ATCh_1_Task_Order_1_FM_FINAL.docx

ATTACHMENT 1: TASK ORDER FOR FMNF PRESCRIBED FIRELINES

PART I – SECTION A – SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

This Request for Proposals and contract resulting from this solicitation shall be a Firm Fixed Price contract for an archaeological survey, preliminary site evaluation, and site relocation on the Francis Marion National Forest located in Berkeley and Charleston counties, South Carolina. The contractor shall:

· undertake background archaeological and historical review

· conduct a systematic, intensive archaeological survey along various firelines located throughout the Francis Marion National Forest

· relocate previously recorded archaeological sites in stands previously surveyed

· record findings on the South Carolina site form

· collect GPS data on all sites, structures, or features located within the project area

· differentially correct all GPS files

· submit both raw and corrected data and populate the Forest Service geodatabase

· make a preliminary National Register of Historic Places eligibility evaluation of all newly recorded and previously recorded archaeological sites, structures, or features within the inventory area

· mark with tree marking paint all sites, structures, and features considered eligible for listing in the National Register or possibly eligible for listing but unevaluated

· clean, analyze, and prepare for curation artifacts, records, photographs, and other materials collected or produced under this contract in accordance with the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology Curation, Loan, and Access Policy requirements

· prepare a written report on the results of all of these activities

The Quality Assurance program addressed in Section C requirements of this solicitation/contract shall provide the Best Value to the Government; price notwithstanding.

PART I

SECTION B - SCHEDULE OF ITEMS, SUPPLIES OR SERVICES

TASK ORDER

No. Supplies/Services Quantity Unit Unit Price Total Price

CONTRACT TIME: The total contract time for the completion of this task order shall be 255 calendar days with optional extensions to be determined by the Forest Service.

Scheduling will be as follows:

· Pre-work and background reviews completed within 30 calendar days of the Notice to Proceed (NTP)

· Fieldwork completed within 90 calendar days of NTP

· Management summary with National Register recommendations due within 100 calendar days of NTP

· Site forms due at 100 calendar days of NTP

· Draft report due within 150 calendar days of NTP

· Forest Service and consulting parties review within 60 calendar days of receipt of draft report

· Revised final report acceptable to the Forest Service within 30 calendar days of receipt of comments on the draft report from the Forest Service and consulting parties

· All deliverables including marking of National Register eligible sites, unevaluated sites, and cemeteries, printed Final Reports and PDF copies, GPS files, GIS data, ancillary records and artifacts delivered to the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology within 240 calendar days of NTP

The draft and final reports shall be required as specified in Part I: Section C - Documentation

PERFORMANCE: Performance of the contract shall begin within 15 calendar days after the effective date of the Notice to Proceed, prosecute the work diligently, and complete all contract requirements within the timeframe specified above. The Notice to Proceed will be issued at the pre-work conference by the Contracting Officer.

PREOFFER INFORMATION: Offeror may contact:

Robert T. Morgan Heritage Program Manager Francis Marion & Sumter National Forest 2967 Steed Creek Road Huger, SC 29450 Telephone no. 843-336-2212 Electronic mail rtmorgan@fs.fed.us

PART II REQUIREMENTS

SECTION C - PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT TASKS AND CRITICAL SUBTASKS

Project Objective and Plan of Action. The Contractor shall meet with the Contracting Officer and the Contracting Officer’s Representative prior to initiating field work for the purpose of:

Level of Effort

Offeror shall include a detailed level of effort proposal that address how your firm shall accomplish the tasks identified in this Task/Delivery Order within the time frame set forth in this solicitation. This will include breakdowns on the numbers of each type of personnel needed to complete each phase of the project and projected associated costs. For example: one field director and four archeological technicians for 30 field days to complete fieldwork.

Offeror shall prepare a research design which is problem oriented and addresses research issues framed to address research questions pertinent to the central coastal plain of South Carolina and the area of the Francis Marion National Forest in particular. Research questions may include topics such as site significance, new or previously identified research questions, site interpretive potential, and historic context.

Offeror shall submit maps showing how they divide the survey areas into high, medium and low site probability areas using the Francis Marion National Forest predictive site model.

Offeror shall include an estimate of the total number of shovel tests required to examine the survey areas during initial inventory. An estimate shall be made of the total number of archeological sites expected to be identified and the total number of shovel tests needed to define and record these sites.

Background Review and Records Search

At a minimum literature and records review shall be conducted in accordance with the South Carolina Standards and Guidelines for Archaeological Investigations.

