but not pregnant) female Indiana bats captured as well as other species. Additional species to be radio-tagged will be identified by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) during the contract, a minimum of one-day prior to the netting night during which the capture might occur. After a bat has been radio-tagged, it is the contractor’s responsibility to notify the COR early the following day and then locate that bat during the day for the two (2) consecutive days following capture, though days do not need to be consecutive if weather makes it unsafe to proceed on a given day; it is anticipated that approximately five bats will be selected for tracking to roost trees during each mist-netting season. Refer to Technical Specifications Items 230 and 231 below for more information regarding handling of captured bats and specific telemetry tasks.

Telemetry work beyond the initial two days has been identified as a separate Line Item. The contractor must be prepared to begin telemetry work associated with this effort (Line Item 2) within two days of capture of a bat selected for additional telemetry within the Monongahela Forest proclamation boundary (i.e., immediately following the two days of telemetry included in Line Item 1), and to continue for the next six (6) consecutive days (though days do not need to be consecutive if weather makes it unsafe to proceed on a given day). Refer to Technical Specifications Item 231 below for more information regarding specific telemetry tasks.

All healthy Myotis sodalis and Myotis lucifugus will be banded with bands provided by West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

The Contractor shall progressively prosecute the work at a rate that will result in completion of the contract within the time specified. The Contractor will furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, transportation and other incidentals, except as otherwise provided by the government.

120 - Contract Period: Mist-netting must occur between June 1 and August 1, annually; mist-netting for locations designated as long-term monitoring sites should be completed by July 15, annually, unless an exception is made by the MNF COR. All work must be completed by December 31, annually.

130 - Location and Description: The areas to be mist-netted are located on the Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia (including the Fernow Experimental Forest). Areas to be surveyed occur in the following counties; Grant, Greenbrier, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Preston, Randolph, Tucker, and Webster. The broad boundaries and general location of areas to be surveyed are shown on the attached maps. Private land is intermingled with National Forest land. Permission to drive, park, or walk on private land must be secured from the landowner by the Contractor.

The project areas may be reached by County, State, National Forest, and private roads. The areas are generally accessible by standard automobile or pickup truck during dry weather, although 4-wheel drive may be necessary in wet conditions. Vehicle travel must be on established roads, unless stated otherwise by the Forest Service. The Forest Service assumes no obligation to perform special maintenance to keep roads open. Individual net/survey sites may be accessible by foot travel only. The terrain varies from flat to steep slopes and is primarily forested.

140 - Contract Administration: The Contracting Officer will designate a Contracting Officer's Representative or COR for the purpose of insuring compliance with the specifications and provisions of the contract. Prior to start of work the Contracting Officer or COR will contact the Contractor and inform him of the pre-work conference date and location to discuss the contract terms, work performance requirements, and the Contractor's plans for conducting the work.

150 - Government-Furnished Property: The Government shall make available to the Contractor the materials, supplies, property or services (hereinafter referred to as "Government-furnished property") as listed below. The Contractor shall be liable for all loss or damage of such delivered, Government-furnished property until completion and final acceptance of work required under this contract.

The listed items will be available to the Contractor at the time and place of the pre-work conference. The Government-furnished property, with the exception of maps, will be returned to the Forest Service upon contract completion.

Item Replacement cost 1 5 MNF Forest Visitor maps None 2 5 Topographic/quadrangle maps relevant to each area to be surveyed None

3 Forest Service Keys to open gates on FS roads* $75.00 each 4 Data sheets for mist-netting activities None 5 Data sheets for bridge survey activities None 6 Data sheets for telemetry/roost tree identification None 7 Example of acceptable database form for providing electronic data None 8 Radio transmitters (frequency = 151.xxx) $250.00 each

• One set of keys per crew, plus one extra set for the contractor.

160 - Contractor-Furnished Property: The following items are basic field equipment required for mist-netting bats; in addition, the contractor must have access to computer hardware and software equipment sufficient to provide an acceptable electronic report to the Forest annually (refer to Technical Specifications Item 232). As a minimum, the Contractor will provide each crew with the following:

1 Mist-nets, poles (labeled with the Contractor’s name and address) 2 Light sources (head lamps, flashlights, etc.)

3 Leather gloves 4 Digital Camera with flash and close-up lens 5 Digital electronic scales (within at least a +/- 0.1g accuracy) 6 Holding containers/bags for temporary holding bats 7 Field guides 8 Hip boots and waders 9 Calipers and millimeter ruler to measure forearm length 10 Thermometers 11 GPS unit 12 Hand-held net for bridge surveys 13 Radio receivers with appropriate frequencies to track transmitters (see #150, item 8 above; frequency = 151.xxx) 14 Disposable handling bags, gloves, outer wear, swabs and other equipment as necessary to comply with USFWS, FS and State requirements associated with White-Nose Syndrome decontamination, equipment disposal, and data collection

170 - Personnel Qualifications: A minimum of two people per net site is required. At least one person at each net site must be a WVDNR-Permitted Identifier with experience in identifying and handling Indiana bats. Resumes and academic credentials for the bat identification person(s) and each crew-member will also be provided. The Contractor will provide references from similar past work with the bid. All of this information will be used to determine the contractor's qualifications to perform the work.

171 - Substitution of Personnel: During the course of the contract, the Contractor may add or replace any personnel working with him, provided requirements of Section 170 continue to be met and after written approval of the Contracting Officer is received.

180 - Resource Protection, Use and Maintenance of Improvements: The Contractor shall use every precaution necessary to prevent damage to public and private property.

181 - Refuse Disposal: Papers, cans, bottles, or other refuse resulting from the Contractor's operations shall be removed from National Forest lands.

182 - Fire Prevention and Control: Campfires will not be permitted except when leaves are moist or a place cleared of flammable material is used. If conditions warrant, the Government may prohibit fires. Before leaving, all fires will be completely extinguished.

183 - Special Uses and Easements: Oil and gas wells, pipelines, and power lines are a common occurrence on National Forest land. Driving on pipeline or power line easements is not allowed.

DIVISION 200 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

210 – Mist-net Set: Netting at each site should include at least four net nights, consisting of: 1) a minimum of two net locations at each site (at least 30 m apart, especially in linear habitat such as a stream corridor); and 2) a minimum of two nights of netting (i.e., two net locations for two nights = four net nights per site). A “net night” is defined as one net set up for one night. The sample period should begin at sunset and continue for at least 5 hours (longer sample periods may improve success). Each "net" should be checked approximately every 10 minutes. Each net(s) will be operated for 5 hours each night beginning at dusk. Nets should be checked regularly to see they are properly tensioned/adjusted.

Leaves, larger insects, debris and other animals should be regularly removed from the nets. There should be no other disturbance near the nets.

211 - Netting Locations: Mist-netting sites will be on the Cheat/Potomac, Gauley, Greenbrier and Marlinton/White Sulphur Ranger Districts, Monongahela National Forest in areas delineated on the attached maps. Long-term site locations will be specified by the COR annually and those sites will be in the same location as previous years (information regarding long-term site locations will be provided when sites are determined each year). For new sites, the respective MNF district wildlife biologist will assist the Contractor in selecting the actual mist-net locations within each project area to be surveyed. The FS COR will have final approval of mist-net sites. Site naming protocol for new sites will be provided to the contractor by MNF personnel prior to contract implementation for each year.

212 – Mist-net Specifications: mist-nets should be of the finest, lowest visibility mesh that is commercially available, and should be constructed specifically for bats (bird nets are not acceptable due to bag differences). Nets should be 2 ply, 50 denier nylon which is denoted as 50/2; 3. Mesh size of the nets should be between 1.25 inch - 1.75 inch. Nets will be in good condition and repair. All nets will be labeled with the contractor’s name and contact information.

213 – Mist-net Placement: Mist-nets usually should be set approximately perpendicular across potential bat travel and/or foraging corridors such as logging/woods roads, or over areas considered to have a high potential to be used by bats for foraging or drinking, such as over waterholes, ponds, road rut ponds, and quiet portions of streams/creeks.