Inventory

Survey Intensity Level. The Contractor shall locate, identify, and describe/document all archaeological sites and isolated occurrences which can reasonably be detected from an inspection of the ground surface and subsurface shovel test excavations. In general inventory shall be an intensive field survey as defined in the South Carolina Standards and Guidelines for Archaeological Investigations. The Contractor shall record sufficient data to determine time period, type/function, size, and preliminary National Register of Historic Places eligibility of each resource, so far as the data available will allow.

Identification efforts. The entire project area shall be examined by pedestrian transects. All shovel tests units shall comply with the South Carolina Standards and Guidelines for Archaeological Investigations. Survey methods and strategy are based on generalized models of site location for the Francis Marion National Forest. Classification of the project area into high and low potential for site location shall be determined by examining USGS topographic quadrangle maps, county soil maps and other information obtain during the background and literature review. The Francis Marion National Forest compartment and stand maps provided by the Forest Service shall guide the Contractor in determining site potential for the purpose of work planning and cost estimation. However, final determination of the site potential for any survey area shall be suggested by the Contractor in the field based on the actual ground conditions within the stand at the time of the survey. The Forest Service shall be the final authority on site potential within any given area and the Contractor shall comply with the Forest Service’s assignment of site potential.

Site Potential Model. The contractor shall review the model of site location for prehistoric and historic sites. All project areas will be divided into high and low site potential areas prior to fieldwork in a manner that can be justified and relates to the results of previous research in the South Carolina coastal plain. The proposed division of site potential areas will be reviewed and approved by the COR prior to beginning of fieldwork. The model will be explained in the report methods section. High and low potential areas may require differing survey strategies. At a minimum, summary statistics will be included in the report which document the total area or length determined to have high or low site potential area in each compartment and the number of shovel test pits excavated in each area. Other methods such as graphic figures or tables may be used in addition to illustrate the model.

Identification Efforts. The entire fire line shall be examined by pedestrian transects adjacent to and parallel to the fireline. In some situations the Contractor may adjust the inventory system to fit a particular land form. However, the Forest Service shall approve, in advance, any change from standards methods proposed here. Shovel tests units shall be placed along transects at intervals not to exceed 30 m across all high probability areas. Small micro-topographic variations that would be conducive to archaeological site location that do not fall on the 30 m shovel test interval shall also be investigated with judgmental shovel tests within all site potential zones. Judgmental shovel test shall be used when crossing areas of better drained soils, points of greater relief or areas near historic roads, railroads, or springs. Low site probability areas shall be surveyed by transects with shovel tests at 60 intervals. Again, micro-topographic features suggestive of likely site location within Low Site Potential Zones shall be judgmentally shovel tested. Locations with standing water need not be shovel tested. All shovel tests shall comply with the South Carolina Standards and Guidelines for Archaeological Investigations.

Performance Standards – Intensive Survey. The contractor shall conduct a pedestrian survey of the project area in the manner consistent with the South Carolina Standards and Guidelines for Archaeological Investigations.

Acceptable quality level: Full compliance with the standards and guidelines listed in section III.

Means of measurement: An arbitrary random field inspection of the survey area by the Government and the review of the contractor’s Quality Control records.

Site Recording

The contractor shall record all heritage resource sites located in the project area in accordance with the South Carolina Standards and Guidelines for Archaeological Investigations and South Carolina Institute of Archaeology guidelines.

Archaeological Site Definition. The definition of an archaeological site shall generally follow that included in the South Carolina Standards and Guidelines for Archaeological Investigations. However, under certain situations a different site definition may be appropriate. If a different site definition is used, then the investigator shall justify their reasons for doing so. The Forest Service shall make all final determinations of site size and extent, and final National Register of Historic Places eligibility.

Site Mapping. When a site is located in the field it shall be recorded on a State of South Carolina Site Inventory Record (site form). Visible surface remains and artifacts, local topographic features, and systematic shovel testing shall assist in determining the site extent, stratigraphy, integrity, and content. Site descriptions shall include maps showing the locations of pedestrian transects, shovel test pits, surface remains, topographic features, and site boundaries. Historic sites may be identified by structural or landscaping remains such as chimney bases, eroded building outlines, foundation piers, graves, prospecting pits, ornamental plants, dams, quarries, and wells. These natural and cultural features shall be included on site maps.

New Site Delineation. The successful offeror shall, at a minimum, comply with Archaeological Site Definition found in the South Carolina Standards and Guidelines for Archaeological Investigation. Questions about appropriate systematic shovel testing procedures must be directed to the COR before completion of fieldwork, and any changes from the above described procedures must be approved in writing by the COR.