Mist-net sets targeting flyways (e.g., along roads) should fill the corridor from side to side and from the ground up to the overhanging canopy to reduce bat avoidance of nets. Depending on net size, two to three nets stacked may be needed to reach the overhanging canopy in some areas. Nets placed over water do not need to reach the canopy, but should focus on providing adequate obstruction (using as many nets as necessary) across the water source that it is difficult for bats to evade the nets while drinking. Nets placed over water will be positioned so that bats caught in the bottom of the net will not be in the water. Netting that occurs at long-term monitoring sites shall use the same location and net set as that previously used (the FS will provide specifications and sketches of previous net sets for each long-term site); it should be noted that these long-term sites often require more than 2 net sets/site.

214 – Mist-netting Timing: Poles and nets must be set up prior to dusk and nets deployed at dusk. Nets will be operated for a minimum of five hours each night. Disturbance near the nets, other than to check them and remove bats, is to be kept at a minimum.

215 – Weather and Light Conditions: When-Netting Should Not Occur: Netting must not be conducted during rain or when nets are wet, in strong winds (nets regularly moving), or when temperatures are below 10°C (50°F). Net nights can have up to one hour of pause/delay time for these conditions in a given night, but still must have five hours of good sampling free from the above conditions. If five hours cannot be achieved within the first six hours after dusk the entire night must be resampled. Since the scope of this contract is on a per-site basis, the contractor is responsible for any additional nights required beyond the two complete net-nights/site (i.e., rain-outs or other situations that necessitate extra net-night efforts).

216 – Bridge Surveys: Bats using bridges will be identified to species. Bridge surveys will be conducted on up to three

(3) bridges per year; locations of these bridges will be determined at the same time that sites are selected annually.

Each bridge must be checked and a hand net capture attempt performed once an hour during nights when mist-net surveys are conducted within 1 mile of that bridge; if a bridge is located greater than 1 mile from the site (but less than 5 miles), a bridge survey should be conducted at least twice during netting nights.

217 - Required Permits: The Contractor must obtain a valid, current scientific collecting permit from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources that allows for the capture and handling of bats, including the federally listed Indiana, northern long-eared, and Virginia big-eared bats. A copy of this permit must be furnished to the COR prior to the beginning of mist-netting.

218 - Vaccinations Required: The contractor and any crew members handling bats must have undergone and kept current the rabies pre-exposure vaccine series. Proof of vaccinations/titer will be furnished to the Contracting Officer/COR at time of award.

220 – Care and Handling of Bats: Care will be taken when handling bats to reduce stress and prevent injury to them.

For example, captured bats will not be placed in damp or wet bags nor will they be placed on the ground. Any Virginia big-eared bats (VBEB) that are captured should be processed immediately; if they must be held for a short time, they should be put in a larger cage and not confined to individual bags (despite White-nose Syndrome, WNS, protocol for other species) because isolation in bags has been seen to cause undue stress to this species and could result in mortality.

If sex and reproductive condition can be determined for individual VBEB at the net site, it should be recorded there and the individuals released rather than holding them for a length of time to get a weight and forearm length. Additional procedures may apply for a given year based on species or site-specific situations, new information, or best available science. The contractor must notify the COR within 24 hours of any bat mortality incidental to implementation of this contract.

221 – White-nose Syndrome Precautions/Decontamination Protocol: To minimize the potential for transmission of WNS while handling bats (both between handler and bats, between bats, and between handler and environment), the USFWS has set forth disinfection protocols for bat field research and monitoring. These guidelines are updated and revised as new information is received by the Service, and it is the responsibility of the contractor to be aware of and implement the most recent USFWS WNS disinfection protocol (with the exception for VBEB as noted above). These protocols currently are posted at http://www.whitenosesyndrome.org/; it’s recommended that the site be checked at least once every six weeks to ensure use of the most recent protocol. The contractor must also be in compliance with any additional state permitting requirements above and beyond the USFWS procedures.

Decontamination procedures generally apply to any equipment that comes in contact with bats, individuals handling bats, or the environments where bats occur has the potential to be a vector for the spread of WNS. Examples include mist-nets, harp traps, bat bags, wing biopsy punches, weighing tubes, rulers, clothing, and gloves, but may also apply to equipment that is generally not considered to come into direct contact with potentially infected bats (e.g., vehicles, cameras, etc.). Decontamination recommendations target the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, which is considered to be the cause of WNS. If recommended decontamination procedures conflict with other requirements in this contract, the contractor shall work with the MNF COR to develop a suitable solution.

230 - Required Information for Captured Indiana Bats: If an Indiana bat is caught the following information and actions are required:

• The contractor must notify the Monongahela National Forest COR and follow WVDNR permit notification requirements within 24 hours of any federally threatened or endangered (TE) bat captures.

http://www.whitenosesyndrome.org/

• The following information must be collected; sex of bat, reproductive status, the date of capture, location of capture, age (juvenile or adult), time of capture, weight of bat, forearm length; band number and telemetry transmitter frequency must also be recorded if applicable.

• A description and properly labeled photograph of the mist-net set-up, forest habitat in the area and the proximity to water will be recorded.

• Digital photographs along with expert identification must verify any Indiana bat captured during this contract.

Clear, close-up photographs of the head, face, tragus, and calcar are required on any bats identified as an Indiana bat. Photos of any other captured TE species also should be provided. Photos will be labeled with the date the photo was taken, the net site where the bat was captured, and the person that identified the bat.

• All bats captured must be released the same night as captured and at the location of capture. Holding Indiana bats overnight for verification will not be allowed unless the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has granted special permission.

• If a bat from the genus Myotis captured during mist-netting cannot be identified to species level in the field (i.e., a question as to whether the individual may be a Myotis sodalis), species may be verified through fecal DNA analysis. Collect one or more fecal pellets (i.e., guano) from the bat in question by placing it temporarily in a holding bag (15 minutes is usually sufficient, no more than 30 minutes is recommended). The pellet (or pellets) collected should be placed in a 1.5 ml vial with silica gel desiccant; pellets from each individual bat should be stored in separate vials. Samples should be stored out of direct light and delivered to the MNF COR for subsequent fecal DNA analysis to assign or confirm the specimens’ identification to the species level.

231 – Telemetry Work: A qualified biologist who is experienced in handling Indiana bats and attaching radio transmitters must perform transmitter attachments. The total weight of the package (transmitter and adhesive may not exceed 10% of the bat’s body weight (6% for Indiana bats), and must comply with any USFWS and state permits.

Transmitters will not be placed on any female Indiana bat that shows signs of obvious pregnancy at any time;

transmitters may be placed on lactating females.

• Telemetry work will include tracking of bats with transmitters to roost tree(s). Assistants may conduct the radio-telemetry tracking portion of the work if they have prior experience tracking bats in conditions similar to those encountered on the Monongahela National Forest (e.g., mountainous forested terrain). Daily radio telemetry searches for roosts must be conducted during daylight hours and should be conducted until the bat(s) is located or for a minimum of 8 hours of ground-searching per day. Once a signal is detected, tracking should continue until the roost is located. At a minimum, biologists should document all ground-searching effort for all bats not recovered during radio-tracking for submittal with the survey report.

• If bats are tracked to private property, the contractor will attempt to get landowner permission to access the land for tracking purposes; if a residence is located on site (e.g., the contractor should attempt to contact the landowner there, unless safety concerns exist, and leave a note with a FS contact number if no one is at the residence). If unable to determine the landowner, the contractor will contact the COR within 24 hours of capture for further instructions. Bats will not be tracked onto private property without prior permission from the landowner.

• Once roost trees are located, flagging will be placed on trees to assist in later location of roost sites. Data to be collected at these roost sites include, at a minimum: tree species, DBH, and height, UTM coordinates (NAD83, 17N), and habitat description of the immediate area as well as general access directions sufficient to allow the tree to be located by Forest personnel at a later date. Photos also will be taken of the roost tree, and in the four cardinal directions around the tree.

• Emergence counts will be conducted at each new roost tree identified that season. Such counts will begin before dusk and continue until all bats have left the tree; if weather is not conducive to emergence counts during the evening the roost tree is identified (i.e., due to rain or other conditions), a count will be conducted on the next suitable evening following capture, within one week of the identification of the roost tree.