All site boundaries shall be determined by subsurface excavation units excavated in a grid oriented along cardinal or transect grid directions. Intervals between shovel test units shall not to exceed 15m for sites less than 50m in length on any give side. Intervals between shovel test units shall not to exceed 20m for sites greater than 60m in length on any give side. The tests will be dispersed between transect (site discovery) tests in such a way as to create a uniform grid. Every positive test shall have tests excavated around it along cardinal directions (i.e., N/S and E/W) or grid directions, until at least two negative tests are reached. When new positive tests are found as a result of this work, testing shall proceed in cardinal directions (i.e., N/S and E/W) or grid directions around these tests until at least two negative tests are reached. Surface materials will be treated as positive shovel tests and will be tested as such. All shovel tests, both site discovery and boundary definition units, shall be included on site and isolated find maps. The shovel tests shall continue to be excavated until two consecutive negative tests are encountered around each positive test in the grid. The midpoint between the last positive shovel test and the first of the two negative tests shall constitute a boundary. Questions about appropriate systematic shovel testing procedures must be directed to the COR before completion of fieldwork, and any changes from the above described procedures must be approved in writing by the COR.

Previously Recorded Sites. There may be previously recorded archaeological and cultural resources within the project area. The Contractor shall attempt to relocate all previously recorded sites using the same field methods as noted above for general field survey. However, if a previously recorded has been adequately defined in previous surveys, i.e., sufficient shovel test were excavated to ensure overall site dimensions, components present, integrity, and potential for features, then additional shovel test excavations may not be required. The Contractor shall check with the COR to determine if the current site recording is adequate or if close order shovel testing will be needed. A new South Carolina state site inventory record shall be completed for each revisited previously recorded site.

Private Land. If an archaeological site extends onto private land, the Contractor shall make observations of surface remains and exposed surfaces, but the Contractor shall not excavate on or collect artifacts from private land unless the Forest Service obtains prior permission from the land owner. The Contractor shall make an estimate of the site dimensions on private land from surface indications and topography. However, if the site extends outside of the project boundary but on national forest lands, the Contractor shall continue surface and subsurface investigations to determine the overall site limits.

Site Forms. When a site is located in the field it will be recorded on a State of South Carolina Site Inventory Record (SC site form). Visible surface remains and artifacts, local topographic features, and systematic shovel testing will assist in determine the site stratigraphy, integrity, content and extent of archaeological sites. Site descriptions shall include maps showing the locations of pedestrian transects, shovel test pits, surface remains, topographic features, and site boundaries. Historic sites may be identified by structural or landscaping remains such as chimney bases, eroded building outlines, foundation piers, graves, prospecting pits, ornamental plants, dams, quarries, and wells. These natural and cultural features shall be included on site maps.

Temporary field numbers will be assigned according to the Forest Service designations: County abbreviation - Compartment number - Site number. For example, BK - 83 -22- 01 is the first site recorded in Berkeley County in Compartment 83, Stand 22. Site forms shall be delivered to the COR for review. If the COR finds the site forms unacceptable, then the COR will return the forms to the Contractor for correction. The Contractor shall not submit forms directly to the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology (SCIAA) until approved to do so by the COR.

Historic cemeteries located during the inventory will be recorded on the SC site form and the South Carolina Department of Archives and History Cemetery Form. Digital copies of the form are available from the Forest Service or the SC Department of Archives and History.

Performance Standards – Site Recording. The contractor has recorded all sites in accordance with the South Carolina Standards and Guidelines for Archaeological Investigations, the SC Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology site form guidelines, and passes Forest Service review.

Acceptable quality level. 100% compliance with the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology guidelines and standards for site recording.

Means of measurement. A field inspection of the newly recorded sites and/or previously recorded sites and the review and verification of the contractor’s Quality Control records.

Exceptions to the SC Standards and Guidelines for Archaeological Investigations. For inventory level fieldwork a written representative description of soil characteristics and stratigraphy for the site is required. However, the Contractor is not required to use Munsell soil color charts on shovel test units. The Contractor is not required to draw or photograph individual shovel test pit profiles. Drawing and photographing of excavation units may be required on units 50x50 cm or larger.

Isolated Finds. Single artifacts identified during the surface or subsurface inspection of the project area shall be considered an isolated find or occurrence unless two additional artifacts of the same temporal component are identified within a 30 meter radius of the initial find, either on the ground surface or in subsurface test unit. Isolated finds shall not be considered a site and will not be given a state site number. When an isolated find is encountered, it shall be accurately plotted on the GIS map or appropriate 7.5 minute USGS map in the same manner as described for site locations.

Performance Standards – Recording Non-Site Cultural Remains. All isolated occurrences that were encountered during the survey have been documented, diagnostic artifacts, lithic and ceramic, have been drawn and the Isolated Occurrence location has been plotted on the appropriate topographic map.

Acceptable quality level. 100% documentation of encountered isolated occurrences.

Means of measurement. An arbitrary random field inspection by the COR or inspector, the verification of the contractor’s Quality Control records, and the data documented in the contractor’s report.

Site Marking

The Forest Service shall review all National Register eligibility recommendations and make the final determination on site eligibility. Once the final site eligibility determinations have been made the Contractor shall be required to return to the project areas and mark all newly recorded and previously recorded National Register eligible or sites considered possibly eligible but unevaluated. The Contractor shall flag the perimeter of the National Register eligible and unevaluated sites with survey flagging and prominently mark each site using tree-marking paint. The site shall be marked with two rings, not less than 6-inches wide each, all the way around the trunk of the tree at not less than five (5) feet above the ground to delineate the boundary. Marking shall be in such a manner that a person who has not previously seen the site can easily identify it. Flagging or paint on trees on the perimeter of the site should be visible and not obscured by branches or foliage. Intervals between painted trees shall not exceed 5 meters (15 feet) unless there are no suitable trees to flag or mark. Site boundaries marked on the ground should correspond to the boundaries as mapped. Any deviation from this system shall be approved in advance by the Contracting Officer’s Representative and documented in the report. The Contractor shall return to the field and remark any sites that the COR determines were not adequately marked. The Contractor shall not mark sites determined by the Forest Service as not eligible for the National Register (Class 3) with exception of historic cemeteries. The Contractor shall mark cemeteries located or recorded on or near firelines.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

The Contractor shall record all sites using a differentially corrected global positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of at least ±3-meter accuracy. All sites shall be recorded as polygons. Site boundaries are to be accurately located on project maps and USGS 7.5 minute quadrangle maps provided by the Contractor. Several base stations are located within the state that can be used to produce differential corrections for exact locations in either real time or as part of post field processing. The Contractor shall state in the report the type of equipment used and whether the data was corrected using real time correction or post field processing.

Digital Data Data shall be provided in UTM Zone 17 N, NAD83 Datum with units in meters.

Deliverables The contractor shall deliver the following products:

· The original GPS receiver files

· The corrected, post processed GPS files

· Metadata for the GPS files including:

· PDOP (precision dilution of precision)

· SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) values

· RMS values The GPS data shall be processed to a USDA Forest Service GIS compatible format

Digital data shall be collected in a manner that meets or exceeds USDA Forest Service GPS accuracy standards and delivered in a compatible format suitable for incorporation into the USDA Forest Service's GIS. This GIS data shall include attributes identified in the USDA Forest Service's archaeological GIS feature class data dictionary (this data schema will be provided).

Analysis

Artifacts. After fieldwork is completed, all recovered artifacts shall, at minimum, be treated in accordance with the South Carolina Standards and Guidelines for Archaeological Investigations, and the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology guidelines for collection management.

Site Assessment. As with fieldwork, the analysis shall, at a minimum, be sufficient to document the number and size of archaeological components present, National Register eligibility, and address research questions developed as part of the project research design. For archaeological sites, analysis shall typically include an assessment of cultural periods represented, general site function, site boundaries, and stratigraphic condition. Historic sites may require architectural analysis, including periods represented, and documentation of ownership and function.

Research Design. As stated in the South Carolina Standards and Guidelines for Archaeological Investigations research designs should be problem oriented and should include explicit statements of theoretical approaches and methods. It should address issues such as:

1. Issues relevant to the significance of the site

2. New or previous research questions and existing knowledge

3. Interpretive potential

4. Historic context

National Register Eligibility. Evaluate each cultural resources site and make a recommendation regarding its eligibility to the National Register of Historic Places using all criteria listed in 36 CFR 60.6, USDI-National Register Bulletin 15, and provide all appropriate site, feature, and artifact documentation needed to support a determination of eligibility. An eligibility recommendation of “Undetermined” may be made, with justification, when eligibility is inconclusive based on field observations.

National Register Eligibility Recommendations. The Contractor shall make recommendations to the Forest Service on the National Register of Historic Places eligibility of each cultural resource located within the project area. Sites will be assigned a National Register Eligibility rating:

National Register Eligibility Justification. Where no further work is recommended the contractor shall give reasons for arriving at this conclusion. Similarly, where further work is recommended, it will not be adequate to write simply that the work is necessary. Recommendations should include statements about what information is to be expected to result from further research and why this information would be significant to the area's history or prehistory. These recommendations shall be framed as a series of research questions, which the data contained in the particular site, can possibly answer. In other words, National Register recommendations should be justified.