232 - Final Report: A draft of the final report will be submitted to the Monongahela National Forest COR by November 1 of each mist-netting year. Seven hard copies and an electronic version (Microsoft Word report and Access database) of the final report must be submitted no later than December 1 of each year. All information collected during the contract period becomes the property of the U.S. Forest Service. The Contractor will not disseminate information from this study or copies of the reports to outside parties without written consent of the Forest Supervisor of the Monongahela National Forest. The following information will be reported and supplied to the COR upon completion of each year of the contract:

• An electronic version of the final report must include an Access database (fully populated with collected data), scanned mist-met data forms (including site sketches), and digital photographs of sites as well as any TE bat captures and roost trees associated with radio-tagged bats. Database format must meet FS standards (examples will be provided by the FS).

• A spatial database (ARCmap shapefile, geodatabase or other spatial database format approved by the COR) including site and capture locations and individual capture data (e.g., date, species ID, sex, and reproductive condition). An example of a suitable spatial database can be provided by the FS.

• Topographic/quadrangle maps showing general locations of all net sites.

• Reproducible copies of the data sheets from each net set location will include the following information: UTM coordinates (NAD83, 17N), date, species of bats caught, sex of bats, reproductive status of bats, weather conditions (temperature, precipitation, cloud cover, moon phase, wind), age, time of capture, weight of bat, forearm length, and band description (if any). Contractor will provide a copy of data sheets planned for use in mist-net surveys, bridge surveys, and for Indiana bat roost tree identification and emergence counts to the MNF COR prior to contract start date to ensure that all appropriate data is collected. The MNF will provide suitable data sheet formats to the contractor prior to contract start date.

• A neat sketch/hand drawn map of the net site location showing all pertinent features (roads with names; ponds;

streams with names, if applicable; north arrow, etc.) and net placements as well as at least one photo of the net area showing net location and conditions (e.g., water levels if over a stream or pond, road conditions, surrounding habitat, etc.). The sketch should be sufficient to allow specific location of the site at a later date using 24k topographic maps and aerial photographs.

• A description of the forest structure and composition at each net site (e.g., mature/saw-timber oak-hickory forest, or pole-timber northern hardwood forest).

• Reproducible copies of the data sheets from each bridge location will include the following information: date, species of bats caught, sex of bats, reproductive status of bats, age, weight of bat, forearm length, and band description (if any).

• A sketch/hand drawn map of the bridge (when conducting bridge surveys) showing all pertinent features including location of roost(s) on the bridge. A description of the habitat surrounding the bridge.

• Reproducible copies of roost tree data sheets, including bat identification (band number and transmitter frequency), roost tree identification (species ID, DBH, height, and other descriptive information) and UTM coordinates (NAD83, 17N) and sketch of tree and adjacent habitat.

• An electronic summary of results that includes a compilation of results from net set data sheets, number of net nights, and habitat descriptions of the areas netted, and bridge data sheets should be included in the final report, as well as any data collected as part of Indiana bat telemetry efforts. The MNF will provide a suitable format example to the contractor prior to contract start date

DIVISION 300 - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

310 - Inspection Procedure: Netting and record keeping will be accepted on the basis of a formal inspection by the COR. Inspection of equipment setup and procedures will be randomly done throughout the period of the contract to ensure compliance with the technical specifications. During the initial phase of the contract, the contractor and/or his representative should accompany the COR or designated inspectors during the inspection. This procedure will help resolve any questions or problems that may exist.

320 - Accuracy Standards: The following standards are established for accepting the recorded data:

• All data sheets must be complete. Hand-written data sheets should be neat and legible. Unreadable or damaged data sheets will not be accepted.

• Mist-net locations will be flagged on the ground and identified on a topographic map that will be provided at the completion of the project.

• The electronic database must be complete based on the criteria given to the contractor at the start of the contract.

• Digital photographs must be in a jpeg format, and of a clear and concise reproducable quality.

DIVISION 400 – PAYMENT

Partial Payments will be allowed after acceptance of individual Units (each completed and accepted Mist-net Site), as described in the Specifications and the Schedule of Items.

AGAR 452.211-73 Attachments To Statement Of Work/Specifications (FEB 1988)

The attachments to the Statement of Work/Specifications listed in Section J are hereby made part of this solicitation and any resultant contract.

BIOBASED & RECYCLED CONTENT PRODUCTS

All supplies and materials shall be of a type and quantity that conform to applicable Federal specifications and standards, and to the extent feasible and reasonable; include the exclusive use of biobased and recycled products.