Documentation

Report. The contractor to submit a report that describes the activities performed under the terms of this Task/Delivery Order along with the findings. The report shall be used to document all tasks performed.

Documents. The report must be accompanied by all artifact recording forms, with diagnostic artifact drawings, isolated find information, and all other appropriate recording forms, as well as the necessary number of 7.5 minute USGS topographic maps and/or aerial images required to show clearly the locations of all heritage resources found, the survey boundaries, and the project location. All site forms, photograph logs, prints, negatives, and unused government-furnished property shall be returned to the Contracting Officer’s Representative with the report.

Information Disclosure. Under no circumstances shall the contractor reveal to anyone outside of the Forest Service information concerning National Register eligibility of a site or building without prior approval of the COR.

Report Production. The report shall follow the format and content specified in the South Carolina Standards and Guidelines for Archaeological Investigations. Draft reports requiring extensive proofreading or lacking the minimum content required by the state standards and guidelines and this Scope of Work will be returned to the Contractor as unacceptable. Payment for the draft report shall not be processed until an acceptable document is received. The contractor shall address all comments and concerns provided in writing by the Forest Service in the final report. Revised draft reports may be required, if substantial revisions are required as a result of the review of the draft report.

Site Descriptions

· List the number of shovel test units

· Note how many were positive

· Note if artifacts from STPs are stratified, e.g., is there vertical segregation within the unit

· If there is stratification, how much or how deep

· If identified, list components identified within the site

· Use type names for artifacts, particularly ceramics

· When possible, include phase identification for prehistoric sites

· If unfamiliar with types from a particular area, find sources or people to help identify types

· Can site function be determined? Is it part of a larger complex?

· Is the site redundant, e.g., are there many sites of this particular type already protected

· Does the site have good integrity – A site can be disturbed in the upper level but still have integrity in the lower levels

· When making National Register eligibility recommendations, be specific about the research value of a particular site Example: The site contains extensive pre-ceramic Archaic and Thom’s Creek material in undisturbed C-Horizon contexts that can provide significant information on the adaptive strategies, settlement and mobility patterns, subsistence practices, and social organization of this long span of prehistory.

Historic Maps and Plats. To aid in the illustration of historic sites, roads, and other cultural features the Contractor should make use of overlays of historic and modern maps. Overlays may include historic plats, soil survey maps, historic topographic maps or other historic maps.

Report Maps. Maps of the project area should be in the numerical order by Compartment number. No more than one compartment shall be included on the map unless the compartments can be clearly seen and printed on a single i.5 by 11 inch sheet a a scale not greater than 1:24,000. Fold out maps on 11 by 17 inch paper are not acceptable unless approved in advance by the COR.

Photographs. High quality color photographs or reproductions, or measured drawings, as appropriate, shall be provided which show details of features, profiles, artifacts, or other evidence of human occupation to aid in the understanding of the site and to assist in assessing National Register eligibility. The report shall include color photographs of a representative sample of diagnostic artifacts or other interesting artifacts.

Exhibits. The Contractor shall deliver to the Contracting Officer's Representative:

1. Project base maps with all sites and isolated finds on GIS generated maps at a scale not more than 1:24,000

2. Maps with transects indicated for each stand inventoried

3. An original and one copy of the SCIAA Site Inventory Record with site sketch maps showing transects and shovel test pits. Site forms shall not be sent to the state site file manager

4. CD or DVD with GPS point or polygon data for all sites

5. Draft reports and Final reports

6. CD or DVD with Final Report in PDF format

Required Number of Report Copies. The draft report shall be submitted as three (3) bound copies. The number of copies of any revised draft reports, when and if required, shall be determined by the COR. The contractor shall submit 5 bound copies of the final report and the unbound, camera-ready original. Three electronic copy of the final report in Portable Document File (PDF) file format shall be delivered to the Forest Service.

Binding. The report shall be bound in a durable cover; minimum 80 pound cover stock, with an identifying label on the face thereof. The paper shall be a high quality, acid free, minimum 24 lbs (90 g/m²) laser printer paper. Pages shall be printed on both the front and back faces. Project maps and photographic plates shall be produced in color.

Copyright. The Contractor agrees to indemnify the U.S. Government against any claim of copyright infringement which may result by reason of publications, by the U.S. Government, of material in any report pertaining to the contract work submitted by the Contractor wherein any such previously printed material is not identified in the reports as copyrighted. The Contractor agrees that no rights at common law or inequity shall be asserted, and no claims to copyright by statute shall be established by the Contractor in any materials produced in the performance of this contract, and that all materials and deliverables become the property of the U.S. Government.

Confidential Nature of the Information. The Contractor shall not divulge, and shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that no member of his staff or organization divulges, information on specific sites or their locations to any person other than a duly authorized representative of the Forest Service unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Forest Supervisor. All services, reports, documents and material required by this contract shall become the property of the Forest Service. The results of this research may be used for theses, dissertations, research projects, and publications subject to prior, written approval of the Forest Service. Only the Government shall issue all statements to the public regarding work under this contract.

Report Quality. The report will be returned to the contractor if there are editorial or typographic errors, reproduction or production flaws, format/content discrepancies or any other problems, which cause it to be of less than professional quality. Any additional costs to bring the report to acceptable quality shall be at the contractor’s own expense.

Performance Standards – Report. The contractor provides a report that is in accordance with the standards set forth in the South Carolina Standards and Guidelines for Archaeological Investigations.

Acceptable quality level. Clear, concise, proper grammar and format, and contains all required Government data.

Means of measurement. 100% review and verification of the contractor’s records data and report.

Collections Management.

1. Disposition of Collections and other Investigation Documentation. All ancillary documents expressly associated with the conduct of this project, such as, but not limited to, field notes, maps, drawings, and photographs with negatives, shall become the property of the Forest Service along with the artifact collections. In accordance with 36 CFR 79.4, the Contractor shall provide temporary storage and maintenance for all records and artifacts collected during the course of the field research.

Collections Treatment. All artifacts recovered from work performed under this contract shall be treated in accordance with the South Carolina Standards and Guidelines for Archaeological Investigations. The Contractor shall provide for and bear all costs associated with the preparation of artifacts and records for permanent curation of all materials. The contractor is responsible for delivering the artifacts to the curation facility for permanent storage. The curatorial facility, which the contractor shall use for this contract, is the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology in Columbia, SC.

Collections Packing. All collections must be accompanied by a catalogue and be bagged and labeled to conform to the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology Curation Standards for the curation of archeological materials. All archeological resources and records recovered or generated, as a result of this project shall remain the property of the Forest Service.

Collections Information. Along with the final project invoice the Contractor shall include a statement that all artifacts and notes have been delivered to and accepted by the collections manager at the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology. The statement shall include the number of cubic feet of artifacts delivered and the number of linear feet of records delivered to the SCIAA.

Dissemination of Data

The contractor may use the archaeological data resulting from this survey for future research purposes. However, the contractor agrees to provide two copies of any manuscripts, reports, and publications pertaining to the survey to the Francis Marion & Sumter National Forest Heritage Program Manager and to acknowledge that the Forest Service funded the work.

REFERENCES

Technical Definitions Peculiar to this PWS

Archaeological Inventory/Survey. For the purposes of this contract an archaeological pedestrian survey is defined as the systematic, intensive inspection of the land surface and subsurface inspection techniques.

Site Potential Model. Previous archaeological surveys on the Francis Marion National Forest have indicated that a patterned relationship exists between archaeological site location, relative topography, soil drainage characteristics, and available water sources. The project areas shall be divided into two site potential zones: High Site Potential and Low Site Potential. Recent evaluations of archaeological site potential zones in the Francis Marion National Forest indicate that efficient and effective intensive survey can be conducted using the following site potential definitions to structure survey coverage intensity.

Survey methods and strategy are based on a generalized model of site location for the South Carolina coastal plain. Classification of the project area into high and low potential for site location will be determined by examining USGS topographic quadrangle maps, county soil maps and other information obtain during the background and literature review. The Francis Marion National Forest compartment and stand maps derived from the forest GIS shall guide the Contractor in determining site potential for the purpose of work planning and cost estimation. However, final determination of the site potential for any survey area shall be made by the Contractor in the field based on the actual ground conditions within the stand at the time of the survey.

Application of Site Potential Model. The project areas shall be divided into two site potential zones: High Site Potential and Low Site Potential. Recent evaluations of archaeological site potential zones in the Francis Marion National Forest indicate that efficient and effective intensive survey can be conducted using the following site potential definitions to structure survey coverage intensity.

High Site Potential Zones

Prehistoric sites. Most prehistoric archaeological sites in the Forest are located near the interface between standing water sources and moderately well to well-drained soils. Standing water sources include marsh, swamps, creek bottoms, large bays and ponds that are identified on the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) county soil survey maps as very poorly drained soil types. Studies indicate that a High Site Potential Polygon can be constructed at a distance of 0 to 90 m from the estimated boundary of the interface of wet or very poorly drained areas and poorly to somewhat poorly drained soils. This distance increases to 150 m from the interface of wet, very poorly drained, or somewhat poorly drained areas and moderately well, well, or excessively drained areas.