For more information regarding the Department of Agriculture Biobased Affirmative Procurement Program go to http://www.biopreferred.gov/BioPreferred/faces/catalog/Catalog.xhtml

For more information regarding environmental Protection Agency list of designate products to http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/tools/cpg/products/index.htm

For more information regarding Energy Star products go to http://www.energystar.gov/

SAFETY AND HEALTH

SUBMITTALS

A. Safety and Health Programs: The Contractor shall submit, for approval, a safety plan, as applicable to the work scope.

http://www.biopreferred.gov/BioPreferred/faces/catalog/Catalog.xhtml http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/tools/cpg/products/index.htm http://www.energystar.gov/

SECTION D--PACKAGING AND MARKING

{For this Solicitation, there are NO clauses in this Section}

SECTION E--INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): www.acquisition.gov/far

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

52.246-4 Inspection of Services – Fixed Price (AUG 1996)

AGAR 452.246-70 Inspection and Acceptance (FEB 1988)

(a) The Contracting Officer or the Contracting Officer’s duly authorized representative will inspect and accept the supplies and/or services to be provided under this contract.

(b) Inspection and acceptance will be performed at the project location.

PERFORMANCE-BASED SERVICE CONTRACT (PBSC) REQUIREMENTS

Since this is a Performance Based Service Contract, inspections will be performed to be sure work is done in accordance with the contract and product specifications and also to be sure that the desired outcome is achieved.

http://www.acquisition.gov/far

SECTION F--DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): www.acquisition.gov/far

52.242-15 Stop Work Order (AUG 1989)

AGAR 452.211-74 Period of Performance (FEB 1988)

The period of performance of this contract is 365 calendar days from the date of contract award.

NOTE 1: This contract contains option years. As such, the Forest Service may unilaterally exercise additional option periods not to exceed 5 years and 6 months. AGAR 452.211-74 reflects base period dates only. In the event that option years are exercised, the dates cited in the corresponding contract modification will replace these indicated dates.

NOTE 2: Individual task orders will identify the completion date required for each particular task.

PERFORMANCE TIMELINE:

• Mist-netting must occur between June 1 and August 1, annually o Mist-netting for locations designated as long-term monitoring sites should be completed by July 15, annually

• A draft of the final report will be submitted to the Monongahela National Forest COR by November 1 of each mist-netting year

• The final report must be submitted no later than December 15 of each year

• All work must be completed by December 31, annually http://www.acquisition.gov/far

SECTION G--CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

AGAR 452.215-73 Post Award Conference (NOV 1996)

A post award conference with the successful offeror is required. It will be scheduled as soon as possible after the date of contract award. The conference will be held at a time and location to be determined.

DESIGNATION OF CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE

The Contracting Officer will designate a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) at the time of award.

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.

On all matters that pertain to the contract terms the contractor must communicate with the Contracting Officer.

Whenever, in the opinion of the Contractor, the COR requests effort outside the scope of the contract, the Contractor should so advise the COR. If the COR persists and there still exists a disagreement as to proper contractual coverage, the contracting officer should be notified immediately, preferably in writing if time permits. Proceeding with work without proper contractual coverage could result in nonpayment or necessitate submittal of a contract claim.

GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY

The Government will provide the following item(s) of Government property to the Contractor for use in the performance of this contract. This property shall be used and maintained by the Contractor in accordance with the provisions of the "Government Property" FAR clause contained elsewhere in the contract.

Item Replacement cost 1 5 MNF Forest Visitor maps None 2 5 Topographic/quadrangle maps relevant to each area to be surveyed None

3 Forest Service Keys to open gates on FS roads* $75.00 each 4 Data sheets for mist-netting activities None 5 Data sheets for bridge survey activities None 6 Data sheets for telemetry/roost tree identification None 7 Example of acceptable database form for providing electronic data None 8 Radio transmitters (frequency = 151.xxx) $250.00 each

• One set of keys per crew, plus one extra set for the contractor.

SECTION H--SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

4G52.222-704 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (FEB 2007)

The contractor shall train workers in the safe operation and use of equipment that the worker may use before the worker begins using such equipment.