The Forest Service is currently generating maps for the site potential model to use on this survey. Below are the general principals guiding the model. The contractor shall use these criteria to develop high and low site potential areas to estimate the level of effort needed for this contract. If there is a significant difference between the final Forest Service site potential maps and the contractor maps, then the Forest Service may renegotiate areas of high site potential to be surveyed.

High Site Potential Zones include:

· Areas at a distance of 0 to 90 m from the interface of the poorer soil drainage types adjacent to somewhat poorly drained soils.

· Areas at a distance of 0 to 150 m from the interface of the poorer soil drainage types adjacent to moderately drained, well drained, or excessively drained soils.

· An area 70 m around the perimeter of small ponds, bays, and sinks holes.

· Areas surrounding small bays, ponds, or other water bodies that are not mapped by the SCS soil survey and interfaces between better-drained and more poorly drained soil types.

In the case of soil drainage interfaces a larger band running a distance of 90 m from the estimated boundary of the interface upslope over the better-drained type shall be included in the high site potential area. Interfaces of this type are defined as the contact between a poorly to somewhat poorly drained soil type and a moderately to well- or excessively well-drained type.

Historic sites. Many historic sites, particularly nineteenth and early twentieth century sites, have a strong association with current and abandoned roads. Moderate to well drained soils within 100 m of such roads shall be considered zones of high site potential. These polygons shall be covered by transects no greater than 30 m apart with shovel test intervals not to exceed 30 m.

Low Site Potential Zones These zones are defined as any areas falling outside of the definitions of High Site Potential. This would include better-drained landforms at distances greater than 150 m from standing water sources and 70 m from existing or abandoned roads, or soil interfaces of the type described for High Site Potential Zones, or poorly to somewhat poorly drained locations. These polygons shall be covered by transects no greater than 30 interval with shovel test pits at 60 m intervals. Micro-topographic features suggestive of high site potential within Low Site Potential Zones shall be judgmentally shovel tested.

Site Definition For the purposes of this contract, a site is defined as a locus of purposeful prehistoric or historic human activity. An activity is considered to have been purposeful if it resulted in a deposit of cultural material beyond the level of one or a few accidentally lost artifacts. Loci of human activity not classifiable as sites by this definition should be considered and recorded as isolated occurrences. Historic landscape features, including agricultural terraces, rock piles, and old road beds, are generally not considered sites.

Alternative Site Definitions. The definition of an archaeological site shall generally follow that included in the South Carolina Standards and Guidelines for Archaeological Investigations. However, under certain situations a different site definition may be appropriate. If a different site definition is used, then the investigator shall justify their reasons for doing so. The Forest Service shall make all final determinations of site size and extent, and final National Register of Places eligibility.

Deviations in Site Definition. These criteria may be modified, where appropriate, based on a professional archaeologist's judgment, and with the prior approval of the COR. Any deviation from the standard definition should be discussed in the resulting cultural resource report. As a general rule, site designations are reserved in the case of historic remains for those at least 50 years old.

SECTION E – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

QUALITY/PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

Task/Critical Subtask Quality/ Performance Standards (100%)

5.1 Project Design & Objectives

5.2 Records Review

General Records FS Records

5.3 Application of site model

5.3 Inventory methods

5.4.3 Site Delineation

Shovel Tests Component Identification Site Maps

5.4.5 Site Recording

Site Forms Site Description

5.7 GPS recording

5.5 Site Marking

5.8 Analysis

Artifact Identification Component Identification

5.11 Documentation

Progress Reports Draft Report Revised Draft Final Report

5.12 Collections Management

SC Standards & Guidelines, USDI Sec of Interior Standards & Guidelines

Meets state & federal standards &guidelines

Zones coincide with Forest Service defined zones

Meets state & federal standards & guidelines

Meets state & federal standards & guidelines

Meets SOW requirements

Meets contract SOW requirements

Meets SOW requirments

Meets state & federal guidelines & contract SOW

Meets state & federal guidelines & contract SOW

Meets state & federal guidelines Scientifically sound & defensible Meets contract intent