Personal protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities shall be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards or processes encountered which may cause injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body. Defective or damaged personal protective equipment shall not be used.

The contractor shall provide chain saw chaps to each employee who operates a chain saw, at no cost to the employee.

These chaps must be approved by an Underwriters Laboratory or meet Forest Service specification 6170-47. The chaps shall cover the full length of the thigh and shall extend to the top of the boot on each leg.

The contractor shall assure that each employee wears foot protection that provides adequate traction and ankle support.

Employees operating chain saws shall wear foot protection that is constructed with cut-resistant material which will protect the employee against contact with a running chain saw.

In any area where the worker is exposed to the potential for flying or falling objects, the contractor shall provide a hard hat, at no cost to the employee, and the contractor shall assure that the employee wears the hard hat. The hard hat must meet the minimum requirements of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard Z89.1-1997.

The contractor shall provide, at no cost to the employee, eye protection where there is potential for eye injury due to flying objects. This eye protection must meet the minimum requirements of ANSI standard Z87.1-2003.

The contractor shall provide, at no cost to the employee, hearing protection where there is a potential for hearing loss due to high intensity noise for example, chain saw operation.

4G52.222-705 CAMPING PROVISIONS FOR LABOR INTENSIVE CONTRACTS (FEB 2007)

The following provisions apply to all camping on National Forest lands during performance of this contract:

These provisions are in addition to those contained in, or provided for, in the clause titled “Use of Premises”, in this contract.

Every structure used as shelter shall provide protection from the elements. Where heat adequate for weather conditions is not provided, other arrangements should be made to protect workers from the cold. Firewood may be cut only after obtaining a District Firewood Permit.

The campsite must not encroach beyond the boundaries designated by the Forest Service. The campsite shall be located so as to minimize impacts on streams, lakes, and other bodies of water. No camping is permitted within developed recreation sites or along primary recreation roads.

The campsite shall have a clean appearance at all times. Upon abandonment of any campsite, or termination, revocation, or cancellation of camping privileges, the contractor shall remove, within 10 calendar days, all structures and improvements except those owned by the United States, and shall restore the site, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing or in the camping permit. If the contractor fails to remove all structures or improvements within the 10 calendar days, they shall become the property of the United States, but that will not relieve the contractor of liability for the cost of their removal and restoration of the site.

Unless otherwise designated by the Contracting Officer, the use of this area is not exclusive, and may be granted to other Permittees, contractors, or recreating public. Disorderly conduct is not permitted. Damaging or removing any natural feature or other property of the Forest Service is prohibited. Servicing of equipment in the campsite is not permitted, unless the campsite is within the project area. Sanitary facilities shall be provided for storing food. Ice chests or coolers, with ice supply made from potable water and replenished as necessary, shall be provided and sufficient for the storage of perishable food items. An adequate and convenient potable water supply shall be provided in each camp for drinking and cooking purposes. Toilet facilities adequate for the capacity of the camp shall be provided and supplied with adequate toilet paper. Such facilities shall be serviced and maintained in a sanitary condition. Garbage shall be collected, stored, and disposed of in such a manner as to prevent scattering by the wind, minimize attraction of flies, and discourage access by rodents.

Basic first aid supplies shall be maintained, available, and under the charge of a person trained to administer first aid.

The supplies shall include:

Gauze pads (at least 4x4 inches) Two large gauze pads (at least 8x10 inches) Box adhesive bandages (band-aids) One package of gauze roller bandage at least 2- inches wide Two triangular bandages Scissors At least one blanket Tweezers Adhesive tape Latex gloves Resuscitation device such as resuscitation bag, airway, or pocket mask

Any washing of laundry must be done in such a way as to provide for washing and rinsing without polluting lakes, streams, or other flowing water.

Waste water must be disposed of away from living and eating areas and in a fashion that minimizes pollution to lakes, streams, and other flowing water.

The contractor shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent and suppress forest fires. No material shall be disposed of by burning in open fires during the closed season established by law or regulation without the written permission from the Forest Service.

The contractor shall comply with the following fire regulations during fire season:

During the fire season, a shovel, axe or Pulaski, 10- quart pail which is full of water for…