Clear evidence of level of effort acceptable to the Government

Clearly meets probability zones defined in contract

Clear evidence of level of effort acceptable to Government

Full compliance with intent of contract

Forms complete, detailed

Files correct to within three meters

Marks are clearly visible

Evidence of scientifically sound & defensible results Meets contract intent

Clear, precise, without significant errors or omissions

Records & collections delivered in good order Review proposal & implementation

Review model implementation

Periodic/random field verification by Government

Periodic/random field verification by Government Review field records & maps

Inspection & verification by Government

Verification by Government

Inspection by Government

Rework @ no cost to Government

Rework @ no cost to Government

Rework@nocost to the government Good performance evaluation

Good performance evaluation

Good evaluation

Good evaluation

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

The contractor shall be required to meet the following schedule:

Documents The contractor shall deliver to the Contracting Officer’s Representative site forms, site sketch maps, site locations maps, GPS location data for each site both raw and corrected files and any other documentation specified in this Task/Delivery Order

Progress reports Progress reports shall be submitted as monthly or at an interval agreed to by the COR

Contracting Officer’s Representative Review After the receipt of any draft report or other documentation the COR will review and comment on the documents. Other consulting parties such as the South Carolina State Historic Preservation Office and interested federally recognized Indian tribes may review the documents. The COR will return draft documents with comments and required changes.

Quality Control Plan report The Quality Control Plan shall be submitted with the final report.

Delivery of Products or Services

· South Carolina site forms with maps: two sets of both hard copy and digital PDF copies

· GPS points and polygons for all sites on CD, DVD, hard drive, or flash drive

· Printed draft reports: 3 bound copies

· Printed final report: 1 unbound copy and 5 bound copies

· PDF copy of the final report and all supporting documents on CD, DVD, hard drive, or flash drive

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

Payments Procedure The Contractor shall be responsible for preparation and submission of invoice. The invoice shall contain the Contract Number, Vendor Identification Number, company name and address, and the specific line items that are being billed.

Payment. Payment shall be made for work satisfactorily completed by the Contractor and accepted by the Contracting Officer.

The Contractor may submit monthly invoices for a prorated portion of the total percentage due at each stage of the project. Final payment shall not be made until the COR receives written notifications from the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology that the artifacts have been delivered in good order and accepted by the collections manager.

SECTION H – SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

Government Furnished Property.

· Map templates for compartment maps, stand maps, and site maps

· Tree marking paint

Contractor Furnished Items

· Tree marking guns

· South Carolina site forms with maps

· GPS Units capable of post processing differential correction less than or equal 3 m

Personnel The Contractor shall assign to this contract key personnel who meet the minimum criteria established in the South Carolina Standards and Guidelines for Archaeological Investigations. A contract proposal must include curriculum vitae for the Principal Investigator, Project Archaeologist, Field Director, and Lab Director in support of their academic qualifications and experience. If consultants have not been identified at the time of contract proposal, vitae on these positions may be omitted until such time as they are identified. Employment under the terms of this contract for all individuals not identified at the time of the contract proposal is subject to approval of the COR. The COR shall approve in advance all changes in Principal Investigator, Project Archaeologist, or Field Director during the period of contract services.

Offeror must insure all personnel performing the work meet the following:

Principal Investigator: The minimum professional qualifications for the Principal Investigator are: 1) a graduate degree in anthropology with an archaeology emphasis; 2) demonstrated ability to carry out research to completion as evidenced by timely completion of previous contracts undertaken within the past three years and no current contracts which are past their completion dates; 3) one year of full-time professional experience in archaeological administration, research or management relevant to South Carolina archeology; 4) supervisory field and analytical experience; 5) meet any current requirements of the South Carolina State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) for a person functioning as a Principal Investigator;

Field Supervisors/Crew Chiefs: A minimum of a bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, history, or a closely related field with a minimum of six months general archaeological field experience including a field school and one year of previous field archeological supervisory experience conducting similar work;

Field or Laboratory Crew: Completion of or satisfactory progress toward a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archeology, history or a closely related field, or six months previous experience in archeological field or laboratory work. Completion of an archeological field school is considered satisfactory qualification for an initial position (first archeological job) if that individual will be constantly supervised by a higher qualified individual. The Contractor shall submit the vitae of new crew personnel to the COR when new crew personnel are hired and before they begin work.

The Principal Investigator or Project Archaeologist must be in the field with the crew not less than 50% of the time.

SECTION J - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

Listed below are all of the documents attached to and forming a part of this contract:

Attachment 1 Task Order for Cultural Resources Inventory of Prescribed Fire Firelines, Francis Marion NF Attachment 1.1: List of survey areas, Francis Marion NF firelines: 1 page Attachment 1.2: Survey area location map, Francis Marion NF: 1 page Attachment 1.3: Aerial Maps of Firelines: 2 pages Attachment 1.4: Topographic Maps of Firelines: 2 pages